On Feb. 18, 2008, Polaroid announced its decision to stop the production of the instant film that changed the photography world 60 years ago. Polaroid has decided to embrace the digital age and has started to market their new “Digital Instant Photo Printer,” an inkless printer that can take photos from cameras and cell phones and provide an instant print picture. With production of instant film stopping earlier this month, 2009 marks the year the white frame film will no longer be produced by Polaroid.
There are some artists and photographers who have banded together in an effort to save Polaroid Film. From Facebook groups to online communities such as www.savepolaroid.com, people everywhere seem to be hoping for another company to take on the needs of instant film photographers. There are tools and petitions to companies such as Fuji Illford and even Polaroid on the above site.
While Polaroid filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001, they have stated in press releases in Dec. 2008 their plans for financial restructuring of the company, which does not seem to include the reinstatement of instant film. Mary L. Jeffries, Polaroid’s chief executive officer stated in the 2008 press release that they “expect to continue our operations as normal during the reorganization and are planning for new product launches in 2009.”
While Polaroid may not be taking back their instant film product, they have offered the license to produce the film up for sale. Thus far, no concrete statement has been made as to whom or if a company will buy the product license. While production may have stopped, there is still film to be found by the avid Polaroid photographer, but it may come at a higher price.
As of this week, a pack of five 600 ISO, or 50 photos is costing upwards of $77 on Amazon, while a 10-pack of the same photos on eBay is jumping up to around $170. There may be some film left on shelves, but even SavePolaroid has advised for the avid user to hoard film in order to keep alive the art of the small, white-frame, instant-film photograph.
More information and updates on the status of instant film can both be found on www.polaroid.com and for more information on the battle to keep Polaroid film around, go to www.savepolaroid.com.
Illustration by Colleen Sanders
