DOCSLIB.ORG

A Guide to Using Polaroid 4 X 5 Sheet Films

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Guide to Using Polaroid 4 X 5 Sheet Films A Guide to Using Polaroid 4 x 5 Sheet Films For people who work in a variety of ways. Tips, techniques and inside information designed to help you get consistently good results with Polaroid 4 x 5 sheet films. What’s inside w Processing tips relating to 4x5 w Film processing: How films and proper use of 545 fast to pull...and how to get family of film holders it straight! w Polaroid 4x5 films: The big w Type 55 P/N film: 4 x 5 Sheet Films picture Positive approaches to good negative results (peeling w The inside story abut 4x5 techniques; sodium sulfite instant film solutions) w The 3 critical keys to quality w Making sure your prints images and images last a long time w Storing, handling, loading w Picture problems and processing Polaroid films and problem prevention w If it’s hotter or colder than w Toll-free help and technical 75oF (24oC)... assistance Polaroid 4x5 films: The big picture Please keep this booklet Polaroid 4x5 sheet films for within reach of your use with the Model Polaroid Model 545 545, 545i, and 545 Pro film film holder holders The information in this booklet is designed to help experienced Color and occasional users of Type 59, Polacolor ER, Polaroid 4x5 sheet films get (ISO 80/20o) good pictures... avoid some Type 64, Polacolor Pro Tungsten common picture-taking (ISO 64/19o) errors...perform a few simple, routine, preven- Type 79, Polacolor Pro 100 Polaroid 4x5 sheet films (ISO 100/21o) tive maintenance checks... and are available in two types: get expert assistance when Polacolor Pro 100 instant and wet-process needed. (International only) (E6) films. These 4x5 films (ISO 100/21o) This booklet covers in are used in the Polaroid quick reference form much Model 545 film holder. Black & White of the material contained The Model 545 film holder in the instructions originally Type 51, High Contrast is designed to fit most packed with the Polaroid Positive/Negative 4x5 field and view cameras; o Model 545 film holder. Please (ISO 640/29 Positive/Daylight; microscope and oscilloscope o consult those instructions ISO 400/27 Positive/Tungsten; cameras; the Polaroid MP-4 when first learning to use the ISO 80/20o Negative/Daylight; ISO 50/18o Negative/Tungsten) camera; and the Polaroid film holder. CU-5 4x5 camera. (See note Type 52, Fine Grain Film Data Sheets covering below.) (ISO 400/27o) most Polaroid films used for business, technical, medical Type 53, Medium Contrast and professional applications Coaterless (ISO 800/30o) are available at no charge on Type 54, PolaPan 100 the Web at www.polaroid.com. Coaterless (ISO 100/21o) Type 55, Positive/Negative (ISO 50/18o) Type 56, Sepia (ISO 400/27o) Type 57, High Speed (ISO 3000/36o) Type 72, PolaPan 400 (ISO 400/27o) If you use Polaroid instant Note pack films The image area of Polaroid A similar booklet is available 4x5 instant films used 1 1 to users of Polaroid 3 /4 x 4 /4, with the Model 545 film hold- 1 4x5 and square-format pack er is off-center about /8 in. films. To obtain a copy, call (3 mm) toward the thick end Polaroid Technical Assistance of the holder. For extreme at the toll-free number given accuracy with 4x5 cameras on page 2. making test shots is recommended so that the exact image area can be marked on the ground glass. On the Polaroid MP 4 camera this area is marked on the ground glass. 1 The inside story about 4x5 instant films Technical Assistance & Film How the system works Data Sheets Each Polaroid instant For further information 4x5 sheet film envelope about Polaroid 4x5 sheet films, contains all the elements or for information about other needed to produce an instant Polaroid films, products, and picture. Inside, there is a applications, film assembly consisting of call toll-free from within a light-sensitive negative, the U.S.A. at 800-225-1618 a positive sheet, and a pod Monday through Friday, containing the developer. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. Or, write to: The rollers inside the Polaroid Model 545 film Technical Assistance holder are used to break the Polaroid Corporation pod and spread the devel- 201 Burlington Rd. oper between the exposed Bedford, MA 01730 negative and positive sheet. Clean rollers are important For assistance outside the in achieving a smooth, con- U.S.A., consult your nearest sistent spread; they should Polaroid Office. be inspected and cleaned reg- Film Data Sheets covering ularly to assure high quality most Polaroid films used for results. (See page 12.) business, technical, medical and professional applications are available at no charge on Exposing and processing the Web at www.polaroid.com. The positive sheet is with- drawn during exposure, then re-mated with the negative inside the envelope before processing. Pulling the envelope drags the film assembly negative, pod, and positive sheet between the rollers. The pod bursts open and the developer is spread between the positive and negative. It is important to pull the film straight and at a steady, moderate speed to cause the developer to spread evenly. (See page 3.) Development begins immediately, outside the film holder. After the proper processing time, the finished picture is peeled away from the negative. (See page 5 for important tips about handling developing pictures.) 