WHAT's WITH INSTANT....

 Granted.... non-instant will produce far better results.  Heck, even your cellphone will take better photos.

(shot of my long departed Gunner on a "real camera")

Digital just doesn't feel "real".  It's there.  It's sharable.  You can do many things with the images.

Having something tangible in hand is.... hard to explain.

I've said enough about the physical artifact attribute of instant prints in previous posts.

What prompted this post?

Sitting at my desk, scanning the recent Polaroids to post on a Polaroid Group site, I grabbed some recent instant prints (Polaroids and Instax), looked at them, arranged them, tossed them around, admired or hated the images, stacked them, ranked them, etc...

Let's just say it feels more tangible.  More real.

PAINT with LIGHT

 (Polaroid SX70 - Mint SLR670S - Netcore LED panel)

Some Tele action ???

 Initially didn't even know that this existed.  There are some other assemblies on the market where you can add a telephoto lens but they seem to have a problem where the barrel of the lens is in the frame of the photograph.

Polaroid back in the 70's offered this lens that doesn't have issues at all with barrel distortion.  I thought it would be just some sort of magnifying glass element but in fact is a 4 element lens.

Not expecting anything fantastic but the added reach and the ability to compress the native 35mm equivalent 40-50mm field of view from the SX-70 to be better able to shoot models once again will be great!

DARK SKIES...and missing pack film.

 Taken with a Polaroid 195 Land Camera using Fujifilm FB-3000 film.

There are several million Polaroid pack cameras still in the world.  When Fuji pulled the plug on the film back around 2017, it killed this wonderful film and the original Polaroid (this is when you had to shake it like a Polaroid).  

Pack cameras are the ones you pull out of the camera, waited 15 to 120 seconds and peel the film to give you the print!

If I hit the lottery, I would travel to the Netherlands and sit down with the people at Polaroid and make them an offer to start making this film once again.

The new Polaroid company has all the documents and rights to what Dr.Land invented and what the people in Cambridge, Mass created.  It can be done again.  Just need a lot of money.

GROWING THE LOVE OF IT...

 OK... another boring Polaroid shot.  Not crispy.  Slightly out of focus.  Odd composition. 

What's the big deal and why are you still shooting this?  You use to shoot on some of the best gear around.

The story on this.  Hand held for about 1.5s.  This is with a camera with a giant mirror moving up and down.  Held for this long because Polaroid has an f/8 lens (approximately f/2 in 35mm terms. 0.39 crop).

Considering the latitude of Polaroid film, the detailed saved is better than expected (thus the 1.5s exposure to give the film a chance to give me some detail in the shadow).

Look closely and you'll see really shallow depth of field.

Comparing Instax to Polaroid.  We all know Instax will produce a clearer, sharper and very pleasing image.  Polaroid is still a bit of hit and miss.  The images will never be as crispy or vibrant but has a softer tone and more vintage versus technical.

For us former or current Leica folks - we know this from lens characteristics.  A Summarit to Noctilux.

Consider Fujifilm as Summarit and Polaroid as Noctilux pre-aspherical.

Having been in pursuit for the "perfect technical" photograph, I loss the ability to know what artist have.  The ability to communicate through whatever form they desire.  Their interpretation of what they see, feel and want to convey.

In my quest to stay human (aka ANALOG), I've committed myself to this medium.  Very few great examples.  Ansel, Warhol, Newton, Evans, Tarkovsky, Kertesz, etc... exist but not much.

My niche.  My art.  My say.

The weapon of choice is the SX-70 (and all the variants).

Not only for the medium and film, but the challenges.

I learned today about the SX-70 from some optical scientist and engineers.  Although f/8 is the measurement you are told to use, the SX-70 uses what is called an efficient shutter aperture combination.

Easiest way to explain it... a variable shutter and aperture.  That's why the Mint Time Machine claims 1/2000s shutter speed when in fact an SX-70 can shoot roughly at 1/170s max.  Mint uses ratio's to calculate and the camera tries to give a combination shutter and aperture to 1/2000.  Considering that the camera will vary aperture from f/8 to f/96.

OK...too much tech geek stuff.

