A Frome photography specialist has turned his expertise and passion for vintage Polaroid cameras into an exciting and original new business.
Ben Clarke is among only a handful of people worldwide who refurbishes and sells reconditioned instant Polaroids. His business, Super Atomic, is also the South-West’s sole independent supplier of brand-new instant film and I-1 cameras, which are made by Berlin company The Impossible Project, who are now the only makers of instant cameras and film after they resurrected the technology and manufacturing process in 2008 after Polaroid itself ceased production.
Ben, who works from his studio in the Keyford area of Frome, told us that his love of photography began back when he studied the subject at A-level.
“I used to really enjoy developing film in the darkroom, and that’s really what got me hooked,” he says. “From there I got into ‘old-school’ Super-8 film, and then caught the bug for Polaroids.”
Those nostalgic for the original cameras of the 1980s, still highly-prized by artists and musicians such as Jack White (of White Stripes/The Raconteurs fame), might be surprised to hear that they are now available again. And they may also relish the opportunity to have some fun with the original instant photo, especially as the party season is now upon us.
As Ben observes, “With smartphones, we’re now in a new age of instant photography, when taking a quick snap couldn’t be easier. Most people have hundreds of images on their mobile, but few make hard copies of them, which I think is a shame.
“But now that instant film is back, and the cameras are available again, they can. And I think that people who enjoy taking pictures and putting some thought into the images they create will really appreciate this second chance to enjoy capturing the moment – and having something real to show for it.”
You can contact Ben via his website and social media accounts, all detailed at www.superatomic.co.uk