2 The 3 critical keys to quality instant images 1 2 3 Keep the processing Note the temperature... Pull the film straight rollers in the and time development Always pull the film film holder clean accurately envelope straight out of the Make it a habit to inspect You can take Polaroid film holder. The film and clean the roller surfaces pictures at any temperature. should be pulled parallel to regularly, and especially But, processing time and the film holder. If the before each picture-taking the temperature of the film camera is positioned so that session. at the time of processing affect it is difficult to pull straight, picture quality. Ideally, remove the film holder, Cleaning the rollers is easy. Polaroid films should if possible, for film pulling. Use a soft, non-abrasive be processed at about 75oF cloth, moistened with water Pull at a steady, moderate (24oC). If the temperature if necessary. Dry the is much higher or lower, speed. Saying the word rollers thoroughly before you may need to adjust pro- Polaroid is a good way to use. Do not use alcohol cessing times and/or time the speed of the pull. or other cleaning fluids, and exposure settings for best never scrape the rollers results. Make it a habit withone a hard object or with to checktwo the Film Data Sheets your fingernails. located on the Web at The Model 545 film holder www.polaroid.com for more instruction book contains information. details on locating and clean- ing the rollers. If you need further information, please call us at the toll-free number on page 2. three 3 Storing, handling, loading and processing Polaroid films Note the film When loading film expiration date w Keep the film sealed in its Always use Polaroid film tray until you are ready before the expiration to use. Tear open the tray date stamped on the package. along the printed arrow. Outdated film may not produce satisfactory results, w Lift the film envelopes and is not covered by out of the film tray carefully the Polaroid film warranty. so the metal end caps dont catch on other envelopes. If you accidentally pull off an end cap, discard that film sheet. (See page 12.) w Always hold film envelopes by their edges to avoid damaging film surfaces or the pod of developer inside. w Set the control arm on the film holder to L before attempting to insert the film envelope. w Avoid loading the film back- Storage recommendations wards (note the printing & cautions on the film envelope). Be sure the envelope side marked w Store Polaroid film in a cool, This side toward lens faces dry place. Unopened film may the lens. If the film is loaded be refrigerated in its sealed backwards, the envelope will wrapper. Do not freeze film. come all the way out of the w Before opening film that film holder when withdrawn has been refrigerated, allow it to make an exposure. (If this to reach room temperature. happens, turn to page 13 This will take about 2 hours. for instructions.) w Avoid leaving film or a w Insert the film envelope loaded film holder in direct straight into the film holder, sunlight, or in a hot, humid being careful not to buckle place, such as the trunk the envelope. Then, slowly or glove compartment withdraw the envelope until of a car. High temperatures it stops. and humidity can affect picture quality. w Store unused Polaroid 4x5 sheet film flat in a dry, cool place. 4 Storing, handling, loading and processing Polaroid films Before making an exposure w Make it a habit to test to be Important sure the film has engaged If you have repeated trouble properly in the film holder. engaging film envelopes, your film holder may need After inserting the film enve- adjustment. If your holder is When processing film lope, and withdrawing it several years old or has been subjected to heavy use, you prior to making the exposure, Instant films gently run your finger and may want to consider replac- thumb over the area marked ing it with an updated model. w After making the exposure, Call us for further informa- Do Not Press Here, push the envelope all the way tion, toll-free: 800-225-1618, as shown.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tactical Shipping and Scheduling at Polaroid with Dual Lead-Times
    Tactical Shipping and Scheduling at Polaroid with Dual Lead-Times Kermit THREATTE and Stephen C. GRAVES, MIT This paper focuses on the development and validation of a tactical model that makes production-scheduling recommendations and specifies shipping options to reduce Abstract—We report on a project with Polaroid Corporation in total supply chain cost. The paper describes Polaroid, reviews which we developed a supply chain model to provide decision literature on inventory management with two replenishment support for planning production and transportation. Production modes, and develops a simple static network model that can be occurs in Asia to serve world-wide demand. Production planners used for decision support. We exercise the model by must determine both the production quantities as well as simulation to determine the relationship between whether to ship by sea or by air. We develop a model to optimize transportation costs, inventory costs, forecast error and a static version of this problem and then show how to use this manufacturing capacity in a typical framework where static model in a dynamic setting. We test the model with data production and shipping decisions are made periodically. from Polaroid and show its effectiveness. Index Terms—dual replenishment modes, inventory and Finally the paper recommends a course of action for Polaroid transportation planning, supply chain application, supply chain regarding model implementation. modeling II. BACKGROUND I. INTRODUCTION Polaroid is the leading instant imaging company in the world Many U.S. companies attempt to reduce labor costs by and is the only manufacturer of traditional instant cameras and 1 shifting production to overseas locations with lower wage film in the United States, with revenues in 2000 of $1.85 billion.
