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February 2012

1
No. 280

Workshops in England!

Marlene Kelnreiter, | 476 days ago

February 11 and February 25
Manchester and London

For all those Impossible loving UK people there is a full schedule of workshops planned for Manchester and London in 2012. These hands on workshops are a chance for you to dust off your Polaroid camera and start taking fantastic artistic pictures with the whole range of Impossible films.

Our UK Impossible expert Tom Wright will show you how to get the best out of vintage Polaroid cameras (don’t worry if you don’t have one, we will be able to lend you one, but please indicate this while booking)

Tom will cover topics ranging from shielding techniques and temperature control helping you to harness the film’s unique character.

The Manchester workshop takes place at Incognito, 5 Stevenson Square on Saturday 11th February at 3pm. Book a place here

The London workshop takes place at Rough Trade East, Brick Lane on Saturday 25th February at 11am. Book a place here

No. 281

Announcing Instant Revolution @ The Impossible Project NYC Space!

Jon Campolo, | 476 days ago

February 9 – March 23, 2012
6pm-9pm
The Impossible Project Space NYC
425 Broadway
5th Floor
New York NY 10013
map
Gary Baseman
  • James Franco
  • Maripol
  • Mary Ellen Mark
  • Jennifer Juniper Stratford

POLAROID and IMPOSSIBLE present
INSTANT REVOLUTION

To celebrate the collaboration between Polaroid and Impossible, The Impossible Project NYC Space will host a very special group exhibition dedicated to showcasing five of the world’s freshest contemporary photographers. For more than 60 years, the instant image has been a revolutionary aspect of how artists create, consider and define analog photography. The five artists featured in INSTANT REVOLUTION all take different approaches to illustrating their relationship with analog photography.

Featuring photos captured with the last original Polaroid Spectra film production run from 2008, one of the first products introduced as part of the Polaroid Classic line, five of the world’s most dynamic and contemporary artists have contributed to INSTANT REVOLUTION: Gary Baseman, James Franco, Maripol, Mary Ellen Mark and Jennifer Juniper Stratford. INSTANT REVOLUTION will be shown at The Impossible Project Space NYC from February 9 to March 23 2012 and on our official website. The Opening Reception will take place on February 9 from 6pm to 9pm, in the presence of the artists and with refreshments provided.

POLAROID and IMPOSSIBLE present
INSTANT REVOLUTION
at The Impossible Project Space NYC

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2
No. 282

Viewfinder: Brittany Hollis

Patrick Tobin | 475 days ago

Hello again, Impossible friends! Our current entry turns our Viewfinder on NYC-based Brittany Hollis…

“My project is an ongoing one, there isn’t a set theme or thread running through it, just things that strike my interest and inspire me to snap a photo. I have a small but growing collection of Polaroid cameras, and I try to incorporate them into daily life as much as my digital camera. I’m really a pain to take pictures with, I normally go out with the digital, Polaroid, phone, and recently disposables as well.

I was born in the Midwest, raised on the East Coast, and travel constantly for work (I model). All the traveling gives me new places to go photo- and camera-hunting, which is great. My favorite place to take pictures though, is around my parents’ home in Berks County, Pa. Their house is surrounded by woods, horse farms, vineyards, and a small river – there’s always something interesting going on or some beautiful scene to capture.

I’ve always been very into instant photography, from the time my dad would snap pics of my sister and I as children, and then hand them to us so we could watch them develop. Back when I started modeling, the agents would take Polaroids of the girls to send out to clients, and casting directors would take snaps of models at castings as a reference to what we “really” look like. I got my first Polaroid camera in 2008 after goofing around in my NY agency’s office with my bookers — I was hooked!

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No. 283

ACE Hotel Shares the Love!

