Color me STOKED.
I have this on my left.
And this on my right.
What’s that, you ask? It’s my new Polaroid camera. Well, it’s the back of the box containing my “new” vintage Polaroid camera. #90 of the last 700 Polaroid cameras ever to be produced, to be exact.
I’m not sure if you were aware, but Polaroid ended production of Instant Film in 2008. Shortly thereafter, an amazing group of people launched The Impossible Project and acquired all of the machinery and film production equipment at Polaroid’s Dutch factory in hopes to bring back instant film in 2010.
Many years ago, when D and I decided to take our long-distance relationship to the next level, we packed up our belongings and moved to Chicago to start our life together. During that time, I bought him a mini-Polaroid camera. I have such wonderful memories of our first couple of years together, and that camera captured so much of that time. (Maybe I’ll scan some for you to see!)
When I found out that Urban Outfitters was partnering with The Impossible Project to help support their mission to restart and reinvent instant film photography, I was beyond thrilled. Starting this week, Urban Outfitters is selling deadstock Polaroid film (saved from the last production runs at the Polaroid factory in Netherlands) AND a Special Edition Polaroid Camera Kit. Sales of the film and camera kits directly support The Impossible Project.
Needless to say, I was standing at my local UO store this morning at 10 a.m. sharp. I might have gulped rather loudly when I heard the total ($180 for the kit), but I know my money is directly supporting this super project.
I don’t know – I just think the world would be a slightly less fun place without Polaroids. Call me crazy.
You can learn more here. It’s time to take my camera for a spin!
Angella
August 28, 2009 at 4:00 pmWe’ve already talked about this, but I’m literally squeeing. SQUEEING.
I dug out my old Polaroid (It’s pink!) and now need to buy film.
Maybe I should bring my Polaroid when I come see you in January…
.-= Angella´s last blog ..Rites of Passage =-.
CatrinkaS
August 28, 2009 at 4:04 pmNothing better than a Polaroid.
.-= CatrinkaS´s last blog ..Homework =-.
Cupcakes and Cashmere
August 28, 2009 at 4:08 pmi’m right there with ya…it would be truly tragic if poloroids were no longer.
.-= Cupcakes and Cashmere´s last blog ..Play date =-.
andrea
August 28, 2009 at 4:15 pmMy entire childhood was captured through a series of poloroid pictures so I was devastated when I heard they were no longer in production. I am sure I am too late for one of the UO cameras, but here is hoping that they are indeed able to bring them back next year.
I’ll be adding Jelly Belly’s to my next Costco list, thanks to you.
.-= andrea´s last blog ..Urban Cowboy =-.
sweetsalty kate
August 28, 2009 at 4:31 pmThis is pure photo deliciousness in store for you. Fantastic!
.-= sweetsalty kate´s last blog ..soul febreeze =-.
pgoodness
August 28, 2009 at 4:32 pmSO awesome!!
.-= pgoodness´s last blog ..The day of & the morning after =-.
Miguelina
August 28, 2009 at 6:32 pmI know what you mean. I made a wrong turn once and ended up at the boarded-up Polaroid headquarters it’s (or rather was) in the next town over and I drove around for a little bit. It was spooky, sure, but more than anything it was sad.
Glad you got a camera, though!
.-= Miguelina´s last blog ..Everyday Treats: Super WHY! =-.
Lady Mama
August 28, 2009 at 9:07 pmThat is very cool. Polaroid feels like a distant memory.
.-= Lady Mama´s last blog ..A Londoner at heart =-.
Just Shireen
August 28, 2009 at 9:29 pmOh, I love my Polaroid. I got it as a birthday present when I turned 16 and was just getting into photography. I don’t use it nearly enough though.
.-= Just Shireen´s last blog ..This Isn’t the Vacation You’re Looking For =-.
Ninotchka
August 29, 2009 at 7:26 amI bought an old sx-70 last year and I can’t tell you the joy it has brought me. I’m thrilled to hear of the return of instant film. It’s getting harder and harder to come by and I just don’t want to imagine a world without it. Have fun shooting!
Amanda Nicole
August 29, 2009 at 7:41 amI am so thrilled that Polaroid film is coming back! I can finally dust off the ol’ doll!
.-= Amanda Nicole´s last blog ..post pastiche =-.
Kerri Anne
August 29, 2009 at 11:30 pmI’ve already taken two! (glorious) polaroid shots with Mr. #586 (his temporary name until I can think of a better moniker), and I cannot wait! until I can buy another pack of film.
So so so awesome.
.-= Kerri Anne´s last blog ..Apropos Of Nothing =-.
Rose T. Ellis
August 30, 2009 at 7:16 amMany years ago, when D and I decided to take our long-distance relationship to the next level, we packed up our belongings and moved to Chicago to start our life together. During that time, I bought him a mini-Polaroid camera. I have such wonderful memories of our first couple of years together, and that camera captured so much of that time. (Maybe I’ll scan some for you to see!)
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How about a post (& scanned polaroids of course) on how you met & the start of your life together … or a point in the direction if that’s already been documented.