    [Show full text]
  • Anxiety Among Customers and Other
    Cambridge Centre for Social Innovation Research Report Summary THE ART OF THE PIVOT: MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS WHEN CHANGING DIRECTION Dr Christian E. Hampel, Imperial College London Professor Paul Tracey, University of Cambridge & Professor Klaus Weber, Northwestern University Edited by Dr Michelle Fava Contents Key findings ........................................................................................................................... 1 Background ............................................................................................................................ 1 Emerging themes .................................................................................................................. 2 Implications and future research ......................................................................................... 5 About the project .................................................................................................................. 5 Key findings When entrepreneurs run into trouble, they are often advised to 'pivot' - radically transform their ventures' strategy, product offering or organisational identity – so that they can pursue a new direction. However, this case study of 'The Impossible Project' shows that pivoting is far from the simple option it is often portrayed to be. The risks are particularly acute where ventures rely heavily on resources from a core stakeholder group, such as a user community. In this case study of 'The Impossible Project' we show that pivoting can disrupt
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter-Q3 2019
    NewsLetter Newsletter Team: E. Foote, July-September M. Hall, E. Kliem, W. Rosen [email protected] Polaroid Retirees Association 2019 THIS PUBLICATION IS SOLELY FOR THE USE OF THE PRA MEMBERSHIP POLAROID RETIREES ASSOCIATION, INC. P.O. BOX 541395, WALTHAM, MA 02454-1395 WEB SITE ADDRESS WWW.POLAROIDRETIREES.ORG Board of Letter from the President Dear PRA Members, Directors My three one-year terms as President of the Polaroid Retirees Association ended on June 11th. Officers Serving as the leader of this wonderful organization has been a true privilege, one which I'll always treasure. PRA members are committed to the success of our association. I've gotten to Elizabeth Foote know many more of you during my term as president, although not nearly as many as I'd like. President As I leave, I want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the members of your Board of Directors. Each brings a unique perspective and skill set to their role. I'm very confident that John Flynn this talented group will ensure the success of the PRA going forward. 1st Vice President I'm even more confident that our organization is in good hands with the election of Elizabeth Foote as our new President, and I wish her every success in her term of office. Arthur Aznavorian With best regards, 2nd Vice George Murray, PRA Past President President From Elizabeth Foote: Nino DiIanni Treasurer At the May Business and June board meetings, candidates were elected to serve your organiza- tion as it enters its 35th year. I thank this committed, energetic board for asking me to work Mary McCann with you as president, and I congratulate all those chosen.
