Friday, the Telegraph reminds us, was the "use by" date for existing packages of Polaroid film. Unlike standard film, you're not supposed to store Polaroid materials in the refrigerator or freezer to extend useful life. Using out of date materials is something of a sideline among "analog" photographers so its demise will be extended for a bit. Given the fall color, I should unearth the last packs of 669 from the back of the bookshelf and go shoot some.
Polaroid had a profound impact on photography by providing for "instant" snapshots, proofing material for commercial photographers and a platform for fine art types. The company hired photography notables to work with its products (think St. Ansel in color) and amassed a considerable collection of photographic art, which will now be sold off in bankruptcy. Gone are the huge view cameras that William Wegman and others made good use of.
Supposedly Edwin Land discouraged experimenting with his products but the company developed an artsy sideline, promoting techniques like transfers (above) of the Polaroid inks or emulsion. Sitting off in the corner is the Sunpack slide printer, bought cheaply went Ritz decided to discontinue it eons ago, which I used for an occasional transfer. Support for the arts faded then disappeared when the ailing company got bought out, and a management scandal or two sunk it completely, leaving only the name as a commodity with any value.
Fuji still makes instant film (I'm not certain about its compatibility with 'roid holders) and there's an attempt underway by some investors to restart production of Polaroid materials in Europe. Head over to the UMass Fine Arts Center to see how Andy Warhol used the stuff.
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