The Polaroid Corporation files for federal bankruptcy protection.

Polaroid cameras have had a long and varied history since their introduction. The original Polaroid instant camera, which allowed users to take a photo and have a print in hand within minutes, was invented by Edwin Land and first sold to the public in 1948. These cameras were incredibly popular and iconic throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

However, Polaroid Corporation faced challenges in the digital age. The rise of digital photography and smartphones made traditional instant cameras less relevant. In 2001, Polaroid filed for bankruptcy and stopped producing instant film cameras for a brief period.

In 2008, Polaroid announced the discontinuation of its instant film production altogether. However, a group of enthusiasts and former Polaroid employees formed a company called “The Impossible Project” (now called Polaroid Originals) to continue producing instant film for Polaroid cameras. This move helped keep the tradition of instant photography alive.

In 2017, Polaroid Originals (now just Polaroid) launched the Polaroid OneStep 2, a new instant camera reminiscent of the classic Polaroid models. They have since continued to release new instant cameras, including digital instant cameras with modern features.