"He was so wide" Saving that one for my own tombstone 😂

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

haha PRINT IT!

Ever since Fp-100c I’ve become numb to the pain 😖

@JerOmyRamos

Ай бұрын

Your thumbnail is sick! 😃

I think they will release their own camera that fits the Spectra film, I hope they do anyway. Thanks for another great video.

@The11thPower

4 жыл бұрын

Makes sense 🙌🏾

@jackweissman1333

4 жыл бұрын

I really really hope so but then they probably wouldn't have gotten rid of the hardware needed to produce spectra film

@zipthepinhead

3 жыл бұрын

This is what I was hoping they would do as well; create their own new version of the Spectra, with i-type Spectra film. Aside from the really large (and really expensive) 8"x10" film sheets, Polaroid now has only size of film, whereas Fuji has, I think, at least three sizes now (mini, regular, and wide). However, even if they were to create such a camera, it likely would not be for at least a few years, given the current economic situation. As it is, I've been noticing that Polaroid film in general is not as plentiful the past few months--(no doubt due to all the manufacturing and shipping shut downs, cut backs, and delays) both retail stores and Polaroid's own website are now often sold out of film (particularly the sx-70 film it seems).

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, unfortunately Spectra is 100% dead. As for 8x10, it’s a small miracle and gift to the community that they are still producing it. There won’t be an i-type Spectra or anything like that as there simply isn’t a market for it (market vs production costs, developing this would be a killer). Fuji can flex three formats due to their limitless and streamlined production capabilities and product line.

@feni_1553

2 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant #BringFlipnoteBack #BringPolaroidSpectraBack

Everybody's talking about fp-100c while fp-3000b is crying in a corner

I am loving this channel.

Just started watching your videos after listening to analog talk podcast...... This.... Is the content I've been needed to get me through hours of scanning! but seriously these videos are so good to watch loved every moment of them! Thank you for putting out such great content!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

My man thank you for checking it out!

Really glad I found this channel. Super dope for people like me who want to learn more about the history of film that existed before my time.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it Juan and thanks for peeping the vids!

20 seconds in and you already have my sub, absolutely top quality content and love every second, can't wait to see you blow up!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason, you're the man!

"He was so wide." lol But for real, Spectra was a big deal for me, since it was the acquisition of a Spectra camera that really fanned the flames of Polaroid love in my heart. It may not have been a GOAT, but it really used to float my boat.

Dude you make AMAZING videos keep em coming

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Panos!! Much appreciated.

On at least 5 of my Spectra cameras where film wouldn't eject, I just removed the thin plastic strip from the film cartridge at the front, and no more ejection problems. Polaroids claims that the cameras are faulty, etc, are just rubbish. A convenient excuse so they don't have to make it any more. Actually just lies. Not happy!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, this is a common workaround! I did so on my Spectra 1 camera quite a bit (annoying process).

this video made me buy 3 more packs of Spectra film, can't let go

I took out a plastic strip on the film pack and never had jamming issues. Spectra cameras were the best, so many of them had glass coated lenses and amazing features aswell as design. Spectra cameras are my favourite it's such a shame polaroid pulled the plug on them. I definitely believe it was the film's fault and polaroid just didnt see it as profitable enough to make the changes in order for there to be no jamming issues. There's tons of hacks with these cameras like swapping out the battery and putting different film in the cartridges.

Love the shirt man...

Shoulda guessed there'd be a Polaroid channel on KZread!! As a kid, Polaroid's World Headquarters was located a couple of miles from my house. The Mom of one of my classmates worked there, and he always had the latest and greatest Polaroid Cameras and film in the late 60's/early 70's!! Lots of film!! So much film, that he gave our JHS Photography Club film for the rest of us to share and use!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Wow, that is so cool! Do you still shoot with Polaroid at all?

@JeffFrmJoisey

4 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant Unfortunately, no. 1982 is the last time I think. My kid just bought an Instant, though! Never seen it, no idea what it is.

I was about to buy a Spectra, but then they announced no more film would be made... saved myself some $. My SX-70 Sonar will keep me happy.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Wow you dodged a bullet there haha, SX-70 Sonar should be golden as long as Polaroid continues to exist!

@TH3mrBROWN

4 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant haha yeah, I've had mine for about 3+ years now, taken it all over the world despite having a OneStep 2. I just love how the photos from it look. Plus everyone that sees it goes crazy when i open it up. And then when I tell them how old it is and how the auto focus works... If they weren't impressed before the definitely are at that point.

Just started the podcasts analog talk with you and checking your content on youtube. And it's awesome. Love the content and humor. I just borrowed spectra 1200i and I am curious how it will go.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for peepin the pod! Love me some Spectra 1200 cams, welcome to the channel my dude. 🙌🏻

The first film I bought from Impossible was Spectra B&W and to this day, I feel all their films don't live up to the magic of that ... I do understand the business mode argument, but now that the ARE Polaroid, I would like to believe they have access to intellectual property and can improve the existing products and in my fantasy bring back Spectra and peel apart film closer to the old stuff!!!

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

While they do have access to IP, keep in mind they no longer have access or legal capabilities to use the chemical processes from the pre-2009 films. So that wouldn't be too much help unfortunately. And with no access to the peel apart machines, which were entirely lost or acquired by Fuji in 2008, they unfortunately have no way to produce other film types (they are relying on and will continue to use the vintage Polaroid machines, with no clear way to build no ones apparently). That being said, there's nothing wrong with fantasizing about it!