Jon Campolo, | 475 days ago

Image by By Niki

Continuing our collaboration with ACE Hotels through an exhibition in NYC and our Limited Edition PX 600 Silver Shade UV+ film, ACE has been hosting an online photo contest, selecting new winners every month! ACE is collecting submissions of everyday and exalted Impossible images at an ever-evolving gallery located at acehotel.com/impossible. ACE’s ad hoc panel of romantics and analog enthusiasts will then co-curate a physical gallery show at Ace Hotel New York next fall, comprised of selected shots from this growing community gallery.

Congratulations to the most recent selected photographers of the ACE contest!

December 2011:
Andrea Buia, Judith Kyvik, Gregory Bencivego, Frederik Holmér and Morgane Santamarianova – enjoy your Pink Martini’s Joy To The World holiday record!

January 2012:
Weronika Gajda aka By Niki – enjoy your limited PX Gold Edition Set from Impossible!

Peruse the winners of the past two months here, then check out the growing collection and pick your favorites or submit your own for a chance to win!

3
No. 284

8 Exposures...with Jade Sheldon.

Patrick Tobin | 475 days ago

Hello, Impossibles! Welcome back to 8 Exposures. This week, we spoke with Portland, OR-based photographer, illustrator and MAE student Jade Sheldon…

1) Q: What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?

A: I have a small collection of Polaroid cameras that my grandparents have given me over the years. They love estate sales and whenever they come across a camera, they can’t resist getting it for me (you won’t catch me complaining). Not all of them are in working order, but they are beautiful to look at nonetheless. The main cameras I use for my instant film photography are my Sun 660 and Fuji Instax 210. I’m looking to add a Polaroid 195 to my modest collection.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I earned my BFA in illustration in 2009. That was four long years of sketches, thumbnails, roughs, color comps, second-guessing, finals, and critiques. Creating an illustration can take hours… days… even months. There is so much planning and so much preparation that goes into it. When I discovered instant film, I felt so free. With instant film, I could create a piece of original art in seconds.

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4
No. 286

Avoiding the notorious undeveloped patch

Marlene Kelnreiter | 473 days ago

PX 680 Color Shade FF as well as Silver Shade pictures may display a small undeveloped patch at the top of image area when used in folding type cameras (such as the SLR 680/ 690 and SX 70 cameras with an ND filter). Our engineers in the Netherlands are working hard to overcome this issue for future film generations. To avoid this undeveloped patch with our current materials you can apply this easy technique:

At the same time as pressing the shutter release button, slightly press down the film compartment flap of your camera as shown in the video. Do not apply excessive force, as this may damage your camera.

6
No. 286

From the Artists of Instant Revolution

Jon Campolo, | 471 days ago

This Thursday evening together with Polaroid, we are excited to host the opening of INSTANT REVOLUTION – the first in an upcoming series of artistic collaborations throughout 2012, celebrating the launch of the Polaroid Classic line.

For this unique exhibition, the artists provided us with feedback on their experiences using Polaroid cameras again with original Soft Tone Image film.

GARY BASEMAN
“I wanted to use the camera the way I originally used such a device in the 1970s and 80s…to capture an immediate memory. My art is about discovering one’s ‘True Self,’ and Polaroid cameras have been an important tool in assisting in this truthfinding and free expression.”

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7
No. 287

wasser atmen / breathing water

Marlene Kelnreiter, | 470 days ago

We can’t resist but sharing this beautiful fanfold with you, created by photographer Susan Probst from the German artist collective zimmer 117. Her analog instant photography series “wasser atmen” (breathing water) introduces you to a magic world seen through an emerald green surface of water. A floating space like a second, drawn reality. Fleeting, fragile moments. Calm, almost pictorial pictures, reminding of dream sequences. The photographs create their own cosmos, an underwater world, where breathing stops and time stands still.

The double-page fanfold presents 20 instant images printed in a special gloss varnish that gives a tactile impression of the originals. Limited edition of 200 items, 89 × 107 mm, available for 10 Euro + Shipping costs here.

