The instant camera is a type of camera that generates a developed film image. The most popular types to use self-developing film were formerly made by Polaroid Corporation.
The invention of modern instant cameras is generally credited to American scientist Edwin Land, who unveiled the first commercial instant camera, the Land Camera, in 1948, a year after unveiling instant film in New York City. The earliest instant camera, which consisted of a camera and portable darkroom in a single compartment, was invented in 1923 by Samuel Shlafrock.
In February 2008, Polaroid announced it would discontinue production of film, shut down three factories and lay off 450 workers. Sales of chemical film by all makers have dropped by at least 25% per year in the first decade of the 21st century. Fujifilm is now the only remaining supplier of instant film in the United States. However, in October 2009, Polaroid announced it would bring back its classic instant film cameras, after announcing the year before that production was to be stopped.
Read more about Instant Camera: Types of Polaroid Instant Cameras, Types of Non-Polaroid Instant Cameras, Usage, Taking An Instant Photograph
Famous quotes containing the words instant and/or camera:
“No, I have never found
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This is my proper ground,
Here I shall stay;
Nor met that special one
Who has an instant claim
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Down to my name....”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“The camera is a killing chamber, which speeds up the time it claims to be conserving. Like coffins exhumed and prised open, the photographs put on show what we were and what we will be again.”
—Peter Conrad (b. 1948)