@Vashu-san

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve been following Impossible since conception, bought many generations of their film and recently gotten back into shooting instant after a two year break. I must say that I’m rather disappointed with the quality of the film and feel that it just doesnt live up to the original Polaroid chemistry still. I still get messed up shots from fresh boxes, even when shooting on their own new hardware. I honestly thought they would’ve fixed their film by now but alas, no. Its sad that they have ditched spectra as it was an amazing format - I feel that they are just going to steer people towards their I-type cameras slowly ditching the old.

@brineb58

3 жыл бұрын

@@Vashu-san I feel the same as you, have supported them from the beginning and still feel they have a long way to go!!!

@Vashu-san

3 жыл бұрын

@@brineb58 It’s left a sour taste with the way they are handling things still. They don’t seem to admit issues with their film such as the packs drying out very quickly leading to unspread chemicals (they like to blame dirty rollers but it’s not true - happened with my brand new I-type), quality control and now their film ruining the Spectra cameras. It’s just not a great way to do business. I shoot i-Type now, but the results I’ve gotten from 6 packs are much to be desired.

Yet again, great information candidly delivered. Hilarious.

Thanks for covering this story. Have a few different Spectra cameras and also the Image 1200 with the lcd. I did use the lcd quite frequent. Now I will put some of the cameras in a display case/stand. It is a purely economic fact, too bad because the continuation of the format made me decide years ago to continue with Impossible film. But I move on with Instax Wide (Fujifilm Instax Wide 500AF and MiNT InstanKon RF70) next to 600, i-Type and the other Instax formats.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

I would use the LCD more I think if the viewfinder wasn't so good! A great camera to work with, occasionally will use the LCD as sort of a waist-level viewfinder. I, too, shoot Instax Wide quite a lot to fill that void. I prefer the aspect ratio of Spectra, but it's still a good compromise. I def want to try the RF70, my daily driver for wide is the 500AF.

@TheLeiPol

4 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant Agree complete with you about Spectra. The Instax 500AF is a good and easy to use device. The InstantKon requires a certain learning curve that I need to perform further but is on hold due to the current circumstances.

My bigger question would be, if they will be willing to retain as much of the data done on research as possible, and maybe in a future, where they've become less of a financial burden on their own success (I consider the 18-20 bucks for 8 shots to be a bit of a self-destructive price point) they can hopefully re-reintroduce the format, kind of like how Kodak revived ektachrome, and maybe find a solution for the 8-pack film, which I already mentioned before.. Maybe in a future reformulation..

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Personally, I don't think this is possible. They have completely decommissioned the machinery and the expense of bringing that back online would never be justified by the low demand of the format. I agree about the shots per pack and price though, that ultimately has to be addressed!

@nicolaalbertin5561

Жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant Ciao Ben, ti scrivo dall'Italia e scusa se lo faccio in italiano ma lo trovo più comodo per me. Se i macchinari sono semplicemente dismessi non ci sono grandi problemi a rimetterli in moto. Se invece sono stati convertiti per produrre le pellicole per quell'inutile giocattolo di Polaroid Go, come temo, il formato Spectra difficilmente tornerà sul mercato. Quello che non capisco è perché hanno deciso di andare dietro a Fujifilm Instax e i suoi inutili e costosi giocattoli. So bene che era tutto programmato dalla nuova proprietà del marchio Polaroid, ma non ne capisco il motivo.

Spectra is a really interesting format but i think people have more interested in 600 and i type with the new cameras! also good video

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks BP! I agree, the customer base from Spectra was just too small. It of course doesn't help that it's been 16 years since the last camera came out and the format is a small subsection of a hobbyist industry.

@JerryMilton

4 жыл бұрын

Their new cameras are CRAP so not sure where the "interest" lies.

Thanks for the #spectra video Ben!!!

I’ve managed to shoot like a ridiculous amounts of Spectra film... I’ve also wasted a ton too... but I love Spectra! Honestly, I’ve made a few of my favourite photographs from my Spectra camera for a while!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Same here man! I love the format and I'm still hoarding my last packs. The sharpness of those lenses and the real estate of the larger film could really produce some special stuff.

@AeromaticXD

4 жыл бұрын

In An Instant here’s to hoping that that Spectra-void-filling camera Oskar from Polaroid announced for sometime in 2021 at least gives us something!

@iknow5413

4 жыл бұрын

Me too. It always looked so damn good. Sometimes you wouldnt even be able to tell that I took the picture with a polaroid camera because it looked even better than some 35 mm prints. So sad its gone😣

@AeromaticXD

4 жыл бұрын

I bought a replacement model and I’ve had no issues at all so far! Oh what a shame we’ve lost spectra!

