300 million.
That’s the number of fully functioning Polaroid cameras that were saved in October of 2008 when a very small, but very passionate group of people sought out to save the dying photography medium. They called their mission "The Impossible Project."
Fast forward to 2010 as the first two lines of new Polaroid film are created, and well, the rest is history. So why is the film called ‘Impossible?’ We’ll let you be the judge of that. Read the rest of the Impossible story here and explore some of our favorite Impossible products.
Polaroid SX-70 - The Impossible Project
In April of 1972, Edwin H. Land, co-founder of the Polaroid Corporation, pulled a folded SX-70 instant camera from his suit coat pocket, quickly snapped five pictures, and amazed everyone as the photos were ejected from the camera automatically. Thus, the SX-70 was born.
With its collapsible design and vintage flare, the Polaroid SX-70 remains a true classic SLR instant camera. A sonar autofocus and 4-element 116mm f/8 glass lens make the SX-70 capable of taking exceptionally clear instant photos. Pair the SX-70 with Impossible film and you’ve got yourself a nostalgic beauty ready to capture all your future memories.
SX-70 Polaroid Camera - The Impossible ProjectImpossible Color Film - The Impossible Project
When the fantastic folks from the Impossible Project took over the last standing Polaroid factory, they had a serious job to do when it came to film. Since the original Polaroid color dyes were no longer available, how were they supposed to create analog film? The Impossible Project had one year to reinvent an entirely new instant film system—a feat most said couldn’t be done. The first two new film lines launched in 2010, one of which was a color film compatible with Polaroid SX-70 and 600 models.
We just so happen to carry Impossible Color Film, and we must say, we’re quite impressed. The Impossible Color Film flaunts a high level of detail and sharpness, greater color saturation, and impressive image quality thanks to an innovative color protection formula.
Impossible Instant Lab - The Impossible Project
Our awesome Impossible rep, Larry, visited pictureline a few weeks ago and he brought this nifty little thing called the Impossible Instant Lab. The Instant Lab transforms any iPhone or iPod Touch photo into analog print. Using the Impossible Project App, you can edit your prints, plug your device right into the Instant Lab, and voila! You’ve got yourself some instant prints worthy of wall hanging.
So, now that you know the Impossible Project story and we’ve got you all excited about instant, keep your eyes open for an upcoming event in conjunction with our good friends at Impossible. Once the grass starts to get a little greener and the days start to get a little longer, we’ll kick off the Impossible event. In the meantime, be sure to peruse through the fantastic blog that is the Impossible Project. Stay tuned analog enthusiasts.
Instant Prints - The Impossible Project