Impossible’s PX film for Polaroid cameras

When Polaroid announced that they were discontinuing production of their film for SX-70 and 600 cameras, a group of independent entrepreneurs calling themselves The Impossible Project purchased the defunct Polaroid factory in The Netherlands and started producing new monochrome film for the millions of Polaroid cameras still in the world. The first film PX 100 (for SX-70 cameras) and PX 600 (for Polaroid 600 cameras) was released earlier this year.


Self-Portrait
Polaroid SX-70 Alpha camera / Impossible Project PX 100 Silver Shade (First Flush)

Today I received a Flickr-Mail from Ryan, a Film Photography Podcast listener in St. Charles, Missouri USA asking about the PX film.

“Yesterday I got a couple of Polaroid OneSteps from a thrift store, and I'm looking at PX-600 film from Impossible. I'm trying to decide which version of the film to buy, since the First Flush is super cheap. However, the Internet says that First Flush (and even later editions) are ridiculously unstable, and I wanted to know what your experience with it has been. Obviously they look great coming out of the camera, but I'm interested in displaying the actual prints. Have your PX-600 shots been devoured by these crystals that come with humidity? Have they completely faded away like some people are talking about?

The Internet is filled with so much hyperbole in general that I wanted to get a more level-headed assessment from someone I can trust. Thanks!”

Yours in analog,
Ryan Croson


pictured: James Jankiewicz
Polaroid SX-70 Alpha camera / Impossible Project PX 100 Silver Shade (First Flush)


pictured: Joe Kolbek
Polaroid One600 camera / Impossible Project PX 600 Silver Shade (First Flush)


Ryan,

I've boxed most of my PX 100 and PX 600 shots from earlier this year so I'm not sure if there are any fading issues (I guess I should take a look at them)

I consider the Impossible film to be experimental and therefore, any quirks with the emulsion is part of the charm (killer crystals and all).


pictured: B-Movie star Ruby LaRocca
Polaroid One Step 1000 camera / Impossible Project PX 100 Silver Shade (First Flush)

My experience has been a real mixed bag but I have always achieved an image and have always been pleased with the results.

Sometimes I feel that all the whiney Impossible complainers on-line should just go buy a digital camera (laugh)! The Impossible Project has always been very upfront about the nature of their films. The PX film is an artist's medium, period.

If you're looking to save a few bucks, go with the First Flush. I’ve had nothing but fun shooting with it.

Here are some images from my limited experience:


Thanks for writing and listening to the show. Hope to hear from you soon.

Michael Raso

Links:

The Film Photography Podcast
http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com/

Ryan’s Flickr Photostream
http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com/

The Impossible Project
http://www.the-impossible-project.com/

Ruby LaRocca
http://rubylarocca.net/

Note back from Ryan:

"Hey man,

Thanks for the quick insight. I think I'll roll the dice on first flush. I love the way the material looks and I'm on board with the unpredictability of it. I'll probably hang my prints in front of my dehumidifier to dry them out and hope for the best. Regardless, I'm super stoked to try it out. I've dabbled with instant stuff in the past, but I haven't been particularly taken with it until I saw the stuff that Impossible was doing. Now I can't wait to get my hands on it!

RE: Impossible/new Polaroid haters: I tend to take internet whining with a grain of salt; the people with an axe to grind are always more vocal and visible than satisfied customers, so it can be impossible to tell how many people are legitimately having problems with something."

Rocking and rolling,
Ryan

Downtown Delight USA

In an age where indoor and highway strip malls rule, it's always a real joy to skip the norm and go local. I lived in Pompton Lakes, NJ a few years ago and really dug the town's "main street" (which happens to be called Wanaque Avenue). A hop, skip and jump from my studio, Pompton Lakes makes a perfect afternoon break in wonderful Friday afternoon weather.



Today’s camera-in-hand was my Polaroid One600 camera using PX 600, an instant monochrome film recently introduced by The Impossible Project. The Impossible Project is responsible for re-introducing film for Polaroid SX-70 and Polaroid 600 cameras (Polaroid discontinued manufacturing film in 2009).


