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. ........................................................................................................................ 5 Research methodology ................................................................................................................... 6 Section 1 Polaroid integral films: process and materiality. Chapter 1 The invention and process of Instant Colour Photography. ................................................................7 The SX-70: a system. ...................................................................................................................... 8 The process: Instant Internal Dye Diffusion Transfer. ............................................................... 9 The SX-70 film. ........................................................................................................................ 11 The final structure .................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 2 The continuation of Instant Colour Photography ..............................................................................23 Improving on the SX-70: The SX-70 Time Zero ....................................................................... 23 The Polaroid 600 film .............................................................................................................. 27 Chapter 3 A new formula: The Hybrid integral films ........................................................................................30 The Hybrid Films: Spectra and 600 Plus. ................................................................................ 30 Section 3 Features Chapter 4 Film types and manufacturing code ..................................................................................................37 Chapter 5 Deterioration characteristics of the integral films .............................................................................40 Section 4 Evaluation Chapter 6 Discussion .................................................................................................................................... 49 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................... 54 Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................57 Summary ...........................................................................................................................................61 Appendix I Survey, Collection I .......................................................................................................62 Appendix II Survey, Collection II .....................................................................................................64 Appendix III Patent Overview ..........................................................................................................65 2 Tessa Maillette de Buy Wenniger, UvA, 2020. The quest towards a non-destructive identification method for Polaroid integral film types. Acknowledgements The thesis was written for the Master Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, photography specialisation. During this thesis research I received help from numerous people that I would like to take the time and opportunity to thank here. First, I would like to thank my supervisor and lecturer Katrin Pietsch (UvA) for her advice and guidance. In consultation with her, the subject of my thesis was developed. Secondly, Clara von Waldthausen (UvA) for sparking my interest in Polaroids, for providing help and the condition reports that I could use for my survey. Martin Jürgens (Rijksmuseum) for allowing me to examine the Polaroid collection at the Rijksmuseum, directing me to resources and people to consult and contact for my research, and together with Rosina Herrera Garrido (Rijksmuseum) showing me how the HIROX digital microscope works. A special thanks to Stephen Herchen (Polaroid Originals) for so kindly answering in detail the numerous questions I have asked him during the research. Malin Möhrke, with whom I collaborated making the questionnaire for Stephen, for sharing the experience of going through the patents (and the confusion those patents can bring). Han Neevel (RCE) for providing sources. I am grateful to Suk Fong Chun for lending me a few of her Polaroids that I used for imaging and examining. And Fenna Engelke for her peer review. Thankfulness also goes out to prof. dr. Maarten van Bommel (UvA) for his advice and together with dr. Maartje Stols-Witlox (UvA), prof. dr. Ella Hendriks (UvA) and dr. René Peschar (UvA) for overseeing and guiding the students through the research process. I would also like to thank my friends Robert van Vorstenbosch and Ilana van Doorn with whom I have spent the days in the past two months working together, which have brought me laughter and gave me so much support. My sister, Ilse, because she so kindly took the time to go through my thesis and gave advice. Of course, my parents, Carien and Thijs, for always supporting me. And last, but not least, my fellow photography students. All these people helped me through this process with their motivational words. 3 Tessa Maillette de Buy Wenniger, UvA, 2020. The quest towards a non-destructive identification method for Polaroid integral film types. Abstract (Nederlands) De volgende film types van Polaroid Corporation worden onderzocht: de SX-70, SX-70 Time Zero, Polaroid 600 en de 600 Plus film. Het doel is om een manier te vinden om deze van elkaar te kunnen onderscheiden met een niet destructieve methode. Het fotografische proces wordt eerst besproken om daarna in te gaan op de grootste veranderingen tussen de films. De veranderingen zorgen voor eigenschappen die potentieel als indicatoren voor identificatie kunnen worden gebruikt. Abstract (English) This thesis investigates the integral films (the SX-70, SX-70 Time Zero, Polaroid 600, and 600 Plus) from Polaroid Corporation to find potential indicators to distinguish these films in a non-destructive manner. The internal dye diffusion transfer process is first explained before highlighting the major differences between the film types. The change in structure and chemicals have resulted in some unique characteristics that are discussed as potential indicators for identification. 4 Tessa Maillette de Buy Wenniger, UvA, 2020. The quest towards a non-destructive identification method for Polaroid integral film types. Introduction The company Polaroid Corporation (1937-2008) introduced a new innovative photographic process: the instant colour photographic process.1 During this process, a finished print was developed within a few minutes after exposure of the film in a Polaroid camera by just pressing the shutter button. The company pioneered this process and was for a long time the only manufacturer of instant prints. Polaroid, shortened from Polaroid Corporation, eventually became synonymous with instant photography. Instant colour prints are known as “integral” films where all components necessary are kept in a permanent laminate. Instant photographs are unique prints and bare images with a continuous tone.2 Polaroid integral films are easily identifiable due to their iconic format: between white borders the image is created within a black polyester verso and a transparent polyester recto base; the white frame has three narrow edges and at the bottom a wide border. Polaroid Corporation kept improving and developing, which resulted in several versions (film types) of their products available on the market during different periods.3 Although the integral films are easily distinguishable from other photographic processes, the different integral film types can be more difficult to distinguish from each other. In Polaroid collections the films are often left undated or not identified on a type level. For instance, the most common and popular integral film types of Polaroid, the SX-70 film and the Polaroid 600 film