Why Polaroid sunglasses? Polaroid: brand history Polaroid cameras from the Land series.

Any smartphone can now take an instant photo. A couple of touches and somewhere in another city, mom knows what you ate. But, despite this, hands are reaching for the good old Polaroids, which with a pleasant rattle give out a real analog photo.

Interest in retro touched all areas. This is largely due to the fact that people who were born in the eighties and nineties have now reached the age “the grass used to be greener” and they want to return to things that once left memories for a lifetime. These people are solvent today, and marketing sharks cannot miss such a chance. Well, what about those born in the 2000s and nostalgic for the times in which they never lived ... Well, psychologists say that this is normal.

But there is something else here. Many of the changes imposed by technology companies have unfairly supplanted their forefathers. Just as the candy bar killed the folding phones, so the digital replaced the analog photo into the fetish caste. But there are prerequisites for the return of fashion for instant photography, especially in the general flow of retro fashion.

On such a favorable wave, the revival of Polaroid Originals was announced, which stopped its activities in 2008. Entrepreneurs who believe in the possibility of returning Polaroid to some of its former glory say that in today's digital world there is an increasing demand for real things that exist beyond the narrow confines of a smartphone. Austin Kleon, in his book Steal Like an Artist, described ten lessons in creativity, one of which concerned precisely the opposition of analog and digital.
Austin says, "work with your hands."

It is important for the human brain to get the result of its work. When an artist creates in an intangible space, the creative charge can quickly dry up. This problem has yet to be solved by virtual and augmented reality evangelists.

History

Polaroid was founded by Edwin Land, the grandson of Russian immigrants and a Harvard graduate, in 1937. Basically, the company produced products with a polarized coating: sunglasses, table lamps and others. During World War II, the company produced a range of items for the US Army, including infrared night vision goggles, gun sights, and vectorgraphs. But cameras for instant photos began to be produced only 11 years later in 1948.

One day in 1943, while vacationing in Santa Fe, Land's three-year-old daughter Jennifer asked why the photograph could not be viewed immediately after the photo was taken. It was this naive childish question that became the starting point in Land's work on a new type of film. Land later recalled that he laid out in his head all the conditions and components necessary for the implementation of the technology within an hour. It was then that he decided to take up the development of instant photography. Obtaining a patent and implementing the idea took five years.

From 1943 to 1946, the development of the Polaroid instant camera was a closely guarded secret. One of the main problems was the strength of the cassette: to get to the end customer, she had to make her way from the conveyor, through warehouses, trucks, shops, bags and numerous crooked hands, while not cracking or spoiling from impact or pressure. Not to mention temperature fluctuations and other factors.

But a solution was found, and on February 21, 1947, the first camera for instant photography was introduced. And already in the 48th year, the first commercial model “Model 95” arrived at the central Boston department store, which was capable of taking pictures only in gray shades and had an important limitation: it was necessary to wait exactly 60 seconds before peeling off the negative layer from the photograph. Despite the fact that the quality of the camera did not exceed the existing systems, and required extreme care from the photographer, the buyers were satisfied. The first batch was sold out in minutes.

True high-contrast black-and-white (rather than gray-and-gray) Polaroid film came out two years later in 1950. The transition to black and white required additional manual soaking of the developed image using a polymer coating to prevent darkening of the photograph. And already in 1957, the New York Times called instant photography equal in quality to the best works that came out of ordinary darkrooms.

Despite the popularity of the instant camera, Land did not believe in marketing. He said that marketing is needed for obviously bad products. His approach was this: you need to show people something new and unnecessary up to this point so that by the end of the demonstration they irresistibly want to get this product. So he turned the annual meetings at Polaroid into a show of sorts. Land went up to the stage, showed a new camera, talked about its capabilities. And by the end of the meeting, the audience simply dreamed of getting such a camera.

You may have noticed some similarities here with Apple's product presentations. Steve Jobs followed the development of Polaroid in his youth, and once even confirmed that Apple was based on the same business model. In the 1970s and early 1980s, he made several visits to Polaroid headquarters to chat with Land.

Production of Polaroid in the USSR

Polaroid cameras were assembled in the USSR, and then in Russia. In the 80s, during one of his business trips to the United States, the Soviet nuclear physicist, Vice-President of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Academician Yevgeny Velikhov, at one of the meetings met with the then President of the Polaroid company McAlister Boof, and he suggested that he establish joint production in the USSR.

