Could Ilford make Polaroid?

[tim_walls]

I don't use Polaroid, that is I used it few times with my cheap 600 type camera, but not much. And I do have Polaroid back for my Mamya RB, and now it will collect dust (Ok, there is Fuji). For me, thing is next: I would prefer Ilford (Harman) to safely continue to make its b/w and Ilfochrome products, rather than get into Polaroid film making experiment and put in danger their "original" products and/or company.

Harman don't make Ilfochrome, unfortunately - that's still the 'old' Ilford, and it's following a similar product progression to Polaroid right now (i.e. the 'if we make it astonishingly expensive noone will buy it and then we can tell everyone there was no demand' economic model.)


If Harman really want to invest money in a niche business with limited chance of return on investment, I'd rather they took over production of Ilfochrome when old-Ilford inevitably drop it, than Polaroid.

[haris]

Harman don't make Ilfochrome, unfortunately - that's still the 'old' Ilford...

That's why I wrote Ilford (Harman) not Ilford Harman, Altough it would maybe be more precise if I wrote Harman (Ilford) because I put b/w before Ilfochrome

And I am have simillar thinking as you tim regarding should Harman took over Polaroid or Ilfochrome if/when time comes, altough as far as I am concern, whatever would put Harman and their b/w products in danger I would kindly an politely ask them to STAY AWAY FROM IT! ...

[AgX]

Haris,

You make me dizzy...


There is IlfordPhoto and there is Ilford Imaging.

There is the Harman group and there is the Oji Paper group.

And there is, and will be, Polaroid.


(maybe this will make one dizzy too...)


Addendum:
I now realize that with Ilfochrome you meant just the halide colour materials.
But did not IlfordPhoto not that long ago stated that they wanted to stay out of colour??

[haris]

Haris,

You make me dizzy...


There is IlfordPhoto and there is Ilford Imaging.

There is the Harman group and there is the Oji Paper group.

And there is, and will be, Polaroid.


(maybe this will make one dizzy too...)


Addendum:
I now realize that with Ilfochrome you meant just the halide colour materials.
But did not IlfordPhoto not that long ago stated that they wanted to stay out of colour??

Ok, as I understand, and what I am reffernig to when write Harman are lads and gals who make Hp5+, FP4+, etc, that is people who are represented here by our dear Simon... then Ilfochrome would be, if I am not wrong, Ilford, that is Oji Paper group?

Ok, now I make myself dizzy

In any case, I am b/w user, and whatever put maker of Hp5+, Fp4+, etc in danger is my enemy

I don't know, maybe IlfordPhoto did stated they won't go into colour, I just said I am thinking as tim, and that is if there will be in future some idea by people in IlfordPhoto what to save, Ilfochrome or Polaroid, I would most likely vote for Ilfochrome. Saying that I hope, and I think it would be logical, that Fuji fill space left after Polaroid 's leaving.

Then again, if IlfordPhoto that is Harman (Ok, dizzyness are comming again ) find they have interest to buy technology, intelectual properties, etc... and continue to make Polaroid products I would be happy. Of course, and I am starting to be annoying, only if that don't put b/w products in danger

[Fintan]

Maybe the best thing, rather than going through lots of hand wringing would be to shoot some good stuff on Polaroid this year while there's still fresh stock, and make something of an event of it. Are any galleries out there going to promote any shows to give Polaroid a send-off?

I'm beginning to think its unfair to expect/plead/beg Ilford Harmon to ride in on the black horse and save the day (although I must say I would dearly love them to)

And so I've been thinking about Martins suggestion above for a few days and damnit you have a point Mr Reed.

[gr82bart]

I think Ilford buying Polaroid's film business would be a great acquisition. Ilford already knows the "still film" industry and their management is experienced. I would suspect they would prune the SKUs though to a basic B&W and colour product in pack and sheet sizes, and hopefully keep a "Type 55" around. If the Petters Group is willing to sell/lease key production facilities and can come to an arrangement with critical employees, then, this would be a relatively easy transfer of ownership agreement. I hope it happens.

Regards, Art.

[Renato Tonelli]

I'm thinking (hoping?) along the same line as Art. Trim the product catalogue to the basic minimum in a small facility. Managed carefully, I think it would be profitable. But then again, it might be wishful thinking on my part.

[8x10_Ed]

The rising price of polaroid film and the advent and of digital cameras did hurt one of polaroid's core markets which was commercial photographers who used polaroid film to check their lighting. I guess polaroid didnt realize what the other demographics were willing to pay. Take a look at the price of 809 on ebay... Polaroid could be making a killing right now. But they seem more interested in making little digital printers for consumers. How long do you think it will take epson to make a cheaper and better version of the little printer concept? They really need to come up with something more innovative or stick to addressing their niche markets like instant film. They are trading something secure and timeless for a chance to play poker with the big boys like Epson and HP.

I would not be surprised if polaroid goes under in the next 5 -10 years.

[Guillaume Zuili]

They just bought the name, will use it till no more juice... and drop it. They are just thugs.

[Barry S]

Exactly--they bought the brand. They no longer do any R&D or make anything. The physical assets are all being liquidated, and the brand licensed and slapped on cheap goods, until there is no more equity left in the Polaroid name. Polaroid as a company has ceased to exist in the conventional sense.