The Polaroid instant camera, a leading item in 20th century retail and often cited as a precursor to the digital era, died in late February. It was 60 years old.
Polaroid executives named the advent of digital photography and the decrease in film sales as reasons for the necessary euthanasia - which much to the dismay of fans, is legal in the world of retail.
The camera was born in 1948 to father Edwin Land, though it was conceived in 1944. Land's daughter Jennifer became her father's partner in conceiving when she asked, "Why can't I see them now?" It was a long pregnancy, experts stress. Despite the incestuous conception and the complicated labor, the Polaroid was born healthy.
In its early years, the Polaroid was embraced as a technological miracle, later evolving into a cultural phenomenon.
Friends described the Polaroid as great in social settings, many remembering times they brought the Polaroid to parties. Others shared their appreciation for the Polaroid's ability to recall the events of a hazy get-together.
Many lauded the Polaroid's devotion to serving the sick and injured, even at an early age. In 1951, at the ripe age of three, Polaroid began making instant X-ray film. Some feel the Polaroid's circle of clumsy, drunken friends may have played a role in inspiring this advance, though the claim is unverified.
Throughout the second half of the Polaroid's life, it focused heavily on improving its body. Able to adapt to the needs and wants of its time, the Polaroid reinvented itself over and over again. In 1999, the Polaroid reached out to the younger set, slimming down its physique for its manifestation as the highly popular i-Zone. In its i-Zone form, the Polaroid became both more accessible and portable.
In its later days, the Polaroid was embraced by the hipster population, who identified with the quirky, retro ways of the Polaroid, as it served as a backlash to the digital camera. They have yet to issue a statement on the matter.
The Polaroid is survived by the digital era, as well as by its devoted fan base. Polaroid images will be commemorated privately, with close family and friends requesting they be tacked on bedroom walls, with "Good Timessss! Summer '91" written in Sharpie on the lower edge.
Polaroid throughout the years
A look at the many faces (and models!) of Polaroid.
1938: Polaroid Corporation founded by Edwin H. Land.
1948: First instant camera hits the market.
1948-1953: Introduction of the Roll Camera, retailing at $89.75. Requires "instant roll film" to be placed directly into the camera.
1978: Polavision Motion Picture Camera invented. Coming out at the start of many an amateur filmmaking career, this short-lived camera is widely considered a huge flop for Polaroid.
1981: 600-Series Integral Print Camera is a big success for the company. The ultimate in '80s photo technology, this camera is the one that comes to mind when you think "Polaroid."
1997: Introduction of the i-Zone camera. Marketed towards kids, this mini version of the instant camera printed pictures on a pull-out strip that could be decorated and re-shaped to your liking.
February 2008: Polaroid announces it will stop production of Polaroid cameras and film. Technological rejectors and hipsters alike mourn their passing.