There are 3 components to the problem. 1. Fat film. 2. Low battery voltage. 3. Old cameras. I have 7 @ Spectra cams, more than half of them showed the issue. The LCD one has the least trouble, likely as it is newest and has little use. But to verify my 2nd point, you just need a voltmeter. The batteries frequently come “new” with dates from 2016 and have less than 6 volts. New batts should have 6.2 or 6.15 volts, not 5.9, as they frequently have BEFORE first shot. So when you combine fat film, weak batteries, and worn mechanisms, you end up with ejection issues. Polaroid’s dishonesty about points 1 & 2 makes people not believe them when they just point at #3, the old cameras. When anyone can put a voltmeter on a fresh pack and find low voltage that would barely work in a SX-70, it’s obvious that a larger film piece in a camera with far more electronics is an issue. They all use the same batteries, the Spectra ones just have notches in them.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

There's certainly a cocktail of problems with blame to be assigned wherever you'd like. Built in the same era as the very similar Impulse 600s for example, those cameras are largely solid bodies with similar circuitry that fail not nearly as often. The voltage of the battery is without a doubt an issue as well, but I don't quite understand why it only affects some models and not others.

@melody3741

Жыл бұрын

The battery issue is extremely misleading. The people that got bigger batteries to work had to use 7-7.5 volts. They are not supplying bad batteries, these batteries work absolutely perfectly with no issues on every 600 camera I have tested. What these people are doing with the batteries is OVERDRIVING the motors. That is NOT fixing them. It is putting more power into them than they were intended for to overcome their weak design.

Ben, again LOVE THIS CHANNEL! Anyway to DM you? Anyhow, any idea where I can get some Spectra film to test an old Minolta Pro camera that has handed to to me in perfect condition from my father. I know that the film has been discontinued. Don't plan on using it more than just one for it's swan song. Anyhow I thought you might be in the know.

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Corbin! You can always DM me on Insta @the.instantgram - but as for Spectra, yes you can still get film from Brooklyn Film Camera! eBay is also an option but you can trust BFC.

I was finally reunited with my late mother's Spectra QPS recently, so learning that the film is no longer being produced is kind of a bummer.

Just “found” your channel. Subscribed. I do have a Spectra and no longer shoot instant. Sad. No company cares about what they view as a few customers, let alone one.

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed - it's never a good idea to rely on a company to have a consciousness that extends beyond dollars and cents. And thank you for subscribing Peter!

I was one of those people that had ejection problems. Darkslide came out and I was excited with my $3 flea market pickup. Then it went to shit from there with the film. Quickly shelfed the Spectra and never bought Spectra film again which kinda sucks because I really did want a wider look.

Hey what happened to the Fuji FP-100C film format? Were those ever made for actual Polaroid brand cameras and what cameras can take them now?

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Hey man! That film was discontinued by Fuji, who continued producing it years after Polaroid stopped making pack film. Currently it can still be purchased in expired form, but it's real pricey. That film works in Polaroid Land cameras. There is a company called Supersense that is currently trying to revive the format, but they don't have a cost-effective way of scaling and thus it's pretty pricey if you can get your hands on it.

I just found my moms old spectra se.. bummed to hear they stopped making the film. Are there any wide alternatives?

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah it's a cryin shame! The other wide alternative is the Fuji Instax Wide format. It won't work with the old camera you found, but it's the only wide option on the market.

Great review! My Spectra has not seen the light of day since 2004. Sad!!!!!

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

Damn RIP to that sweet prince!

I don’t really know anything about Polaroids but I found my late grandfathers spectra 2 and was really hoping to use it In his honor. He loved taking pictures. Is there any film at all compatible?

@ianbakke

6 ай бұрын

No, it’s no more, unless you’re willing to experiment and modify the camera by breaking off a piece of plastic in the film door.

Please make a video on how to appropriately use the darker/lighter bar on the 600 cameras! I've shot with I-type cameras mainly, but I'm beginning to branch out into the 600 series. As a beginner this would be super helpful! Thanks!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Awesome, might come soon! Thanks mate!

@melody3741

Жыл бұрын

Dont even use it. If you must, If your picture comes out dark, lighten it by 1/3. And vice versa. The metering is very good and if you have problems with exposure it is likely a problem with your camera.

I wasn't able to get a spectra, and was sad when P. O. decided to discontinue the film production. I still want to get the procam and macro 5 srl. The good thing there's still film on Ebay. Great video and channel, I was waiting for a dedicated instant film channel like yours, keep going on!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

I will Estrella! And yeah, there will still be expired film available for some time, but it will deteriorate more and more with every day that passes.

The imaging system wish film use, please and where can I find it

@ianbakke

6 ай бұрын

It’s discontinued, it’s not made anymore. Watch the video and you’d know.

I wonder if Polaroid will ever bother to make film thinner. Their new i-type cameras come from the factory with the ability to take only 8 shot packs, so unless there's a way to upgrade the firmware of the camera with the usb interface, I don't think we can expect 10 shot packs and thinner film any time soon. I also wonder for 600 and SX-70 if the battery played a role in the Impossible Project's decision to go with 8 shots. The film is thicker, but do the batteries have something to do with it too?

Spectra was my first Polaroid camera and boy, oh boy, I am gonna miss that format. While 600 that i have now is looking even more impressive it really lacks in the quality of the photos. I'd like to believe that third time is the charm, so maybe we would see it rise once again in the future.

Nobody complains about film ejection issue during the Impossible Project and when the Polaroid Originals Spectra film releases suddenly all Spectra cameras are "faulty". Even if that's the cause, they could have make their I-type version of the Spectra and keep the format instead they ditch the wide format altogether. Polaroid isn't a passionate project anymore, it's became a business.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

If it hadn't evolved its business model, trust me, it would no longer exist.

