No more Polaroid

[eridani]

This is sad.

http://www.manufacturing.net/News-Polaroid-Closing-Last-Film-Plants.aspx?menuid=36

The company that pioneered instant photography is getting out of the film business to focus on digital imaging.

Polaroid says it will close its two remaining film manufacturing plants in Massachusetts. The facilities in Norwood and Waltham employed about 150 people and made large-format film for commercial use.

Polaroid has already halted the production of instant cameras. Chief Operating Officer Tom Beaudoin told The Boston Globe the company will focus on digital photography equipment and flat-panel TVs.

The Concord-based company will retain about 150 administrative workers in Massachusetts.

In its heyday, Polaroid employed some 15,000 people in the state. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2001 as the advent of digital technology dampened demand for instant photography.

[regnaD kciN]

1. Sad, but inevitable...

However much we once treasured Polaroid, its sole reason for existence was that people could take a photo and have it instantly available rather than having to wait until the film was developed. Once digital became the norm, that reason was no longer meaningful. And, since Polaroids were limited-capability, low quality film (a necessary trade-off for instant gratification), they couldn't even try to hook on to the "film is higher quality than digital" argument that some in the 35mm, medium-format, and 4x5 worlds still use.

It may seem like a jolt to have such a famous company bring its most-known product to an end, but imagine how much more of a shock it will be when (notice I did not say "if") Kodak stops producing film.

[eridani]

2. Will that happen?

There are still effects you can get on film that are special, no?

[regnaD kciN]

6. It will, eventually...

I'm not saying Kodak will get out of the business next week, next month, or even next year. But, as more photographers move from their film cameras to DSLRs (and as sensor chips increase in resolution, like the full-frame 24MP sensor announced by Sony last week), film will become more and more a niche market, not big enough to support a major company. In the long run, look for film to be produced by smaller "boutique" firms, just like vinyl LPs are even today, but at a much higher price than you used to pay for the familiar yellow box at the corner drugstore.

[F.Gordon]

3. No

:cry:

I just got another Polaroid 'Kit' last December. I heart Polaroid cameras. :P Guess I need to stock up on film and take lots of snaps over the next couple of years.

[JeffR]

4. I love my Polaroid. Looks like I'm going to have to scour the city

and hoard what I can.:-(

[F.Gordon]

5. I'm looking for a Polaroid I took at the "Water's Edge"

Just to be nostalgic.

[BrightKnight]

7. ...very sad. I can't believe that the large format market dried up!??

Most large format photographers use Polaroids to preview their work. I am very surprised that this market dried up. How do you check your lighting without it? You can't really do architectural photography with medium format. The lines would not be parallel. I have not worked in photography for decades. Apparently I am a dinosaur too.

A some of the great film that I remember from the 80's and 90's is gone.

I guess the 20x24 Polaroid is dead too.

Polaroids last a lot longer than C prints.

[regnaD kciN]

8. Ironically...

Most large format photographers use Polaroids to preview their work. I am very surprised that this market dried up. How do you check your lighting without it?

...I understand that many large-format photographers use pocket-sized digital cameras for that purpose.

[jhain]

9. My 14 yo is distraught over this

She is an avid Polaroid picture taker. Now wants to stock the house full of the stuff. She just took a photo to Staples and had it made into a poster- I have to admit it was beyond cool to see this HUGE Polaroid picture!


Personally, I am VERY interested in the little printer to which Polaroid is switching gears:

http://www.polaroid.com/onthego/

[hvn_nbr_2]

10. Sex parties will never be the same. nt