In 1972, Polaroid released the SX-70, a true one-step instant photography, culminating 30 years of technical brilliance. Led by the enigmatic Edwin Land, Polaroid left a deep groove in history. Kids today use the word "polaroid" as a stand in for an instant picture even though they are not impressed by the technology nor know the rich history behind their photograph.
Today’s episode will look at how Edwin Land molded Polaroid in his image and drove the company to create a market, instant photography, through groundbreaking research. Land’s story is endlessly fascinating and we will also look at his secretive but highly influential military career with several U.S. administrations.
The SX-70 was a successful strategy for Polaroid but it also planted the seeds that would eventually derail the company and force it into bankruptcy. This episode might invoke deep feelings of nostalgia as we go back in time to look at one of America’s most influential companies.
Episode Chapters:
(02:23) PART 1 - “If you are right, the facts at the moment don't matter because in due course the facts will catch up with you.”
(08:13) PART 2 - “If anything is worth doing, it's worth doing to excess.”
(45:01) Part 3 - "Do not undertake a program unless the goal is manifestly important and its achievement is nearly impossible."
(01:10:18) Part 4 - "If you are able to state a problem then the problem can be solved. The rest is just hard work."
(01:22:06) Part 5 - "The only thing that keeps us alive is our brilliance. The only thing protecting our brilliance is our patents."
(02:06:37) Part 6 - "The bottom line is in heaven."
(02:28:23) Conclusion
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Background music is called "Adding the Sun" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) / Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
Episode 3
Polaroid's SX-70 and How Edwin Land Did the Impossible