When done right... Polaroids (and yes even Fuji) are some of the most unique images.  Each one a painting since no two are ever a like.  They are indeed the ONLY true photograph and the ONLY real photographic ARTIFACT.  Digital is 1's and 0's.  Film negative isn't a physical capture and can be manipulated and duplicated.

INSTANT IS IT !

NEW ADDITIONS...

 With the i2 now with a new owner, I replaced it with the Polaroid Flip.  In the world of Polaroid, this camera stands in the mid pack of offerings.   

It revives the old Sonar autofocus system that came out in the mid-1970's and was way ahead of anyone. In fact, this is still the ONLY autofocus system that can autofocus in very dark or even dark environments.

Everyone in the Instant Film world was surprised that Polaroid came out with this camera right after bringing out the NOW+ 3.

The i2 was a struggle.  Even in automatic mode.  Getting a decent normal photo was a challenge that wore me out.

This Flip is indeed what the reviewers have said.  Nails it and costs about half of the flagship i2.

The camera to the right is the latest SX-70 to come to the lineup (saving the word fleet for the cars).

It is a Mint SLR670-S iType.

A modified and updated SX-70 that has a battery pack built in and can run all the current Polaroid films (except for the Polaroid Go film).  The gizmo on top is what they call the TIME MACHINE which will allow the user to select the shutter speed or allow the user to shoot automatically in either SX70 or 600/iType film formats.

I have an original SX-70 that has never been modified in the cabinet.  I wanted a chrome SX-70 to compliment the Mint SLR670-X-Ming-iType (whew what a name) and the recent SX-70 model 2 from Retrospekt Camera (they update, restore and covert the camera to use the 600 film.)

Polaroid isn't cheap to use.  

600 Film has the classic battery built in the film pack and costs about $2.30 a shot.
The iType film is Polaroid 600 minus the battery pack and costs about $2.00 a shot

The goal here...
As you know, I am at a stage where following the crowd is not something I want to do.
I want to carve my own path and yes, legacy (I'm at that age and stage of life).

The Filp will be the EDC type of camera (in addition to all the Fuji Instax variants).

The SX-70's will be for more serious work.

I just found and bought a hard to get (in good condition) an SX-70 telephoto lens.

The world is full of digital and film images.  Polaroids in terms of something special is harder to find out there.

I want to leave behind boxes of artifacts (that is what makes instant film photography so great).

More on this and my impressions of the Filp later.

Fujifilm Instax 99

 

Now that the Polaroid i2 is on it's way to a new home, it was time to fill a void.

As of now, this is Fujifilm's best analog Instax on the market - Mini99.

Compared shots with the EVO Mini which is a hybrid instant camera.

The 99 has a bit more warmth and depth to the photos.  The EVO shots do appear digital (clear and sharp).

Also took a photo with the Mint TL70 - had to attach an ND4 filter (2 stops) and stop down the lens to f/22.  Warm, excellent colors but heavy vingettng.

Each Instax mini has it's own pluses and minuses.

EVO - Digital capture = digital file.  Print when you want.  Looses that INSTANT vibe in terms of the image being a 1:1.

99 = Analog with some effects available.  Good performance.  Don't need filters to shoot bright outdoors.

TL70 = When you want to get serious.  Only wished there was a fully manual TL70 like it's big brother the TL70+

iTried.... iReally tried.... Polaroid i2...

 Well, the journey with the Polaroid i2 has come to an end.

It is on it's way to a new home in Massachusetts.  Sorta fits since Polaroid was based in Cambridge, Mass.

The limitations of it being a non-SLR, the lidar auto focus and the difficulty in just getting to do as I want, even with all the manual controls built in, I finally have said ENOUGH.

The Polaroid SX70s are still an engineering marvel and they are over 40 years old.  I am getting far superior results and the cool factor and immersive feeling from it makes me WANT to shoot it.

I got what I feel was a fair amount (since I use to dabble in the photo retail world for a few years).

In a way I was hoping this new generation of Polaroid and their flagship camera would have delivered the goods. 

It just came up a bit short.  

Starting to understand...

 I've never been the "sharpest tool in the tool shed" person.

I was trapped in that quest of the sharpest, most technically correct photograph with colors or shades that tell a story.

