It doesn’t really matter that digital is – not the future but – the present of photography. I don’t think any of my photographer friends use film in their professional practice but probably all of them use it once in a while for other, ‘personal’ stuff. Photographing on film, especially with medium and large format cameras, is very different from photographing with DSLR. Photographing is a process that is effected by the tools and methods used.

Just about a year ago, Polaroid announced that they won’t be making Polaroid film much longer and in June this year production was stopped. This was obviously a great blow to many but most of all to those who’s style depends on the use of it.

Now, a group of Dutch heroes have bought the equipment that was used to make Polaroid and not only are they re-starting it’s production but are also researching into modern ways of assembling the film cartridge.

The Impossible mission is NOT to re-build Polaroid Integral film but (with the help of strategic partners) to develop a new product with new characteristics, consisting of new optimised components, produced with a streamlined modern setup. An innovative and fresh analog material, sold under a new brand name that perfectly will match the global re-positioning of Integral Films.

Impossible b.v. Be sure to check it out. They have a more info on the project as well as really cool Polaroids of machinery used to make it.

–kristian

So the end is here for those of us who use Polaroid instant films. They have just announced that they will be shutting down its production in the end of 2008. Better buy that extra fridge I’ve always planned to get and start hoarding. Read more from the Boston Globe.

–kristian

–kristian