No. 288

The Camera Museum: Polaroid SLR 680

Patrick Tobin, | 470 days ago

The Polaroid SLR 680 camera was first introduced in 1982, and was the only SLR ever produced for 600-series film*. It utilizes the same sonar autofocus technology as the 100-speed SX-70 Time Zero Autofocus models but also features a built-in electronic flash. The flash reflector even tilts to accommodate focal distance.

The SLR 680 sports a 4-element 116mm f/8 glass lens with a minimum focal length of 10.4 inches. It has an aperture range from f/8- f/22. Manual focus is possible via an override switch above the focusing wheel. The camera features a socket for a remote shutter release and also has a tripod socket and lugs for a neck strap.

The SLR 680 is compatible with any of the Impossible Project 600-series film, including PX 680 Color Shade First Flush film and PX 600 Silver Shade UV+ Black Frame film

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8
No. 289

Instant Revolution backstage on vice

Marlene Kelnreiter | 469 days ago

Jennifer Juniper Stratford is one of the five photographers who were shooting Polaroid Classic Image Film for the Instant Revolution exhibition, opening tomorrow night at 6pm at The Impossible Project Space NYC.

Jennifer photographed the Hollywood that matters to her: “From casting to continuity, everyone had a bit of a giggle and love for Polaroid photography, which made this project so significant to the history of Hollywood and its relationship with Polaroid.”

On Vice, Jennifer provides precious private glimpses behind her shooting with Angus Scrimm- click to read!

No. 290

Viewfinder: Martin Cartwright's "Gray's Anatomy" Series

Patrick Tobin | 469 days ago

Howdy, friends, and welcome back to Viewfinder, our blog series that highlights interesting projects involving Impossible film. This entry focuses on UK-based software engineer and photo-artist Martin Cartwright who has created beautiful photocollages in his “Gray’s Anatomy” series…

“This project came about pretty much by chance mid-way through 2011. I had been loving the look of the Impossible films I had, especially the Black Frame PX 600, but was struggling for a subject. I mostly shoot landscape stuff and the only integral film cameras I have are a Spirit 600 and a run down Sonar Autofocus 5000, which don’t really work for me in that role compared to my Bronica. I’d seen the newsletter, and a little video on the Impossible blog, about turning Black Frame shots into transparencies by peeling them, and it seemed like a fun thing to try – especially since I’d been having real trouble keeping my shots from turning orange with age – but I still didn’t have a subject.

??So then on one of my occasional Saturday circuits of the local charity shops on the look-out for cheap and fun old cameras I stumbled across a copy of a facsimile reprint of the first edition of Gray’s Anatomy.

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No. 291

HOLDEN x THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT

Jon Campolo, | 469 days ago

The Impossible Project is thrilled to announce a partnership with Holden Outerwear to celebrate 10 years of creative and cutting edge outerwear. Holden is proud to support Impossible on their mission to bring analog instant photography back to life by offering limited edition Holden X Impossible camera kits, which will include a Holden customized and refurbished vintage SX-70 Polaroid camera, Holden X Tanner Goods leather camera case, and a custom Holden X Impossible co-produced instant film and filter presented in a custom wooden box.

To activate this collaboration, Holden chose 10 well known photographers to use Impossible film to shoot and capture their vision of an independent lifestyle through instant photography…

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10
No. 292

8 Exposures...with Sean Rohde.

Patrick Tobin | 468 days ago

Hi there, friends! Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film question & answer series. This week, we spoke with Phoenix, AZ-based Sean Rohde…

1) Q: What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?

A: Loaded Question! I mostly use my 190 and 195, but I also have a 180, Fuji Fotorama FP-1, Mamiya Universal, Crown Graphic with Polaroid and Fuji backs, SX-70 Model 2 (white), SX-70 Alpha 1 Model 2 (black and modified for 600), Colorpack III, Big Swinger 3000, and some other stuff, plus things I have owned and sold in the past, like a Konica Instant Press and modified roll film cameras, as well as various plastic hard case and folder cameras. I would love to have a 185 to complete my collection, but they seemed to have gone up in value in the past two years to some ridiculous prices. I have to use my cameras, not just look at them on a shelf.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

??A: Well, certainly the fact that it is instant is a draw. Though sometimes I don’t peel my 100 and 80 for six hours so I guess they aren’t always so instant. There is just a certain quality that instant films have that film doesn’t have. Color shifts, textures…it all kind of gives photos a vintage quality that I like.