The quest ended up spending tons of money on gear over the years.  I had some of the very best that are out there but like a former photojournalist once told me.... "I've seen a lot of Leica images that frankly are crap".

Believe me I have had my share of crap from gear that is indeed perhaps some of the very best.

Another friend who worked at a camera store told me.... "don't ask what camera or lens, did you like the photo".  He was trying to educate me to go beyond this gear = photo quality.

Well it took me a long time.  I took the advice.  Looked at works.  Looked at paintings.  Look at art. Great works from the greats to those taken by enthusiasts who are accomplished.

I finally understood the importance of imperfection.  

AI is moving in a frightening pace.  In terms of images, it's getting so good, it's hard to know what's real anymore.

I was on a Flickr site devoted to SX70 images.  The rules for this group is that only photos taken with that specific series of Polaroid cameras are to be posted.  However a lot of posers.  You can tell because there is a look to a Polaroid and some of those images are just too perfect or are far beyond the scope of the old and current Polaroid films.

I digress....

The need for analog.  The need for the truth (in light of all the crap in our country right now).

I am still drawn to instant photography because it is TRUE.  Not manipulated.  Cannot be altered.  It's an artifact of that slice of time.

EMBRACE IMPERFECTION.  EMBRACE THE ART.  EMBRACE THE STORY.  EMBRACE THE FLAWS for all this is.... HUMAN.

Analog...

 

Cross the line...

 

FEEL...

 Still trying to get the feel of things.

No matter what camera the attraction is feel.

Notice the keyword here?  FEEL

Like driving not operating a car.

The feel of the car, the gear shift, the suspension, the vibrations of an engine.

With mechanical watches.

Same as a car.  Seeing gears and levers moving to precision to tell time.

Fountain pens.

The feel.  The art of loading ink.  The result that requires you to get some sort of skill (although my chicken scratch is far from desirable).

Manual typewriters

Hit the key too hard and you break the surface of the paper.

Strike the key too soft, not much there.

Get it right and even, bliss

I find people are becoming more and more like biological computers.
Don't think - DO
You have to keep up with the speed to the computer
Our masters now are technological stuff.

A recent medical study have found that the average human now has an attention span of 8 seconds

The art of strategy to tactics is going away

Everyone just reacts

Sorry - not this person.
My career was in tech but now I am trying to be human

Getting off my a*s and shoot...

 

During the days of stress and anguish (care for dying parents and a stressful career), I would use photography as a means to relax.  The saying is that Street Photography is great in that you never know what you will encounter.  If you get nothing that day, it's ok because you got some exercise and time.

I finally decided to go and shoot.  My old unofficial office - The Presidio in San Francisco.
Being a weekend, the food trucks were out and grabbed a pretzel (since it's Oktoberfest in Deutschland)

Thing about shooting Instant film versus Digital or film.... Damn it's hard.

Digital is so easy to do - even in manual mode.
Don't get me wrong... great results especially if you know how to use your gear and take time to work on the art and composition.  

It takes so much more to try to get a shot.  Clandestine Street Photography - forget it.  If I took out the TLR Instant I might get away with it but with an SX70, people notice and actually are friendly to it because of how unique the camera is.

The limitations of Instant film is the challenge.  You really have to understand the medium and know that to get a good shot will require a lot of problem solving skills that photographers use to get "the shot"

The shot above is nothing.  Just a grab shot.

One thing is for certain... time for this OG to get out and shoot more !!!

You've come a long way baby....

When I was fortunate enough to run a Configuration Center for a computer company, I was taught Japanese manufacturing techniques.  The word Kaisen was used often.  Loosely translated it meant constant improvement.

This is something the new Polaroid has been doing now for a few years.

Had a chance to shoot with a pack of Polaroid iType Black and White from 2023.

Total crap.

Blurry, poor shades, uneven emulsion, took about 5 minutes to get something to look at, etc... 

Same shot taken with the same Polaroid iType Black and White from 2024

Big improvement

It takes about 15 seconds for something of the image to appear although you are still required to shield it from light, thus some of the magic of seeing it appear before your eyes is still missed.

The cool thing is that this film is somewhat predictable and provides some good results.

Kudo's to the Polaroid folks for continuing to improve the product.

When they get to a point where the original Polaroid Corporation Time Zero film was at, they will then finally see a tremendous growth.

