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Last Thursday night, September 29th, marked the opening of our new exhibition at the NYC Impossible Project Space. Several of the submitting artists, including Rommel Pecson, Dustin Yager, Toby Hancock and Brandon Long were present, as were numerous friends and Impossible supporters. Check out our images taken that night, and be sure to stop by the gallery to see the exhibition if you’re in New York City!
New York City photographer Mikael Kennedy has been documenting his travels on Polaroid film for over a decade as part of the internationally-acclaimed travel blog Passport To Trespass. Now, his voyage comes to end in the final two books in the Passport to Trespass series.
Having sold out almost all volumes previously (Vol. 6 selling out in under a month), this final set of books 8 & 9 covers the epic ending of the Polaroid blog during the years of 2009-2011. This is a limited edition of 100 sets, signed and numbered. You can purchase your copies here: Passport To Trespass Volumes VIII and IX
“Maine to Wales, through Spain, back and forth across America, into the jungles of Puerto Rico, and finally home, we are walking a fine line of wild”
Last week, we held a contest across three social media and file-sharing platforms to celebrate our new Triple Pack bundles. To win, submitting users had to “Like” Impossible on Facebook, follow Impossible on Twitter and submit an image containing three somethings or someones to the Impossible Project Photo Challenges group on Flickr.
Congratulations to the winners, Rachel Carrier, Dan O’Connor and Jenna Gersbach, who each receive a film Triple Pack of their choice!
The last weeks of September saw the opening of 2 brand new Impossible Partner Stores in the German cities of Munich and Düsseldorf.
Impossible Partner Stores share our Impossible love and passion and offer the whole range of our products including limited film editions, rare cameras and hand-selected accessories. Beyond, they are offering exhibitions and workshops.
Get instant now, Munich and Düsseldorf!
Friend of Impossible and extremely talented photographer Jessica Hibbard Elenstar is currently showing some of her most beautiful Impossible Project PZ 600 UV+, PZ 680 and Polaroid Softtone images as part of The Spectra Show, her first solo exhibit.
Says Jessica, “In the age of digital everything, many people ask why I choose to shoot film. I could go on forever, but I’ll try to answer briefly: I’m drawn to the beauty of vintage cameras, the warmth of film, and the uniquely imperfect nature of each image.”
“The Spectra Show” will be on display at the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce through October 28th, 2011.
It’s hard not to see the parallels between the genius of both Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, and Dr. Edwin Land, the creator of Polaroid. Here at Impossible, our lives are touched every day by the technological gifts Dr. Land has given us, just as the world is touched every day by the devices given us by Apple. So upon hearing of the passing of Steve Jobs, another creative marvel of our times, it was only natural that comparisons between these two visionaries would once again come to mind.
Both Polaroid and Apple, through the leadership of Land and Jobs respectively, created technology and products that had never existed before…
(More after the jump!)
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We think that there are zillions of things and projects that can only be done with Impossible Images.
Therefore we decided to start collecting the very best of them, carefully selecting and publishing them in a simply Impossible book.
Each project that makes its way into this Impossible tome will be awarded with worldwide fame, one free book copy and a coupon code for 1 Impossible film pack from our online shop.
Doctor Frank is back with another dose of Impossible Solutions. Now that winter is ahead, shooting Impossible Silver Shade film can be a bit more of a challenge…
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The ISO 600 – Instant Photography Festival from October 6-9 in Milan, Italy was a complete success! Exhibitions – Workshops – Meetings – Performances! Enjoy this VIDEO if you didn’t have the chance to go there yourself.
Beyond, Barbara Frigerio Contemporary Art inaugurated the Impossible Corner Store, a “corner” devoted entirely to analog instant photography, an invitation to create new works of art now!
Jennifer Schwartz Gallery is proud to present Instant Gratification, a showcase of instant film photography, featuring photographs by Chloe Aftel, Sol Allen, David Walter Banks, Kendrick Brinson, Amber Fouts, Grant Hamilton, Mikael Kennedy, John Reuter and Magnus Stark. This exhibition will explore the magic of instant film by displaying different artists’ approach to the material, from “straight” imagery to the very abstract.