So, in 1989, at the initiative of the USSR Academy of Sciences, the joint venture Svetozor was organized, which over the next ten years produced the Supercolor 635CL and 636 Closeup models. These models did not differ functionally and had differences only in the shape of the hull. Production began with just a dozen pieces and two master assemblers, the equipment was put on the conveyor, but at first there was no one to work. The two people alternated between assembly and testing operations.

It was originally planned to produce 350,000 cameras within six years, but five years later the company reported that production volumes had reached two hundred thousand cameras a year. But even this was not enough, because sales of Polaroids assembled in the West in the territory of the former USSR reached one million pieces a year, not counting the batches produced by Svetozor.

By the way, not all components for assembly were delivered from abroad. For example, the electronic flash control unit was produced at the Signal plant in Obninsk, which was the only one besides factories in Malaysia and Scotland where Polaroid electronics were produced.

Our days, Impossible Project

Polaroid filed for bankruptcy twice in 2001 and was resold three times. The Polaroid era seemed to be over. But still there were enthusiasts who showed interest in outdated photographs. And in 2009, the last factory for the production of Polaroids was bought by three entrepreneurs and received the name Impossible Project (The Impossible Project). It can still be called experimental, but the project already has many supporters and admirers. And here it is worth remembering another phrase of Edwin Land: “You don’t need to do what everyone can do”
Thanks to the Impossible Project, in 2017, for the first time in a long time, a new camera with the well-known Polaroid inscription was released. It's called OneStep 2. The camera takes instant photos, it has a timer, a flash, and a USB charging port. OneStep 2 is not yet on sale, but is available for pre-order. The camera uses i-type film, which was originally created for the original Impossible Project I-1 camera.

Since 2008, various companies have been able to obtain a license to use the Polaroid technology patent. But in 2017, parent company Impossible Project bought out all of Polaroid's patents, as well as all intellectual property rights. What does all of this mean? This means that it will soon be possible to buy a new Polaroid camera for only $99.

Technology

The desire of Land's daughter required not only the creation of a new type of film, but also a camera with a different mechanism for producing photographs. The main element of the system was a film cassette containing both the negative and the receiving layer of the positive, connected by a reservoir with reagents (including sodium hydroxide) for development. This reservoir was called a cocoon. When leaving the chamber, a pair of rollers at the base of the chamber compressed the film, destroying the tank wall, after which the reagent spread over the image area. As the reagents spread, the chemicals removed the unexposed silver halide from the negative, brought it out onto the positive layer in a smaller amount, creating the final image. And to this day, the process has not changed significantly.

Outside, the picture is protected by a transparent film.
Below is the fixer.
Even lower is the buffer layer. It delays the penetration of the fixer substances while the reaction with the reagent takes place below.
The next is the receiving layer of paper, where the final positive image is formed from the dyes from the lower layers.
Under it is a reagent.
The next six layers are alternating emulsion layers and developing ink layers.
The three emulsion layers are sensitive to red, green and blue. They work like negatives for cyan, magenta, and yellow (or, in more familiar terms, cyan, magenta, and yellow) layers, rendering them unable to transfer onto paper. For example, a photograph of a blue sky will affect the blue emulsion, which will block out all the yellow paint underneath, allowing the magenta and cyan layers to pass to the surface of the positive, forming blue.

Video clip

In the format of an article, I prepared this Polaroid story for Giktimes, but initially we made a video, which I left below. It features voice-over with historical and technical illustrations, as well as a slightly more extended script.

Probably every person who was born in the second half of the 20th century remembers Polaroid cameras. For decades, these devices have been very popular abroad, and in the 80-90s they won the hearts of thousands of domestic consumers. The success of such photographic equipment explains many reasons: quite affordable price, convenient operation, high quality of photographs. But, undoubtedly, the main trump card of all Polaroid models was that the photographs did not need to be developed separately. The picture appeared itself after a certain period of time.

Years passed, new devices appeared on the market. In the 21st century, digital cameras have become very popular, allowing you to store photos in electronic form. Mobile phones began to be equipped with their cameras, and the quality of the modules is constantly growing. But despite this, Polaroids, considered, in fact, a relic of the past, are still successfully sold on the market. They continue to be bought by a large number of people. Someone buys a Polaroid to experience a sense of nostalgia for the time when you had to cherish every frame. For some, such cameras are simply an exotic curiosity or greetings from the last century. And someone even uses these devices for professional purposes (creates photo landscapes or unusual portraits). Although Polaroids, for the most part, are quite simple, there are still some nuances. Knowing these nuances will allow a person to buy exactly the model of the camera that can satisfy his needs. That is what we will talk about in this review. We will look at the most popular models of Polaroid cameras with instant printing, the features of their choice, the specifics, and find out what, in principle, you should pay attention to when buying.

