Venus Crystal Goddess I totally agree! Especially if they add new features to the cameras like they did with the OneStep+! It would be an amazing idea and something new for the company
tbh, polaroid kinda let down the instant film community. not just polaroid but all of these camera companies have, multiple time, and its just sad to see.
I don't see why Polaroid couldn't produce a batch a year and have us Spectra lovers preorder it and they would have it paid for before they produce it. Keith Canham has been working with Kodak to preorder odd sizes of large format film for years. People prepay and when they get enough orders Kodak runs a batch. :-(
You can still get B&W spectra film. It’s only colour that died. B&W has been available on eBay for me for ages and the price doesn’t seem to have gone up.
So according to the film chapter in the book, The Revenge of Analog. Back in the 90's Fuji licenced the recipe for Polaroid film to use in their Instax camera (from Polaroid) which at that time could only be sold in Japan. When Polaroid switched to impossible the "secret recipe" was not part of the deal. Impossible project had to reinvent the film. So fast Forward to 2019 and Instax is real polaroid film and polaroid is making the knockoff version of their own film. Its a screwed up world we live in.
Wow I didn't know instax is actually Polaroid formula film. That's crazy! If fuji were willing to go a bit mad, maybe they could make unlicensed 600/Spectra film packs and blow impossible out of the water. EDIT: They aren't the same formulation - see comments below.
@@C.I... It would not take much for them to do so since they already make a Instax wide. And instax has 10 pictures per cartridge just like the old polaroid does. And I wonder how long before someone figures out how to load 600 film into a Spectra camera. Like loading 35mm in a 120 camera.
@@JoePlett I do not know and since Japan /Fuji is involved I doubt they will allow or share the secret recipe they licenced from the first Polaroid Company for a very very very long time (never). Look at FP100 (which they may have also licensed from Polaroid) which they could have easily sold, to have someone else produce the film but they shut it down and refused to budge on their decision. And yes you can read the book on a Kindle however you may need to skip the chapter on the revenge of Paper...lol
Great video , lots of information. Incidentally Polaroid made film for the image/spectra that had 12 photos at one point ! I am of the opinion that yes the cameras are breaking down , motors can’t cope etc. But not due to age but to the thickness of the film.
I would say that blaming the cameras is an easy shift, there are alot of broken 600 cameras as well. The fatter impossible film wouldn't roll right with the wide camera, and they would rather r&d 600 film colour chemistry. The much more daunting task of slimming down the film to roll right wasnt seen as cost effective, after all, the more popular 600 would still work with the fatter film. They never did put the same effort in with the spectra, even the newest batch of color spectra still has the older "impossible look" that has long gone from 600/itype film with the improvements made. It's really sad, the slim spectra camera was easier to pack along than 600 or instax wide, took bigger and sharper pictures, and was a hoot overall, made great memories. Oh well, atleast we can thank impossible for keeping 600 alive, and giving us ten extra years of spectra.
Love your videos, Noah. In addition to providing tons of information and knowledge, they are also rekindling my nostalgia and taking me back to a time I desperately miss and want to relive. I still remember my Dad loading up the roll into camera and handing it to me and telling me to gently press the shutter button. Going to the photo studio and getting it developed... Fun times. He taught me how to use a point-and-shoot. Now I get to teach him how to use a manual and relive all those memories again. Thanks for all your content, man. You definitely deserve more exposure (excuse the pun) and lots more subscribers. 😊
The factory machines aren't decomissioned. Because they only have ONE machine doing everything. They just retool the machine everytime they were making new batches of the different films
Thank you for your very helpful video. I found a Polaroid Spectra and was so excited. I almost bought some of the newer film, but the price is steep. I decided to wait. I'm glad I did. With the camera, I found a package from '96 with one pack that was never opened. Perfect opportunity to test it and not stress about losing a pack of film. I've always been a Kodak fan and never had a Polaroid. My friends have been big Polaroid fans. I do still want to get one of the newer ones, but thought well, I found this Spectra and I'll see if it works. It would shoot out the cover, but no pictures would eject. Started to search for fixes. I removed the mylar strip and still nothing. Found a blog talking about the weak battery could be the possibility. You can see where the pick arm is marking the edge of the film to try and eject it, but not enough effort to do so. I'm sad I wanted to use this, but I'm glad I found it's most likely the camera and/or the battery in the pack or the change in film design. I can't justify spending around $30 for a film pack if it'll be a hit and miss just to have a camera I will use here and there. I just kept saying I don't want to spend that much on 10 pictures. Then I found your video. Thank you for the helpful info. I will donate this as there may be a die-hard fan that still loves this camera even if they don't work fully. All the buttons, the flash, the focus and the timer etc all work, but no film will eject.
Thank you for actually covering this logically and factually. I'm frustrated with oldtimers who can't get over it not being identical to the former Polaroid film, and also new people who don't get that they are almost literally recreating the wheel. I unfortunately suffered the ejection problems with the last packs of Spectra film I got. I was waiting for news that they had fixed the issue ... sad they can't affordably get it worked out. But I also support them circling the wagons and making sure the square formats survive. And I also kind of hope they can take that lost branch and aim it back to 4x5 ...
Jamie Maldonado I don’t think they ever had the equipment for 4x5. If you want to support 4x5 instant film, New55 / Famous Format has been doing great work!
The Spectre film was originally made in the mid 80s to replace the Kodak instant film that was discontinued because Polaroid sued them. Kodak made the rectangular film originally from 1976 to 85 and Spectre was almost identical, made to satisfy the customers who were used to shooting the Kodak film.
I knew you give the spectra the send off it deserves.... I’m still hoping like hell , that they will do some small batches on occasion....or maybe make a new spectra camera some day... let’s all cross our fingers...thanks ar
It’s honestly extremely unfortunate :( I recently purchased my first Polaroid Camera as the Spectra ProCam model and it will soon become obsolete and I’ll be forced to get either an i-type or a 600. This is a sad era for Polaroid
If you haven't already you should just invest in a instax wide 300 camera. It's cheaper than an I type camera and the film is also extremely cheap (20 exposures for $20). The film although not looking vintage does look sharper and brings out more color than Polaroid film
The news that Polaroid Originals will kill off the spectra line is so heartbreaking! I personally never owned a Spectra but I planned to one day buy one. News like this hits close to home being that all of my photography is done in analog. I understand where Polaroid Originals is coming from but it also concerns me about the future of the entire company.
