Instant Film
‘Polaroid’ is commonly used to describe all instant film but is actually a trade name. The Polaroid Corporation went bankrupt in 2001, halting the production of its instant film. While Polaroid does not produce classic instant films anymore the relationships between Polaroid, Fujifilm, and the Impossible Project are continuing the magical experience of instant film today. An assortment of instant film examples will be represented here to show the various films and cameras creating instant magic. The history of instant photography is also an example of how the progression of photography's use has been dependent upon the photographic industry and public demand.
As of September 2017 Impossible Project turned into Polaroid Original. This is not the original Polaroid company nor are the original Polaroid chemicals used today to make Polaroid's iconic misty nostalgic colors. A new formula was created by the Impossible Project and perfected over the years since their first attempt. This is a confusing name change, but proof that instant film's popularity is only growing stronger after it’s original fall.
Polaroid
This is a found example of the classic Polaroid film taken on a SX-70 camera. The chemicals to develop the film are stored in the bottom pack of the white frame. After the film is exposed, the film is pushed through rollers breaking and spreading the chemicals to develop the film. The first SX-70 cameras were widely available in 1972.
This is the verso of the SX-70 photograph. The numbers on the back of the film above the chemical pouch reveal the type of film, the date of when it was made, and location. Knowing the type of film narrows down the type of camera used, as specific films only work with certain cameras.
Kodamatic
Kodak made their own version of instant film and cameras, but Polaroid sued Kodak for patent infringement immediately when it came onto the market in 1976. Polaroid won the case but was not instilled until 1985. A couple versions of Kodak instant film cameras were made along with a couple variations of film types.
Kodak’s instant film is actually very different from Polaroid’s. The surface texture is not as smooth creating a more matte finish and the image is exposed from the back of the photograph rather than the front, removing the need of a mirror within the camera.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm produces a variance of instant films mimicking Polaroid’s. Before the SX-70 craze, in the mid-1960’s, Polaroid produced other versions of instant cameras and film. Most Polaroid film was instant pack film, also referred to as peel-apart film. This is an example of Fujifilm’s version. Like most instant films, this type can only be used if you have the right camera.
I found this photograph on the ground near 34th and 8th street in New York City. The paper and chemicals were not yet peeled apart, so someone must have taken this and dropped it just moments before I found it. I decided to open the image slowly and discovered a wonderful picture of a woman and her camera. This was found on my way home from a somewhat in-depth conversation about photographs with a photograph conservator. For me, this lovely lady and her camera reminds me of the magic of photography.
