A short time ago, I picked up my mother’s polaroid that she owned in 1982. After some research, I learned that the film was discontinued by Kodak but revived by vintage film enthusiasts called The IMPOSSIBLE Project in The Netherlands. Luckily they have an exhibit & shop location in Manhattan. It’s so great b/c I’m a victim of instant gratification in this situation.

I purchased a new film pack (!).
I fiddled with installing the cartridge.

For a good 10 minutes, there were no signs that the camera would work: the film count wouldn’t reset, the cartridge cover never ejected, and the auto-focus mode wouldn’t activate. So. Bummed. Until… A little more fiddling, then some mechanical whirring, some clicking, and zzzp! Out comes that expected cartridge cover. Film count set to full. We’re in business!

I haven’t done a test shot yet, but I’m beyond excited to take my first polaroid and let it process.
…It’s pretty apparent by this post that I may be too excited. Maybe I should join a relevant forum.