Polaroid Instant Camera

Instant photography was invented at Polaroid during the 1940s. Company founder Edwin H. Land masterminded the development of a one-step dry process that produced a finished photograph a minute after the picture was taken. Polaroid scientists devised both the instant film and the camera needed to take the photographs. The first camera and film, the Polaroid Land Camera Model 95 and Polaroid Land Film Type 40, were released for sale to the public in November 1948. The camera was an immediate commercial success and helped to establish Polaroid as one of the most successful and innovative companies of the second half of the twentieth century.

Demonstration of camera at Jordan Marsh, November, 1948. Polaroid Corporation Collection Edwin H. Land demonstrating instant camera, 1947. Polaroid Corporation Collection Polaroid employees in the lab, circa 1948. Polaroid Corporation Collection 1946 test photograph, Type 40 film. Polaroid Corporation Collection May 1948 camera prototype drawing. Polaroid Corporation Collection