Polaroid rises from the dead in Hong Kong

Polaroid is making a comeback in Hong Kong, announcing here yesterday a re-launch of its classic line of instant-photography products. 

Ever since Polaroid got out of the instant-photography business in 2008, we Hong Kong fans have been trying to replicate the 'instant' experience through digi-cams. But it just wasn't the same.

Last year, Polaroid teased us with the release of the PoGo, a Bluetooth and USB-enabled instant camera and digital printer combination, which kind of melded the digi-cam and Polaroid experiences. 

The PoGo was nice, but nothing compared with the full-blown re-launch of the company's classic instant-film cameras, including the Polaroid 600 and Polaroid One.

No one in Hong Kong is happier about the announcement than famed photographer Wing Shya, an avid Polaroid camera collector.

"I have spent so much money on Polaroid!" said Shya, who carefully preserves his precious store of old Polaroid instant film. 

To celebrate the announcement, we used a PoGo to make our own mosaic of Hong Kong's high-rises in the style of 'instant artist' Maurizio Galimberti.

We took the photos on a mobile phone, sent them to the PoGo thru Bluetooth and assembled. Total time: 30 minutes. Effort on one-to-10 scale: 2.35. Instant gratification score: Extreme.

Polaroid products will be available at all major Hong Kong electronic and photography stores. Release date not yet confirmed, but reportedly will be on shelves in time for Christmas.