Polaroid was already known for selling Edward Lands other two remarkable photographic inventions, the polarizing filter and variable neutral density filter, when he unveiled the Polaroid Land Camera Model 95. To gage market demand just over 50 Model 95 cameras along with a small supply of instant film was featured at a demonstration booth in Boston’s Jordan Marsh department store for Christmas 1948. Priced at $89.95, equivalent to around $950 today, management within Polaroid anticipated the cameras produced for test marketing would last the Holiday season. To their surprise all the cameras and film sold in one day. Thus began the story of Polaroid cameras, and nearly five decades of success for the company whose name would become synonymous with instant photography.
It is said that Edward Land began working on an instant photography process after his daughter asked why she could not look at a photograph he just took. In February 1947 Land demonstrated a prototype of his newly patented instant photography process, and just over a year later production of the camera named after Edward Land began. In total over a million of the Land Camera model 95 (1948 – 54), 95A (1954 – 57), and 95B (1957 – 61) were produced. The first production instant camera, the Model 95 is leather clad over chrome, and built well, unlike many of the plastic cameras that would follow. The model 95 has a 135mm – ƒ11 lens with focus controlled by moving the front standard of the camera forward or back. It has a simple 4 speed leaf shutter, with manually selected speeds of 1/8 to 1/60 of a second, each being designated by a different exposure value for Polaroid film called “Polaroid Numbers.” The Model 95 produced eight 3 ¼ x 4 ¼”, black and white, prints per each film packet, which retailed for $1.75 or equivalent to about $19.00 today.
Polaroid Land Camera Model 95
Manufacturer: Polaroid
Production: 1948 -54
Type: Instant Process Camera
Media: Polaroid Instant Film
Lens: Fixed 135mm – ƒ11
Focus: Transit standard with bellows set by printed distance guide.
Accessories:
- Polaroid Flash
- Leather camera pouch
- Press on filters and lens hoods.
Collectability:
The Polaroid Model 95 scores a 75 out of 100 for collectability. Though film is no longer available for the camera, it deserves a place among the noted cameras of history as the first production instant process camera. However, high production totals mean the camera is not rare. A quick search of online auctions will return hundreds of cameras still on the market today. This means collectors can be picky, taking the time to find the right camera, at the right price. Look for cameras without blemishes, or scratches with original boxes and printed materials. Even though the Model 95A and 95B look remarkably similar to the Model 95, it is the Model 95 that holds the title of first production instant photography camera. If buying online, be sure to note which model is for sale.
Photographer: John Baltz
John is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years in photography. A native to Northwest Arkansas, John’s first interest in photography began with collecting cameras as a child from antique markets around town. Later, John received a degree in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas. It is his strong knowledge in digital photography, along with a love for the the history of photography that provides for a unique sense of creativity driving many of his projects.
Bibliography
Lomography 110 – https://www.lomography.com/magazine/276578-a-quick-rundown-of-the-lomography-110-films
Pentax Auto 110 camera – http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Pentax_Auto_110
110 film – http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/110_film