@differentlyabledmuslimjewi4475

3 жыл бұрын

This is why I think it will come back. Once they establish more steady income, I can see it return with a modern camera. Even if this means only an i-type film, so be it. But the truth is, the older cameras really did have to struggle to spit out that thicc film.

Solution: modify empty spectra Filmpack to fit the regular 600 or i Type film. Actually rather easy. It’s a lot of adjusting and cutting and for me glueing as well but it works flawlessly now for me so it’s not impossible yay

I need spectra to come back. My favorite Polaroid camera is my Minolta Instant Pro. Polaroid licensed Minolta to make a Polaroid spectra camera. I think Ben can do a video review of this camera. It's so cool, has many features. Including sonar autofocus and glass lens. But this is a rare collector camera to find.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

That camera is phenomenal! I essentially decided to never directly review Spectra cameras due to the death of the format (thus draining the value of reviews). But still, cherish that thing forever, use whatever film you can get your hands on before it's dried up!

@btrdangerdan2010

4 жыл бұрын

In An Instant indeed it’s awesome! The viewfinder display actually tells me the distance the sonar focus is at. It will beep if too close to focus. I understand your reason why you may not review any spectra cameras at the moment, with other cool and feature packed spectra camera like the Polaroid ProCam, which I have never got to try and use yet. I have purchased out all the remaining stocks of spectra film still remaining at ProPhoto Irvine. I would be open to loaning my Minolta Instant Pro to you in the future if you would like to have an opinion video on it. I have the original Minolta close up lens, filters, and the manual. For the film jamming, I have to half press or fully press the shutter button multiple times after initial exposure before the motor eventually struggles to eject the film like a child birth. Thanks for your feedback! -Daniel

Ik this is about the camera but HEY where can I buy that shirt with Polaroid logo pattern. Please this is awesome

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Haha honestly cannot remember where I bought it!! But maybe you can still find it on eBay

@katerinapibalova8824

3 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant Nevermind! Still thanks for the response!

I have a first edition Polaroid Spectra System in gold color, but I can't find any film for it sadly :(

LOVE the shirt 😎

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

You know I gotta rep!

if you buy expired film for a spectra will it work? i have the one on the left

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Yes! The last Polaroid Originals Spectra batch from 2019 is still functioning with deteriorating results. Try it now before it all dries up!

I never got to see or use one when the film was still around. Now I wanted one and REALLY hoping they'll see the light again. :\ Its probably the prettiest instant camera ever designed.

Do you have any Spectra Film for sale ?

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

I do not, sorry Nick!

I remember I used my last pack on the very last day at Epcot before they shut Disney for covid in 2020. It was a great with very small crowds. I didn’t realize it was a dead system until I went to buy more film and couldn’t find any.

Just got a damn near new Spectra not looking into it much thiniing my 600 film will fit, now im so sad ill never get to be able to try it out , those are some beautiful examples and im so envious of anyone who's used it in the past! im not paying near $80+ for a pack haha

Got myself a Spectra (the oldest model) only nearly 1,5 years ago. I can only take Polaroids in the late Spring and throughout the Summer, just too cold here otherwise. But I still shoot Polaroid. Spectra is also the best format there is in my opinion. Sad that it’s gone. Got my last 10 packs or so waiting for the Summer. AND IT EXPIRES IN MAY!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

I feel you bud! Having a similar count down clock on my final packs. Definitely a use them or lose them commodity!

I wish I could drag you back to 1966 with me. You would still be crying that Type 20 (c) film (for The Swinger) was discontinued. Yep, I got my first Polaroid camera when I was four years old. I still pop batteries into my Swinger just to watch the word NO turn to YES to this day. Oh, and, I LOVE your shirts! (Yes, I STILL feel cheated by Polavision.) ((That’s another story))

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Oh man when they crack this time travel thing I’m hitting you up straightaway!!

Watching this video on the screen of my Spectra 1200 🧡

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

The way it was meant to be ❤️❤️❤️

I honestly think they are giving up on the old cameras, slowly switching to I-Type only. Financially it would make more sense for them to have people buy the new hardware, get rid of having to include batteries in the film cassettes and they probably get more profit due to this per pack. I do think they’ve given up making the film better based on the film thickness stating the same and barely any improvement in the film quality. No point improving if people are going to pay regardless. I wish it wasn’t this way, but as you put it. They’re a business.

How did you not mention macro 5 slr?

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Much to say, little time to say it!

Love my Spectra 2 but the latest film always jams.

I had two spectra cameras with bad capacitors and that caused ejection issues. My sx-70 is still good. Polaroid definitely did use cheaper components with spectra cameras.

Way back when I was active in the Impossible Project community, as a Pioneer member buying up early releases of test films, I used to shoot Spectra on an Onyx model (google it, treat yourself). I loved that camera, it was (is) by far one of the stars of my Polaroid collection... and what happened to it? After immeasurable time shooting old stock Polaroid Spectra, with nary a problem, I started shooting Impossible Project black frame black/white film with it, only to encounter the famous jamming issues. Upon taking it to the Impossible Project shop (back then on Broadway in Nyc), I was told by the hipster dolt working that day that the blame lay solely with my now-bricked Spectra Onyx. Had they just come clean and admitted their film was ruining cameras, a lot more people, myself included, would have forgiven them and moved on. However, as things stand, I will be carrying this grudge to the grave.