Gallery owner Jennifer Schwartz says, “in recent years there has been a revival of instant film, and photographers have learned to embrace the film’s inherent imperfections to create striking, innovative images.”
On Friday, October 14th, David Bias, vice president of Impossible USA and a die-hard instant film lover, will talk about the mission, challenges and successes of The Impossible Project. The lecture starts at 7 P.M. at Big Studio in the King Plow Arts Center and is sponsored by Atlanta Celebrates Photography, Big Studio and Jennifer Schwartz Gallery…
(More after the jump!)
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The Impossible Workshop series is delighted to present the first of our SX-70 camera and film workshops on Sunday, October 30th from 10 AM to 1 PM. The iconic SX-70 camera has now become a rare vintage classic and is still arguably Polaroid’s sharpest and most innovative camera.
This fully interactive workshop will include use of a folding SX-70 (although we encourage you to bring your own), one pack of Impossible PX 70 film and a PX Shade. We will explore the features of the SX-70, and there will be a focus on shooting techniques and achieving the best results from the new Impossible films. We’ll cover topics ranging from shielding techniques to temperature control to identifying and managing each film type’s unique characteristics.
You will have the opportunity to shoot in and around our NYC space, located on the cusp of Soho, Little Italy and Chinatown, and then display and discuss your images before learning about image preservation techniques.
The workshop is priced at $50 and all students will also receive 10% off anything in the store on the day of the event! Hurry to book as limited places are available. To register for this workshop, please call us toll-free at 888-250-6020, 11am-7pm EST or email nycspace@theimpossibleproject.com.
Texas artist and friend of Impossible Mia Moreno will be displaying a mixture of illustration and instant film imagery as part of her BFA show at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Glass Gallery, running from October 27th through November 3rd.
“These Tender Hooks” is Mia’s first solo show, and will contain some of her best photography using Polaroid films and Impossible’s PX 70 Push!, PX 680, PZ 680 and PZ 600 Black Frame films.
An opening reception will be held at the Glass Gallery on the evening of the 27th from 5 to 7PM. Tell all of your southwestern friends to show their support of Mia and Impossible by visiting this beautiful collection of instant images.
The Spectra Frog Tongue is a newly designed device that easily attaches to Vintage Polaroid cameras (works with all Image, Spectra and 1200 cameras) and automatically shields Impossible instant pictures from light as they eject from the camera. Inspired by nature, this nifty device greatly improves the results you can achieve with the current Impossible instant films. To replace the original, short frog tongue of your camera with the longer Impossible Frog Tongue, please watch this video.
Welcome to a new feature on the Impossible Blog: 8 Exposures. We’ll be asking artists and photographers 8 questions revolving around photography, especially instant photography. Also included will be 8 Impossible images submitted by the featured artist.
Our inaugural edition of 8 Exposures focuses on Charlie Wagers, an Ohio-based graphic designer, art director and illustrator, and a founding member of Three Bears Design.
1) Q: What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?
A: I have a vintage folding SX-70 that I prefer to use, in addition to a bunch of old thrifted 600 cameras. I like the SX-70 because I can use 600 films in it, with a filter. And it folds up nicely, which makes it easy to carry around with me.
2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?
A: I always prefer analogue photography to digital. I most commonly photograph with 120 films in my Holga, so using instant cameras is a treat to see the photos within minutes. I especially appreciate the colors and new effects that come with using Impossible’s film types.
(More after the jump!)
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Fashion designer Marc-Philippe Coudeyre’s project and statement for this year’s Modo Parcours 2011 in Brussels is the Smile Book. His first subject therefore is the Belgian stylist and fashion consultant Linda Van Waesberge.
He invites you to follow the example of Belgian fashionista at heart – immortalize your statement smile on Impossible film during the MODO Parcours nocturne. On Friday, October 28, at the Mapp store, where you can dress in one of the fabulous statement jackets of Coudeyre’s winter collection Honey Hunters for your shooting.
This fully interactive workshop will include use of a Vintage Polaroid Camera (although we encourage you to bring your own) and a pack of the brand new Color Shade film from The Impossible Project. We will explore the features of the new Color Shade films for vintage polaroid cameras, focus on shooting techniques and achieving the best results from the new Impossible films.