Classic Polaroid Camera Models

It should be said right away that those device models that will be mentioned below are no longer produced by Polaroid. However, they can be found on the market. Immediately you need to prepare for the fact that the price of classic Polaroids will not be inferior to the cost of new models (and sometimes even surpass them in price). This is quite justified, because some classic cars are also more expensive than modern sports cars. There may be an extra charge for the age of the device. In addition, do not forget about the condition of the camera.

Polaroid cameras from the Land series

These cameras are the very first creations of Polaroid. They were mass-produced in the 1960s and 1970s. Such devices had a special technology that distinguished them from subsequent models. In more advanced cameras, the photos themselves left one after another. Here, each picture must be taken manually. The development process begins only after removal. It is extremely important to correctly calculate the time spent by the image in the device. If you overexpose the picture, it will turn out too dark, and if you underexpose it, it will turn out too light. Usually, such cameras come with instructions explaining in detail how proper development takes place. Among the main technical characteristics, the following points can be distinguished:

1. For operation, the device uses Fujifilm FP-100C or FP-3000B films. These films are produced to this day, so they can be found without problems.
2. The development of a picture can take a different time - from 10 seconds to 3 minutes. The duration of the appearance of the image depends on the complexity of the photo itself.
3. Models from the Land series allow the owner to create unusual photos - a person can take several shots in one picture. Thus, you get a multiple exposure. Creating a multiple exposure is relatively simple: you need to take 2-3 shots, and only then get the future photo.
4. Despite the fact that this is the first experience of Polaroid engineers, their creation is able to reproduce colors well. The final picture is quite saturated. In addition, outwardly it looks quite voluminous.

Since the device has such an unusual device, it will take some time to get used to it. Only after fully mastering all its capabilities will you get really beautiful photos.

Polaroid cameras from the SX-70 series

These are already more advanced models that were actively produced in the 70s and 80s. Today, the film for such devices is produced by the Dutch company Impossible Project. Curious is the fact that the Dutch manufacturer did not buy the Polaroid technology. It was recreated by Dutch craftsmen on their own. Since the Impossible Project is a young company operating without consulting the original brand, the films produced have their flaws. But we will look at them below.

So, Polaroid cameras with instant printing of the SX-70 series have the following features:

1. Models work on Impossible SX-70 films (there are options for color and black-and-white printing).
2. Such cameras are equipped with high-quality glass optics that allow you to take macro shots from a distance of 30-50 cm. There are special buttons for manual adjustment of the model. As in the previous case, it will take some time to master all the features of the device. After that, you will be able to take voluminous and detailed photos.
3. Cameras in this series may differ from each other. For example, some may have an auto focus feature and others may not. Often, members of the SX-70 family are equipped with a built-in flash.
4. Color rendition is one of the main disadvantages of the SX-70 series (although, for someone else). The fact is that the pictures will not have high color saturation. For those who want to get modern quality, this camera is not suitable. But fans of filming in retro style will be delighted with him.
5. The development time is exactly the flaw that is associated with the work of the Impossible Project. Either lack of experience, or inaccurate reproduction of the technology has led to the fact that it takes 7 minutes for the appearance of a picture on black and white photos, and half an hour on color ones.

Polaroid 600 series cameras

At one time, these models were the most popular among domestic consumers. Almost every family in the 90s had such a camera. Let's take a look at its key features:

1. Impossible 600 film is used for work (there are also options for black and white and color shooting).
2. One of the main trump cards of the 600s Polaroids is the ease of setup. On the cameras, you can adjust the brightness of the future picture, as well as activate the portrait mode. Because of this ease of use, these models are ideal for beginning momentographers.
3. Polaroids of the 600th series make photos quite voluminous. Color reproduction is not perfect. There is no need to wait for high saturation, but the clarity of the picture will be more than acceptable.
4. The film used has a high light sensitivity, so the photo is best taken in moderate ambient light. It is highly recommended not to shoot directly in front of the sun (even in the evening during sunset). Otherwise, the picture will turn out too light. In addition, there may be a glut of yellow or red tones.
5. The described cameras are equipped with a flash. Thanks to it, you can take memorable photos at night (even in the complete absence of external light).
6. The duration of manifestation is the same as in the previous series. Black and white pictures show through in 7 minutes; colored takes half an hour.
7. Models of the 600 series can have two design options. In one case, the camera can unfold, in the other - the camera will be a monoblock.