The Final Breath...

 

Actually bought something on the Mercari site.  This is a Polaroid ONE 600 Pro.  The last instant camera that the original Polaroid Corporation engineered before going into bankruptcy.

It's all plastic but the design is different.  Actually it's a Polaroid Spectra that was reimagined using Polaroid 600 film.

Looks like the design thought was to round off the boxy On-Step design.  I like unique and different so this camera fills the bill.

Image quality is that of a Polaroid 600.  OK.  Was a lot better when the film was closer to what Instax is like today.

The whole idea is FUN !

Instax Wide Evo vs. Printing

 Decided to do some photo geek stuff today.

Took a photo using the Instax Wide Evo.  The photo is obviously from the Instax and above it is the printed digital file that the Instax Wide Evo used to create the instant photo.

It actually isn't too bad of a digital file and was able to quickly print it on the new Epson since it has a built in SD card slot (also a bunch of wireless ways of getting images to the printer via phone or any other device).

Just to compare, I also printed an image taken from the Fujifilm X100V (f2, 1/125s, ISO3200).

As expected, the Fuji did a far better job.

So what did all this prove?

The dreaded costs.... 

The Instax Wide (3 15/16" x 2 7/16") shot was about $1.10 (pre tariff).

The printed images using the Epson ET8550 (EcoTank) 4x6 was about $0.12

FYI - If printed on the portable photo dye-sub Canon Selphy 1300, cost about $0.57

The Fujifilm Instax Evo Wide is a good alternative for those wanting to have the ability to make an instant print on the go and yet still have the ability to re-print OR to have a digital file that is actually usable to play with later.

The big advantage is the fun factor - seeing it develop, having something tangible (if printed right away) that is now an actual artifact of a physical image taken at that time and that place.  This is something really important that only Instant film photography can give.

The Epson.  Quality, Costs, abilities.... cannot be equaled.

The really good thing about this printer is using a tank versus cartridges and the ability to print the image without having to use an editing software if the desire is a print ASAP.

Will this stop me from shooting Instant?  

NO WAY.

Instant film is indeed still the only TRUE photographic capture of a moment in time.

Granted, in this example I shot using a hybrid camera, but if done right this too can fall into the "one of a kind" photo that is more special than ANY film print OR Digital file.

Just thankful that Fujifilm and Polaroid exists and have even started to gain more traction with younger photographers discovering the medium.

This alone is a good thing ! 

POLAROID B&W and a STUFFED DONKEY?

 NO idea what the story is with this store's display.  One thing for certain is that I do like Polaroid's Black and White versus the Instax Monochrome.

SIMPLE. JUST SIMPLE...

 With all the insanity going on in the world.  Illogic and chaos ruling the day.  Getting ready to turn another chapter in life's journey.... a nice hot cup of cappuccino seems just right.

(Instax Wide Evo - Normal+Vignette)

DAMN TARIFFS...

 

So in the world of Fujifilm Instax you have three sizes - Wide, Square and Mini

Factoid.... Fujifilm makes the most money on INSTAX film.  Specifically, the Mini format.

Reason for that is that Mini generally sells for about $0.90 a shot
Square sells for about the same at $0.90 to $1.00 a shot.
Wide - being the largest format sells for about $1.70-$1.90 a shot.

WELL THROW ALL THAT OUT THE WINDOW.

It is obvious that the USA supply for Instax has been replenished.

Thanks to "Orange Face", "TACO" or whatever name you have for him...

Instax Square went from an average of $0.90 a shot to $1.20 (25% increase)
Instax Mini went from an average of $0.90 to now a whopping $1.38 a shot (40% increase)

Why the Mini format went up so much?  Can only speculate that being the most popular and supply must have been fully exhausted, the price reflects the full tariff in effect.

The Square format most likely still have some inventory in the USA left and Fuji is adjusting the price now so that when the supply is exhausted, the sticker shock won't be as bad at 1st.  It will probably sell at the same price as the Mini format.

BIG SURPRISE HERE - INSTAX WIDE WENT DOWN !!!

Film has an expiration date and Fujifilm Instax Wide has not been as popular.  Existing inventory must still be large and starting to age - thus the discounted price.