We’ll cover topics ranging from shielding techniques and temperature control helping you to harness this film’s unique character.
The workshop will take place in Incognito’s vault gallery space and after an introduction to the film you will have the chance to take to the streets and shoot in the heart of Manchester’s North Quarter.
Impossible Workshop is delighted to present the first of our Color Shade film workshops on Saturday, November the 5th from 3 PM to 5 PM. Showing you how to truly master this unique and interesting film.
The workshop is priced at £35 and all students will also receive £5 off the next workshop they attend! Hurry to book as limited places are available. To register for this workshop, email me at Tom@identityphotography.org
In 2009, 20×24 Holdings LLC took possession of the film inventory and production equipment required for large format 20×24 instant film from the Polaroid Corporation.
On Saturday, October 22nd, join 20×24’s Chief Executive Officer John Reuter at the Wadsworth Atheneum to explore the creative use of Polaroid photography since the late ‘70s by artists such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith.
This lecture is supported through the Photography Department at the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford, in memory of M.I. Cake.
This past weekend, the Atlanta area became an Impossible hotspot.
On Friday the 14th, in cooperation with Atlanta Celebrates Photography, Impossible’s VP Dave Bias gave a lecture at the Big Studio – King Plow Arts Center about the history of The Impossible Project thus far and the advancements that have been made in Impossible film over the past few years.
The following evening, Jennifer Schwartz Gallery hosted an opening reception for “Instant Gratification: From Polaroid To Impossible,” a new exhibition celebrating instant film’s resurgence. The exhibit features work by Mikael Kennedy, Sol Allen, Chloe Aftel, Grant Hamilton, John Reuter and more. Click HERE to see photos from the reception by Burnaway.org.
(More after the jump!)
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Welcome to another episode of 8 Exposures, our new feature consisting of 8 photography and instant film-related questions, accompanied by 8 Impossible images from the featured artist. This week, we interviewed Chicago-based photographer, rabbit-lover and life-liver Azuree Wiitala
1) Q: What kind of Polaroid Cameras do you use?
A: My favorite Polaroid camera to use is the SLR 680. Sadly that camera died while my husband and I were visiting my family in Puerto Rico last year. Since then I’ve been shooting with three Sonar One Step SX-70 cameras. Yes, three. They each have different film in them although I have to admit that I can never remember which has what film, which turns out to be a fun surprise, for the most part.
2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?
A: I am drawn to instant photography because it is…instant. I do not prefer to shoot digitally and find that I drag my feet to develop 35mm (which I also love to shoot) so instant film just makes sense to me. I also love the perfect imperfections that come along with shooting instant film.
(More after the jump!)
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At Solid Sound 2011 in June, The Impossible Project handed out Polaroid cameras and Impossible PX 680 film to a handful of festival attendees, who were instructed to take photos at the festival that fit one of two categories: SOLID, or SOUND. The photos were then hung on a gallery wall at MASS MoCA.
All of the images taken that day can now be seen HERE
Special thanks to Wilco and the Solid Sound team!
This week the US Impossible team launched two new camera kits, The Presto Kit and The Red Stripe Kit. Impossible’s founder Dr. Florian Kaps happened to be visiting the NYC Office, so we asked him to partake in a little photo shoot to celebrate. Doc posed for two Impossible photos and signed the backs. We’re giving away those photos to two lucky Impossible fans.
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We currently have a very limited supply of Variously-Colored Impulse 600 Camera and Special Effects Filter Kits. All of the cameras have had the Impossible Frog Tongue installed. ONLY 5 KITS AVAILABLE, and they are only available at the Impossible Project NYC Space.
Please call +1 212 219 3254 for enquiries.
Not in NYC? Don’t worry. We’ll be putting Impulse Camera/Special Effects Filter Kits for sale at http://shop.the-impossible-project.com/ very soon!
Ever wonder what the Matrix-style bullet time effect would look like when executed using Polaroid cameras? Grand Rapids, MI artist Sam Blanchard devised a rig of 20 Polaroid 600 OneStep cameras which can be triggered remotely to snap 20 instant images simultaneously. He calls his creation the Polaroid Matrix.