Large format Polaroid cameras

These devices are also popular representatives of the 90s. Large format models include 2 categories of cameras: Image and Spectra. They are characterized by the following features:

1. Color or black-and-white film Impossible Image/Spectra is used for work.
2. Both categories of cameras in this class are equipped with a wide-angle lens. This lens allows you to cover a solid area (about 25% more than in the 600s Polaroids). As a result, the device produces photos of considerable size (10x12 cm).
3. Developing time is standard for films from Impossible Project: 7 minutes (black and white) or 30 minutes (color).
4. Functionality is what makes each wide format camera unique. So, there are models equipped with only one function (for example, lowering or increasing brightness). There are devices that allow you to change the brightness, turn the flash on and off, set a timer for shooting, activate the auto focus function, and so on. In addition to operational capabilities, Image and Spectra devices can differ greatly in design. Some models are even equipped with a nice bonus in the form of a digital display.

Such devices can be recommended to experienced fans of momentography. With their help, it will be possible to create images that will not be much inferior in quality to many digital counterparts.

Current Polaroid Models

So we got to the latest creations of the famous American company. Of course, the new cameras are different from the classic devices described above. But nevertheless, they retained most of the qualities for which people love Polaroid cameras.

Polaroid Pic 300

This model is perfect for everyday shooting, for creating memorable photos during hikes, parties or when attending some iconic events. Pic 300 cameras have compact dimensions, they have a pleasant rounded shape. Ergonomics of such devices is at a high level. The Pic 300 fits easily in your hand, making it easy to carry for short distances without a case or lanyard.

A Polaroid camera with instant printing takes small photos (8.6x5.4 cm - the size of the entire card; 6.2x4.6 cm - the size of the image itself), but their quality compensates for this minus. The pictures come out clear. Color reproduction is almost perfect. For shooting in the dark, an automatic flash is provided. You can choose one of 4 shooting modes. The device is powered by 4 AA batteries. The choice of a potential owner is provided with 4 color options: black, red, blue or purple.

To create pictures, you need to buy special cassettes. Each cassette allows you to take 10 photographs. As a rule, they are sold in pairs in one package, so that a person immediately has a supply of 20 shots.

Cameras Polaroid Z340 and Z2300

These models will be reviewed together as they share one important aspect - they are both the first digital cameras to support instant printing. In other words, the picture will not appear right in front of the owner. Everything will happen like this:

• the user takes a picture;
• processes the image (for this, these cameras are equipped with displays and auxiliary functions);
• sets the number of copies to be printed;
• activates printing.

That is, the user will receive a ready-made image (as when printing from a computer). The whole process of creating a photo takes a little over a minute (it takes 45 seconds to print directly). Film is also used in such devices: the M340 brand for the Polaroid Z340 and the M230 brand for the Z2300 cameras.

The photo cards are quite small. So, the Z340 produces a photo of 7.6x10.2 cm, and the Z2300 - 5.4x7.6 cm. In both cases, the pictures will be saturated and clear.

A wide range of functions is another point that unites the cameras in question. In addition to basic features (such as brightness control), Z340 and Z2300 can support the imposition of several filters on the picture, the design of the frame around the image, and so on.

Features of choosing a Polaroid camera?

So, we took a closer look at the classic and modern versions of Polaroid branded cameras that can be found on the market. In many ways, the purchase of a device will depend on your preferences and financial capabilities. But so that you definitely spend your money knowingly, we recommend that you rely on the following tips:

1. Decide on the purpose of the future application. Knowing what you need a camera for, you will choose the most suitable model for yourself. If you want to experience a sense of nostalgia, you can take any camera from the old series. If you're after high-quality retro-style photos, look no further than the SX-70 series. For professional needs, it is better to give preference to modern models.
2. Assess your skills wisely. If you are completely unfamiliar with how Polaroids work, the 600 series will be just right for you. More experienced users can focus on multifunctional models.
3. Always check the external condition of the cameras. There should be no serious damage (cracks, dents) on the case. If the camera is equipped with a display, it must be checked for dead pixels. But the closest attention must be paid to the lens. Immediately refuse to purchase if this item has scratches or other physical defects.

