History lesson: The inventor of Polaroid also invented polarizers and ND filters

History lesson: The inventor of Polaroid also invented polarizers and ND filters
(Image credit: YouTube: Todd Dominey)

Edwin Land, the inventor of Polaroid cameras and film, also invented polarizers and ND filters. In fact Land, who was the Steve Jobs of his era, was just 19 years old when he invented the polarizer – which was actually the first product called Polaroid.

The under-publicized history of Edwin Land and Polaroid has been broken down in a fantastic video by YouTuber Todd Dominey. This visual essay isn't just essential viewing for fans of instant film, or even photography, but for admirers of technology and entrepreneurship in general. 

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.