    [Show full text]
  • In Polarized Lens Technology Contents
    EXPERTS IN POLARIZED LENS TECHNOLOGY CONTENTS POLARIZED LENS TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED 4 STRONG MARKET FOR POLARIZED LENSES 5 LENS POLARIZATION TECHNIQUES 7 POLAROID PTX4000 POLARIZING LENSES – THE NEW GENERATION 12 POLARIZED LENSES – VITAL FOR DRIVING SAFETY 16 POLAROIDPTX4000LENS HARD COAT PTX HIGH-ENERGY-ABSORBING LAYER UV-FILTER POLARIZER UV-FILTER PTX HIGH-ENERGY-ABSORBING LAYER HARD COAT UVPROTECTION 45 % 40 % 35 % 30 % 25 % 20 % 15 % 10 % 5 POLARIZED LENS STRONG MARKET 5 % 4 TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED FOR POLARIZED LENSES 0 % 3 Polarizing lenses block harmful glare UVC UVBUVA VISIBLE LIGHT 2 Visible light waves from the sun travel in all directions. When this scattered More and more people understand the benefits of wearing polarized sunglasses. light meets a horizontal surface, like a road or water, a large portion of the light Already, one in five sunglass lenses sold worldwide is a polarized lens, 1 is reflected into the horizontal plane. This horizontally polarized light is seen as amounting to almost 60 million polarizing lenses. This is a major growth sector white glare and masks light which is useful to the human eye, reducing visibility. 0 within the sunglass market, with forecasts showing sales will continue to grow By obstructing normal vision glare makes everyday activities, such as driving, significantly over the coming years. uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. CONSUMER PERCEPTION ELIMINATING GLARE 5 SUNLIGHT TRAVELLING IN ALL DIRECTIONS USEFUL LIGHT 4 GLARE 3 2 1 Will ask about Importance of next time I buy I will recommend
    [Show full text]
  • The Quest Towards a Non-Destructive Identification Method for Polaroid Integral Film Types
    The quest towards a non-destructive identification method for Polaroid integral film types. The quest towards a non-destructive identification method for Polaroid integral film types. Master Thesis, Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Photography. Student: Tessa Maillette de Buy Wenniger, 10452575. Information and source image cover page: Stages of the development of an SX-70 film. The subject in the Thesis Supervisor: Katrin Pietsch (UvA) image is crystalline silver nitrate seen through crossed polarisers at 80x. University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam. Land, Edwin, Howard Rogers and Vivian Walworth. "One- Date: July 2020. step Photography", 261. All figures and tables etcetera made by the author unless stated otherwise. 1 Tessa Maillette de Buy Wenniger, UvA, 2020. The quest towards a non-destructive identification method for Polaroid integral film types. Table of content Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................3 Abstract (Nederlands) .........................................................................................................................4 Abstract (English) ...............................................................................................................................4 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................5 Research objective. .......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Killed Polaroid ?
    Who Killed Polaroid ? Copyright Michael E. Gordon 2010 The Polaroid Corporation had been one of the most exciting, controversial and misunderstood companies of all time. Some might argue that it was seriously mismanaged throughout its convoluted history. Others might believe that its "growing pains" were unavoidable and to be expected for a $ 2.3 billion cutting-edge technology company. Polaroid filed for bankruptcy in 2001 and was dismembered, piece by painful piece. The remainder of the Company was acquired by an investment group in 2002, sold again to another investment group, and finally laid to rest permanently. Did this just happen, or did someone kill Polaroid? The Polaroid Corporation was founded in 1937 by Dr. Edwin Land (1909 – 1991) to commercialize his first product: polarizing light material. This unique 3-layered sheet structure found use in light control, glare reduction, 3D movies, and a variety of military applications such as goggles, smart bombs and target finders. Land was in his late 20s when he launched Polaroid. During the Second World War, the company grew rapidly. By 1949, under the relentless leadership of Dr. Land, Polaroid had developed and commercialized the Land Camera - the first instant black and white camera and film system capable of producing exceptional photos in 60 seconds. This was followed by several other break-through products, including the instant color peel- apart system (1963); SX-70 absolute on-step color photography (1972); and the Polavision instant movie camera, film and projector system (1975). Polavision was a financial disaster (-$500M) due to the complexity of the technology and the simultaneous emergence of magnetic video Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • T-55 Film Data Sheet
    Film Data Sheet T-55 (Positive/Negative) 4 x 5 Black & White Sheet Film Description Extremely high-resolution positive/negative film for finely detailed black and white prints (and negatives). Medium-speed and contrast, produces instant print and negative. 10.2 x 12.7 cm Key Applications • Proofing • Scientific imaging • Advertising and magazine photography • SEM or microscope imaging • Copystand photography • Fine-art photography • Any application requiring a negative for additional prints Film Speed Compatible Hardware ISO 50/DIN 18 • Any instrument or camera equipped with a Model Format 545/545i Film Holder 4 x 5 in. (10.2 x 12.7 cm) • MP-4+ Camera Sheet Film Special Treatment Image Area Requires print coating the positive and clearing the negative. To 1 1 3 /2 x 4 /2 in. (9 x 11.4 cm) clear the negative for reuse, immerse it in a sodium sulfite clearing bath immediately after development. Sodium sulfite powder is Finish readily available from professional photographic supply dealers Glossy and chemical supply houses. Exposures per Unit Mix in the following proportions: 20 exposures per box Warm water: 2 liter or 70 fl. oz. Development Time Sodium sulfite powder: 440 grams or 16 oz. (weight) 0 20-25 seconds at 70 F (anhydrous/desiccated) Slowly add the powder to the water; stir continuously until all Caution 0 0 This film uses a small amount of powder is dissolved. Allow to cool to approximately 70 F(21 C) caustic paste. If any paste appears, before using. Store the solution in brown, well-stoppered avoid contact with skin, eyes and bottles or in a tank with a floating lid.