Flip Side Records is a vinyl lovers haven. Stop in and see owner Dan Dondiego. Pictured is Joey K wearing the LP jacket of the Joe E Ross Tribute album.

“Flipside Records is a legendary New Jersey record store that has a bounty of used records - the kind of records you just don't find anywhere else no less at a decent price. As you can see, it is sort of a free for all so it takes a little digging but it is always worth the trouble. There is always something ridiculously weird or cool to discover there although it may be hidden under scattered beer bottles or next to a zucchini in a birdcage.”
- Tracy
http://www.lightningsgirl.com/2008/11/flipside-records-pompton-lakes-nj.html


The Wonderfun Shop. Magic, Costumes and Entertainment.


Authentic Mexican food at Taquerra Selena

“This is one of those hole in the wall, family-owned restaurants that cooks amazing food.. and you'll never find unless you happen to be passing by, and want to roll the dice on a place that doesn't look like much” – Brian B., NYC


Charisma 7 Antiques

“The floor, walls and ceiling are simply inundated with great merchandise from decades past. If you can, set aside a couple of hours to roam the store.” – Corey G.



Visit The Impossible Project
http://www.the-impossible-project.com/

Previous blogs about The Impossible Project

http://michaelraso.blogspot.com/2010/03/writing-new-chapter-in-history-of.html

http://michaelraso.blogspot.com/2010/04/impossible-no-way-impossible-project.html

http://michaelraso.blogspot.com/2010/04/impossible-project-grand-opening-party.html

Notes:

Joe E. Ross (March 15, 1914 – August 13, 1982) was an American actor known for his trademark "Ooh! Ooh!" exclamation, which he used in many of his roles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_E._Ross

The Wonderfun Shop on-line
http://www.thewonderfunshop.com/

Glorious Days with Impossible PX Film

I can’t remember a new film stock being invented in my lifetime as unique and extraordinary as the new line of PX films (for Polaroid SX-70 and 600 cameras). The film was introduced earlier this year by an Indie company called “The Impossible Project.”

What's The Impossible Project?
“A group of engineers and enthusiasts who leased an old Polaroid film factory in the Netherlands announced Monday 3/22/2010 that they had successfully reinvented instant film.


above: The men behind The Impossible Project in NYC this past March. Marwan Saba, Andre Bosman and Florian Kaps

The news gives new life to some old Polaroid cameras. The Impossible Project, will sell film for SX-70 cameras made in the '70s as well as more recent cameras that take 600-series film.”
- AP News

The film has certainly given new life to my Polaroid cameras. A few cameras were hidden away in my studio, namely a Polaroid One Step and a 1977 One Step 1000 camera.



The energy and enthusiasm behind the Impossible staff and other photographers using the new PX film has also influenced me to purchase additional Polaroid Instant cameras. Film Photography Podcast co-host Duane Polcou called me “fanatical!” Absolutely!

I’d like to share some images taken on the new PX 600 film stock.


above: Self portrait with the Polaroid One600 Classic Camera and PX 600 Silver Shade Film. A Cokin +2 filter handheld over the lens gave crispness to this dreamy film.




above: My parents were kind enough to let me shoot surreal portraits using the PX 600 film

The film stock will yield a different “look” based on temperature and distance from hot lights or flash.




Two portraits above are “that Inner Anthlete guy” and pal, James Jankiewicz
http://innerathletetraining.com/ Polaroid One600 Classic Camera and PX 600 Silver Shade Film


above: Filmmaker Joe Kolbek
Polaroid One600 Classic Camera and PX 600 Silver Shade Film


above: Photographer and Film Photography Podcast co-host Duane Polcou
http://www.modelmayhem.com/160195
Polaroid One600 Classic Camera and PX 600 Silver Shade Film

I’d call the unpredictable nature of the film remarkable. In a society filled with “stamped out” corporate packaged goods, its nice to play with something really, really different.

Read Sarah Gilbert’s Daily Finance on The Impossible Project here:
http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/company-news/picture-this-the-impossible-project-that-kept-polaroid-film-ali/19314730/

Listen to The Film Photography Podcast
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Blog / All Images © 2010 Michael Raso