Polaroid cameras
were popular with casual photographers because they made it easy and quick to see the developed picture. The invention of digital cameras has made it possible to instantly view and manipulate photographs, eliminating the advantages of instant film.
History
The first Polaroid camera was produced in 1947 and called the Model 95. The era of the instant film camera ended in February 2008, when Polaroid discontinued the production of film and closed several of its factories.
Function
Polaroid cameras use special film to create pictures that are developed instantly. Early models combined positive and negatives inside the camera, then applied a developing agent. Newer cameras like the Spectra and Captiva simplified the process by including the developer in the film.
Roll Film
The first Polaroid cameras used two rolls of film, one for the negative image and another for the positive and developing agent. The rolls were combined inside of the camera to create the final image. Roll film was used in the 95 series, 100 series, 800, 850, 900, J33, J66 and Swinger cameras.
Pack Film
Pack film cameras like the Model 3000, Big Shot and Square Shooter developed the picture outside of the camera. The film consisted of a positive and negative that are pressed together. After waiting several minutes to allow the two sides to combine, the top was peeled off to reveal the developed photograph.
Integral Film
The latest models of Polaroid cameras use integral film, which contains all the necessary developing agents. Photographs taken on integral film will develop on their own once they are ejected from the camera. The popular SX-70 was one of the first to use square integral film, with the 600 series, Spectra, Pronto and Captiva models following soon after.
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