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13
No. 293

Instant Revolution Recap!

Jon Campolo, | 464 days ago

Photo by Jesse Freidin

This past Thursday, both Impossible and Polaroid celebrated the opening of Instant Revolution at the Impossible Project NYC Space. With this inaugural exhibition commemorating the Polaroid Classic Line and an ongoing collaboration between two world-leading analog instant pioneers, Instant Revolution portrayed the revolutionary aspects of how artists create, consider and define analog photography. Attendees took in the many shades of the last original Polaroid Spectra film ever produced, while enjoying the warmth of live vinyl music and the company of friends and enthusiasts. Our good friends and fellow Impossible fanatics, Jesse Freidin and Patrick Tobin, were there to capture all the action on PX100 UV+ and PZ600 UV+.

Thank you so much to all who attended, and congratulations to the artists! Instant Revolution will be on display at the Impossible Project NYC Space during regular open hours: Monday through Friday 11am–7pm and on Weekends 12pm–5pm until March 23rd, don’t miss your chance to see it!

14
No. 294

Goedendag from Enschede

Factory Team | 464 days ago

A heartily welcome to the very first blog entry created by the Impossible factory team! From now on we will send digital signs of life live from our very analog location, sharing minor and major news with the Impossible blog readers.

Beyond daring to stir up the blogosphere (you should know that most of us were about 20 years old when computers where introduced, but in our 50ties when blogs and social media started ) we also ventured to submit our very own project amongst all your crazy fantastic 101 Ways projects – thanks for checking out project #307

Looking forward to sharing our daily Impossible ambitions, actions and news with you!

No. 295

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Presto!

Patrick Tobin, | 463 days ago

The Polaroid Presto! camera was first introduced in 1978, a slight variation on the non-folding SX-70 One Step camera. Its rigid plastic body and fixed focus single element 103mm f/14.6 plastic lens made it a more affordable option than the folding SX-70 models.

The Presto! has a tan and black body with the trademark Polaroid rainbow stripe, an electronic shutter, programmed auto exposure and a socket for flashbars or electronic flash units.

The Presto! works with any of the Impossible Project SX-70 films, including PX 70 Color Shade film and PX 100 Silver Shade UV+ film

15
No. 296

Viewfinder: Danny Sanchez

Patrick Tobin | 462 days ago

Greetings, Viewfinder fans. We are proud to present you with a shiny new entry, this week featuring San Francisco photog Danny Sanchez…

“Hello instant film friends! My name is Danny Sanchez and I am an instant film photographer from the San Francisco Bay Area. Like many who grew up in the 1980s, I have fond memories of my parents pulling out the family Polaroid Sun 600 to capture important moments from my childhood. I never expected those happy moments would later resurface and ignite a passion for instant film in my adult years.

In the process of getting to know the new instant films by the Impossible Project, I have photographed many subjects from toys to botanicals, and experimented with multiple exposures. My latest direction has taken me into the night. While experimenting with night photography, it reminded me of one of my favorite college assignments, “the color of night.” This assignment opened my eyes to the magic of night photography, by seeing the effects of mixing available light, and exposing the mysteries in the shadows with long exposures. The question I asked myself, “what would happen if I brought the magic of instant film and night photography together?”

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17
No. 297

8 Exposures...with George Weiss III.

Patrick Tobin, | 461 days ago

Hello, Impossibles! We’re happy to bring you another entry in our ever-popular question and answer series, 8 Exposures. In this episode, the man of the hour is George Weiss III, a photographer based in Philadelphia, specializing in weddings and portraits, with a love for analog photography…

1) Q: What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?

