Just after "roll film" Polaroids in 1965, the 107 (Black & White) and 108 (Color) eight exposure film packs were introduced.
Their best amateur model...the Polaroid 100. There were watered down versions... the Polaroids 103 and 104, as well. The Polaroid 180 was the "Professional" model with manual settings and a much better glass lens. The others had time controlled shutters, two with plastic lenses and all had the capability of making time exposures.
I put a Polaroid 180 on a tripod with an accessory self-timer and made this picture of Captain Gunther and myself, Airman First Class Steve Wilson.
This was made in our Information Office at an F-105/EB-66 base in Thailand in 1969.
The black and white "107" had to be coated with a stick which contained a strong smelling protective sealer. Today, people always wave Polaroids in the wind...for nothing. The only film that would apply to was 107 and P-42, P-46 ,and P-47 roll film which was still used at that time. Of course there were professional 4X5 Polaroid packs available for holders for many professional camers that needed to be coated, also.
Dating myself: I sold the roll film cameras and was assistant manager of camera shops when Polaroid introduced 107 and 108 and the new cameras. I was 16.
11 responses
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Frederic Frognier gave props (27 May 2008):
A great scene you shot there. You were 16?! You have photography in your skin, Steve.
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Caitlin Heath said (27 May 2008):
This is just a cool shot! concentration and attention to detail are second to none. good job!
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Paul Lavallee gave props (28 May 2008):
this is really, really great! here's hoping it gets published
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Mike Marcotte gave props (28 May 2008):
great shot
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Jane-E Yamamoto gave props (30 May 2008):
great!
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Catherine Kurvink gave props (2 Jun 2008):
A nice, nostalgic shot that definitely looks so Polaroid. My mother actually did some modeling and demonstrative work for the early Polaroids, so we had the camera(s) at home pretty early. The wet, smelly photos that you pulled out of the bottom of the camera and set aside to dry...watching the image magically appear. Wow, good memories!
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petey whitelaw gave props (3 Jun 2008):
good mood photo. you cant not but help think what he's talking to young bloke about.
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Christopher Boles said (7 Jun 2008):
Nice Polaroid. When they are treated well, they will last as long as any photograph. To bad Polaroid is going out of business. This young two striper looks like some guy that I used to hang around with in the military. *wink*
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Paolo G gave props (9 Jun 2008):
You are very very good at telling a story with your photos
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Paolo Pizzimenti gave props (24 Aug 2008):
Good morning Vietnammmmmmmmmmm... ! Nice shot
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John Linton gave props (10 Nov 2008):
I half expect to see Robin Williams come into view.