Also the new Instax Evo Wide camera has been just a moderate success.

Chances are that when the film supply of Instax Wide is replenished, the price will be over $2 a shot.
Which is close to what the Polaroid film is currently selling for.

BTW - Polaroid B&W film has gone up as well from about $1.80 a shot to now $1.95 (8% increase)

POLAROID B&W

 Photographers appreciate the fact that what was the Impossible Project saved the remaining Polaroid plant in the Netherlands.  It's taken what is now called once again Polaroid to continue to try to improve the invention from Dr.Land and all the great folks in Massachusetts created.

The current batch of Polaroid color film is at least somewhat stable in terms of what you get and the colors.  Still NO leave it and watch it develop before your eyes, TOO sensitive to temperature, INCONSISTENT with the results.

However, there is one film stock from Polaroid that I feel is more than acceptable is by far way better than Fujifilm Instax Monochrome. 

It is the Polaroid Black and White film. 
Images start to appear after about 15 seconds and the quality of the photo is really good.  Dynamic range is acceptable.

I can't wait for Polaroid to come out with an improved Color and Black and White film.

For my photo peeps.... keep buying the film and keep them alive !!!! 

Wide Evo vs RF70

 

The top photo using the Wide Evo with a good dose of vignetting.

The bottom photo using the RF.

Used the vignette feature on the Wide Evo because the Fuji hybrid will make everything in focus so the intent of the vignette is to do some sort of subject isolation.

The Mint RF70 used f16 at 1/500s.
Although f/16, keep in mind that it is shooting on a very wide surface so essentially f/16 is more like f4 on 35mm.

I like the fact that I can isolate the subject better with the RF (there is some control over depth of field).

Still loving the instant stuff.  There's challenge and forces me to think that a digital camera just doesn't replicate as well.  Bluntly the film is limited and the challenge to get what I want is something I have to work at - love it, lotta fun!!!

The meter used on the RF is one of those Keks mini meters (thanks FIRESIDE CAMERA for having the meter in stock).

TAIL...

 Still vastly improved over their initial Polaroid film, they still have a long long way to go to get to the point where the original Polaroid Corporation was able to produce.

The SX70 or in this case the reworked and refurbished Mint SLR670 i-Type Ming Edition (whew) still is king.  The i2 that Polaroid makes is great for the ability to use LIDAR to focus and is fully manual when you want it, the feel of the SX70 and being an SLR and can focus down to 7" is still amazing.

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU...

 

INSTANT and JOY - still there

 

The one thing that photographers will generally agree upon is the JOY we get when a photograph we took brings a reaction to someone.  For those who understand the power of Polaroid (or any Instant Print), is the ability to give something to someone right away and to see them now with the JOY.  It's a gift... it's sharing a moment captured on film.

I was skeptical about the hybrid instant camera in that some will argue it's not a pure instant print since the image was captured digitally and then printed.  

However, I decided to keep the essence of what is an Instant print, by printing out the image right there and then.

The ability to make copies may hurt the purity of the image but tonight I was able to take some images of my stepson's birthday along with an early celebration of my wife's birthday and hand them to the family.

Each one loved it and shared it and stared at it.

My step Granddaughter was fascinated by the white piece of plastic telling mom and dad..."white...white" but the look on her face as the image appeared - priceless.

In a world of high quality digital images and cellphone cameras that are really outstanding, this pseudo analog, physical thing still touches people.

A FIVE, SIX....

 Name the musical.

LIFE STANDING STILL - Part 1

 

WIDE not MINI...

 Shot with the hybrid EVO.  The conundrum... instant shooters, how do you feel about hybrid?

Mancave....

 

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY BABY...

 When the good people in Netherland saved the remaining Polaroid plant in Enschede, Netherland, the company was called IMPOSSIBLE (The Impossible Project).

Many rejoiced that Polaroid Integral Instant Film is saved.  Unfortunately, the plant was already partially dismantled, and the chemicals were gone.  So, they started from scratch.

A bunch of people who worked at the plant and at Polaroid HQ in Massachusetts came together to try to bring it all back.

The initial product was, and this is being nice, total crap!

The company went from IMPOSSIBLE to POLAROID ORIGINALS and now POLAROID.

