This content has been marked as final.
Show 33 replies
-
1. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Ann Shelbourne Feb 8, 2008 10:43 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I will just wing it without Polaroids.
Annoying, but not enough to derail the train and certainly not enough to make me want to encumber myself with a scanning back and a laptop on every shoot.
I don't really need Polaroids anyway but they do help to entertain the clients. -
2. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 8, 2008 10:48 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)It means you'll be buying Fujiroid instead... -
3. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Ann Shelbourne Feb 8, 2008 10:54 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Is that what's planned?
The Ahrens article (which was pretty badly written!) didn't mention that but then he didn't mention large format Polaroid for Pro use anyway.
I imagine that may have been the only product that Polaroid has sold in recent years. -
4. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Feb 8, 2008 10:56 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)>It means you'll be buying Fujiroid instead...
I believe this is probably correct I think the last time polaroid was thinking of closing up shop Fuji showed an interest and i think once they acquire the rights to Polaroid process they will come out with some interesting innovations.
Fuji being a smarter company. -
5. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 8, 2008 11:08 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&feature1=Fujifilm&cat1=Film%20%26%20Darkroo m&cat2=Film&cat3=Instant%20Film%20%26%20Accessories&Sterm=instant_fujifilm_film&gclid=CPvc o8nFtpECFR_NiQodgAc8Mg
I have friends who have been using Fuji instant print film for years. -
6. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Ann Shelbourne Feb 8, 2008 11:35 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Thank you Peter for that I didn't know it existed.
It's half the price of Polaroid too! -
7. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Feb 9, 2008 1:02 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Thank you Peter i will be at the store on sunday to try this $33.00 my clients always wanted color proofs. ann there are certain things that are better unsaid, think about it when billing your client.
I wrote that wrong.
$33.00 for ten sheets Ann same price as polaroids about. -
8. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Ann Shelbourne Feb 9, 2008 8:07 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I didn't notice that Fuji only packed in tens.
:(
Actually, I always avoided color polaroid because you then have to explain that the color on the REAL shots will be just fine. B&W makes them concentrate on content and not fuss about colors. -
9. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Hudechrome-sd9sPI Feb 9, 2008 8:58 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I agree, Ann. I never shot color Polaroids for clients. Scared the bejesus out of me to even think of it! -
10. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Feb 9, 2008 10:07 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)The amazing thing about this is that though I too never get good color from the either I have seen many pros who use it and the color looks accurate and impressive.
Really, I am wondering if they were using this Fuji version? I will try and see. -
11. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 9, 2008 12:11 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)With fresh Polaroid Type 59 and proper development in the right temperature, which usually meant longer than the recommended times, they were quite good. The basic rule of thumb was that if you had a good looking 'roid, your chrome would be great. There was also the added bonus that Polaroid's limited range was actually a pretty good match for what was reproducible in print, although now, with good drum scanning technique, I can pull more out of a chrome at both ends than we ever used to get from commercial prepress scanning houses. -
12. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Ann Shelbourne Feb 9, 2008 1:14 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I actuallt tuck Polaroids under my wing to cook them (like a chicken hatching eggs?) and then "count potatoes".
It always causes much merriment but you can be sure of a consistent temperature that way.
And I can count potatoes fairly consistently too. -
13. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 9, 2008 1:24 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)That's how I've done it for thirty years - at least two minutes, not the 90 seconds recommeded. -
14. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Hudechrome-sd9sPI Feb 9, 2008 5:49 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Under arm for 90 to 120 seconds! -
15. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Allen Wicks Feb 10, 2008 4:52 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Gawd....
0.1 second and look at the pic on the LCD.
Take another second and check histogram and hot spots.
Take another second and zoom in eyeball-tight on a 3 inch 920,000 pixel LCD...
Polaroid? Armpits? Sheesh!
:) -
16. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Ann Shelbourne Feb 10, 2008 5:16 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)It's a different kind of photography Allen
Take that as you will!
;)
Actually for hand-held on-the-go, its aim, focus, shoot and move on. (No Polaroids!)
Batting average seems to be running at about 98% on the Chinese shots and I have got 4000 of them!
Now this is certainly going to be some slide show. (Soft cushions will be provided.)
Or a VERY heavy book. -
17. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 10, 2008 5:52 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I did a job for Clarion Car Stereo two years ago for twenty foot tall CES displays and decided that even for that type of output film would be a better choice. It seemed extremely archaic to have to wait for Polaroids, but the results were worth it and the Clarion booth won the award for best booth at CES that year. Shooting film and Polaroid forces you to slow down and contemplate your image but art directors are part of the now generation, as in see it NOW, and even waiting for a Polaroid to too much for them. When you start out shooting film for decades and then move to digital, you can appreciate both disciplines, but if digital is all you've ever known, as it is with so many now, they'll never really understand. -
18. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Hudechrome-sd9sPI Feb 10, 2008 7:14 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Coating your own glass, unloading the donkey and setting up tent and camera really slows you down.
Especially while you wait for the glass plate to develop.
And what about those faded edges? :D
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/phws/ho_1979.622.htm
My favorite 19th Century Oregon photographer.
Get a load of the plate size!
I spent the better part of a day examining his prints from those plates. Still gives me the goose pimples to think of it. -
19. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 10, 2008 7:25 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Watkins has been one of my favorites for many years. Finally got to see a bunch of original prints at the Getty a couple of years ago. I'm pretty sure he was the first photographer in Yosemite. -
20. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Hudechrome-sd9sPI Feb 10, 2008 8:10 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)There is a superb collection at the Oregon Historical Society. I rate several of his images from here as some of the best:
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/phws/ho_2005.100.109.htm
This is his supreme image of the Columbia, IMO. I have looked at this print longer than any of his others. Being so close to the gorge for so long, it's spirit is now infused in my bones, and this image shows, more than any other, what was the essence which has past with the coming of contemporary transportation.