I remember I bought my Spectra at Goodwill for $2. Then I found out about the Impossible project and the film was expensive. Fast forward years later I can finally afford it and they stopped making them...
Someone who got in contact with me last week via FB told me that they're planning on modifying the current Polaroid Spectra film machines to create a Fuji Instax Square mini style film to compete directly with Fuji. It sounds crazy but this person had so much insider information about how the company was running etc. They even said that PO had been planning to stop manufacturing Spectra for about 18 months now, and that they really don't have the heart for the Polaroid Artists as well as the day one supporters. It's just all about making money now. Also, Florian Kaps knew about the whole thing too, according to the person that got in contact with me. Pretty sad, but hey, it's all we've got...
Also regarding the jamming issues, PO knows, they just don't care anymore, especially since they were planning on getting rid of Spectra 18 months ago.
Great video! i actually found a Polaroid 1200FF camera in a closet at my parents place over the holidays and was super excited as it looked in pretty mint condition... then when i was looking up to get film for it i saw all the post about Spectra film being discontinued and was a bit bummed out to be honest LOL.
I literally just bought a spectra at a consignment shop today and I come home to find out that the film was discontinued..I'm still keeping the camera but it's a big shame.
The Spectra camera offered several switches for the photographer the 600 didn't. Both focused with a see in the dark electric eye. I understand giving up the production if the product is failing. How would you like to pay $20 for eight frames and get nothing because of jams?
What a coincidence that you upload a Polaroid video. I actually just got my first Polaroid camera yesterday never opened still in the box for only 3 bucks. It's a Amigo 620
I was looking into getting a Spectra awhile ago since I love my 600 so much but I guess it's a good thing I didn't end up getting one. I always wondered why they didn't just make a new Spectra like with the i-type camera. I'm also surprised they haven't done a new sx-70. Well anyway, rip to the Spectra, you had a great run from all the pictures I've seen of it!
I recently found one in a load of old cameras which were to be thrown away at my work. Lots of goodies In there. Even somewhat sought after Olympus point and shoots. I found a Polaroid Spectra/Image system camera in there in the original box made in the UK. Got some film for it see if it worked and took some holiday pics with it like old times. It’s a shame to see it go but at least I had a chance to use it to capture some special memories. All good things must come to an end
We share the same sadness. Polaroid is dead and we must seek new methods of expression. Like you and so many of the normal people, we have supported the Impossible Project with our purchases and believed the dream. The Emperor is naked and no wishing will change that. The question always comes down to motives. What are people's goals. Mr. Land loved photography. Forget the marketing and look at what he did, he brought photography to us "masses". My first Polaroid was a 100 model my dad bought to replace my Boy Scout Brownie and for years I lived the real dream. Not as an "artist" but for the joy. The joy that people's eyes light up when you take a Polaroid and instead of putting it in your pocket, you give it to them. Despite buying into his "impossible dream", I was always suspect of Mr. Kaps and Co. Latch onto the Polaroid myth and become famous. Not Ansel Adams but Lady Gaga for marketing! I have known too many business men that only want to rub elbows with the famous. The signs were always there but I wanted to believe. Like Lucas, merchandising and internet chic was all the Impossible team did, but the film was garbage. They propagated a lie that Polaroids were retro, bad colors, unsharp. The kids believe that, after all "those old people..never could....!" And so bad workmanship is called ART!!! If you wish I will send 4 photos, check out the colors of the US flag behind my father (SX-70 with Time Zero) or the sharpness and saturation in the 600 film (Sonor and Polaroid One 600) and compare that to the latest batch of Polaroid Originals (after 10 YEARS)! Even the merchandising was chic garbage. Coffee mugs, Albums with beautiful covers but pages that fell apart because the glue was bad, Scan forms with glue so bad the removing the photo resulted in bending it, Mint close up lens, scratched plastic garbage (at least the nice frame could be used to build a 540 lens into it..... enough... no... not enough! Instant lab (now Polaroid Lab, I have both :-( for iPhone chic with bad lens and bad software that come no where near to my Spectra Close-Up Stand or my Polaroid CU-70 Macro Kit. There were low tech solutions that could have been used by anyone, but not chic... these people don't love photography. Of course, always the excuse that "there is no market".... never the truth that "people don't buy bad products" And now after 10 years of playing in an elitist sandbox dreaming of being the next Red Bull success, these losers sell out to Polaroid. And the business men at Polaroid don't find the Spectra "COOL". And so a dream dies and Mr. Kaps runs off to a "Kickstarter" for ONE INSTANT? A kickstarter for 219.052 Eur!!!! Even I can get that sum from the bank!!! But you "plebs" can support us with a minimal donation of 1 Eur (Back our project for any amount less than EUR 10 and we'll show our gratitude by adding your name to our Founder's Wall).... How much does the film cost..... 11 Eur per shot!.... (It's only for us "artists"!). Like the Impossible film, the results of the P7 basement chemistry lab look like garbage.... but HEY... that's ART. Fool me once, shame on you.... Fool me twice... shame on me. After over 50 years I just purchased an Instax! New hobby... mod my Polaroid 800 to InstaxWide, and watch peoples eyes light up!
I'm from Argentina, Latin America, and I was able to travel to Europe (abroad, for the first time in my life). I took my Polaroid Spectra AF with me there hoping to get some new film. the thing is, I traveled in febuary 2020 and I HADN'T read the announcement they had released JUST 3 months ago. so I went to the store, bought my Spectra film and was really excited to just shoot some pics. the following day I went touring and took my camera with me and the film just got constantly stuck. I was so frustrated 'cause I wanted to have beautiful instant pictures of possibly the best journey I'd be able to make in my life and I just couldn't. my camera simply wasn't able to roll the ink all the way up to the picture. I also sometimes had to press the button several times for the picture to be able to come out, which caused double or triple exposure pictures. I thought my camera was finally seeing her last few days. and I thought that for THREE (yes, THREE) years until NOW. I didn't know this, I just gave up buying any other polaroid film because 1. they are SO expensive in my country and 2. the fact that my Spectra wasn't working completely discouraged and disappointed me. I'm really glad to see it might not be my camera after all. the sad thing is that I can't use it anymore. good thing is I still have my 600 Business Edition and my Land 1000 c: although I think I'm going to sell the Land 1000 one.
