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Design Classics No.8
Posted by: Rose Brown on 12th Apr 2010 in Design Classics
The SX-70 Polaroid Camera: What happens when there is no longer a market for a design classic?
By Rose Brown
It has been a year since Polaroid ceased all production related to the iconic instant camera and film. This end to the Polaroid photograph is a reminder that although a classic, loved by one and all, it is ultimately a product, whose longevity is dictated by supply and demand. This is a reality that we as consumers, designers and design enthusiasts should be prepared for as technology continues to evolve, saturate and overwhelm the marketplace with temporary, cheap, design solutions. I wonder, can we still create classic design, or rather is there still a market for it?
Polaroid's much loved SX-70 camera was produced between 1972-1981. The possibility of an instant photograph matched with its elegant, but somewhat space-age, foldaway design shows an enthusiasm for futuristic design prevalent throughout 70s. In hindsight this now seems a naive optimism especially for the Polaroid, as it ultimately resulted in its demise. The reality is that today even these instant photographs are not instant enough. The advent of the digital camera must be held accountable for the soulless act that amateur photography has become. In the past capturing a moment took consideration and care and gave us an opportunity to look back on a cherished memory. Now digital cameras have eliminated the need for such care. Every memory is captured, whether significant or not, and although we have hundreds of shots how often do we revisit them once stored away? And most worryingly were we so busy capturing these memories that we missed them completely?
A standard box of Polaroid film meant 10 photographs straight into our hands. A camera with a unique processing system that instantly developed memories into dreamy unpredictable pictures meant the aim for a great Polaroid was not for the perfect picture, or the most beautiful, but for the most interesting. It is the surprise of how a Polaroid will turn out that is one of the most exciting parts of the process and it is this unpredictability that makes a Polaroid image unique, and human, and impossible for a computer, or digital camera, to imitate.
A design classic is often defined as a product that has stood the test of time. This brings us to the now inappropriately named The Impossible Project, the end result of a passionate group of ex-Polaroid employees who were determined to bring the instant photograph back from the dead, and who on March 25th successfully marked the rebirth of the Polaroid, with vintage-inspired Polaroid cameras, and film, once again available for purchase. A current market trend towards retro or vintage design gives a classic product such as the SX-70 camera a chance to re-enter the marketplace not only at its aesthetic peak, but with improved functionality and even a warranty. There is hope yet for this special camera. Long live the Polaroid.
The following superb images are from and credited to The Impossible Project. In order of appearance; beach chair shot by minkoff; face by impossible test lab; sign by sixblueten:
Posted by: Rose Brown on 12th Apr 2010 in Design Classics
The SX-70 Polaroid Camera: What happens when there is no longer a market for a design classic?
By Rose Brown
It has been a year since Polaroid ceased all production related to the iconic instant camera and film. This end to the Polaroid photograph is a reminder that although a classic, loved by one and all, it is ultimately a product, whose longevity is dictated by supply and demand. This is a reality that we as consumers, designers and design enthusiasts should be prepared for as technology continues to evolve, saturate and overwhelm the marketplace with temporary, cheap, design solutions. I wonder, can we still create classic design, or rather is there still a market for it?
Polaroid's much loved SX-70 camera was produced between 1972-1981. The possibility of an instant photograph matched with its elegant, but somewhat space-age, foldaway design shows an enthusiasm for futuristic design prevalent throughout 70s. In hindsight this now seems a naive optimism especially for the Polaroid, as it ultimately resulted in its demise. The reality is that today even these instant photographs are not instant enough. The advent of the digital camera must be held accountable for the soulless act that amateur photography has become. In the past capturing a moment took consideration and care and gave us an opportunity to look back on a cherished memory. Now digital cameras have eliminated the need for such care. Every memory is captured, whether significant or not, and although we have hundreds of shots how often do we revisit them once stored away? And most worryingly were we so busy capturing these memories that we missed them completely?
A standard box of Polaroid film meant 10 photographs straight into our hands. A camera with a unique processing system that instantly developed memories into dreamy unpredictable pictures meant the aim for a great Polaroid was not for the perfect picture, or the most beautiful, but for the most interesting. It is the surprise of how a Polaroid will turn out that is one of the most exciting parts of the process and it is this unpredictability that makes a Polaroid image unique, and human, and impossible for a computer, or digital camera, to imitate.
A design classic is often defined as a product that has stood the test of time. This brings us to the now inappropriately named The Impossible Project, the end result of a passionate group of ex-Polaroid employees who were determined to bring the instant photograph back from the dead, and who on March 25th successfully marked the rebirth of the Polaroid, with vintage-inspired Polaroid cameras, and film, once again available for purchase. A current market trend towards retro or vintage design gives a classic product such as the SX-70 camera a chance to re-enter the marketplace not only at its aesthetic peak, but with improved functionality and even a warranty. There is hope yet for this special camera. Long live the Polaroid.
The following superb images are from and credited to The Impossible Project. In order of appearance; beach chair shot by minkoff; face by impossible test lab; sign by sixblueten:
Comments
Posted by kent on 12th Apr 2010 04:26 PM
I know what you mean. I was in the British Museum Egyptian galleries one Saturday and it was absolutely packed. I was struck by the fact that hardly anyone was actually LOOKING at the exhibits. Just snapping them with their phones and digital cameras and moving swiftly on. A kind of 'seeing by proxy' where you don't even need to connect your eyes to your intellect or even memory.
I know what you mean. I was in the British Museum Egyptian galleries one Saturday and it was absolutely packed. I was struck by the fact that hardly anyone was actually LOOKING at the exhibits. Just snapping them with their phones and digital cameras and moving swiftly on. A kind of 'seeing by proxy' where you don't even need to connect your eyes to your intellect or even memory.
Posted by rachel Brown on 13th Apr 2010 02:28 AM
that was a beautifully written blog. i have been inspired to dust off my old polaroid and get snapping.
that was a beautifully written blog. i have been inspired to dust off my old polaroid and get snapping.
Posted by Conno on 13th Apr 2010 02:42 PM
One of the nicest things about Polaroid photos is the way you can manipulate (literally, physically) the image while it's still "setting".
One of the nicest things about Polaroid photos is the way you can manipulate (literally, physically) the image while it's still "setting".
Posted by Ed on 14th Apr 2010 06:43 PM
I remember getting one for Christmas in the 70s. We thought the 'before your eyes' development process a kind of miracle. Perhaps a magic that it still maintains to this day?
Interesting that the 'miracle' of digital photography is now unremarkable, even mundane.
I remember getting one for Christmas in the 70s. We thought the 'before your eyes' development process a kind of miracle. Perhaps a magic that it still maintains to this day?
Interesting that the 'miracle' of digital photography is now unremarkable, even mundane.
