Polaroid Land Camera Introduced in February 1947

Edwin H. Land introduced the Polaroid instant camera on February 21, 1947.

The Libraries has a great and varied assortment of polaroid trade catalogs in its trade literature collection.

Being part of the Smithsonian definitely has it perks. As librarians of the National Museum of American History Library were helping me put together this post it occured to them to also contact the Photographic History Collection of the National Museum of American History. That department's wonderful staff photographed Edwin Land's 95A—with his initials—the first one off the assembly line. Working here, one is never sure what Smithsonian treasures may cross one's path in a day's work.—Elizabeth Periale

Thanks to Alexia MacClain, Chris Cottrill and Lu Rossignol (who photographed the catalogs) of the National Museum of American History Library .

Thanks to Shannon Perich, Ryan Lintelman and Hugh Talman (who photographed the cameras) of the National Museum of American History Photographic History Collection.

Note: The camera, when closed, has Edwin H. Land's initials on the case.

Related links:

Polaroid Archives Provide A Snapshot of History

Comments

[Jeff Simpson]

Beautifull pictures, great information. Thumbs up!

[Catherine Shteynberg]

These are great photos of Land's camera! I didn't realize that this was in a Smithsonian collection... We have a click! photography changes everything story that discusses how Land initially introduced the idea of the Polaroid camera and how Polaroid changed the way we make pictures of each other. Check it out here.