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve got an Onyx too! Such a cool camera, and now a cool paperweight. I’m not sure Polaroid would be forgiven regardless of what they said. Did they handle this perfectly? No. Would people have thrown a fit and gone absolutely ape shit anyway? In my opinion, yes.

on the plus side, I can resell my spectra packs for $40 a pop when I was going to give up shooting it for the very reason they nixed the product. Still sad. If they can make the film less chunky, I'd be happy to pick it up again. Not selling my spectra camera for that reason. It may come back in the future.

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't hold out hope on that, they've chunked the machines. The cameras are still sweet shelf queens tho!

The format is dead, but your Shirt will live forever 🤩

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

😂fashion never dies

I got the spectra af as a present from a family member and idk where to get the film for it can anyone help me please??

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry, this film is unfortunately discontinued.

@LoveALLdontH8

2 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant there’s no film at all that can fit this camera?

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

@@LoveALLdontH8 Unfortunately no, the cameras are completely bricked.

Oh.. is this why I keep seeing these for super cheap on fb market place?

I agree totally with your take on spectra film.... but I’m still pissed.....why couldn’t they could do a batch or two a year,,, with a buy at your own risk warning.... that’s all I’m begging for!!!! But hopefully they sell enough goodies in the next few years to maybe bring it back with a new camera....

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Truth be told I don't have the exact terminology to describe this, but essentially the Spectra machinery was fully decommissioned. To operate at necessary scale, doing a few runs per year was apparently not viable. It applies a strain to their overall production that is unreconcilable.

@ralphhoskins2115

4 жыл бұрын

In An Instant thanks for the info bud.... absolutely love your channel ... it fucking rocks.... to hear the machines that made it are done for ,, pretty much takes away any hope... lol.... just blows .... well maybe now we can get some sx70 film with colored boarders... or maybe just a new sx70??? Come on Polaroid!!!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

@@ralphhoskins2115 Thanks my dude! Really appreciate the support. I don't think they'll be doing anything wild with SX-70 film but you can always use the special edition 600s and an ND!

Your channel is the bee's knees, Ben. My name is also Ben. Coincidence? I think not

I wish someone could unearth the reason behind the exact size and aspect ratio of the Spectra format. I'm pretty sure Polaroid had to have a different cut of film just for it, instead of Fuji who just makes the width different. I would hazard a HUGE guess that it is because they had to cut a much differently sized neg that had ZERO cross-over with Square that was part of the decision. Even the new GO can be split off from the 600/SX-70 negative so same bulk neg order. Now, I LOVE the format of the Spectra and always have and have all the best Spectra's so it does make me sad it's gone. Maybe I'll do a "Doc" and ask Andrew and Oskar how much it would cost to but the Spectra production line...my kids don't need an inheritance.

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

All valid questions, though I think at this point forget about your children's inheritance and send Oskar an email!

I have the Spectra Onyx! Someone needs to make a sheet film holder for it! And of course a battery!

I just can't give up my Polaroid Macro 5 SLR.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Never let it go - hold it tighter today

So can they focus on making pack film now?

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately they do not have the functioning machinery to even make pack film. The only company who theoretically could continue produce it at mass is Fuji. They have denied offers to buy their machines, so either they're just being dicks or there's a very small chance they'll do another run one day (unlikely as it is). Supersense is currently creating pack film by hand, check them out at the.supersense.com, some people are getting amazing results!

@Markybug-Keira-Cody

4 жыл бұрын

In An Instant have Fuji kept the machinery ?

@drparham

4 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant it's a machine the schematics has to be in the Polaroid archives or patent office somewhere......just build another one

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

@@drparham That's a tremendous expense they can't incur for a product that will no doubt lose quite a bit of money on the market. It's a niche of a niche.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

@@Markybug-Keira-Cody I'm fairly certain, yes! People have tried to acquire them, but no dice.

In Spectra v. SX-70 shots comparison in the beginning the latter was the winner every single time

Or Polaroid could come out with a spectra camera compatible with the film? I mean they’ve released the 3rd instant camera with the same format, might as well make more money with an I-Type Spectra System, meaning cheaper and increased production on the new I type spectra packs and a new I type spectra camera. They could’ve released this new camera instead of the Polaroid Now with the same features as well as a tripod mount along with the announcement of the new I type film. That’s what Polaroid should have done in the first place.

@timverheijen2622

4 жыл бұрын

I still don't think that's a great idea when seen from a marketing point of view (although I would have preferred it). For one, the new cameras are aimed at the majority of the customer base: primarily amateurs who shoot Polaroid because it's fun and vintage. These people are usually not very familiar with the intricacies of photography, and are likely mostly or only familiar with the square Polaroid format. Naturally this is then also the format they would prefer shooting. Sure, the sales of Spectra film would go up if such a camera would hit the market, but I don't believe that it would be an increase significant enough to warrant Polaroid to keep producing Spectra. The majority of people would still opt in for a classic square format camera, would they buy a new one.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed with Tim here, there's basically no path forward for Spectra. If The Impossible Project had debuted a Spectra I-1 and invested in that for the long term, things might have been different, but Spectra is permanently done now. As Tim said, it has far less iconographic recognition than the classic square film shape. And, for an industry fueled by nostalgia, that matters quite a bit. Fuji has been able to maintain three simultaneous integral film types, but they're operating on a scale far more massive than Polaroid. Producing Spectra just isn't viable anymore.