Since today the lion's share of serious purchases are made via the Internet, it is impossible to check the performance and general condition of the camera in advance. Therefore, it is necessary to select stores with the safest conditions for the buyer (there is the possibility of cash on delivery, a return or exchange of goods is provided).

cost of polaroid cameras

The price of Polaroid cameras in Russia starts from 2,990 rubles. Models of the middle price category cost around 5-10 thousand. For the most functional devices (both modern and classic) you will have to pay 16-17 thousand rubles.

Well, here we have figured out the features of choosing Polaroid cameras with instant printing. As you can see, this process is not very complicated. The main thing is to know why you need such a device. All other points (design, feature set, dimensions, color) depend solely on your personal desires and material capabilities.

“My eyes were protected by Polaroid goggles, I had ski goggles with a double coating, and I was the only one of all who did not have vision problems. The rest of the guys, by the evening, their eyes began to cut, as if sand had got into them ...”

From the memoirs of a member of the expedition on all-terrain vehicles on Baikal.

Polaroid sunglasses look great and offer great protection. Polaroid's years of experience have made it possible to create some of the best lenses in the world. 7-layer glasses provide absolute protection against harmful radiation. But the main thing that glasses are famous for is a polarizing filter. Thanks to him, all the glare that irritates the eyes is cut off. The image becomes clean and clear.

The new Polaroid collection is a high-class glasses framed by ultra-modern frames. A full range of glasses is presented: men's, women's, youth, children's and sports models.

The latest collection of this year has confirmed: Polaroid in design and technology is one step ahead of the rest. Polaroid sunglasses are the perfect combination of style and functionality.

Quality lenses

Polaroid lens material is manufactured in Norwood, USA using brand new technology from high quality materials laminated to optical standards to ensure uniform thickness, clarity and impact resistance. The lens of Polaroid glasses has a complex 7-layer structure.

All this ensures clear, sharp vision, no distortions in the visual perception of objects and eye strain (in cheap glasses, a spontaneous change in the shape of the lenses and their optical power, "clouding" of the glasses can lead to eye fatigue and headaches!). Take care of your eyes - buy only high-quality glasses!.

Polarization is a real miracle from Polaroid

What are glare and why should we get rid of them? Traditional sunglasses simply darken these glare, while Polaroid sunglasses with polarizing lenses selectively block up to 99% of reflected light. Often, reflected from the surface of the water (pool, river, sea), the light blinds and irritates the eyes. Polarizing lenses eliminate all glare while still allowing the necessary rays to pass through.

View in normal sunglasses. The picture was taken through an ordinary sun protection lens. The reflected light is clearly visible and does not allow the wearer of the glasses to see clearly.

View in polarizing glasses Polaroid. Shot through a genuine Polaroid polarizing lens. Reflected light disappears completely, allowing the wearer to enjoy a clearer and glare-free vision of the world around them.

Polarization and road safety. Polaroid sunglasses offer 100% glare reduction and protection from harmful UV rays.

Specially designed driver lenses with copper tint reduce eye strain, optimize reaction time and increase road safety. In addition, Polaroid's polarized lens technology enhances contrast and color perception, allowing you to drive safely and stress-free.

100% UV protection

The destruction of the protective ozone layer leads to an increase in dangerous ultraviolet rays reaching the earth's surface. At the same time, awareness of the dangers of exposure to ultraviolet rays on the human eye is growing. All Polaroid lenses are made to block 100% of harmful UV rays.

Polaroid sunglasses comply with European Economic Community standards and the European Sunglass Standard, as well as all officially published sunglasses standards in the world. A guarantee of conformity is the CE marking on the temple of the goggles. And the presence of the Polaroid Eyewear logo on the tag and the ability to use the Focus Test at the point of sale to verify the polarization and authenticity of the glasses guarantee the true quality of the Polaroid.

Elegant, fashionable and durable Italian frames

For the manufacture of glasses, stylish Italian frames are used, which not only follow, but also direct the fashion for sunglasses of the current season. Every year Polaroid introduces a new collection of glasses in different materials, styles, sizes and colors.

The frames are made of durable and hygienically certified materials and with proper care, Polaroid glasses will last for many years without any harm to you and retain their perfect appearance.

Conclusion

Polaroid uses only proprietary lenses in its sunglasses to ensure superior quality and consistently high levels of UV protection.

With over 70 years of experience in the sunglasses industry, Polaroid has perfected the art of combining the style of Italian frames with the functionality of polarized lenses. What is the result? Protective, stylish and comfortable glasses at an affordable price.