They went from above to at least something better and more stable.

Although the product is far better than before, they have yet to have the main magic ingredient developed.... have the picture appear before your eyes.  The current Polaroid film must still be shielded from light once ejected and you can take a peek at the photo after a few minutes.

 Fujifilm is using the Kodak Instant Film process but were smart in that they went to the original Polaroid Corporation after the landmark lawsuit was won by Polaroid, to keep producing a version of the Kodak Integral Instant Film and produce Polaroid Pack Film (the one you peel apart).

This gave Fuji the ability to currently make the best version of Instant Film out there.  Colors are vibrant, clear and bright and the secret ingredient - have it appear before your eyes.

Polaroid has come out with 4 new cameras in the past year or so.  The i2, a high end camera with manual controls for shutter and aperture.  The GO which is a cute very small camera that is fun.  The NOW and NOW +.  Recently the FLIP.  These are great but here's a message to Polaroid.... YOU GOTTA KEEP WORKING ON MAKING THE FILM BETTER!!!!  We want the image to appear before our eyes and to have colors, detail and stability as close to the Polaroid Corporation product of the 1970's.

If you can get it to where Fuji is at, I think you will find a whole bunch of people buying films since there are several million Polaroid Integral cameras in existance!

JOY... just JOY...

 If you have been following this blog, you know my affinity for Instant Photography now a days.

One of my colleagues has a collection of unique bags that she brings.  I make it a point to take an instant print of the bags when I see it in our breakroom at work.  I then leave the photo on top for her to have.

The wonderful thing about Instant Photos is the joy on the person's face when you and them or give them a photo.

Granted I can take a cellphone shot that will probably look a lot better or take out my serious digital stuff and turn the photo into a wall worthy shot.... but beyond the "oh it's nice" reaction you get with most photos, the Instant Print has always resulted in a reaction of.... "you gave me this photo."  It's an inexpensive gift to give.

I'm hooked.

INSTAX WIDE EVO.... closer to the concept of Dr. Land?

 When the SX70 first came out, some of comments were that it was too difficult to nail focus.  The product designers and engineers approached Dr.Land and informed him of what the people were saying and that the camera needed a split focus aid.

Dr.Land fought back and wanted nothing of the sort... the picture taking process was to eliminate as much "photography gear" stuff as possible.  He wanted the human to be able to capture the moment and not focus on making it work.

At the end, the SX70 has a small split focus dot towards the bottom of the screen.  This was a stop gap before the sonar autofocus would be out.

So what does this SX70 tid bit have to do with this Instax Wide Evo?

This camera is amazing.  Granted it's another hybrid from Fuji, but they did so much to put the analog feeling and process into the camera.  This camera looks like a miniature View Camera.  In fact it sort of acts like one with you looking at a glass LCD screen to compose.  There's little else beyond the 100 different effects you can select - but Fuji makes you decide on it before you take the photo.  Very little digital editing here please.

In just three days, I've created images that either would be extremely difficult or impossible to produce on an analog instant camera.

This leads to the conundrum.  Analog with a lot of human intervention is one thought with photographers.  The idea is to create an image and NOT just take a picture.  Yet this hybrid camera has the ability to capture moments in time right away with little fuss and a lot of capabilities.

My goal is to immediately print an image if I feel it's important, special or a need to have this film artifact made is starting to make me rethink it all.

Thinking back to the Polaroids of my youth, there wasn't much but to rudely focus the lens and shoot.  Yet those images today hold such a value that a film camera and now digital camera cannot reproduce.

After spending tens of thousands of dollars over the years to capture a feeling, a moment (Capturing Light and Life is my tag line after all) did this camera finally won me over?

One thing is for sure, all this Instant Photography has me wanting to shoot photos again.

More to come...

  

Instax Mini Evo - Love or Hate

 

Question or Debate over this Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo stems from the fact that this is a hybrid instant camera.  Hybrid meaning that it shoot not directly on film but on a sensor.  The film portion is a printer where the image is transferred to instant film

Some, and including me in the past, called this cheating.  Missing the true essence of an Instant print.  The precious 1:1 original shot there and then.

