AboutDavid Silver Expertise I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
Expert: David Silver Date: 10/7/2007 Subject: Polaroid cameras in forensics
Question Dear David,
I'm prepping a movie that uses an instant Polaroid camera, the history of the camera is the following: we are in Italy in modern days and one of the characters buys a Polaroid camera in an antique shop, it belonged to a forensic photographer in the 60's, is that possible? When was the use of Polaroid cameras introduced in forensics and what type of camera should it be? Thanks so much! Stefania
Answer
Hello Stefania,
There was never a specific type or make of camera used for forensics. Every police department chose their own cameras, and sometimes they had to settle for less than the best because of limited budget. Polaroid cameras were used by some police departments for general forensic examination when they were first introduced in 1948, and Polaroid later provided better cameras and accessories that were particularly beneficial for forensic work. In 1963 Polaroid introduced their film pack system and a new line of Polaroid Automatic cameras that are among the best selling cameras in history. I am aware that many police departments used different Polaroid Automatic camera models throughout the 1960's and into the 1970's. Specifically in the mid to late 1960's they preferred the Polaroid Automatic 220, 230, 240, and 250, so I recommend finding one of those. I believe there is still film available for them. Remember, you must have old style film packs, not the modern SX-70 film. If you need more guidance, you may contact me directly at <silver@well.com>
