Polaroid is a name that is today synonymous with instant cameras. The Polaroid Corporation introduced instant cameras in 1947. An instant camera uses self-developing film and allows a photographer to shoot and deliver instant prints. Edwin Land, an American scientist, is credited with its invention.
Early Polaroid cameras used two rolls of film: a positive/developing agent and a negative. Subsequently, a pack film was used. After exposure, the individual pack was taken out and the positive was peeled from the negative at the end of developing process. This took only a few seconds. Pack films were available in rectangular formats. The SX-70 Polaroid camera employed a square format integral film containing all components. After every shot, the exposed film was automatically developed into an instant print.
The Polavision was an instant movie camera introduced by Polaroid. It was available in a kit comprising a camera, a film and a movie viewer. Similar to the Super 8mm film, the exposed film was removed from the camera and introduced into the viewer for developing and viewing. Being a slow-speed film, it required the use of very bright lights. Because of this, this movie camera did not become popular.
Polaroid cameras were used for various purposes including photos for ID cards and passports. Police and fire departments used them for taking pictures of crime and fire sites as evidence. Social events drew photographers with Polaroid cameras so people could get their photos within minutes. Photography students found these cameras to be an indispensable learning tool. They could see the results of the shoot immediately and correct their approach accordingly.
Taking a photograph using a roll-film camera involved setting the exposure based on the light source and focusing the lens. Once the shutter was released, the negatives were pulled over the positives and passed through some rollers to spread the developing agent. A short while later when the picture was developed the positive was peeled from the negative out of a small door at the back of the camera.
The onset of digital photography has diverted attention from Polaroid to digital cameras for instant photographs. The Polaroid Corporation announced its decision to suspend the production of instant films in February 2008 and in 2001 the company filed for bankruptcy. Since then, the Polaroid brand has been licensed for use on other products including digital cameras, LCDs and plasma televisions.
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