I loved the Fuji film for the original 1960s Polaroids; the type that you had to time and pull apart, which was Fuji stopped making about 10 years ago.
i found my spectra 2 at a goodwill and i was able to get a good 5 pictures out of it before polaroid announced the end of production. i'm so glad that i have this relic of time, and maybe one day they could reinvent the spectra, or continue making spectra film again.
Bruh i just bought a spectra SE. Now im finding out the film for it got discontinued 2 years ago? Man :( At least it still looks cool and its a great edition to my collection, but man i was excited to use it with the rest! Thats my mission, to use each camera for at least one set of film each. Ill see if i can find some somewhere.
@5:14 Fixing old Polaroid cameras from jamming seems to be an issue common to all cameras and Polaroid film. I do not know how that makes the Spectra line in particular any more “prone” to these issues - unless they were made with less quality or strength of components? The width of Spectra film to pass through the rollers and energy required seems negligible to 600 and SX70 film. Thank you for this follow up video to the Spectra Spectacle we find ourselves in. @7:36 I too want to see Polaroid Originals stay strong and viable and keep these classic old cameras alive with high quality film. (Just wish the old cameras could be converted to separate the batteries power from the film, like the new I-type cameras) @8:18 changing frame colors vs... Hope PO can put their money 💰 into R&D to make better film or products...like: 1) “manual” shutter camera with glass lens, classic styling, flash and flash sync / hotshoe for I-type film, 2) I-type film processing back (like the I-lab hacks) with interchangeable 3D printed adapters for classic MF and LF cameras.
Hi! I've got 6 packs I bought when they announced the end of Spectra film. I tried a pack yesterday & the camera was really struggling to eject, It seems like the battery can't handle the current draw needed to get through the rollers. Soooo.. I tried a little experiment: 1: Taped an old dark slide to bottom of film pack to block the pack’s battery contacts 2: Taped two strips of very thin brass foil (shim stock) to the cardboard so the ends make contact with the battery terminals inside the camera, these extend to front of camera & come out on the bottom where the film door pivots 3. Soldered wires from a battery holder for 5 AA batteries. This gives 7.5 volts instead of 6 but that’s all I had laying around Tried it and wow! the pics just shoot out of there! I’ve got a 4 AA battery holder coming today & I’ll see how it works with the proper 6 volts. TL, DR: Hooked up external power to my camera & I can now use my remaining Spectra packs!
last week i snagged a BRAND SPANKING NEW IN BOX polaroid spectra WITH the asinine remote!! it has a 4 foot aluminum antenna... unbelievable. hasn't jammed yet.
You can modify the spectra cartridge and load the integral type film into it and for me it works. It does have its quirks but I mean you’re essentially able to continue using the spectra cameras
Im going to give my spectra a try! I bought one for 20CAN . My local store has a few packs left! Hopefully it ejects and I have a few packs then in reserve to shoot throughout the year! Love the channel dude! Do you have an instagram for your own photography?
Thanks for this video. I have and occasionally shoot a Minolta Instant Pro which was a Spectra camera. I love it actually. Tons of functions and such, but I ran into ejection issues all the time. Still, I really, really liked having the film available. Your explanation of what happened here helps me understand, though. Long Live Spectra!
This is so sad, but thanks for the explanation! What should I do with my spectra now? I’ve found some packs on Amazon for sale but do I risk them jamming? In the past i bought a 3 pack and it worked just fine up until the second to last photo of the 3rd pack
Wonder if the camera could be modified to accept Instax Wide? If it were possible (unlikely mind you), Polaroid Originals could sell kits to perform the modifications.
For Polaroid not to try and make a high end folding SLR to shoot Spectra format seems like a really obvious missed opportunity. I have 4 of these cameras and all but one are 100% reliable. Plus I have a Macro 5 that is awkward but a ton of fun for the right things.
i just found a spectra camera at the flea market but now i've just found it was discontinued and not only that, these cartridges have a ticking timer to death. . :(
today I learned that peel away film and spectra existed..I was not even ware of such formats...maybe I can get into poloroid and hope someone will make them
I bought a Spectra, bought a pack of film, took 3 photos with it and then it decided to stop working. The camera itself wouldn't fold back down, which meant the battery was constantly on, so the battery just died and rendered the film pack useless (for me). Those 3 photos I took, can't see how they were any better in terms of cost and quality compared to the Fuji Instax film of the same format.
Polaroid Originals has no desire to make the film any thinner, it might have started off as the reason being manufacturing but frankly, they can charge what they want and why sell 10 when you can sell 8 for the same price. They've also baked the limit into their new cameras, look at the i-1 with its eight led shot counter. I'm willing to bet they just realised they were selling less Spectra film and decided to concentrate on fewer product lines / re-purpose the machinery to make sx-70/600 size film.
Whew glad I did my research before buying one, but damn unfortunate to learn that they have so many problems. I was honestly looking forward to shooting with it 😥
Spectra cameras seemed to be better than most Polaroid cameras. Glass lenses in some, bigger format, just better photos. What a shame. Looks like it's Fuji for me.
I have not forgiven Polaroid for discontinuing the film. I loved and do still love my Spectra System camera. I didn't know the film had been available. My camera is in perfect condition. All I need is the real film!!
Thank you for making this video. So basically the Spectra had it's issues with the ejection system jamming too much and so the film was discontinued? Question... is there a chance graphite lubricant could salvage the gears granted they could be accessed. 😁
I kind of fell in love with spectra after Home Alone 2. Plus - it was real 80s. I had two - a Spectra 2 which the shutter stop firing. My plain ol’ Spectra System was dropped at some point - and it didn’t close anymore. I never got around to getting another one and it’s a bummer. The 600 cameras are great - but it’s not the same. I’m not in the market for a One Step 2 - but a new iType (sType) camera would absolutely be welcomed. That and 10 shots per film pack. It was a wide, weird world - and I’ll miss it.