Sam brought his Polaroid Matrix to Maker Faire NY this year and used Impossible Project PX 600 UV+ film to shoot his panoramas and assemble the images in flipbooks. To see the Polaroid Matrix in action, watch THIS VIDEO…
(More after the jump!)
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Welcome to another thrilling episode of 8 Exposures, our new interview series highlighting interesting people using Impossible film. This week we talked with Oregon-based instant film magicians His & Hers (Dave Tuttle and Whitney Johnson)…
1) What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?
Hers: Between the two of us, we have a lot of cameras. We actually have an entire closet devoted to cameras, accessories and film.
His: The cameras are in various working conditions, of course. I think we probably have only 30-40 total. There are more than a few that could probably stand to be donated for parts.
Hers: Ha! Only 30 or 40.
His: Yeah, it is a bit ridiculous considering we really only use the same ones over and over again.
Hers: I love my SLR 680. It has a tiny hole in the bellows that I have to tape every few months, a burn mark on the sonar from where I attempted to dislodge a piece of stuck straw with a lighter (note to others: this is not a good idea) and the entire top cover melted off on a Caribbean cruise (seriously), but it still works like a champ. It is the best $75 I’ve ever spent.
(More after the jump!)
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Maurizio Galimberti, one of our Impossible instant photographers had the honor to test and introduce our next upcoming 8×10 film at the Lancia Café of the 68th Mostra del Cinema di Venezia last September.
Maurizio Galimberti portrayed film stars and artists such as Christoph Walz, Monica Belluci, Vincent Cassel, Willem Dafoe or Patti Smith.
This project was made possible through Impossible Works.
Visit Maurizio Galimberti’s Gallery to see the 8×10 portrait emulsion lifts.
Happy Saturday, everyone! We just wanted to remind you all that the special pricing for PX 600 UV+ Black Frame film multi-packs will only be available until 5:59 PM EST today.
Be sure to stock up on this sharp, sleek, beautiful film while the getting is good!
Black Frame Spiderweb photo taken by Heather Champ
In September, Impossible USA’s own Josie Keefe traveled to the Northwest to serve as Art Director for an independent film entitled Druid Peak. The film, about a troubled, rebellious teenager who is sent to live with his father following the accidental death of a friend, was shot on location in Teton Valley, Wyoming.
Assembled here is a selection of beautiful production photos Josie took using Polaroid Chocolate film and Impossible’s PZ 680 Color Shade film. The film captures beautifully the vast expanses and impressive scenery of the Northwest.
From today on, our Online Shop will feature a dedicated Auction section where a constant stream of rare analog instant photography tools is being made available: films, cameras and accessories. All products are carefully selected by the Impossible team, representing the most exciting products of the analog instant universe.
The Impossible Auction Run #1 presents unique items from Impossible founder Florian Kaps aka doc’s private Polaroid Collection: Polaroid SX-70 films, boxed vintage cameras, rare 4×5 and 35mm instant films, 665 film and many more.
All items are on auction for 7 days and will be listed with a starting bid of 1 Euro with no reserve. All of the auctions revenues go directly into the development of Impossible instant films.
The NYC Impossible Project Space currently has several rare and hard-to-find deluxe Polaroid 600 cameras available.
Ever seen the Hello Kitty 600 Camera with an original carrying case? How about the Taz Camera? You can pick up those and the Barbie Edition 600 Camera today!
Please call (212) 219-3254 or email nycspace@the-impossible-project.com for more details.
With its rigid white and black plastic body and its iconic rainbow stripe, the classic SX-70 OneStep is one of the most recognizable cameras Polaroid ever produced. It was first released in 1977 as a more affordable alternative to the folding SX-70s and has been a fan favorite ever since.
The SX-70 OneStep has a single-element plastic lens with fixed aperture (103mm, f14.6), 4 ft minimum focus distance, an exposure dial and a socket for flashbars. The OneStep can be used with the Impossible Flashbar by Mint or disposable flash bars, and works with any of our film for SX-70s, which can be found HERE.
