Ilford photo involvement in development of new Polaroid style instant film
5/3/9
After the decision by Polaroid in 2008 to cease production of its
instant films, a much-loved method of photography looked set to
disappear forever. However, leading photo-imaging company, HARMAN
technology Limited can confirm it is now involved in a new venture
which could deliver welcome news to millions of Polaroid instant
camera fans across the world.
The manufacturer - whose brands include the ILFORD analogue range,
HARMAN PHOTO inkjet papers and KENTMERE PHOTOGRAPHIC - is supporting
‘The Impossible Project’ which is being spearheaded by a Dutch
business known as Impossible b.v.
Formed by a group of businessmen and a number of ex-Polaroid
employees, Impossible b.v has signed a 10-year lease on part of
Polaroid’s former factory in Enschede, Holland and acquired some of
Polaroid’s original production machinery for producing 600, SX70 and
Image films.
As the business aims not to rebuild Polaroid integral film but to
develop a new product with new and improved characteristics, it has
turned to HARMAN and its 130 years of experience in the production
of analogue films for product development guidance and additional
insight on manufacturing methods.
HARMAN’s product development team has confirmed the manufacturer is
able to create the desired instant film but negotiations continue as
to the extent of future involvement.
As Howard Hopwood, HARMAN technology’s Chairman, points out:
“Recognising the almost cult status and huge following of Polaroid
instant cameras, we would love to be involved in any initiative
which preserves their future use. To this end, we did try to take on
production of Polaroid instant film in the latter half of 2008 but
could not reach a commercially viable agreement with the Polaroid
Corporation.
“The Impossible Project represents a new glimmer of hope but we must
also stress that discussions are still in the early stages. We would
like nothing more than to reach a satisfactory agreement and should
this happen, a prototype could be unveiled by late 2009 with a view
to full scale production commencing in 2010.”
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