You remember Project Impossible right? The self admittedly "crazy" group of former Polaroid employees who banded together to buy the last remaining Polaroid factory in their attempt to save instant film for the future? Yeah, those totally awesome folks are trying to get funding for their latest project that brings digital images to the physical world: Instant Lab.
The Impossible Instant Lab is designed to transform any digital image via your iPhone into an instant photo that is exposed using only the light from the display, then processed and developed by chemicals. A photo that exists physically – IRL. A photo that is a one-of-a-kind original that can be shared, exhibited and preserved. A photo that no longer needs an electronic device to be seen.
The idea is somewhat simple. Somewhat. Select an image from the Instant Lab app, place the iPhone in the cradle and slide open the shutter on the base. A signal tells you when the exposure is finished. Close the shutter, push the button and the Instant Lab ejects your photo, ready to develop in the palm of your hand. It's a very unusual way to go from digital to film, and it's up to you to decide if you think it can work. The Impossible team seems pretty confident, since they teamed up with Prof. Achim Heine, Berlin, the industrial designer who designed the Leica Digilux 1 in 2002, a revolutionary camera which transfers the tangible analog values of photography into the digital age.
Here is what to expect:
Cradle compatible with iPhone4/4s AND iPhone 5 included - have an Android device? Click here
Dimensions (metric): collapsed 148mm long x 111mm wide x 62mm tall; expanded 176mm tall
Dimensions (english): collapsed 5.8" long x 4.3" wide x 2.4" tall; expanded 6.9" tall
Micro-processor-controlled film development unit with Smart Charger
Li-Ion rechargable battery – 150(!) development cycles with one charge
Compatible with instant film for Polaroid 600 and SX 70 cameras
International Patent Pending
So... are you sold? Let us know in the comments below.
[Via Kickstarter]
Idea is cool, but looking at the sample, it looks as though the aspect ratio has been skewed to fit the polaroid print (not to mention the cropping).
"open the shutter, close the shutter".....too complicated for 99% of people :-)
i think walgreens has the better idea, where you can submit photos straight from your phone if you want prints....
I believe that when we see people from a closing-down, bankrupt company doing everything in their power to make it happen, finding new solutions, working in the same field, not letting go and giving all their guts, they deserve a bit of a help and a push... It's all about giving back, and if we could give back those great memories that Polaroid gave us from those souvenirs we have ? well... I say it's worth it. they should have my few bobs here for them :)
well I want one!
When you have a hammer, every problem is a nail.