It is the simplest, and the most abstract of any he shot, yet the spirit is there. -
21. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 10, 2008 9:06 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I never get tired of his work. That is an elegant image. It's hard to put into words what his images do to me. I've probably been influenced more by Watkins and Friedlander than anyone. -
22. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Hudechrome-sd9sPI Feb 10, 2008 10:23 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I'm not taken much by Friedlander. Don't know why.
I discovered Watkins when a friend told me I should go up to the OHS and look him up because of the giant prints.
You should see it full size.
His focal length for his 16x20 negs was around 20 inches, making all his shots moderately wide angle. Coincidentally, when I purchased my 8x10, I picked up a Kodak 10" Commercial Ektar which is just wide enough to cover 8x10 so long as you don't go off center. So much of my early 8x10 had the same field of view his did. Which points out something interesting. At 16x20, with all that sharpness, even in the 1800's, focal length be damned! Smaller sizes even contact prints it is less so.
I remember reading once that the proper viewing distance for a print is the focal length x magnification. So his 16x20's are best viewed from 20" away. That really worked. -
23. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Feb 11, 2008 2:29 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I wonder if Allen understands what you guys see as being so special about this guy Watkins.
It might seem obvious to you guys but I am sure many here would say a what?
That is why you are not getting a reaction from many of the people who would chime in in a second when a post announcing a new lens is put up.
Don't you find that interesting? -
24. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Feb 11, 2008 2:39 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Lawrence,
It's funny that a Friedlander image was featured in the current New Yorker Magazine and it's not one I'm particularly fond of. The images that I found most compelling came from his book Self Portrait. Also came across an ancient Johnny Cash live lp that he did the cover for. I always find it interesting to see what noted fine art photographers also did to earn money in the real world.
Wade,
I'm really not sure what you're referreing to. I can't speak for Lawrence, but I don't think we're posting just to get a reaction. We're having a discussion and anyone is welcome to join in or not. I'm not reallly keeping score. -
25. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Allen Wicks Feb 12, 2008 3:08 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)>I wonder if Allen understands what you guys see as being so special about this guy Watkins. It might seem obvious to you guys but I am sure many here would say a what? That is why you are not getting a reaction from many of the people who would chime in in a second when a post announcing a new lens is put up. Don't you find that interesting?
Pretty logical actually. Watkins's work very much is art history. Folks on Photoshop forums are generally concerned with discussing ways to improve their work. A new lens or a PS technique is of current interest.
That does NOT mean that beautiful historic work from Rembrandt, Ansel or Watkins is not appreciated nor does it mean that folks not raving about historical work in these forums are necessarily incapable of appreciating work by various masters. It just means that most folks do not come to the PS - by definition modern and digital - Forums to discuss Art History. -
26. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Hudechrome-sd9sPI Feb 12, 2008 5:27 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Also, without actually seeing his work, either in a book or the real prints, not much to chime in. I read lots here that I note for further research, or if I have the time right then, I Google to gat a handle on it. Even then, I am not likely to comment for a period of time...if ever.
There is so much more to photography than just the pieces, or even one's own pictures! -
27. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Feb 13, 2008 7:07 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Exactly what I meant! -
28. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Mar 16, 2008 5:24 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)Polaroid has already stop making the polaroid film and is currently just selling their stock which will not last very long.
I have just tested the Fuji instant print film and I can say it is much better that Polaroid color ever was or hoped to be and the fact that I can now show my client a reasonable color proof is even better and the fact that two packs of ten sheets takes up a lot less space than one package of polaroids even when the Polaroid is removed from the box is even a better deal and the fuji holder is more friendly then any Polaroid holder ever was as well.
A slight tug is all that is needed. A little slow at developing in cool weather but even if you don't wait for full development you get the idea.
This was definitely an idea waiting to happen, and thankfully it has happened. The only thing is to be able to purchase the holder since they are so scarce at the moment. -
29. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Hudechrome-sd9sPI Mar 16, 2008 9:46 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)i Polaroid color ever was or hoped to be
Zimmerman has proclaimed again! Who now could ever think that Polaroid ever had a chance.
Poor Polaroid. -
30. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Ann Shelbourne Mar 16, 2008 10:27 AM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I did try color Polaroid back in the very early 70's and was so unimpressed with the muddy colors that I never bothered with it again.
I reckoned that it was just more trouble than it was worth to explain to clients that the final prints were not going to look in the least like that and would turn out to be just fine.
From then until now, I have just stuck with BW Polaroid so that clients could only use it to view, and approve, image content. -
31. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
(Peter_Figen) Mar 16, 2008 12:34 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)T59 Polacolor was really quite nice. You shouldn't have given up so soon. The other great thing about 59 was that it very closely represented the tonal range that most offest presses could reproduce, so that if you got a really nice looking 'roid, you knew that your final job would be very printable. What we used to say was if you got a good looking 'roid, then you'd have great looking film. -
32. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Mar 16, 2008 6:30 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)I never got anything from any of the Polaroid film that represented anything near real color.
I did check out the fuji again on an overcast day and the colors is a bit off.
yOu guys are funny, it is perfectly fie for you to proclaim something and think everyone will agree but when someone elsewell you're ridiculous to say the least, but hen I guess I don't have to tell you after all you know better than I do. -
33. Re: Polaroid to stop making film next year!
Wade S Zimmerman Mar 16, 2008 9:23 PM (in response to Wade S Zimmerman)An interesting thing I found out about the Fuji pack is that it the tab fails to show up you can open the back of the film pack holder and place the tab in the right position and then close the back of the holder and pull the tab through without damaging the film.
I've done this five times today and all the film was properly processed.

