After delving into the story behind T HE IM POSSIBLE PROJECT and the man partly responsible for breathing life back into Polaroid film, we’ve put together a timeline of selected Polaroid cameras. Each presented model was picked by THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT team, chosen as standout pieces that best represented their era. Included are popular retro models like the OneStep and Supercolor, as well as pioneering models that helped mould the culture of instant photography.
1967
Polaroid Land Model 250
1957
Polaroid Pathfinder Dating back to the mid ’50s, the vintage Polaroid Pathfinders came with a classic folding viewfinder, and utilized a 125mm lens with a collapsible manuallyset wire frame. Made mostly from polished steel, these models paved the way for amateur photographers the world-over.
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The Polaroid 250 model, known as the “Automatic 250” used a flipup single-window view/rangefinder. Its development saw a few changes to it, but ultimately the 250 served as a stable Polaroid land camera.
1976
Polaroid Model 1000
1971
Polaroid Colorpack 88 The Polaroid Colorpack 88 was a later rendition of its original Colorpack 80 model that offered a much more compact variation to the cameras out at that time. Because of its small square body, it was only made suitable for ‘Square’ type 80 format film packs.
With a classic Polaroid aesthetic, the 1000 – a version of the OneStep – came with a fixed-focus 103mm lens and an all-plastic white-andblack body. The 1000 was also the first box-type plastic camera to use Time Zero Integral film.
1982
Polaroid SLR 680 A foldable version of the 600 box type, the 680 also used 600 Integral film, but came with an added built-in automatic electronic flash, as well as automatic tilting flash reflectors dependent on its focus distance.
1981
Polaroid 600
1973
Polaroid SX 70 The first as a foldable SLR, the SX 70s set the standard for portable Polaroids. Using a 116mm lens, the camera was made durable yet light with its chrome-plated plastic body combined with genuine leather covering. It was also the first to use Time Zero Integral film.
Arguably one of the most common Polaroid cameras to date, the 600 box type model produced numerous variations including the OneStep 600 and the Supercolor, all of which utilized the 600 Integral film.
1986
Polaroid Image-Spectra The Spectra/Image cameras started production in the ‘80s and carried through to the early 2000s, having several variations and models made from it. Using Spectra (700) Integral film, it came with a 125mm lens, builtin timer and flash, and produced images that were larger than that of the 600 and SX 70 cameras.
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NEWS A selected ensemble of upcoming products
WORDS BY JOYCE TSANG PHOTOGRAPHY BY WAI YAN HO
1 Lanvin
3 Lanvin
2 Yigal Azrouël
4 Native Sons
1 Lanvin Croc Boots
Sculpted by contemporary streamlines, the croc boots have an elasticated panel for enhanced comfort. Embossed with croc skin, the laceless boots are detailed with layered soles, giving a stylistic twist to the design. $928 USD
2 Yigal Azrouël Felted Wool Varsity Jacket
Building upon the common varsity jacket, Azrouël plays with an asymmetrical contrast with quilted leather sleeves for a supplemented edge. Crafted felted wool enhance the look with a taste of collegiate flare. $1,195 USD
3 Lanvin Wool Mix Shoulder Zip Smock
With colors and choice of material juxtaposed against each other, this simple top transforms itself through classic tailoring into an innovative garment for an urban masculine wardrobe. $2,282 USD
4 Native Sons Salinger Sunglasses
Composed of a metal frame of weld-lug style with titanium as its core material, the 100% original frames are handcrafted with attention to detail. Its hinges go by the old school star-nut configuration, ensuring quality and durability that lasts. TBA
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6 Converse First String
5 PRO-Keds
7 Saturdays Surf NYC 8 IMIND
5 PRO-Keds Royal Master DK Sneakers
Made in the USA, this iconic design sustains itself with a Woolrich upper, suede-like collar, metal eyelets and vulcanized rubber soles. Embellished with iconic powerstripes, the checkered finish brings out its timeless appeal. $90 USD
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6 Converse First String Jack Purcell Johnny Oxford
Traditionally fashioned with premium Japanese Kasuri knit wool as its core material, the latest low silhouette release from Converse First String is available in selected retailers globally. $85 USD
7 Saturdays Surf NYC Ruba Duffel Bag & Greg Backpack
Constructed mainly for travellers, Saturdays Surf NYC has executed a new series of canvas bags that are durable for commutes yet aesthetically pleasing for the eyes. With leather details and numerous pockets, efficient organization is ensured and a stylish look maintained. $125 USD each
8 IMIND Coach Jacket
The perfect formula for comfort, appearance and functionality, the two-toned coach jacket is created with a mix of cotton and nylon with an interior lining of polyester taffeta. Fastener pockets are also found on the chest and either side, with a foldable hood tucked in the collar. ÂĽ37,800 JPY