Well we know why they discontinued it now!! The new tiny cam The impossible project had no problem making spectra. Then all of a sudden the new rebranded polaroid starts having "production problems!!?" After they bought the polaroid intellectual property I expected expansion, not cancellation...it against everything the company stood for when florian kaps started it. I think it was planned, I have a sneaking suspicion that it was easier to retrofit the old spectra line with continuous spacers to allow for the new film size. The 600/sx70 line would be too narrow and wouldn't allow adequate space for the new rail and guide system. That being said. I can't really complain. I'm just sad. I've been a impossible pioneer member since the program started(at least they still recognise my discount). Bought over 600 packs before they rebranded and was sent film for free to test for a long, long time...I'm emotionally invested I'm pretty sure sx70 will disappear soon, or be quietly transitioned to 600 with an nd filter... I will be buying one if these new tinys, Hacking it up and making a back for my hassleblad......can't be too upset

@jacobscamera

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed. I still have my metal pioneer card. Axing spectra seemed hypocritical but it’s a different company than it was in 2010/2011. I saw an instructable about (irreversibly) hacking a spectra camera to be able to use sheet film. Thinking about doing it just to get some use out of my macro 5, that’s what pisses me off the most.

"The final boy" ...

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Possibly the best three words ever uttered on the channel????

@bassybossy

3 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant So far... maybe, but let's keep our eyes peeped at even zingier zingers; and hopefully phoenixes rising once again :)

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you’re keeping close tabs on this! Important developments

I’m mad I only used 1 pack before switching to 600 film!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

Damn! At least you fired something off with it

And just to add to my previous comment....Spectra cameras were built for more professional users (like Police Officers, Dentists, etc) which is why the cameras have a sturdier, more well made construction versus the 600 cameras which were only made for the average consumer. So its a shame that Polaroid Originals took away something that at one time greatly assisted in putting a child abuser in prison and rescued teeth from cavities. Just saying.............As far as the marketing Spectra, P.O. was never marketing and promoting this stock as much as it was the other stocks.....So I dont buy the laissez-faire attitude of blaming the cameras nor do I believe it was unprofitable.......PO just didnt care about Spectra anymore.....And thats a shame..

Really sad I won't be able to use my Macro 5 SLR anymore...

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

I hear ya bud, every time I go through a pack, it's like one step closer to my beloved Image 1200 becoming a paperweight. I think like pack film, Spectra will still be "available" for a couple years in expired form. But unfortunately its shelf life is no where near as long, so it's really best to shoot it now while it's still avail at normal retail price and the chemistry has some life left in it.

@MichaWha

4 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant You're absolutely right, we'd better enjoy while we still can!

I was one of those angry Spectra users....Lol. I have two Spectra film cameras, one of them was used by a Law Enforcement officer back in the 90s who also supplied the VHS training video on how to use the Spectra camera to obtain crime scene photos.......I think the film was in trouble when it lost its professional market to digital, just like Kodachrome lost its magazine contracts (like National Geographic). Spectra is my favorite Polaroid stock and the cameras have aged better than the 600 One Steps (which chronically suffer from Runaway Shutter Syndrome).

I want Spectra film back. Now plz

Wish i could get a Pack of spectra film to use my Marco 5 once again. 😭😭😭

@lukass5160

2 жыл бұрын

check my project, they revived

I never quite understood why the SX70 and other Polaroids thereafter were so popular and worthy of a cult following when pack/peel apart film produced much better images. My dad had a Polaroid Swinger and shot black & white peel apart film every where we went and the images were sharp with a wide tonal range. I found the sharpness lacking from SX70 film. I got to watch a professional photographer work doing product photography and photographing artwork. He used Polaroid 4X5 film to do test shots. Upon seeing the test shots, I asked "why is this just a test shot, this photo is amazing". I have a Polaroid 600 and really only used it for doing manipulated prints since the straight out of camera print was always disappointing to me.

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

Peel apart/packfilm definitely produced far better images, but like you said it was being wielded by professionals for a large duration of its later life as a format. The simpler magic of integral was more pop-culture friendly, simplified for everyperson. It wasn't better in terms of technical image quality, but as a process it was friendlier to the consumer, and subsequently took hold in a big way. That's why integral was deemed more worth saving, simply because there existed a market for it.

There is an adapter but bruh

“He was so wide”

@InAnInstant

11 ай бұрын

It’s the truth

Can I get some film from you?

I don't care about the Spectra. The bigger questions is where did you get this cool shirt from?

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

Gosh I really can’t remember honestly, but there are a lot of crazy Polaroid shirts on eBay!!

Where can one get that sweet sweet shirt of yours?

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

Oh man I wish I could point you in the right direction but I have no clue where it’s from - I know there are a ton of Polaroid shirts out there tho!

The original spectra... such a beaut

“It’s a sacrifice the market demanded” What are you talking about? Don’t think it was given a chance… I think they could always devote a production line for these packs and sell it out of the factory to whoever is interested in it. Offer it and let people use the film.

@InAnInstant

2 жыл бұрын

The format was losing them money. Dedicating more time to research & development would cost them more money. The market didn’t justify the investment. It’s a sacrifice the market demanded.