Fuji did do what they could to make it as analog as possible in that you have to make all your adjustments in terms of film effects and lens effects before pressing the shutter.  You cannot make changes after the photo is done with the exception of altering the brightness of the image and a bit of zoom.

So the die hards will still say it's not really an instant print.

I thought it over for a bit.  Dr.Land wanted to remove all distractions between you and the image.  The Polaroid (Instant photography) is a physical artifact of the moment the photo was taken.  This is indeed the major reason why Polaroids or Fujiroids are so special.

So to stay true to the art, I make it a point that if the image has some special significance or need to have it forever locked to the time and place - I PRINT right away.  That image is now my artifact and that years from now when I pick up that print, I will have this attached forever to the time I took the image.

So why not just shoot pure analog versus using this camera?

A few reasons.

It's a crappy digital camera - crappy in that any cellphone will out gun this.

The digitalness allows me to pick and choose between color and black and white.  Impossible unless I carry two cameras - 1 with color and the other with black and white.

I can get closer and snap a photo faster with this Evo.  Even if I leave the Polaroid, Mint or Fuji on it's automatic mode.

I can shoot in poor lighting without the need of a flash - most of the time.

I can also do that horrible thing and print copies to hand out.

The fun of instant photograph is sharing the image.  This is something that is hard to achieve with any other medium.  Sharing the image that is PHYSICAL and not another digital image.

So for right now.... this Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO works.

Tomorrow my new Fujifilm Instax Wide EVO arrives.... can't wait !!!!

Black and White OR Color ???

 

Back on the Street and that Polaroid blue...

 So.... for the 1st time in years - and I do mean years, I ventured off today to "The City" with the sole intention of taking photos.

The dilemma of which camera to take was a struggle.  The decision today was to shoot the Mint SLR670 (SX70) and the Polaroid i2.

The use of the SX70 is far superior to the i2.  With the SX70, unfolding the camera, the way you need to hold the camera and the focus that makes what you see come to sharpness was totally fun.  That plus the classic..... click, click, ka-thump, whirl whirl and snap sounds.

Just using the camera had bystanders smiling. So super cool factor goes to the SX70

The i2 just looks so much like the One Step's and just looking through the viewfinder just doesn't have the same thrill.

However, behold the photo above - taken with the i2 with that deep Polaroid blues.  The scan doesn't do justice to the actual print.... but it is wonderful and fun.

Now if only Polaroid (keep in mind Impossible and not the Polaroid of yesterday) can get the film to develop without having to shield it from light right away.

I found having to quickly get the film and place it somewhere while not bending or smushing the chemical pods was something of a pain that I don't have with Fujifilm.

Walking around, looking everywhere, I remember how much fun this actually is.

More to come...

And now a public service announcement...

 Perhaps the film did me a favor with this selfie.  But on a more serious note, if you are shooting Fujifilm Instax (especially the Square variety) and it has long past it's expiration date, you may encounter this black streak of black chemical yuck.

What is happening here is that the pods on the back of the film (where all the chemical stuff resides) have started to dry out and the plastic pod themselves are no longer sealed well enough to keep the yuck stuff contained.... thus the black streak.

Nothing to panic about, a new pack of film and you will be good to go - sort of.

You see, the way instant film works is that the brown pinkish layer you see here is the un-exposed film.

You take the photo and the light hits this unexposed area.

The rollers then are smushed and the pods are squeezed and the yuck is spread across the layers of film.

Thus the black back

Now what about the sort of....

The rollers will be coated with the yuck.

You can expect the next few shots to have some yuck down the center.

You can clean the rollers and also trick the camera to activate the rollers.

DANGER DANGER WILL ROBINSON.... those rollers look small but the motor attached to it has a lot of torque.

If you try to run a q-tip with alcohol against it, IT WILL rip the cotton off and jam up the camera.

If you want to clean it yourself, reach out to me and I'll tell you what I do to clean them.

LESSON HERE - DON'T USE OVER EXPIRED FILM (this pack was about 6 years past it's prime)

Back to the Streets...

 For a long while, my heart in photography was mainly with street photography.  

The ability to capture a moment in time of everyday stuff.

Nothing staged.  Nothing planned.

Forced to think on your feet

For a few years, this was lost and painful (my friends know why).

Slowly the spark is coming alive.