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Instant movie cameras

Main article: Polavision

Not only did Polaroid make instant still-image cameras, but they also manufactured a type of instant movie camera. The unit was called Polavision. The kit included a camera, film, and a movie viewer. When the movie was shot, it would be taken out of the camera and then inserted into the viewer for development, then viewed after development. This format was close to Super 8 mm film. Polavision film was different from normal film in that it was an additive film, mixing the primary colors (red, green, blue) to form the color image. The biggest disadvantage of the Polavision system was the low film speed (ASA 40), which resulted in having to use very bright lights when taking the movie, as well as requiring a special player to view the developed movie. Because of this, and combined with the advent of VHS video recorders, Polavision had a short history.

Types of non-Polaroid instant cameras

Some of the earliest instant cameras were brought to market before Edwin Land’s invention of the instant camera. These cameras are, however, more portable darkrooms than “instant” camera. After Land’s patent was brought to market, many imitators surfaced, some using Polaroid-compatible film and equipment, such as cameras by Keystone, Konica, and Minolta. Others were incompatible with Polaroid cameras and film, the most notable of these being made by Kodak, such as the Kodamatic. These cameras accepted a Kodak-branded integral instant film, similar to Polaroid’s SX-70 film. Polaroid brought a patent-infringement lawsuit against Kodak, and eventually Kodak was forced to stop manufacture of both the camera and film. Kodak was also left to pay a settlement to some customers who were left without a way to use their now-defunct cameras.

Customers were offered the chance to exchange such Kodak cameras (e.g. the EK160-EF), for one of the new Disc cameras. Although many did make the swap, some did not trust the new disc format,^{[citation needed]} especially in light of the instant picture camera fiasco and held onto their cameras. There are still many thousands available and even in mint condition with all the original booklets, instructions and carrying case they are worth little, and certainly far less than their original 1970s selling price.^{[citation needed]}

Fujifilm

In more recent years, Fujifilm has introduced a line of instant cameras and film in Japanese and Asian markets. Fujifilm called their instant camera line Fotorama. Starting in the early 1980 the F series of cameras include the F-10, F-50S and F-62AF. The mid 80’s introduced the 800 series with models such as the MX800, 850E, and Mr Handy collapsible. The ACE cameras were introduced in the mid 1990’s and film identical to the 800 film but with different cartridge. The integral films are based on the Kodak line of instant camera films. The instant films FI-10/PI-800/ACE series are somewhat compatible with Kodak line of instant cameras, with minor modifications to the cartridge to make it fit. The F series film was discontinued in 1994 but similar modifications on other Fujifilm cartridge box can be made. But there is a difference in ISO film speed, images may appear too washed out or overexposed, without enough control; some cameras may not be able to produce an adequate image. The Fotorama FP series uses peel-apart film like the 100 series compatible with Polaroid models. In the late 1990s Fujifilm introduced a new series of cameras using a new film called Instax it was available in markets outside the US. Instax became available in smaller mini size with the introduction of the Instax mini/Cheki line. The Polaroid’s Mio was available in the US, it uses the same film as the Fujifilm Instax Mini series but were rebranded as Mio film. None of Fujifilm’s products were sold officially in the United States, although the Polaroid-compatible film is available through some larger photographic suppliers. With the announcement in 2008 of Polaroid ceasing film production, the Instax and peel-apart type films are slowly becoming available in more channels.

Usage

A “manipulated” SX-70 photograph of a Chevy Nova

Instant cameras have found many uses throughout their history. The original purpose of instant cameras can be encapsulated by Jennifer Land’s question to her father (Edwin Land): “Why can’t I see them now?” Many people have enjoyed seeing their photos shortly after taking them, allowing them to recompose or retake the photo if they didn’t get it right. But instant cameras were found to be useful for other purposes such as ID cards, passport photos, ultrasound photos, and other uses which required an instant photo. They were also used by police officers and fire investigators because of their ability to create an unalterable instant photo. Medium and large format professional photographers have also used the higher end instant cameras to preview lighting before taking the more expensive medium and/or large format photo. Instant film also has been used in ways that are similar to folk art, including the transfer of the images/emulsion and image manipulation.

With the advent of digital photography, much of the instant camera’s consumer appeal has been transferred to the digital cameras. Even most passport photo cameras have gone to digital, leaving instant cameras to a niche market.