Retro-Style Pictures with Modern ePaper Polaroid Camera

Inspired by the nostalgia of Polaroid cameras, Cameron Dowd decided to embark on a journey to create a DIY Polaroid style camera using modern electronics and ePaper. ePaper, sometimes called E Ink, is an electronic type display that reflects ambient light like paper and can hold static text and graphics without the need for constant power. The first version of the project used a Raspberry Pi, Pi camera, and an SPI E Ink screen. In addition, a housing was 3D-printed to hold the electronics and display. This initial version worked great, however it also left much to be desired and motivated the work for a new and improved second version.

The first thing that was slated to be changed was the SPI connection to the E Ink display. After a bit of internet browsing it was found that a wireless NFC version of the display was available through Waveshare. The next modification was finding an alternative for the Raspberry Pi. As the user notes, the Pi was not only overkill but also rather large which made the housing larger than desire. An ESP32 was chosen as the replacement as well as an ESP32CAM board for the camera. Finally, an STMicroelectronics NFC card reader expansion board was used to communicate with the display wirelessly. Getting the communication with the NFC to work with the ESP32 proved to be a challenge, however after modifying some code and interrupts it was possible to get the ST RFAL library working on the ESP32. As a result, everything needed for the ePaper Polaroid was now functional with the final step of putting everything together.

After beginning to piece everything together into a custom 3D-printed enclosure, it was immediately apparent that the ESP boards used, as well as the NFC reader, made for an awkward fit. In fact, some of the boards needed to be sawed and header pins trimmed to fit everything. With the exception of the 18650 battery fit, it was necessary to create a custom PCB to get everything to fit nicely and create an overall more satisfying solution.

Thus, a custom PCB was created for the third and most recent assembly. The PCB included all the necessary components as well as an integrated antenna to support the NFC communication. Additionally, it included a USB-C connector for charging, a FPC and camera connector, and a waving cat image on the silkscreen for good measures. The final steps involved 3D printing a new case, priming, sanding and painting it for a smooth finish, and adding a flexible wood veneer around the mid-section for the final touches.

The final result is a functioning ePaper camera that uses a single button to snap pictures and an LED for user feedback. This includes indicating when the device is powered on and ready to take a picture or when it has taken a picture and is in the process of uploading it to the screen. One great feature included is that the ePaper screen and camera housing include magnets to hold them together. This makes it convenient for simply disconnecting and placing photos on the fridge. Overall, the ePaper Polaroid camera brings a bit of retro artistry to life with modern tech.