The Polaroid brand stories are entertaining but not overly funny business stories from those who have experienced both ups and downs in their business. To date, this topic is no longer being discussed as actively as it was done before, but still the brand and products of this type have not lost their popularity.

History

Now everyone knows that Polaroid is an American company that manufactures photographic equipment, sunglasses, and consumer electronics. But not everyone knows the history of this brand, although for product lovers this information is important.

The founder of the company was an American named Edwin Land, who was born in 1909 in the city of Bridgeport. His parents originally lived in the Russian Empire (on the territory of modern Ukraine), but due to unknown circumstances, they were forced to emigrate to America.

Edwin Land did not know what poverty was, since his parents always had enough money to support a child and have a decent education. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that a boy who is fond of optics had his first thoughts about creating things that would surprise the whole world as early as childhood.

At the age of 17, the young man came up with the idea of ​​​​creating new polarizing lenses designed for car headlights. In his opinion, this could improve road illumination at night without blinding oncoming cars at the same time. Dropping out of university and moving to New York State, Land devoted himself entirely to creating

Edwin Land is the first person in the world to use the principles of polarization, which are now actively used in the creation of table lamps, 3D reality glasses and so on.

Startup

It was not until 1937 that Edwin's work found commercial application. It was in this year that the well-known Polaroid company was created. This production at the first time of its existence was not engaged in the creation and release of cameras, and the very first products were sunglasses, as well as polarizing glasses, which have various purposes for military equipment and other devices.

The creator did not think about how much Polaroid costs as a brand, since he had more important tasks. The site of the production says that this company was directly related to the release of a lot of x-ray film and so on. It is not at all difficult to believe in this statement, because in his entire life Land managed to patent a considerable number of inventions (more than 500). Modern historians argue that more innovations were created only by Thomas Edison.

Scientific achievements and an iron business acumen contributed to the incredible success. Edwin ran the company for 43 years.

Photo per minute

According to legend, the creation is the idea of ​​the daughter of the founder of the company, which pushed him to such an accomplishment, being practically in infancy. The little girl just asked her father a question about why people cannot receive ready-made photographs immediately after taking the picture. At the same moment, Land seriously thought about this issue, and then his employees had to think too.

In 1948, the industry introduced the first camera that takes snapshots. Each photo cost $1, which at that time was quite a large amount, because the Polaroid cartridges were made using a more complex technology, significantly different from today.

Even despite the high cost, the products of this brand were in great demand. Already in 1963, Land was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Rise of an empire

In 1972, a new model of the Polaroid camera appeared. The camera was the first fully "motorized" model that took color photographs and absolutely did not require precise aiming.

Since that time, there have been more and more models, and their cost has become less and less. Already closer to the 80s, Polaroid cameras (the old version and new modifications) became a popular means for creating photographs. This production, even to this day, is remembered with nostalgia not only by all of America, but also by most of other countries.

Towards the end of the 70s, clouds began to gather, as the production of Kodak was able to surpass the Polaroid (camera). The new firm announced its camera, also designed for snapshots. But Land was not stupid, so he managed to file a copyright infringement lawsuit in time. The lawsuit lasted for about ten years, and as a result, Kodak was obliged to pay the victim more than $ 600 million.

Soon the Kodak production itself fell, and the glory returned to the Polaroid company. The snapshot was once again popular, but this time it failed to make a huge leap.

Decline of an empire

As you know, even great people can make mistakes, and in this case, Edwin Land was no exception. His main mistake was that in the 80s he already had prototypes of digital cameras in his production, but he decided that the company would not deal with electronics.

Already in 1996, the company released its first digital camera, but it was too late. Young firms from different countries managed to seize the initiative much earlier and outstripped American production.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Polaroid could not adequately compete with other manufacturers of photographic equipment, so in 2001 a period of bankruptcy began.

How much does a Polaroid cost today

To date, the price of modern snapshot cameras reaches 3000-5000 rubles. Cartridges for Polaroid, although they are created using a simpler technology, still have a considerable cost - 1000-2000 rubles.

Anyone can buy a camera, as many online stores have this product.

Modern Polaroid Snap

The most popular model today is the Polaroid Snap, which costs up to $100. It is a 10-megapixel camera with a built-in popular Zink printer, which issues a photo card with dimensions of 7.6 x 5 centimeters immediately after the picture is taken. In addition to the fact that the device gives out the finished photo, it also saves the image in electronic form.