Just in time for the holidays, we have a very limited quantity of SX-70 OneSteps available in our special White Christmas Rainbow SX-70 Kit. Act now and make your holiday merry and bright!
The Polaroid Business Edition camera was first released in the early 1990s. It was similar in body style to Polaroid’s Sun 600 series but has a more advanced flash system with automatic charging, and a built-in sliding close-up lens.
It was a sister camera to the Polaroid Job Pro camera, but aimed toward a different market, “Designed for extra durability and ruggedness.”
The Business Edition has a single-element 116mm plastic lens, fixed focus with a standard minimum focal length of 4 feet (2 feet when close-up lens is in place), electronic shutter, programmed auto-exposure system and a built-in flash.
The Business Edition works with all of Impossible’s 600 film, which can be found HERE
To purchase your own Business Edition Camera Kit, click HERE
The Polaroid Sun 660 Autofocus camera was first released in 1981. It is similar in style to the earlier 600 cameras, with a rigid plastic body, but the Sun 660 utilizes Polaroid’s patented Sonar Autofocus technology. The distance to the subject is calculated by firing a high-frequency sound wave that bounces back to a gold-colored receiver beside the lens. The minimum focal length for the Sun 660 is 3 feet.
The see-through Sun 660 was actually a dealer model. It was given to camera shops so that they could demonstrate the functions and inner workings of Polaroid 600 cameras to customers.
The Sun 660 features a single-element 116mm, f/11 plastic lens, electronic shutter, built-in flash and Polaroid’s Light Management System, allowing the user to make exposure adjustments via a lighten/darken switch under the lens.
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In 1988, Polaroid released its Cool Cam, which was essentially the Sun 600 with flashy colors and branded with the “Cool Cam” moniker. It came in several color combinations, including Pink & Grey and the Red & Black. More rare is the Neon version, pictured here! The Cool Cam also came with a matching carrying case and a sheet of word bubble stickers that could be adhered to your photos to add some COOLNESS!
The Cool Cam features a single-element 116mm plastic lens, fixed focus, with minimum focal length of 4 feet, electronic shutter, programmed auto-exposure system and a built-in electronic flash.
The Cool Cam works with all of Impossible’s 600 films. For a complete list of compatible films, click HERE
You can also click HERE for a Polaroid 600 camera manual
The Supercolor 635 was one of many variations in the simple plastic-bodied 600 camera line featuring the Light Management System.
A basic 600-series camera, the Supercolor 635 features a 116mm single-element plastic lens, fixed focus with a minimal focal length of 4 feet, electronic shutter and a built-in electronic flash. It is similar to the Sun 600 series in design, except for the beloved rainbow stripe which would be a characteristic true of the later Supercolor 635 CL edition as well.
To see a user manual for Polaroid 600 cameras like the Supercolor 635, click HERE.
The Supercolor 635 works with any of Impossible’s 600-speed film. For a complete selection of compatible films, click HERE
The Amigo 620 was introduced in the early 1980s for Polaroid’s 600-series integral film. The Amigo is a strange model because, although it lacks a built-in flash (a socket on its flip-up hood requires special “Flash 600” flashbars), it does include the added sliding close-up lens, allowing for photos as close as 2 feet.
The Amigo has a single-element 116mm plastic lens, fixed focus of 4 feet (2 feet with close-up lens), electronic shutter, and exposure correction dial and a creamy tan plastic body.
When shooting in low light or indoors, you’ll need “Flash 600” flash bars, which can be found on Ebay or Craigslist from time to time (Sorry, the Impossible Flash Bar by Mint has a very different contact and will not work on 600 flashless cameras like the Amigo!)
The Amigo 620 works with any of Impossible’s 600 film, which can be purchased HERE
As many consumers had difficulty with the manual focus on their original SX-70s, Polaroid began producing autofocus models in 1978. The Time Zero Autofocus Model 2, introduced in the early 1980s, differed from the 1978 version only in that the body is plastic instead of chrome-plated. It utilized the same advanced sonar technology.
When the shutter button is pressed halfway, a series of ultrasonic chirps is emitted from an electrostatic transducer located under a plate over the lens. These chirps travel to the subject and bounce back to the camera’s receiver, alerting the camera to the subject’s distance, and the lens is turned on a motor to focus accordingly.