@nicolaalbertin5561

Жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstant Ben, sappiamo benissimo entrambi che le fotocamere Spectra non avevano e non hanno nessun problema tecnico o meccanico è la pellicola che fa schifo e ha fatto ancora più schifo da quando il nome è cambiato da Impossible a Polaroid Originals. Hanno deciso di sacrificare il formato Spectra in favore di quel giocattolo di Go, la questione è molto semplice. Stranamente prima che arrivasse Oskar Smolokowski tutto funzionava perfettamente perché la compagnia era diretta da appassionati e non da manager o ricchi figli di papà annoiati. La gestione di Smolokowski ha rovinato e guastato migliaia di fotocamere Polaroid Spectra e senza risarcire nessuno utente danneggiato. Una cosa vergognosa. Al posto di seguire i vecchi clienti, io ho ricevuto in regalo la mia prima Polaroid 635 CL Super Color all'età di 6 anni e ora ne ho quasi 46, hanno preferito cercarne di nuovi producendo insulsi giocattoli e film dalla qualità molto scadente. Ripeto, è una cosa vergognosa.

I just ordered some spectra polaroid film on ebay that send it expired on 12/1993!!!!

@famem8847

Жыл бұрын

Did it produce good pictures?

@brettjames1992

Жыл бұрын

@@famem8847 no, it was no good, so I have to look for newer film.

I wanted to get myself a spectra and when I found a model which was interesting to me, damn Polaroid said they discontinue the film. Now I’m thinking about buying a lomo‘instant wide. They should have not focused on this boring 600/i-type models which I seriously detest. Now I’m worried that they will also discontinue sx70 and if they do it... this company is dead for me. I think they should have done more marketing for the other films and should have thought about hardware for them. Instead they publish a onestep without a tripod adapter and an auto-focus which is not optimal in my eyes. 🙄 and what more? Instant backs for medium format cameras! The people are yearning for it and because they’re focusing on this damn onestep shit, they lose these costumers too because the instant film backs which are being produced now are only working with instax film. BOOM! If I would have had a choice I would choose Polaroid because I prefer its colors... and it’s Polaroid... but like this? Bye, Polaroid! The only thing I am going to buy sometimes is sx70 Film and only sometimes because it’s too difficult to get in Germany!

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

I think it's unlikely they will discontinue SX-70 film any time soon, but it is ultimately possible. Technically this wouldn't be apocalyptic because 600 film can be easily used in an SX-70 with a $8 ND filter, but the real cataclysm would occur if they moved on from 600 film as well. At any rate, sorry to hear you dislike the square format in general! I think it's still wonderful and I use it in conjunction with Instax wide now that Spectra is no more. Polaroid is up against a behemoth (Fuji Film) and certain measures needed to be taken to survive in this niche climate. I think it's hard to blame them for surviving.

@lemasch01

4 жыл бұрын

In An Instant yes, fujifilm is a „behemoth“ but what I am blaming is that after the impossible project times I got the feeling that they are standing on one step without moving forward. Yes, it’s a niche but you can dominate the niche or stand on one step and only change your looks and name. Of course a company cannot seriously move on if they don’t take a real next step and I don’t call the onestep + a next step. I also like the square format but what angers me is seeing the wasted potential of the company and how they’re giving away customers to the „behemoth“ fujifilm without a real fight. Seriously. It’s not difficult to make it easier for the people to buy the films - which is maybe one of the biggest disadvantages of Polaroid films compared to these ugly instax mini films (I hate this format) - and they need to do more than making design and logo sh*t. They need to seriously think about the future. Yes, they can stay in this one niche while the behemoth is getting bigger and bigger and is eating away all the customers. I am angry BECAUSE I am so damn in love with Polaroid since I was 7 years old and I believe there is much more possible. But they don’t do the impossible anymore. They only do a f*cking one step and this onestep + is like a German child game: one step forward (autofocus), one step back (no tripod adapter). This is no impossible step forward, it’s making fun of the customers. Yes, I am angry. They wasted years on design, boring frames and merchandise (even though I love merchandise). They could do more and should do so! So yes, I am blaming their management. They could have challenged the behemoth if they would have kept trying doing the impossible.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

​@@lemasch01 I think the main thing you aren't taking into account is that Fuji Film is a multi-BILLION dollar company. The resources they have at their disposal are so far beyond Polaroid that it's incredible the two are even in the same conversation. Polaroid quite simply does not have the assets to make giant leaps forward. They have limited access to engineers who have knowledge of the technology and chemistry, limited aging machinery that could die at a moment's notice, and are operating at limited scale. I agree that Polaroid has possibly hit their limit of advancement in terms of shots per pack, cost, etc. Hopefully it improves, but there are limits intrinsic to the company. The multi-national Polaroid Corporation is defunct and it cannot return with the same force Fuji brings to the modern market.