The former Polaroid (before 2008) managed to put 12 pictures into a pack for use with the Image (Spectra) 1200 series cameras. I still have a few packs of normal 10 shots in the fridge (+/- kept at 4°C) of Image/spectra film with expiry date 06/09. The ejection does not cause a problem but the colors are a little off, although no stripes visible. My Image 1200 camera does not seem to have problem with the PO film, but the old film seems to eject faster. Image / spectra film was less popular compared to the SX-70/600 format. And therefore I supose it is not economically profitable enough. I got a One Step+ this summer but that's also not fool proof. It happened that no picture was ejected, also have had a problem that 2 pictures were ejected together, so jammed. Sad, I really loved the Spectra format and have more than one Spectra and several accesoiries like the macro stand etc. It is what it is and the most comparable Instant film format is Fujifilm Instax Wide. Also sad that Fujifilm discontinued the FP100C but that also must have an economic reason. Moreover, Instax runs like a train.
I just bought a procam and some stock of b&w polaroid original film for it. Love how it looks way to much to ignore it. has anyone looked into making something to adapt the 600 film for it ever?
And they were selling refurbished Spectra cameras on their website until very recently, only to drop the format soon after and screw all the people that bought one. Can you believe that? 😒
@@sonnyauty1992 Yeah, it's a pity they abandoned the Spectra system because I've never had the stuck film problem with this camera model. Also I don't think there's gonna ever exist another true macro instant film camera...
Would it be possible for Fuji to manufacture film that fits Polaroid cameras? I mean, ink jet printer manufacturers haven't been able to stop 3rd party manufacturers from selling compatible cartridges even though they've tried. Fuji is in this because their biggest profits come from selling film, not cameras. So why not modify their film to work in Polaroid cameras? If they'd succeed I bet many Polaroid users would switch to using Fuji film.
I wish there were a refurb market for Spectras, then maybe Polaroid Originals - or someone - would feel a market still exists for film packs. My SpectraPro still works flawlessly. Guess it's destined for my ever-growing obsolete-stuff shelf. (which will eventually engulf my entire home). 😥
I've wanted a Spectra for the longest time but now I'm second guessing. Part of me wants to drop ~$100 and horde some packs for myself (I would never price gouge) for the chance that I may one day possibly find a Spectra......I am open to the idea of instax wide, I already love my instax square so I'm purist when it comes to that....
Just researching film for a camera I bought 3 years ago , sad to see this ! But glad at least to know that the intermittent sticking issue isn’t my fault! V Glad I managed to get a good deal on an SX-70 that’s working fine :) I have an old 1200 film floating about that I’m struggling to see what uses it but I think it may be spectra? Anyone know?
1200 film was another name for Spectra film, but I believe they held 12 shots per pack. I think only certain Spectra had film counters that would go up to 12 for those packs, but the film should be fine in any Spectra.
@@AnalogResurgence thanks heaps :) yes its a 12 pack. as its original Polaroid film hopefully it will work in my Image 2 without the jamming problem. then I guess its the SX-70 for me. Funny this will be the second camera I can't use - I have a Joycam that's now retired :(
Getting Ye Olde Polaroid 110 adapted to Fuji Instax Wide film is looking better and better. (Or I could just go back to the Fuji X-30 and Canon PowerShot G15. All I need is an SD memory card.) All interesting things come to an end. Ask Eastman Kodak about the chemical-based photography market which they used to own before digital photography made them a historical footnote.
I need your channel and I watch the first video about this camera and then I got excited. Then I saw a singing video about it and then I was like noooooo so sad.
I lost my mom to cancer earlier this year and I dug out her old spectra and have gone through three packs of film with it so far. Is there seriously a fucking time limit to how long I can use it now?! Idk what to think.
![The Life and Death of Polaroid Spectra [Instant Breakdown]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9VJKu2-WHtc/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Life and Death of Polaroid Spectra [Instant Breakdown]](/img/tr.png)
They should make new spectra cameras like they did the one step 2
Exactly!
Venus Crystal Goddess I totally agree! Especially if they add new features to the cameras like they did with the OneStep+! It would be an amazing idea and something new for the company
I assume they decided the market isn’t large enough ?
Or even make an interchangeable-lens Spectra SLR....
Yes! Make an SLR or something like the OneStep+!
Poor Noah, you can clearly tell how much this meant to him, and the entire Spectra-community.
Press F to pay respect guys.
tbh, polaroid kinda let down the instant film community. not just polaroid but all of these camera companies have, multiple time, and its just sad to see.
I don't see why Polaroid couldn't produce a batch a year and have us Spectra lovers preorder it and they would have it paid for before they produce it. Keith Canham has been working with Kodak to preorder odd sizes of large format film for years. People prepay and when they get enough orders Kodak runs a batch. :-(
Yeah just make like 5 packs a year and have an auction
That oughta make them a lot of money
MANNNN I LITERALLYYYY JUST GOT MY SPECTRA IN THE MAIL TODAY THIS ISN'T RIGHTTTT
But like I can still buy the spectra film
Same...
Are you serious? 😱 I just bought one I'm still waiting for it
I scored one at a thrift store today for $8 😂 I think I see why now.
You can still get B&W spectra film. It’s only colour that died. B&W has been available on eBay for me for ages and the price doesn’t seem to have gone up.
I just absolutely love how the Spectras look. I really hope they'll create a new version that works with 600 film, but looks and works like a Spectra.
It's such a shame. I've always wanted to eventually buy a Spectra...
Aeromatic me too 😢
Me too
So according to the film chapter in the book, The Revenge of Analog. Back in the 90's Fuji licenced the recipe for Polaroid film to use in their Instax camera (from Polaroid) which at that time could only be sold in Japan. When Polaroid switched to impossible the "secret recipe" was not part of the deal. Impossible project had to reinvent the film. So fast Forward to 2019 and Instax is real polaroid film and polaroid is making the knockoff version of their own film. Its a screwed up world we live in.
Wow I didn't know instax is actually Polaroid formula film. That's crazy!
If fuji were willing to go a bit mad, maybe they could make unlicensed 600/Spectra film packs and blow impossible out of the water.
EDIT: They aren't the same formulation - see comments below.