Construction and design

The camera itself is enclosed in a rectangular plastic case. The device measures 122 x 76 x 28 and weighs 400 grams. The camera is quite comfortable to hold even in a small hand when shooting. But still, to prevent the device from falling, it is best to use a special strap that comes with the kit.

Initially, the camera was created taking into account all the convenience and maximum ease of use, so there are quite a few controls in it.

On the left side there is a slot for a memory card, as well as a port for the charger. It is worth noting that the built-in memory is only enough to shoot and print one image, so you still need to purchase an additional memory card.

On the back is a tray that holds 10 sheets of photo paper. Prints come out on their own from a slot specially designed for this, located on the right side of the camera. And above the door itself there are three indicator lights showing the status of the battery, memory card and paper. Thanks to these qualities, modern users can have no doubts about the quality and convenience of the camera.

It is said that during the 50 years of Polaroid's existence, about five billion snapshots were taken with these cameras. Each of them displays small stories from the life of ordinary people from different parts of the world. Including - from Russia. The Polaroid, which appeared in our country in the late 80s and early 90s, seemed like a real miracle of engineering. How did this unusual device work? Why are Polaroids so popular? About this and many other things from the history of the famous camera - in the material "RG".

The miracle of American technology

The first thing that undoubtedly attracted me to the camera was the design. First-class specialists were involved in its development. At that time, such an appearance was perceived as something from a science fiction book, something akin to the technology of the future. And although Polaroid looks bulky and clumsy compared to modern devices, retro lovers still have warm feelings for it.

Ease of use is the main advantage of Polaroid. At the bottom of the camera body was a hinged cover for loading a cassette. After the lid was closed, the electric drive was automatically turned on, and the cassette protection against illumination was removed through a slot in the lid. The algorithm is as follows: you take the cassette, open the protective cover of the device (it is also called the "muzzle"), insert the cassette with the protective cardboard up, snap the lid on, press the button and that's it - the camera is ready to go. No fuss with film loading. In addition, you do not need to adjust and select parameters for illumination.

Polaroid has a single-stage photography system using the diffuse transfer principle to directly reproduce the image recorded on the camera lens on the photosensitive surface. In other words, the photosensitive surface simultaneously acts as both a film and a photograph.

The cassette is designed to receive 8-10 color photographs with a frame size of 78 by 79 millimeters. Pictures do not need laboratory processing: development began immediately after exposure in the camera and ended in the light, a few minutes after the picture was taken out of the camera. A Polaroid photo looked like a color positive image between thin, flexible plastic sheets and framed with thin cardboard.

The founder of Polaroid and the inventor of the miracle of instant photography, Dr. Edwin Land of Connecticut originally equipped his device with black and white film. In the following years, he worked on improving the camera, and in 1963 color film appeared.

It was these cameras that were distributed in the USSR. It was a color photo against the background of the dominance of black-and-white photographs and the notorious sepia from photo salons that helped Polaroid gain popularity among Soviet and Russian citizens.

How Edwin Land Invented the Polaroid

Polaroid Corporation was born in the pre-war 1937. Edwin Land's team developed military optics: night vision devices, periscopes, binoculars. In addition, Land received a multi-million dollar government order to develop a control system for infrared homing projectiles.

According to legend, Edwin Land was forced to develop a unique camera by chance and ... his own daughter. One day, the inventor, while on vacation, took a picture of his daughter, after which he was subjected to "interrogation with predilection": the girl asked why she could not immediately get a picture. All attempts by the father-inventor to explain the complexity of the process of obtaining a photo, the child rejected as unconvincing. The idea fell on fertile ground, and Land thought about how to make the child's dream come true. It took the scientist no more than an hour to develop the concept of instant printing, and three years to create the actual camera.

Initially, 60 cameras were produced. They hit the shelves of a Boston supermarket before Christmas 1949. Polaroid marketers expected that cameras and film could be stale in warehouses: the product was new to buyers, it was difficult to analyze how high the demand for it would be. However, already on the first day of sales, both cameras and all film were swept off the shelves. Land sold $9 million worth of Polaroids in 1949.

Cartridge is a delicate matter

Photo material for "Polaroid" consists of several layers: a protective layer, a sensitive layer, a developer layer - more than ten in all. When the photographer presses the shutter button, the card is exposed, pulled through a roller mechanism, where an alkaline solution enters it, which starts the development process. The development ends already in the light. The whole process takes no more than one and a half minutes.

