2024 is the year LEGO perfected real-world object design
The LEGO Group finally perfected real-world object design in 2024, in the distinctive and iconic shape of 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera.
In any given year, many of the LEGO Group’s designers have the opportunity to not only push the boundaries of their specific themes but also to expand upon what’s actually possible with a decent selection of brick-based elements in general.
2024 was no exception, thanks to the arrival of 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera, a 516-piece LEGO Ideas set that perfectly recreated the real-world item. A unique collaboration between the LEGO Group and Polaroid, the model combined form and function to deliver something truly ground-breaking.
Although not the first LEGO set to be based on a real-world object, the design of 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera managed to take things to the next level. While we’ve seen scaled versions of buildings, structures and vehicles shrunk down to LEGO size, the LEGO Ideas model presented a near 1:1 recreation of the instantly-recognisable camera, one that also managed to nail the distinctive functionality of the device.
In addition to a working viewfinder, an exposure compensation dial, a choice of ‘OneStep’ or ‘1000’ stickered tiles and a Polaroid Time-Zero Supercolor SX-70 Land Film pack, 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera also featured a red shutter button that was just begging to be pushed.
Doing so ejects a photograph from the front of the camera, exactly how the real-world device would work. Not only is it a very satisfying piece of brick-built functionality, but it was specifically included as a request from Polaroid CEO Oskar Smolokowski.
The three illustrated colour photographs in the LEGO Ideas set are also presented on an exciting new element, made from a thin sheet of matte polypropylene plastic that features printing on both sides.
All of the photos can be stored in the Polaroid Time-Zero Supercolor SX-70 Land Film pack and then inserted and ejected from 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera one at a time, thanks to some very clever internal engineering.
To achieve that functionality, the LEGO Ideas design team went through many prototypes of the model before perfecting the feature. Inside 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera is a lever attached to the shutter button that, when pushed, raises an internal tooth, which in turn releases a spring-loaded carriage to push the photo out each and every time.
However, it’s not just the button press and eject function that make the LEGO Ideas model supremely satisfying. 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera also manages to replicate the accompanying and instantly recognisable sound of the action – yet another nod to the real-world object.
Based on a LEGO Ideas submission from Minibrick Productions, 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera comes as close as possible when compared to the real deal, right down to the smallest of details. It’s that drive for perfection that’s resulted in the LEGO Ideas set being a must-have model for many in 2024, including a number of the Brick Fanatics team.
While the likes of 21327 Typewriter, 31147 Retro Camera and 10334 Retro Radio all achieve their goals of recreating real-world items to varying degrees of success, 21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera stands head and shoulders above them all.
By working with the company that actually designed the camera, including a new element specifically to replicate the look and feel of the photographs, and managing to achieve the desired functionality of the vintage object, the LEGO Ideas build sets the bar for similar models in the future.
21345 Polaroid OneStep SX-70 Camera is a testament to the LEGO Group’s ability to push its design teams into exciting and challenging new areas and one that lays the foundation for even more potential real-world recreations for years to come.
This set was provided by the LEGO Group for review purposes.
This feature is part of our wider look back over 2024 in LEGO. Head here for more, including our top 10 sets and minifigures of the year, deep dives into specific sets and a look back on a year in LEGO Space.
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