Topic: Polaroid 55 film rumors run rampant!!!

[Susan B.]

I had three emails in my box today regarding rumors about 55 being discontinued due to a coating plant being closed.
So I nervously dig some digging and found this post at photondetector.com and couldn't be happier to read that it's just a rumor. PHEW!

http://photondetector.com/blog/2007/11/01/polaroid-type-55-not-discontinued/

Polaroid: Type 55 film NOT discontinued
Posted 1 November, 2007 in Product News

Following the story of one of Polaroid?s coating plants closing reported by South Coast Today, several message boards have been alight with rumours that Type 55 positive/negative sheet film is discontinued.
Bill Schwab (who BTW makes fantastic pictures) actually bothered to call Polaroid, and said:
Just got off the phone with Polaroid (easy) where I was told that Type 55 is FAR from dead. In fact I am told sales are quite strong and consistant. I was told there are several coating facilities. I am now forwarding the article David linked to because they did not know of these rumours and want to read them before commenting further.
Check them facts, y?all. Picking up the phone before feeding the fire isn?t hard, it?s responsible. Of course the company may lie to you, but at least you?ve done some due diligence.

[Ed Wenn]

While this is indeed excellent news it has left me feeling slightly confused as I have been labouring under the misapprehension for at least the past 18 months - that 55 and 665 are on the way out. How on earth could have have been that wrong? Weird.

It wasn't just me either; I distinctly remember chatting about it with Skorj and him saying that he'd have to look for a new film type for his signature photos.

[db]

I understand 665 has been killed off, but this was the first time I feared for Type 55.

I'm glad to hear it's not so! That was a gut wrenching couple of seconds i had there, between seeing the subject line and reading the message 

[This-is-damion]

Don,   do you use 55 stuff a lot?     business or pleasure?   and how  are you getting on with your LF set up you bought a while back ?

[kuru]

665 is definitely dead. One of the threads linked to off of photondector had someone who said they heard from a Polaroid rep that type 59 was going to be killed off (which would be sad for 4x5 image transfers).

 

[gary m]

Now if they could just bring back their Time Zero film, I could say "Polaroid" without adding the words m*therf@uc#er at the end of it 

[rolo]

It would be interesting to know (market research?) the size of the potential market for Polaroid goodies like Type 665 and Time-Zero as well as what that potential market would be willing to pay for these "specialty" products.  With the film realm moving steadily to the art/experimental/serious amateur devotee arena, it seems reasonable to expect some savvy film producer(s) to offer niche products (at niche prices).  I fear that "savvy film producer" rules Polaroid right out. . . .

[db]

Don,   do you use 55 stuff a lot?     business or pleasure?   and how  are you getting on with your LF set up you bought a while back ?

Hi Damo
I love the 55 for the tonal range in the negs. It's mainly for personal studio portraits, and I haven't used the 5x4 much this last 6 months- I have been so snowed with big mainstream digital jobs, as you know. But it's box sits in my studio where it serves as a coffee table!!

I'm alarmed at hints about 59 being discontinued too. I do use 59 for an ongoing series of transfers for a commercial client.

[Skorj]

It wasn't just me either; I distinctly remember chatting about it with Skorj and him saying that he'd have to look for a new film type for his signature photos.

This be true, but just regarding Type-665. As far as I know Type-55 is still on the cards for a while yet! I hope so anyway...

[gothamtomato]

[/quote]
I'm alarmed at hints about 59 being discontinued too. I do use 59 for an ongoing series of transfers for a commercial client.
[/quote]



I would find this upsetting as well, but I was at the Photo Expo recently, and was talking with the Fuji rep, and he told me that their Fufiroid film can be used to do transfers as well. I didn't know that. I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon. (He sent me 10 packs as a free sample!)

[db]

 I was at the Photo Expo recently, and was talking with the Fuji rep, and he told me that their Fufiroid film can be used to do transfers as well. I didn't know that. I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon. (He sent me 10 packs as a free sample!)

That may be true enough, but that doesn't take into account what a superstitious alchemic thing transfers can be.

I  have to invoke many incantations, imbibe sacred potions, and follow a complicated set of rites and rituals to successfully conduct the transfer- and if one itsey little thing changes.. I just know the final print will be a disaster.....