This website first existed only as a documentation of Polaroid conversion projects I have done. When I got the awesome idea to do a little Polaroid converting for myself, I found online information lacking. So I made what I would have wanted to see when I was trying to first begin converting and this is the result, plus a lot more.
Eventually I added a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that covered more than just the conversion of cameras.
Last was the addition of the Option-al Land List which is a more appealing and organized version of the original Land List (link dead!) and has all of the Polaroid information one could ever want, and more. Sadly the “Original Land List” is now dead and my site is the only remaining repository for all that info, so if you have anything missing to add please contact me.
I used to also have www.polaroidconversions.com but decided to shut down that website and add it as a section of Instant Options so everything can all be found in one convenient place.
The Who
I am just one person trying to keep instant photography alive the best I can.
Keeping myself busy buried under piles of Polaroid cameras and instant film stuff has become who I am. There isn’t a day that goes by I’m not doing something to a camera to either convert, modify, fix, clean or sell it.
I shoot alot of instant films and continue to feed my habit with a steady supply of expired and fresh goodies.
The What
If you found this site most likely you want to learn a little something about converting Polaroids. Either doing it yourself, sending in your camera or just buying a completed one from me.
Adding the Option-al Land List has only further made the site a place for anyone to go and find all they need to know about Polaroid without having to search all over the place.
The Where
This website is continually created in my spare time, which is definitely not as often as I’d like. Im located in the United States for all you international photographers out there.
The When
Actually, I don’t know what to put in this section.
Some say Instant Photography is on its way out. That digital is the new instant-print. Well, honestly, tangible goods will always trump some 1’s and 0’s.
Photo prints from digital media is a long way off from a good analog print. Plus, there is always that kitsch ideal that instant photography prints have and found nowhere else.
The Why
The original reason I made this site was just to give others the opportunity to see how converting old Polaroids could be done. When I found no info out there that was decent, I made my own.
I’ve sold literally hundreds of cameras to hundreds of people around the world over the past number of years. It’s satisfying to know that I’ve had even a small part in keeping instant photography alive by putting these cameras into the hands of those who wish to use them.
The How
eBay is the greatest invention ever. Without it, I never would have been able to find all the parts I’ve needed. Sometimes, it can be your greatest friend (when you find something you’ve been searching for), and your worst enemy (when the same people keep outbidding everything you’ve search for). Use eBay to your advantage not your ruin. Don’t get the fever!
I’ve been buying/selling on eBay for a long time. Now I almost exclusively deal in Polaroid stuff…its addicting. This has allowed me to not only add information to this site, but has versed me greatly in what instant photography was, is and will be.
I attempt to keep up on the coming and going trends of the instant photography marketplace. Without it, there would be no more new users and none continuing. The use of instant films must be kept alive in order for this site to continue to have meaning.
The Future
There is still a lot to do, a lot to share and a lot of help to give.
The future of instant photography is not certain, and hasn’t been for a long time. Let us hope that people continue to WANT to use this awesome creative medium.
NOW GET OUT THERE AND KEEP SHOOTIN!