The inventor came to this decision by trial and error and wrote in his memoirs: “When inventing something, it is important not to be afraid to fail. Scientists make great discoveries only because they put forward hypotheses and conduct experiments. Failure follows failure, but they do not retreat until they get the results they want."

Fans of retro technology need to remember that a Polaroid photo is unique and cannot be remade. There are a few features that come with the cassette technology itself that need to be considered.

If the photo came out yellow, it means that the frame was blown out, and there are several possible reasons for this. The picture was not removed in the dark: it is important not to forget that photographs are very sensitive to light when they first come out of the camera. You need to immediately put them in the dark for 2-3 minutes (at least in your pocket or bag). Before the final state, the photo can be additionally developed for about a day. Yellowness can appear if you shoot in very bright light: a blinding sun on snow, for example.

If the photo came out dark, then there is not enough natural light to get a bright picture. Since the first Polaroids were not equipped with a flash, there was only one way out: to shoot in a well-lit room. In this case, you should not come close to the subject, as the frame may turn out blurry.

A very common mistake is the blur effect on part of the picture, similar to smudges. Retro-shooters say that the problem of "leaky" film is more common with modern cassettes. "There can be from 2 to 5 blurry frames in a cassette. Or maybe everything. This is normal. That's the whole point of Polaroid. Blurring can be both from above and below. Try to place faces, objects that you want to photograph closer to the center frame," amateur photographers advise.

By the way, when the picture comes out of the camera, you should not touch it until it appears completely: otherwise, you can affect the distribution of the emulsion and increase the blur effect.

It happens that stripes appear on the photo. As a rule, they partially or even completely disappear in a day, after the film is fully developed.

A couple more tips for those who dare to take out their Polaroid from the mezzanine to make fantastic retro-style instant photos. Experts strongly recommend cleaning the rollers through which the frame passes after each cassette. Cartridges are advised to store in the refrigerator, and in no case be exposed to direct sunlight.

Popularity and decline

Amateur photographers in the Soviet Union have always been a special caste. To comprehend the tricky science of photography, it was first necessary to get scarce materials - the apparatus itself, film, developer and fixer. The complexity of the technique was such that a random person could not engage in photography - they studied it, certain conditions were required to obtain high-quality images, the ability to handle capricious film, the ability to cut photographic paper, choose the right proportions and dilute chemicals. A whole mystery! If an amateur photographer lived in the yard, happy children, and even adults, acquired a couple of pictures, which were then stored in family archives for years. Photo studios also worked in the cities, where smart families came to capture their faces for posterity. Even this was not the case in the outback... And now, against the background of the elitism of photography, Polaroid appeared, affordable for many (partly because it was produced at local factories under the license of an American company) and did not require special handling skills. Click the shutter - and the picture is ready! It seemed like a miracle.

Unfortunately, at a very democratic price of the camera itself, the price of cassettes was biting. Two dozen of them were comparable to the cost of the Polaroid itself. The cassettes were disposable. The quality of the pictures left much to be desired. With the seeming advantage - the ability to instantly get a ready-made photograph - the size of the image negated the chances of taking, say, a group picture in which one could see faces without a magnifying glass. The snapshot could not be corrected, re-shot or edited, which not everyone liked either.

The dimensions of the device itself were rather big, which created additional convenience for users. While other brands went down the path of reducing technology, the Polaroid remained a bulky box due to the fact that it contained a cassette immediately with a developer.

Another shortcoming of Polaroid cards came to light over time: it turned out that the pictures were short-lived and after a few years they began to become cloudy and fade in the sun.

Lady Gaga to help you

However, Polaroid does not give up. Despite the declared bankruptcy, the company has seriously taken up the work of reviving interest in instant photography. In 2010, the company took the unexpected step of hiring controversial singer Lady Gaga as creative director. In January 2011, the first brainchild of this strange alliance was presented to the public - a new Polaroid lineup.

This so-called hello from the past looks almost like a classic Polaroid, except that the body has become much more compact, in fact, a new product on its network is a digital camera with a built-in printer. "Under the Polaroid brand, in addition to the Z340E camera, the Polaroid GL10 mobile printer is currently being produced, which connects to any smartphone, camera or computer via USB or Bluetooth. And two more cameras: a small compact Polaroid PoGo™ Instant Digital Camera (the shape is the same as like ordinary digital soap dishes) and Polaroid 300 Classic Instant Camera (the most inexpensive of this line, in a plastic color case),” Zoom.cnews reports.