9 mastermind JAPAN x NEIGHBORHOOD
10 S.E.H Kelly
11 IMIND 12 Vans OTW x Knoll
9 mastermind JAPAN x NEIGHBORHOOD NHMJ . SAVAGE NARROW Jeans & NHMJ . SAVAGE7 Denim shirt
The vintage denim shirt and jeans are both adorned with skull-andbones accents specially created for the collaboration, while subtle hand-stitches and repair work add detail and quality. ¥63,000 JPY [jeans], ¥36,750 JPY [denim shirt]
10 S.E.H Kelly Reversible Jacket
Offered as a double-sided piece, the jacket is made from wool tweed from a mill in West Yorkshire. Each side is adorned with dark and light buttons made from real matte tortoiseshell and horn from the Midlands. £265 GBP
11 IMIND Card Case & Money Clip
IMIND’s latest series of card and coins cases plays off each other with contrasting colors, stitched alongside neutral shades of tan and grey. Each leather case is palm friendly and is soft but sturdy for everyday essentials. From ¥10,500 JPY
12 Vans OTW x Knoll OTW Piercy
Working with the heritagebased mid-top Vans in a modernized profile, a new slim design assembles grey suede with Knoll’s signature textile in a clean-cap toe construction. $95 USD
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14 Frye for Coach
13 Stussy by Holden
15 Carrera
13 Stussy by Holden M-51 Fishtail Jacket
Ready for snow or surf, this fishtail styling jacket is made from washed vintage ripstop fabric. Its 2.5 layers ensure durability, and the taped seams with adjustable hood and waist provide comfort and waterproof qualities. $300 USD
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14 Frye for Coach Rogan Leather Biker Boots
Committed to American heritage, the brand maintains their use of premium hand-cut Italian leather with Goodyear welts and hand hammered heels. Inspired by boots worn during WWII, these stonewashed shoes are updated with Coach’s signature stripes on the interior. $398 USD
15 Carrera Carrera 6000
Emphasized by its timeless square form design, the brand’s vintage signature is morphed into a contemporary construction with ultra-lightweight material, resisting deformity at high temperatures. Available in 14 colours, their new creative details are set to be recognized world-wide. $134 USD
16 Burberry Prorsum
16 Burberry Prorsum Studded accesories collection
Burberry Prorsum’s Fall 2012 menswear collection showcases re-energized classic essentials with gloves, umbrellas and document cases being made of leather and textured with studs. $650 USD [Gloves], $995 USD [Umbrella], $31,95 USD [Document Case]
18 Lacoste LED
17 Harris Tweed x BEDWIN & THE HEARTBREAKERS Jacket
20 Louis W for A.P.C.
19 Stussy Deluxe x Baxter of California
17 Harris Tweed x BEDWIN & THE HEARTBREAKERS 4B Harris Tweed Taylor Jacket “Michael”
BEDWIN reshapes the timeless blazer into a luxurious piece. Embellished with velvet and tortoiseshell like buttons, the collaborative effort with Harris Tweed successfully brings sophistication to the look. TBA
18 Lacoste LED Leighton ZB
19 Stussy Deluxe x Baxter of California
20 Louis W for A.P.C. Leather Aviator Jacket
Fig Leaves Candle
Lacoste Essential Design for Fall showcases a new collection of the brand’s footwear with simplicity and pureness of design. With attention to leather and detailed hand stitches, the Leighton ZB offers formal sportswear in its blue colorway with a white rubberized sole. TBA
Produced from soy wax that embodies the attributes of both Baxter and Stussy, the fig leaves scented candle exudes a soft, powdery amber scent with undertones of jasmine and has a burn time of around 60 hours. $30 USD
Inspired by vintage jacket styles worn in 1970s French police movies, this deer leather aviator jacket with a shearling collar is the new must-have for an antiquated look. Dark yet bold, Louis W revamps its minimalistic design with clean lines and a classic silhouette. €500 EUR
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21 WeSC
22 Paul Smith x Barbour Jacket
24 PRESENT x ellesse
23 Mosley Tribes for Stussy
21 WeSC Chukkas
22 Paul Smith x Barbour Jacket Fieldman Trad
WeSC adopts a simplistic aesthetic with its Chukkas, offered in clean black with a constrasting green rubber sole. The mid-cut shoes are comprised of a nubuck vamp with black stitching and matching green eyelets accents held together with waxed laces. $227 USD
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Inspired by a selection of farming garments, the multi-colored layers adds an effect of excellence. Offered in shades ranging from olive to rustic brown, the jacket is tailored with joint trims and Breton lining. $900 USD
23 Mosley Tribes for Stussy
24 PRESENT x ellesse Poli Runner
Sunglasses
A homage to the ‘50s, the Mosley Tribes for Stussy sunglasses boasts the classic progressive metal aviator design long before athletic eyewear was even a category. Cable temples and an acetate sweat bar serve as the framework for the glasses’s fitted mineral glass lenses. $275 USD
Reworking previous designs with 5 world-respected stores: atmos, PRESENT, Special, Amen and Kin, ellesse heritage offer freedom in curating their favorite colors and fabrications into the designs. PRESENT’s take of the Poli Runner integrates Harris Tweed fabrication with British dandy style. TBA