Submitted by Al …
I was browsing through an old issue of Popular Photography (August 1979), when I saw this ad for Bubblefilm – The Film of the Future. I was intrigued, as I had never heard of this before.
The ad claimed that Instant Image Film (IIF) will be used ‘in your business, home, car, and even your camera.’ Further reading indicated that this 35mm film was ‘simple to do and no chemicals needed.’ ‘IIF is fast and fun; send for some today.’ This fantastic offer was available at the introductory price of $9.95 each.
The claims in this ad remind me of a true story my grandfather told me. As a child growing up on the farm in the prairies of 1905, he read an ad in a mail order catalogue for a potato bug killer - ‘Guaranteed to kill potato bugs or your money back’. He desperately wanted to help out more around the farm, so he mailed the required nickel and patiently waited with high hopes and anticipation.
What he received was a miniature hammer and anvil set, with the following instructions:
Catch potato bug by the hind legs.
Hold potato bug over the anvil.
Strike potato bug with the hammer.
If the potato bug is still alive, strike again. Repeat as necessary.
In essence, the company claims were true - ‘Guaranteed to kill potato bugs or your money back’. I’ll bet they didn’t make many refunds!
interesting old ad ! I'm disappointed that a Google search for Instant Image Film and Maywood, California comes up with no hits !