@lemasch01

4 жыл бұрын

In An Instant i do take It into account. Which is the reason why I am saying it’s not clever to stay with one hardware product which is not being developed enough from the very first i-type model to the onestep + now. They wasted money in parts which are more a design thing. Nostalgic. Yes. It’s having it’s own charme. But if the customers don’t get the films easily and they always introduce „new cameras“ which’s improvements are too low to be seriously called „new“ then the money, time and potential is wasted and they are not gaining grounds they could be able to. I also am not sure about the marketing in the US but in Germany there is space for improvement. It’s not catastrophic but also not good because a company cannot grow if it cannot reach new customers. This is why I am sad. They have the potential. But there are always reasons why everyday people who are no nerds choosing the instax over the Polaroid camera. One reason: films are not easy accessible. It’s a huge disadvantage and could have been changed years ago. Next is how the use of the camera is. Okay, the onestep + has finally an autofocus. Great for everyday shots but the self-timer is unnerving for people who are not absolutely into cameras and no tripod adapter is a no-go nowadays. In Germany even no-influencers do often use mini tripods - especially for self-timer shots. There is even more but even a small company needs to evolve and expand its target group if it wants to survive and maybe grow. I don’t see that. In contrary. They do even lose customers by discontinuing spectra film. If they would have discontinued it to have the money for something breath taking, I would have understood it even if I wouldn’t have liked it. What have I heard more from people who don’t use Polaroid? For example that they liked some stuff from the lomo‘instant cameras like the lens set which gave the opportunity for close-up shots and wider angle shots. Easier use and of course instax is easier available. I only mention this because this might be maybe also gather new customers. Especially if you don’t have much money you have to invest it clever. Up until now I don’t see that. I see self-celebrating and too similar cameras one after another but no clever longtime management. The onestep + might have had been a chance but it was not done in a good way. People might buy it because of an hype and the image but if the people are sincere it’s a half product. Halfway stopped to an okayish product. If there would be some things differently I would also got caught by the hype and bought it immediately but it’s a half product.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

@@lemasch01 What do you mean about the accessibility of the film? In the US they can be purchased on Amazon with free 2 day shipping. It's always available on their website as well (and all major electronics stores always carry them). Regarding Spectra, producing it was simply a loss for them. They were losing money by producing it. Very few people shoot with Polaroid Spectra and it's simply not a priority, understandably. Aside from the SX-70 which was designed 50 years ago, Polaroid did not produce a single similar camera for square film. They really were never an advanced hardware company, film is the bread and butter. And that element continues to improve.

still crying abt this lol ))':

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

😭😭😭

Yes 👍 that instant film was okay the cameras jammed what are you going to do, I was going to get a Spectre camera am gled I didn't I would of wasted my money pusher, 😡😭 I will be getting the new Polaroid now plus the I type film is better the 600 film that too but the I type is in

Not for resale?

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA i was going to buy one. Meh ill probably just buy one for decor

You can still put 600 film in a spectra cartridge. you can also replace spectra batteries with 600 batteries. it's not that hard, plus 600 film is smaller and will provide less problem with ejecting from the camera.

@InAnInstant

3 жыл бұрын

600 film is taller than Spectra and thus doesn’t load fully, people are hacking their way around it but I’ve not seen anyone cleanly be able to pack swap 600 film into Spectra cameras without issue (and be able to eject multiple shots from one pack instead of doing one at a time). I’m curious how your experience differs from this?

Spectra superior.

Fuck spectra film I modded my camera to use 600 film BUT please PLEASE BRING BACK PACK FILM

Polaroid's failure to "own" their Spectra produciton shortcomings is fueling my switch to Instax. Whereas I've spent $200-$300 a year on Polaroid/Impossible film for the past 12 years, I'll be spending maybe 20% of that amount in the coming years on Polaroid film, the balance going to Fuji and their Instax line. I'd encourage others to consider doing the same.

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

So you’re redirecting your funds to a massive corporate conglomerate that discontinued pack film really for no reason whatsoever given it was the smallest imaginable blip on their bottom line? I understand your frustration but you must remember Polaroid is a small company that faces much bigger challenges when dealing with a manufacturing problem vs Fuji who willingly has killed formats and refused to sell machinery to those attempting to save it.

@mikesweeney9661

4 жыл бұрын

@@InAnInstantIn a word, yes. I appreciate your pulling for Polaroid to succeed. I did too. For nearly 12 years. I bought film from them when Doc sold film under the Resalable handle. I bought Soft Tone film, Artist TZ film, PX-100, PZ 680. was stoked when Steve Herchen joined Impossible (consider doing an episode on him). It isn't much of a stretch to say I've spent thousads of dollars with the variours iterations of this company since their inception. However, blaming Spectra cameras for the company's inablity to engineer a capable Speccta film pack is bush league. It's a "Corporate Conglomerate 101" move. An it's the straw that broke this camel's back. I'm enjoying your channel. Keep up the nice work. -M

@InAnInstant

4 жыл бұрын

@@mikesweeney9661 Thanks Mike! Sorry to see you leave the Pola brand but glad you're still shooting regardless.

And now spectra sells for 500 bucks! They should have just charged 100 bucks a box. Ran it in small batch runs. Duh.... lol

How are Spectras the issue if SX70's are still able to eject the film with relative ease? SX70's are older and in theory should have more issue (assume all the film stocks have the same thickness). I don't buy the "It's the camera's fault" lie.

They will never bother with getting ten shots in. Extra work in order to make less money? Why would they? Again guys this is not your little indie studio reviving film by hand. This is a factory with rent, bills, and a business to uphold. If you want the company to die then go ahead demand your niche product. ENTHUSIASTS ARE THE MINORITY your little community might FEEL big, but in nearly every single field, you will NEVER be enough to sustain a real business. You all complain about companies who have to make a living for not specifically catering to you, not realizing that you only make up 0.5%, NO exaggerations, of the consumer base.

If at least they could put 10 frames in the 600 and sx-70 pack.... 🙄🙁

there is a way to avoid jam. it`s simple and easy and reviewed and explained on my channel. As you said probably it was just not profitable