How long until the patents expire & Fuji (or some entrepreneur) can serve this niche market with fresh bootleg filmpacks? - Wishful thinking, I know.
Would it be heresy to read this title on Kindle? 😎
@@C.I... It would not take much for them to do so since they already make a Instax wide. And instax has 10 pictures per cartridge just like the old polaroid does. And I wonder how long before someone figures out how to load 600 film into a Spectra camera. Like loading 35mm in a 120 camera.
@@JoePlett I do not know and since Japan /Fuji is involved I doubt they will allow or share the secret recipe they licenced from the first Polaroid Company for a very very very long time (never). Look at FP100 (which they may have also licensed from Polaroid) which they could have easily sold, to have someone else produce the film but they shut it down and refused to budge on their decision. And yes you can read the book on a Kindle however you may need to skip the chapter on the revenge of Paper...lol
Great video , lots of information. Incidentally Polaroid made film for the image/spectra that had 12 photos at one point !
I am of the opinion that yes the cameras are breaking down , motors can’t cope etc. But not due to age but to the thickness of the film.
The PO film is much thicker but also more stiff, less pliable.
I’ve been using my Spectra to document my life at art school for the last couple years now...devastating news I really loved these cameras.
I would say that blaming the cameras is an easy shift, there are alot of broken 600 cameras as well. The fatter impossible film wouldn't roll right with the wide camera, and they would rather r&d 600 film colour chemistry. The much more daunting task of slimming down the film to roll right wasnt seen as cost effective, after all, the more popular 600 would still work with the fatter film.
They never did put the same effort in with the spectra, even the newest batch of color spectra still has the older "impossible look" that has long gone from 600/itype film with the improvements made.
It's really sad, the slim spectra camera was easier to pack along than 600 or instax wide, took bigger and sharper pictures, and was a hoot overall, made great memories. Oh well, atleast we can thank impossible for keeping 600 alive, and giving us ten extra years of spectra.
Love your videos, Noah. In addition to providing tons of information and knowledge, they are also rekindling my nostalgia and taking me back to a time I desperately miss and want to relive. I still remember my Dad loading up the roll into camera and handing it to me and telling me to gently press the shutter button. Going to the photo studio and getting it developed... Fun times. He taught me how to use a point-and-shoot. Now I get to teach him how to use a manual and relive all those memories again. Thanks for all your content, man. You definitely deserve more exposure (excuse the pun) and lots more subscribers. 😊
And I’ve been cussing Polaroid Originals out since.
The factory machines aren't decomissioned. Because they only have ONE machine doing everything. They just retool the machine everytime they were making new batches of the different films
Thank you for your very helpful video. I found a Polaroid Spectra and was so excited. I almost bought some of the newer film, but the price is steep. I decided to wait. I'm glad I did. With the camera, I found a package from '96 with one pack that was never opened. Perfect opportunity to test it and not stress about losing a pack of film. I've always been a Kodak fan and never had a Polaroid. My friends have been big Polaroid fans. I do still want to get one of the newer ones, but thought well, I found this Spectra and I'll see if it works. It would shoot out the cover, but no pictures would eject. Started to search for fixes. I removed the mylar strip and still nothing. Found a blog talking about the weak battery could be the possibility. You can see where the pick arm is marking the edge of the film to try and eject it, but not enough effort to do so. I'm sad I wanted to use this, but I'm glad I found it's most likely the camera and/or the battery in the pack or the change in film design. I can't justify spending around $30 for a film pack if it'll be a hit and miss just to have a camera I will use here and there. I just kept saying I don't want to spend that much on 10 pictures. Then I found your video. Thank you for the helpful info. I will donate this as there may be a die-hard fan that still loves this camera even if they don't work fully. All the buttons, the flash, the focus and the timer etc all work, but no film will eject.
Thank you for actually covering this logically and factually. I'm frustrated with oldtimers who can't get over it not being identical to the former Polaroid film, and also new people who don't get that they are almost literally recreating the wheel. I unfortunately suffered the ejection problems with the last packs of Spectra film I got. I was waiting for news that they had fixed the issue ... sad they can't affordably get it worked out. But I also support them circling the wagons and making sure the square formats survive. And I also kind of hope they can take that lost branch and aim it back to 4x5 ...
Jamie Maldonado I don’t think they ever had the equipment for 4x5. If you want to support 4x5 instant film, New55 / Famous Format has been doing great work!
The Spectre film was originally made in the mid 80s to replace the Kodak instant film that was discontinued because Polaroid sued them. Kodak made the rectangular film originally from 1976 to 85 and Spectre was almost identical, made to satisfy the customers who were used to shooting the Kodak film.
I knew you give the spectra the send off it deserves.... I’m still hoping like hell , that they will do some small batches on occasion....or maybe make a new spectra camera some day... let’s all cross our fingers...thanks ar
Such a bummer, I just got into shooting Spectra this year. Fantastic vid man, thanks for being so thorough about this
It’s a real shame. I loved shooting instant with the spectra.
It’s honestly extremely unfortunate :( I recently purchased my first Polaroid Camera as the Spectra ProCam model and it will soon become obsolete and I’ll be forced to get either an i-type or a 600. This is a sad era for Polaroid
If you haven't already you should just invest in a instax wide 300 camera. It's cheaper than an I type camera and the film is also extremely cheap (20 exposures for $20). The film although not looking vintage does look sharper and brings out more color than Polaroid film
The news that Polaroid Originals will kill off the spectra line is so heartbreaking! I personally never owned a Spectra but I planned to one day buy one. News like this hits close to home being that all of my photography is done in analog. I understand where Polaroid Originals is coming from but it also concerns me about the future of the entire company.
I remember I bought my Spectra at Goodwill for $2. Then I found out about the Impossible project and the film was expensive. Fast forward years later I can finally afford it and they stopped making them...
Someone who got in contact with me last week via FB told me that they're planning on modifying the current Polaroid Spectra film machines to create a Fuji Instax Square mini style film to compete directly with Fuji. It sounds crazy but this person had so much insider information about how the company was running etc. They even said that PO had been planning to stop manufacturing Spectra for about 18 months now, and that they really don't have the heart for the Polaroid Artists as well as the day one supporters. It's just all about making money now. Also, Florian Kaps knew about the whole thing too, according to the person that got in contact with me. Pretty sad, but hey, it's all we've got...
