Polaroid to Close Last Remaining Film Plants

Sad, sad news released today:

The company that pioneered instant photography is getting out of the film business to focus on digital imaging. Polaroid says it will close its two remaining film manufacturing plants in Massachusetts. The facilities in Norwood and Waltham employed about 150 people and made large-format film for commercial use. Polaroid has already halted the production of instant cameras. Chief Operating Officer Tom Beaudoin told The Boston Globe the company will focus on digital photography equipment and flat-panel TVs.

As it says above, the Norwood and Waltham plants make large-format films. Polaroid also makes professional-grade films in Mexico, and its consumer film packs come from a factory in the Netherlands. However, all of these plants are slated for closure sometime this year. Shoot as much as you can right now - that’s what I suggest (especially if you’re working in a larger format). Here’s that last black and white Polaroid that I mentioned, from the pack of Polapan 100 Type 664 film that Mrs. Deane sent me. Austin in Morning Light, Essex, VT, 2007 © Shane Lavalette Read more here and here.