Land reveals his latest camera and cassette: movies in 90 seconds. May 9, 1977. Edwin Herbert Land (1909-1991) was an American scientist and inventor, best known as the co-founder of the Polaroid Corporation. Among other things, he invented inexpensive filters for polarizing light, a practical system of in-camera instant photography, and his retinex theory of color vision. His Polaroid instant camera, which went on sale in late 1948, made it possible for a picture to be taken and developed in 60 seconds or less. Land died on March 1, 1991 at the age of 81. Upon his death, his personal assistant shredded his personal papers and notes.