Also regarding the jamming issues, PO knows, they just don't care anymore, especially since they were planning on getting rid of Spectra 18 months ago.
Ooof that’s frustrating to hear, but not necessarily surprising at all
Hey, turned out you were dead right on the mini film XD
@@Hal_Bennett sooooo many people gave me such a hard time about it on the FB group, but when it finally happened, no one had anything to say.
Great video! i actually found a Polaroid 1200FF camera in a closet at my parents place over the holidays and was super excited as it looked in pretty mint condition... then when i was looking up to get film for it i saw all the post about Spectra film being discontinued and was a bit bummed out to be honest LOL.
I literally just bought a spectra at a consignment shop today and I come home to find out that the film was discontinued..I'm still keeping the camera but it's a big shame.
Same...
Thanks for the memories Noah. I'm sad too. Good day to you sir.
The Spectra camera offered several switches for the photographer the 600 didn't. Both focused with a see in the dark electric eye. I understand giving up the production if the product is failing. How would you like to pay $20 for eight frames and get nothing because of jams?
What a coincidence that you upload a Polaroid video. I actually just got my first Polaroid camera yesterday never opened still in the box for only 3 bucks. It's a Amigo 620
I was looking into getting a Spectra awhile ago since I love my 600 so much but I guess it's a good thing I didn't end up getting one. I always wondered why they didn't just make a new Spectra like with the i-type camera. I'm also surprised they haven't done a new sx-70. Well anyway, rip to the Spectra, you had a great run from all the pictures I've seen of it!
I recently found one in a load of old cameras which were to be thrown away at my work. Lots of goodies In there. Even somewhat sought after Olympus point and shoots. I found a Polaroid Spectra/Image system camera in there in the original box made in the UK. Got some film for it see if it worked and took some holiday pics with it like old times. It’s a shame to see it go but at least I had a chance to use it to capture some special memories. All good things must come to an end
We share the same sadness. Polaroid is dead and we must seek new methods of expression.
Like you and so many of the normal people, we have supported the Impossible Project with our purchases and believed the dream.
The Emperor is naked and no wishing will change that.
The question always comes down to motives. What are people's goals. Mr. Land loved photography. Forget the marketing and look at what he did, he brought photography to us "masses". My first Polaroid was a 100 model my dad bought to replace my Boy Scout Brownie and for years I lived the real dream. Not as an "artist" but for the joy. The joy that people's eyes light up when you take a Polaroid and instead of putting it in your pocket, you give it to them.
Despite buying into his "impossible dream", I was always suspect of Mr. Kaps and Co. Latch onto the Polaroid myth and become famous. Not Ansel Adams but Lady Gaga for marketing! I have known too many business men that only want to rub elbows with the famous. The signs were always there but I wanted to believe.
Like Lucas, merchandising and internet chic was all the Impossible team did, but the film was garbage. They propagated a lie that Polaroids were retro, bad colors, unsharp. The kids believe that, after all "those old people..never could....!" And so bad workmanship is called ART!!!
If you wish I will send 4 photos, check out the colors of the US flag behind my father (SX-70 with Time Zero) or the sharpness and saturation in the 600 film (Sonor and Polaroid One 600) and compare that to the latest batch of Polaroid Originals (after 10 YEARS)!
Even the merchandising was chic garbage. Coffee mugs, Albums with beautiful covers but pages that fell apart because the glue was bad, Scan forms with glue so bad the removing the photo resulted in bending it, Mint close up lens, scratched plastic garbage (at least the nice frame could be used to build a 540 lens into it..... enough... no... not enough!
Instant lab (now Polaroid Lab, I have both :-( for iPhone chic with bad lens and bad software that come no where near to my Spectra Close-Up Stand or my Polaroid CU-70 Macro Kit. There were low tech solutions that could have been used by anyone, but not chic... these people don't love photography.
Of course, always the excuse that "there is no market".... never the truth that "people don't buy bad products" And now after 10 years of playing in an elitist sandbox dreaming of being the next Red Bull success, these losers sell out to Polaroid. And the business men at Polaroid don't find the Spectra "COOL".
And so a dream dies and Mr. Kaps runs off to a "Kickstarter" for ONE INSTANT? A kickstarter for 219.052 Eur!!!! Even I can get that sum from the bank!!! But you "plebs" can support us with a minimal donation of 1 Eur (Back our project for any amount less than EUR 10 and we'll show our gratitude by adding your name to our Founder's Wall).... How much does the film cost..... 11 Eur per shot!.... (It's only for us "artists"!). Like the Impossible film, the results of the P7 basement chemistry lab look like garbage.... but HEY... that's ART.
Fool me once, shame on you.... Fool me twice... shame on me.
After over 50 years I just purchased an Instax! New hobby... mod my Polaroid 800 to InstaxWide, and watch peoples eyes light up!
I'm from Argentina, Latin America, and I was able to travel to Europe (abroad, for the first time in my life). I took my Polaroid Spectra AF with me there hoping to get some new film. the thing is, I traveled in febuary 2020 and I HADN'T read the announcement they had released JUST 3 months ago. so I went to the store, bought my Spectra film and was really excited to just shoot some pics.
the following day I went touring and took my camera with me and the film just got constantly stuck. I was so frustrated 'cause I wanted to have beautiful instant pictures of possibly the best journey I'd be able to make in my life and I just couldn't. my camera simply wasn't able to roll the ink all the way up to the picture. I also sometimes had to press the button several times for the picture to be able to come out, which caused double or triple exposure pictures.
I thought my camera was finally seeing her last few days. and I thought that for THREE (yes, THREE) years until NOW. I didn't know this, I just gave up buying any other polaroid film because 1. they are SO expensive in my country and 2. the fact that my Spectra wasn't working completely discouraged and disappointed me.
I'm really glad to see it might not be my camera after all. the sad thing is that I can't use it anymore. good thing is I still have my 600 Business Edition and my Land 1000 c: although I think I'm going to sell the Land 1000 one.