    [Show full text]
  • POLAROID And. SOUTH AFRICA
    POLAROID and. SOUTH AFRICA Boycott Polaroid Support the black Until all sales revolutionary workers to South Africa at Polaroid. are discontinued . ThE STRUGGLE BEGINS .... Ken Williams Chris Nteta On Oct . 8, 1970 the PRWM intiated Prior . to the rally Polaroid tried to its struggle against Polaroid with take away some of the demonstration's a large rally before the plate glass heat by releasing & slick statement windows of Polaroid's corporate head- about its position in South Africa. quarters in Cambridge . Attended by Polaroid's_ trick back-fired when many Polaroid workers, the rally drew Chris Nteta, a black South African attention to Polaroid's sale of its exposed the lies in Polaroid's state- ID-2 identification system in South ment . With the enthusiastic support Africa . Ken Williams, a member of the crowd, Nteta called on Polaroid of the PRWM and a Polaroid employee, to meet three demands : 1)get out of accused Polaroid of supporting fascism South Africa completely and immediately, in South Africa and demanded Polaroid's 2)denounce apartheid, and 3)donate immediate withdrawal from South Africa past profits from sales in South . Africa to liberation movements. The struggle had started . POLAROID REVOLUTIONARY WORKERS MOVEMENT- JANUARY 12, /971 ON BEHALF OF BLACK SOUTH AFRICANS AND ALL OPPRESSED PEOPLES, THE,POLAROID REVOLUTIONARY WORKERS DEMAND: . 1) .' THAT POLARIOD ANNOUNCE A POLICY OF COMPLETE DISENGAGEMENT FROM SOUTH AFRICA . WE BELIEVE . THAT ALL AMERICAN COMPANIES DOING BUSINESS THERE REINFORCE THAT RACIST SYSTEM. 2.) THAT POLAROID ANNOUNCE ITS POSITION ON APARTHEID PUBL I CALLY IN THE US AND SOUTH AFRICA, SIMULTANEOUSLY.
    [Show full text]
  • Facts About the Polaroid Collections
    Contact: Barbara Hitchcock Tel: (617) 429-8600 [email protected] [email protected] FACTS ABOUT THE POLAROID COLLECTIONS What are the Polaroid Collections? The Polaroid Collections consist of more than 16,000 fine art photographs accrued over the lifetime of the Polaroid Corporation, which was founded in 1947. The late Edwin H. Land, inventor, scientist, educator and founder of Polaroid, said when his revolutionary instant sepia film was announced to the world, “The purpose of inventing instant photography was essentially aesthetic – to make available a new medium of expression to numerous individuals who have an artistic interest in the world around them.” This private and priceless corporate treasury of photographs is protected in environmentally controlled archives at a Polaroid facility located near the company’s headquarters in Massachusetts. The Polaroid Collections serve to chronicle the heritage and scientific innovations of Polaroid photography and allow the general public to view world-class art, while providing technical awareness and inspiration for artists and photographers. The Polaroid Collections are a corporate legacy of culture. Exhibits curated from the constantly expanding Polaroid Collections traveled the globe as well as circulate within the United States. In museums, Polaroid fine art photography is included in the permanent collections of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Why did Polaroid start collecting? Dr. Land’s recognition that artistic vision might test the true limits of Polaroid film led him to integrate the aesthetic dimension of photography into his company’s scientific research.