A: I have a bunch, I’m a bit of a hoarder, er, I mean collector, but I primarily use a couple SX-70 Sonars, an SLR 680, and I have a 250 for packfilm.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: Hmph, where do I start? I think the biggest reason is the fact that it has a life and a soul that can’t be found in any other medium. I love the feeling of anticipation I get when I’ve taken a photo and I’m waiting for it to develop or to peel it. It’s magic.

3) Q: What is your earliest memory of instant film?

A: I have a lot of pictures of myself as a child (probably in the 3-year-old range) that were taken by my grandfather but I don’t actually remember them being taken. When I was a young child in the 80’s, Polaroid photos were so ubiquitous it was hard to avoid them.

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No. 298

Taming PUSH! film

Marlene Kelnreiter | 460 days ago

From its inception PX70 PUSH! film challenged photographers with its unique chemical composition and specific shooting requirements. Now that it has aged it has become a different beast all together – one that requires an extra level of taming. We recommend considering the following crucial points when working with PX 70 Color Shade PUSH! film:

LIGHT
A strong flash will support image details the best. Use of artificial or day light will create a more soft-focus effect.

DISTANCE
The closer the motif, the better the results!

MOTIF
Don’t go for the white horse in the snow. Only motifs that are rich in contrast and color will create decent results.

TEMPERATURE
PX 70 Color Shade PUSH! film has always preferred warm temperatures while shooting and processing (more than 15°C/59°F). Flickr Forum – Heating Your PUSH!

SHIELDING
Make absolutely sure that NO light at all hits the image as it ejects from the camera. Click here for all shielding methods

TIME
Be patient. PX 70 Color Shade PUSH! images need about 12 hours to to fully develop and display final results.

PRESERVATION
To make sure your PUSH! images do not fade over time or shift to a blue color due to humidity, we recommend lifting or peeling the image. Click here for a Lifting tutorial.

18
No. 300

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Sun 600 LMS

Patrick Tobin, | 459 days ago

The Polaroid Sun 600 LMS camera was first introduced in 1983. Though the exposure adjustment switch was available on several earlier models, it wasn’t christened the Light Management System until the Sun 600’s release.

A basic 600-series camera, the Sun 600 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.

Polaroid’s 600 cameras were well-known for their television commercials featuring James Garner and Mariette Hartley, and the Sun 600 LMS was no exception. Watch the 1983 commercial HERE

The Sun 600 LMS works with any of Impossible’s 600-speed film. For a complete selection of compatible films, click HERE

20
No. 300

Impossible Workshop @ Rough Trade London

Marlene Kelnreiter | 457 days ago

Saturday, 25 February 2012
Rough Trade East
Old Truman Brewery
91 Brick Lane
London E1 6QL
map

As of Saturday 25th February, Rough Trade East will be hosting monthly workshops with the UK Impossible expert Tom Wright.

The first one being IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT 101 WORKSHOP. This hands on workshop is your chance to dust off your polaroid camera and start taking fantastic artistic pictures with the new Impossible films.

Tom will show you how to get the best out of your vintage polaroid cameras (if you don’t have one don’t worry you can lend one) and he will cover topics ranging from shielding techniques and temperature control helping you to harness this film’s unique character. After an introduction to the film you will have the chance to take to the streets and shoot your brains out.

Places are limited so we’d advise you book tickets sooner rather than later and you can do so here.

21
No. 301

About trap slitting

Factory Team | 457 days ago

We are not called Impossible for nothing! By combining our team’s knowledge and efforts we celebrated a unique occasion this week: we are now able to slit trap (an integral and important part of each Impossible images) material in house! Not even in the Polaroid days was the factory able to slit trap material in house – it was considered simply impossible…. now we know it is Impossible!

