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Mr. Polaroid

Season 37 Episode 3 | 52m 20s

Long before the iPhone, another inventive device allowed everyone to instantly chronicle their lives — the Polaroid camera. The product, and the company’s unique culture, would launch not only instant photography mania but also become the model for today’s Silicon Valley tech culture. Mr. Polaroid tells the little-known story of the man behind the camera, Edwin Land.

Aired: 05/18/25 | Expires: 05/29/28
Corporate sponsorship for American Experience is provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Carlisle Companies. Major funding by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
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Appraisal: 1985 Dale Nichols Artworks
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