I loved the Fuji film for the original 1960s Polaroids; the type that you had to time and pull apart, which was Fuji stopped making about 10 years ago.
Thanks for sharing this story ..heart breaking... I am listening to the flash sound again and a again
i found my spectra 2 at a goodwill and i was able to get a good 5 pictures out of it before polaroid announced the end of production. i'm so glad that i have this relic of time, and maybe one day they could reinvent the spectra, or continue making spectra film again.
Bruh i just bought a spectra SE. Now im finding out the film for it got discontinued 2 years ago? Man :(
At least it still looks cool and its a great edition to my collection, but man i was excited to use it with the rest! Thats my mission, to use each camera for at least one set of film each. Ill see if i can find some somewhere.
I was sad to hear about this. I still have a spectra that i havent gotten to use yet.
Me too 😢
@5:14 Fixing old Polaroid cameras from jamming seems to be an issue common to all cameras and Polaroid film. I do not know how that makes the Spectra line in particular any more “prone” to these issues - unless they were made with less quality or strength of components? The width of Spectra film to pass through the rollers and energy required seems negligible to 600 and SX70 film.
Thank you for this follow up video to the Spectra Spectacle we find ourselves in.
@7:36 I too want to see Polaroid Originals stay strong and viable and keep these classic old cameras alive with high quality film. (Just wish the old cameras could be converted to separate the batteries power from the film, like the new I-type cameras)
@8:18 changing frame colors vs... Hope PO can put their money 💰 into R&D to make better film or products...like:
1) “manual” shutter camera with glass lens, classic styling, flash and flash sync / hotshoe for I-type film,
2) I-type film processing back (like the I-lab hacks) with interchangeable 3D printed adapters for classic MF and LF cameras.
Hi! I've got 6 packs I bought when they announced the end of Spectra film. I tried a pack yesterday & the camera was really struggling to eject, It seems like the battery can't handle the current draw needed to get through the rollers. Soooo.. I tried a little experiment:
1: Taped an old dark slide to bottom of film pack to block the pack’s battery contacts
2: Taped two strips of very thin brass foil (shim stock) to the cardboard so the ends make contact with the battery terminals inside the camera, these extend to front of camera & come out on the bottom where the film door pivots
3. Soldered wires from a battery holder for 5 AA batteries. This gives 7.5 volts instead of 6 but that’s all I had laying around
Tried it and wow! the pics just shoot out of there! I’ve got a 4 AA battery holder coming today & I’ll see how it works with the proper 6 volts.
TL, DR: Hooked up external power to my camera & I can now use my remaining Spectra packs!
last week i snagged a BRAND SPANKING NEW IN BOX polaroid spectra WITH the asinine remote!! it has a 4 foot aluminum antenna... unbelievable. hasn't jammed yet.
Spectra...you've served us well...goodbye...and thank you.
polaroid spectra is my fav out of all, damn. means that my camera are no longer in use anymore whyyyy
What about an adapter or something to put 600 film in the spectra? It is the same film speed.
Sad to hear, I was always curious about the Spectra cameras and what capabilities they had, especially the ProCam.
You can modify the spectra cartridge and load the integral type film into it and for me it works. It does have its quirks but I mean you’re essentially able to continue using the spectra cameras
Im going to give my spectra a try! I bought one for 20CAN . My local store has a few packs left! Hopefully it ejects and I have a few packs then in reserve to shoot throughout the year! Love the channel dude! Do you have an instagram for your own photography?
Thanks for this video. I have and occasionally shoot a Minolta Instant Pro which was a Spectra camera. I love it actually. Tons of functions and such, but I ran into ejection issues all the time. Still, I really, really liked having the film available. Your explanation of what happened here helps me understand, though.
Long Live Spectra!
Could it be possible to use 600 film ub a spectra camera with a 3d printed adapter?
Such sad news to hear I'm glad I got to shoot some of the film even if it was once. R.I.P.
This is so sad, but thanks for the explanation! What should I do with my spectra now? I’ve found some packs on Amazon for sale but do I risk them jamming? In the past i bought a 3 pack and it worked just fine up until the second to last photo of the 3rd pack
Wonder if the camera could be modified to accept Instax Wide? If it were possible (unlikely mind you), Polaroid Originals could sell kits to perform the modifications.
Sucks because I literally just bought one of these ... and I really really wish people would work on conversions for this camera
For Polaroid not to try and make a high end folding SLR to shoot Spectra format seems like a really obvious missed opportunity. I have 4 of these cameras and all but one are 100% reliable. Plus I have a Macro 5 that is awkward but a ton of fun for the right things.
i just found a spectra camera at the flea market but now i've just found it was discontinued and not only that, these cartridges have a ticking timer to death. . :(
today I learned that peel away film and spectra existed..I was not even ware of such formats...maybe I can get into poloroid and hope someone will make them
It’s like film packs all over again!
Sad to hear, I've never had problems with my Image Elite camera and the Impossible film .
Shoot. I just got an old spectra af model from my parents. Wish we'd found it last year so I could've bought film to try it.
You can get some of the remaining film on ebay.
There’s still some on B&H. not sure if they’re expired though
I bought a Spectra, bought a pack of film, took 3 photos with it and then it decided to stop working. The camera itself wouldn't fold back down, which meant the battery was constantly on, so the battery just died and rendered the film pack useless (for me). Those 3 photos I took, can't see how they were any better in terms of cost and quality compared to the Fuji Instax film of the same format.
Polaroid Originals has no desire to make the film any thinner, it might have started off as the reason being manufacturing but frankly, they can charge what they want and why sell 10 when you can sell 8 for the same price. They've also baked the limit into their new cameras, look at the i-1 with its eight led shot counter.
I'm willing to bet they just realised they were selling less Spectra film and decided to concentrate on fewer product lines / re-purpose the machinery to make sx-70/600 size film.
You mention shooting film with your Polaroid Spectra's. Where can one get film?
Film for Spectra cameras has been out of production for 2019 so it’s unfortunately no longer available.
Whew glad I did my research before buying one, but damn unfortunate to learn that they have so many problems. I was honestly looking forward to shooting with it 😥
Spectra cameras seemed to be better than most Polaroid cameras. Glass lenses in some, bigger format, just better photos. What a shame. Looks like it's Fuji for me.
had no issues with the film for 2 years, my latest pack i bought jammed at every second frame!