Edwin ten Hove, whom you can see on the photo, is now operating this machine. The machine slits the trap material, which you need to neutralize and absorb surplus paste at the top of each picture. By absorbing surplus paste, the trap prevents paste from leaking out of the picture. And by adding neutralizing chemicals, paste that still may manage to escape from the frame is less harmful.

This little “endeavor to persevere” saves our company many thousands of Euros that we are now able to dedicate to further developing our precious film and to resolve production related issues.

No. 302

Impossible Project Space NYC presents: MOMENTUM

Jon Campolo, | 456 days ago

March 1 – June 26, 2012
6-9PM
Impossible Project Space NYC
425 Broadway
5th Floor New York
NY 10013
map
Thom Jackson

It has been almost two years since the very first release of Impossible instant film, the wildly anticipated new black & white instant film for Polaroid SX-70 cameras. Although the film was initially in a developmental stage and highly experimental, it dawned on both fanatics and photographers alike that the impossible actually could become possible.
Just 19 months later, Impossible has released 12 unique film types for three separate Polaroid camera systems. Although the journey has been short, the length Impossible has come represents a milestone in reviving instant analog photography.

Using Impossible’s latest color and black & white films, twelve carefully selected photographers are illustrating a MOMENTUM that will carry instant analog photography through the digital age and beyond: Anne Bowerman, Brian Henry, Brooke Castro,
Thom Jackson, Bradley Johnson, Whitney Johnson, Clay Lipsky, Peter Plaia, Jessica
Reinhardt, Patrick Tobin, Yana Toyber and Max Wanger.

The Opening Reception will take place on March 1 from 6pm to 9pm in presence of
some of the artists with live music by DJ Tied Eyed and refreshments provided.
Please rsvp@the-impossible-project.com

CLICK HERE to view exhibition DETAILS

22
No. 303

Viewfinder: Erin McGuire

Patrick Tobin | 455 days ago

Hello, fellow shooters, and welcome back to Viewfinder! This week, we train our lens on west coast student, computer tech specialist and photographer Erin McGuire…

“I live on the western edge of the Mojave desert in the Palmdale/Lancaster part of Los Angeles county. It’s a diverse community with some areas being very well off financially and others that are literally living in the dirt. The area gets used by Hollywood quite often so there is a rich movie history here as well. The landscape is as diverse as the community because we are situated where the desert meets the mountains. There are oak trees mixed with Joshua trees, bobcats mixed with mountain lions and Mojave rattlers mixed with western diamond backs. The strange beauty of this place inspires me to shoot on a daily basis but it was Impossible Project film that got me moving in a fine art direction.

I have a deep, emotional connection with the land that I formed as a young child when we’d go camping in this area. Impossible Project film with its mysterious artifacts and its sensitivity to light creates images that, for me, embody the spiritual connection I have with the land. I’ve used PX 100 Silver Shade, PX 70 Color Shade, PX 600 Silver Shade, and PZ 600 Silver Shade. Impossible film is my film of choice for photographing this land and its inhabitants. I also love to shoot the Paul Giambarba Polaroid Chocolate film, which I also got from The Impossible Project, for the same reasons.

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24
No. 304

The Impossible Flash Bar

Marlene Kelnreiter | 453 days ago

The Impossible Flash Bar attaches to the flash connector of your folding as well as box-type SX-70 camera.

To celebrate the 40th birthday of the legendary SX-70 camera Impossible proudly presents the first electronic flash bar ever. Developed by the nifty engineers Ryan Ma and Tom Cheun from Mint Hongkong, the Impossible Flash Bar is a new and extremely compact and light flash unit for all Polaroid folding and box-type SX-70 cameras. Perfectly attaching to your SX-70 camera’s flash connector it enables you to take brilliant and perfectly illuminated images in all light situations and puts forward the following additional features:

- Special, switchable ND-compensation mode allows you to use 600 ASA film in SX-70 cameras – Light temperature is optimized for use with Impossible Silver and Color Shade films – Easy LED display on state of flash settings and energy – Detailed user manual – Powered by 2 AAA cells (not included!)

