An Ode to Peel Apart Film

Some peel-apart film, including FP-100C.  (Photo courtesy of Gregory Roberts)

On the way to Redifer for breakfast where I ordered "the usual", (a breakfast sandwich from City Grill and some yogurt,) I checked the news application on my phone.  As the tempting smells of french toast sticks filled the air, I noticed an unusual headline reading, "The Last Film For Millions Of Classic Polaroid Cameras Is About To Go Away".  I grabbed my sandwich and rushed to the register so I could read the article in full while I enjoyed my bacon, egg, and cheese.

I've known about the decline of old polaroid cameras for a while now, but the small cult following that has kept them alive seemed up, alive, and running.  Apparently, I was wrong.  Fujifilm just announced that the production of the last peel-apart type film, FP-100C, will no longer be manufactured starting spring of 2016.

The recently discontinued FP-100C film

Most polaroid users of today, who are used to the smaller, credit card-sized film packages will not be affected by this announcement and I'm sure that particular camera and film series will experience continued success.  The Fujifilm Instax film packs were among the top selling products in the camera category on Amazon.com this past holiday season.  It's astonishing to see FP-100C a whopping $20 more per pack of ten sheets on amazon after Fujifilm's announcement.  This really isn't a big deal for most.  However, the story for me is a bit different.

The smaller "Fujifilm Instax" Film

After a surprise encounter at an antique store, I found an old Polaroid Type 250 Land camera, which looks like a glorified accordion with a lens and shutter.  With a bit of fixing up, I finally had it up and running and loaded the camera with some FP-100C.  Then, I took some of my very first instant photographs using the film and its black-and-white counterpart, FP-3000B.  Not only was I surprised at the unorthodox shape of the print that stood in contrast to stereotypical square shaped instant film, but also with the image quality and richness that accompanied the film I had known little about.

Without film, cameras like these will collect dust on lofty shelves:

My Polaroid 250 Type Camera

I've learned so much from this camera in ways that I couldn't have imagined.  From taking care of the camera's pesky film rollers so film does't get jammed, to watching the enjoyment of a friend keep a photo we took together, the camera hasn't served only as a tool that documents what goes on around me.  This camera was the center of conversations at interviews and small get-togethers.  Some older folk would tell me about the times they remember using peel-apart film cameras decades ago.  I remember fondly the looks of astonishment on an older couples' faces when I told them the film for the cameras still exist.  But soon, I won't be able to.  I'll have no reason to sling my heavy photo-shooting machine around my neck and go take pictures like I did when I first started experimenting with film—the good old days.

Fireworks (Shot with FP-100C)

Many of my favorite instant photographs were shot using this particular film, including the one above.  I shot this on the fourth of July, with a tripod set up to make sure the photo wouldn't become blurry.  While the mosquitos ate me alive and the bangs of firecrackers filled the air, I enjoyed some of the show with some FP-100C.

Cameras of this sort have a pretty large following considering how old the cameras (and film) are.  There are some dedicated groups on Flickr for FP-100c and I've signed online petitions about keeping peel-apart film available so groups like those can continue to produce incredible pieces of art.

On another trip to my local antiques store, I found this, from 1974:

Old peel-apart film (that portrait, though)

I've seen lots of posts on various photography forums about these old film packs.  The developer—a gooey liquid that allows the image to process on the film—had tried out, much like the others' stories on the internet had alluded to.  I mean, I did open the box way past its expiration date.

Yeah, I'm a bit bitter about how Fujifilm is phasing-out peel apart film, but I'm glad I was able to experience it first hand.  I might stock up on a few boxes before they start selling for $100+ per pack.  I might stock up so I can show people how people used to take photos.  I might stock up because I want others to experience what it was like to shoot photography in the 70s.  Who knows.  

FP-100C, you had a good run.