An instant camera is a film camera in which the image is developed by a chemical process shortly after it is taken.
In the beginning, he only sold polarizing films, among other things for sunglasses. Only over time did the Polaroid name become synonymous with instant photography.
Over the years, more and more new models were developed and the technology was refined. One focus was on simplifying use in order to reach as broad a customer base as possible. However, not only “normal” photographers were identified as the target group.
In many jobs and industries, there was a high demand for developed images within minutes to make work easier. After all, there was no real digital photography back then, as there is today. For example, instant cameras were used in the police service or even in offices. Special models were even developed for medical professionals, such as dentists.
Not only were new cameras introduced, but also a variety of different film formats. The iconic film format that instant photos are fondly associated with today, with a square image and white frame, was introduced in 1972. The SX-70 format was also developed by Polaroid.
Fujifilm also brings us back to the present. In the 1990s, the company introduced its first model from the Instax series. Since then, new models are built again and again and also films are produced.
The situation was less constant at Polaroid. In the 00s, the Massachusetts-based company had to file for bankruptcy. The company was liquidated, trademark rights and parts of the company were sold. In 2008, the production of films was discontinued.
Just two years later, however, the group “The Impossible Project” made a name for itself. In the old Polaroid factory in the Netherlands, the production of films was resumed. Since then, films for the old Polaroid cameras have been available again. A decade later, even the old naming rights were taken over and since then there are again films and cameras under the iconic brand name.