Go to Online Shop

25
No. 305

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Supercolor 635 CL

Patrick Tobin | 452 days ago

The Polaroid Supercolor 635 CL camera is one of numerous variations on the box-style plastic bodied 600 cameras produced throughout the 80s and early 90s. The Supercolor 635 CL has the trademark rainbow stripe down the face.

The Supercolor 635 CL has a 116mm single-element plastic lens, fixed focus, programmed automatic exposure system and a built-in electronic flash. One nice feature on the Supercolor 635 CL is the sliding close-up lens, allowing the user to get photos as close to their subject as 2 feet, unlike many other 600 cameras with a minimal focal length of 4 feet.

The Supercolor 635 CL works with any of Impossible’s 600-series film, which can be found HERE

We also have Supercolor camera kits available HERE

27
No. 306

Dr. Love's Tips - My Kingdom for Some Opacity

Patrick Tobin | 450 days ago

The good doctor.

Hello again, Love Patients! This week Dr. Love explains a little about Impossible films’ light sensitivity…

Some of you may wonder why Impossible film needs to be covered from light when it first comes out of a camera when Polaroid film didn’t. If Polaroid film could be exposed to light, why can’t Impossible’s film be?

The short answer to this is…“Opacification Layer.” This is a layer within the film, that upon the spreading of the developer chemistry, reacts in a way that blocks out almost all light from affecting the lower (still light-sensitive) layers…of the film. As instant film has a regular film negative at its base, will still be sensitive to light until it’s been fully processed. Think of the Opacification layer, or opacifier, as a chemical curtain that needs to be drawn over the film to protect the image you’ve created…

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29
No. 307

PX 680 in Fireworks Night music video

Marlene Kelnreiter | 448 days ago

Photographer Rob Munday created a stunning music video for the British band Fireworks Night and their new single “Amongst the Disappeared”, using Impossible’s PX 680 Color Shade film.

No. 308

Viewfinder: Mark von Minden's "autumnsongs"

Patrick Tobin, | 448 days ago

Welcome back to Viewfinder, our feature highlighting interesting projects people are working on incorporating Impossible Film. This entry focuses on Colorado-based software engineer and photographer Mark von Minden’s autumnsongs series.

autumnsongs is an evolving analog instant photography series. Each autumn a set of new instant photographs are paired with a corresponding set of songs by a variety of artists which are then mixed into a DJ set by Mark. While autumn colors and leaves were the original subject matter, there is also a strong element of abstraction within the work. Ultimately, an overall theme of change and progression informs Mark’s approach to the project each year.

To see more of Mark’s series, please visit autumnsongs.net and his Flickr Photo Sets

No. 674

The Camera Museum: Polaroid SX-70 OneStep

Patrick Tobin, | 162 days ago

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!

No. 592

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Business Edition

Patrick Tobin, | 236 days ago

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

No. 548

The Camera Museum: Polaroid's See-Through Sun 660

Patrick Tobin, | 271 days ago

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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No. 539

The Camera Museum: Polaroid's Neon Cool Cam

Patrick Tobin, | 278 days ago

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

No. 532

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Supercolor 635

Patrick Tobin, | 285 days ago

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

No. 525

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Amigo 620

Patrick Tobin, | 292 days ago

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

No. 518

The Camera Museum: Polaroid SX-70 Time Zero AF Model 2

Patrick Tobin, | 298 days ago

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.

No. 511

The Camera Museum: Polaroid One 600

Patrick Tobin, | 306 days ago

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

No. 486

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Sun 650 SE

Patrick Tobin, | 312 days ago

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

No. 475

The Camera Museum: Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Blue Button Special Edition

Patrick Tobin, | 333 days ago

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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No. 468

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Supercolor 635

Patrick Tobin, | 340 days ago

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

No. 431

The Camera Museum: Polaroid 1200si

Patrick Tobin, | 368 days ago

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