Instant color print photography in dermatology.

The use of instant color print photography in dermatology is explored and evaluated in this article. Recent advances in the technology of instant photography have made it possible for the creation of fast, accurate, clinical photographs by people with little experience or training. The Polaroid SX-70 Sonar camera with the CU-70 close-up kit is evaluated and compared to the Kodak instant close-up camera kit as marketed by the Lester A. Dine Company. The advantages and disadvantages of the two camera systems are presented. Techniques such as lighting, proper distance, and exposure are discussed with mention of the method of converting prints into slides. The many and varied applications of this modality are reviewed. Rapid, sharp, reproducible clinical photographs can now be obtained instantaneously by the busy clinician.