The Polaroid Time Zero Autofocus Model 2 features a 4-element 116mm glass lens, manual or autofocus capabilities, with a minimum focal length of 10.4 inches, electronic shutter, programmed automatic exposure and a socket for flashbars or electronic flashes. Another nice feature is a socket for an electrically-actuated remote shutter release.
The Time Zero AF Model 2 works with all of Impossible’s SX-70 films, which can be purchased HERE
To see a user manual for the SX-70 Sonar models, click HERE.
In the early 2000s, Polaroid released one last line of instant cameras, including the One 600. Though similar in function and capabilities, these cameras are sleeker in design, opening and closing in a clamshell fashion.
The One 600 features a 100mm lens with minimum focus distance of 3 feet and a built-in electronic flash. Some models in this line omitted exposure control while others had the addition of a self-timer.
Please note that while it is possible to install the Impossible Frog Tongue in this camera type, it is not as simple as installing in the earlier 600 cameras. You will need small jewelers’ screwdrivers to access the factory frog tongue to remove it. We do not recommend attempting this unless you feel 100% comfortable with taking apart your camera.
To see a user manual for the One 600, please click HERE
The Polaroid One 600 camera works with any of the Impossible 600 films available HERE
The Sun 650 SE was one of many variations in the simple plastic-bodied 600 camera line.
A basic 600-series camera, the Sun 650 SE features a 116mm single-element plastic lens, fixed focus with a minimal focal length of 4 feet, plus a sliding close-up lens, allowing for photos as close as 2 feet, electronic shutter and a built-in electronic flash. It is similar to the Sun 600 series in design, except for the blue accents on the nameplate and the sliding close-up lens, and the blue button, which often signified a Polaroid special edition.
The Sun 650 SE works with any of Impossible’s 600-speed film. For a complete selection of compatible films, click HERE
To see a user manual for Polaroid 600 cameras like the Sun 650 SE, click HERE
As many consumers had difficulty focusing with their original SX-70s, Polaroid released an autofocus model of their folding SX-70 in 1978. The SX-70 Time Zero Auto-Focus utilized a new and very advanced sonar technology. When the shutter button is pressed halfway, a series of ultrasonic chirps is emitted from an electrostatic transducer located under a plate over the lens. These chirps travel to the subject and bounce back to the camera’s receiver, alerting the camera to the subject’s distance, and the lens is turned on a motor to focus accordingly.
The Polaroid SX-70 Time Zero Auto-Focus features a 4-element 116mm glass lens, manual or autofocus capabilities, with a minimum focal length of 10.4 inches, electronic shutter…
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The Supercolor 635 was one of many variations in the simple plastic-bodied 600 camera line featuring the Light Management System. Polaroid released so many slightly different iterations in this line of cameras. This particular model has a silver face in place of the more common black face of Supercolors, and contains no sliding close-up lens.
A basic 600-series camera, the Supercolor 635 features a 116mm single-element plastic lens, fixed focus with a minimal focal length of 4 feet, electronic shutter and a built-in electronic flash. It is similar to the Sun 600 series in design, except for the beloved rainbow stripe which would be a characteristic true of the later Supercolor 635 CL edition as well.
The Supercolor 635 works with any of Impossible’s 600-speed film. For a complete selection of compatible films, click HERE
The Polaroid 1200si camera was first released in 2000, with an updated rounded body, as opposed to the square body of the earlier Spectra System cameras. Additionally, it differs from earlier Spectra models in that the film counter counts upward rather than downward and it was designed for compatibility with the foreign-market 12-exposure “1200” film pack.
The Polaroid 1200si features a 3-element 125mm “Quintic” plastic lens, electronic shutter, programmed automatic exposure automatic focus using Polaroid’s Sonar AF system, focus distance indicator in viewfinder which can be set for feet or meters, built-in electronic flash, a built-in self timer and a socket for electronic remote control. The Polaroid 1200si is silver in color, with navy blue trim.
The Polaroid 1200si works with all of Impossible’s PZ films. For a complete selection of compatible films, please click HERE