    [Show full text]
  • A Triumph of Genius: Edwin Land, Polaroid, and the Kodak Patent War'
    H-Sci-Med-Tech Johns on Fierstein, 'A Triumph of Genius: Edwin Land, Polaroid, and the Kodak Patent War' Discussion published by Sean Seyer on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 Review published on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 Author: Ronald K. Fierstein Reviewer: Anna Johns Johns on Fierstein, 'A Triumph of Genius: Edwin Land, Polaroid, and the Kodak Patent War' Ronald K. Fierstein. A Triumph of Genius: Edwin Land, Polaroid, and the Kodak Patent War. Chicago: Ankerwycke, 2015. 644 pp. $35.00 (cloth), ISBN 978-1-62722-769-8. Reviewed by Anna Johns (Duke University)Published on H-Sci-Med-Tech (April, 2016) Commissioned by Sean Seyer A patent is a powerful--yet fragile--thing. A patent-holder has a legal monopoly to use the product or process covered by the patent, as well as the right to deploy the coercive machinery of the state to enforce this monopoly. But patents are also extremely vulnerable to attack; a patent holder, intending to use a patent as a sword against another, risks invalidation with every instance of judicial scrutiny. As recounted in intricate detail in Ronald Fierstein’s A Triumph of Genius, patent infringement suits often become long, grueling, and astronomically expensive ordeals, with high stakes for inventors, businesses, and the public at large. Narratives of these contests can do more than just chronicle the strategic choices of the lawyers on each side; rather, they can offer revealing snapshots of the constantly negotiated tension between the facilitation of invention and the value of competition in American intellectual property law. Fierstein positions his work as a biography of Edwin H.
    [Show full text]
  • Laura Letinsky Polaroids Nathalie Herschdorfer
    1 Continue to Observe : Laura Letinsky Polaroids Nathalie Herschdorfer “While a painting, even one that meets photographic standards of resemblance, is never more than the stating of an interpretation, a photograph is never less than the registering of an emanation (light waves reflected by objects) - a material vestige of its subject in a way that no painting can be.” Susan Sontag1 Laura Letinsky’s work transports us in time. Working with Polaroid Type 55, the renowned instant development process yielding a unique image, Letinsky photographs fruits, flowers, food, utensils, and other fragments of everyday life. These interior spaces are a testament to their passing inhabitants, but only the ordinary, worn, used objects remain. Looking more closely, we notice the meticulous composition. The space that defines these domestic objects indicates that these pictures were not taken in a hurry but rather composed with care. Those who know Letinsky’s work will recognize in these her still lifes, a genre in which she has excelled since the 1990s2. Like the objects depicted, these Polaroids too have undergone alterations. We see smears, flecks, and other marks atop the image that disrupt the photographed scene. 1 Susan Sontag, On Photography, Doubleday, 1977, p. 154. 2 See Hardly More Than Ever (1997-2004) or more recent series: To Say It Isn’t So (2006), Fall (2009), and The Dog & The Wolf (2009). 2 In Time’s Assignation, the impurities are as much a part of the image as is its subject. Letinsky is wont to work with a 4x5” camera, and like many photographers before the digital age, she used the Polaroid to make tests.
    [Show full text]
  • Edwin H. Land by David P
    CLICK HERE FOR MAGAZINE PAGES ChemMatters April 1984 Page 12 © Copyright 1984, American Chemical Society PROFILE Edwin H. Land by David P. Robson The other students drifted out of the laboratory as soon as they finished the assigned experiment, but one young man remained. He fiddled with a pair of tourmaline crystals, buttonsized pieces of mineral that looked like dirty glass. Holding them up to the light, he rotated one against the other and watched the illumination turn from bright to dark. At age 17, Edwin Land was beginning a lifelong involvement with crystals and light. Land knew that the light was extinguished because it was polarized. Much of the light around us is polarized, but our eyes are not sensitive to this quality and can detect it only with the aid of a special filter, such as tourmaline. Thus made visible, polarized light has many uses. Tourmaline, however, is an uncooperative mineral. It is found in nature, but only in small pieces. Edwin Land dreamed of large polarizing sheets, the size of a window, which would open up dozens of new uses. But how could he make such a giant filter? Inspiration came from an old book about the kaleidoscope, that charming toy which looks like a telescope and produces changing colored patterns. In early kaleidoscopes, the patterns were generated by chips of colored glass. Later, Sir David Brewster suggested making the colors by “optical interference” using polarized light. As Edwin Land described it: The kaleidoscope was the television of the 1850s and no respectable home would be without a kaleidoscope in the middle of the library.
    [Show full text]