Right when I find a procam at a flea market ):
My aunt just gave me a spectra, but now there’s a limited number of film because it’s been discontinued..
For what it's worth, Brooklyn Film Camrea still has Spectra B&W in stock on their web site.
I have not forgiven Polaroid for discontinuing the film. I loved and do still love my Spectra System camera. I didn't know the film had been available. My camera is in perfect condition. All I need is the real film!!
Thank you for making this video. So basically the Spectra had it's issues with the ejection system jamming too much and so the film was discontinued? Question... is there a chance graphite lubricant could salvage the gears granted they could be accessed. 😁
coming back to this video 1 year later and the film from polaroid originals is running $90 + on ebay
I kind of fell in love with spectra after Home Alone 2. Plus - it was real 80s. I had two - a Spectra 2 which the shutter stop firing. My plain ol’ Spectra System was dropped at some point - and it didn’t close anymore.
I never got around to getting another one and it’s a bummer. The 600 cameras are great - but it’s not the same. I’m not in the market for a One Step 2 - but a new iType (sType) camera would absolutely be welcomed. That and 10 shots per film pack.
It was a wide, weird world - and I’ll miss it.
The former Polaroid (before 2008) managed to put 12 pictures into a pack for use with the Image (Spectra) 1200 series cameras. I still have a few packs of normal 10 shots in the fridge (+/- kept at 4°C) of Image/spectra film with expiry date 06/09. The ejection does not cause a problem but the colors are a little off, although no stripes visible. My Image 1200 camera does not seem to have problem with the PO film, but the old film seems to eject faster.
Image / spectra film was less popular compared to the SX-70/600 format. And therefore I supose it is not economically profitable enough. I got a One Step+ this summer but that's also not fool proof. It happened that no picture was ejected, also have had a problem that 2 pictures were ejected together, so jammed.
Sad, I really loved the Spectra format and have more than one Spectra and several accesoiries like the macro stand etc. It is what it is and the most comparable Instant film format is Fujifilm Instax Wide. Also sad that Fujifilm discontinued the FP100C but that also must have an economic reason. Moreover, Instax runs like a train.
I have a spectra polaroid camera, and it's getting hard to find film for it!!!!!
I just bought a procam and some stock of b&w polaroid original film for it. Love how it looks way to much to ignore it. has anyone looked into making something to adapt the 600 film for it ever?
And they were selling refurbished Spectra cameras on their website until very recently, only to drop the format soon after and screw all the people that bought one. Can you believe that? 😒
The best of this country is behind us. Cars, cameras & clothes.
Came across one of these at a swap meet today, passed it up because I new they didnt make film anymore. Made me sad.
is it even worth to keep anymore? i can’t find film anywhere
Great video!
How big is the spectra market?? is it big enough to keep developing the film?
Bummer :(
i love my 1200ff. i’m sad about them discontinuing spectra film. ☹️☹️☹️☹️
I'm going to miss using my Macro 5 SLR...
I was gonna buy one but then they announced the shut down
@@sonnyauty1992 Yeah, it's a pity they abandoned the Spectra system because I've never had the stuck film problem with this camera model. Also I don't think there's gonna ever exist another true macro instant film camera...
This is very sad news. I was looking forward to getting one of these cameras. 😢
Would it be possible for Fuji to manufacture film that fits Polaroid cameras? I mean, ink jet printer manufacturers haven't been able to stop 3rd party manufacturers from selling compatible cartridges even though they've tried.
Fuji is in this because their biggest profits come from selling film, not cameras. So why not modify their film to work in Polaroid cameras? If they'd succeed I bet many Polaroid users would switch to using Fuji film.
I wish there were a refurb market for Spectras, then maybe Polaroid Originals - or someone - would feel a market still exists for film packs. My SpectraPro still works flawlessly. Guess it's destined for my ever-growing obsolete-stuff shelf. (which will eventually engulf my entire home). 😥
this was really good if u have any info on slr 680 se please send the link
I've wanted a Spectra for the longest time but now I'm second guessing. Part of me wants to drop ~$100 and horde some packs for myself (I would never price gouge) for the chance that I may one day possibly find a Spectra......I am open to the idea of instax wide, I already love my instax square so I'm purist when it comes to that....
Well... now there's only one logical next step... Polaroid Onestep Wide, shooting i-Type Wide film
Wait, wait, wait. So you're telling me I have no way of using my (new) Spectra? ALL BECAUSE THEY AREN'T PRODUCING ANY MORE FILM???
I have no problem with giving it a good smack every time I take a picture. Bring spectra film back!
I'm saddened by this
Just researching film for a camera I bought 3 years ago , sad to see this ! But glad at least to know that the intermittent sticking issue isn’t my fault! V Glad I managed to get a good deal on an SX-70 that’s working fine :)
I have an old 1200 film floating about that I’m struggling to see what uses it but I think it may be spectra? Anyone know?
1200 film was another name for Spectra film, but I believe they held 12 shots per pack. I think only certain Spectra had film counters that would go up to 12 for those packs, but the film should be fine in any Spectra.
@@AnalogResurgence thanks heaps :) yes its a 12 pack. as its original Polaroid film hopefully it will work in my Image 2 without the jamming problem. then I guess its the SX-70 for me. Funny this will be the second camera I can't use - I have a Joycam that's now retired :(
Haven't had any problems with my Minolta Spectra camera.
Getting Ye Olde Polaroid 110 adapted to Fuji Instax Wide film is looking better and better. (Or I could just go back to the Fuji X-30 and Canon PowerShot G15. All I need is an SD memory card.) All interesting things come to an end. Ask Eastman Kodak about the chemical-based photography market which they used to own before digital photography made them a historical footnote.
did not get a spectra in time, rip :(
I need your channel and I watch the first video about this camera and then I got excited. Then I saw a singing video about it and then I was like noooooo so sad.
I was looking to buy a Spectra Onxy
I lost my mom to cancer earlier this year and I dug out her old spectra and have gone through three packs of film with it so far. Is there seriously a fucking time limit to how long I can use it now?! Idk what to think.
Just got a polaroid spectra special edition so sad