Back in the 1930s -- in the depths of the Great Depression -- Edwin Land developed new technologies that allowed for instant photography (although, the original use of the technology was as eyewear for soldiers during World War II). It was a game-changer and led to an iconic American company, Polaroid.

However, the company didn't keep up with the times (especially the introduction of digital cameras). As a result, the company discontinued its instant film products in 2008.

The digital age finally took down Polaroid. Polaroid filed for bankruptcy to restructure its debt. Yet Polaroid's CEO Mary Jeffries says the company will continue operations.

She told CNN, "Our operations are strong and during this process Polaroid will ship products to our retail partners, work with our suppliers and contract manufacturers to fulfill retailer demand." She promised employees would receive their pay without interruption and said there would be new product launches in 2009.

The bankruptcy filing was necessary because of an investigation of its parent company, Petters Group Worldwide, which has owned Polaroid since 2005, according to a statement by Polaroid when the bankruptcy was announced. Polaroid went on to say the Petters Group founder and other employees are under investigation for fraud and that the investigation does not involve its leadership team.

While I know Polaroid is remaking itself in the new digital age, it's still hard to imagine this former leader in the world of photography being forced into bankruptcy. I'm rooting for it to survive bankruptcy and come back strong. I still remember the excitement of using my Polaroid when I was younger.

Lita Epstein has written more than 25 books including the "Complete Idiot's Guide to Value Investing" due out in January."

The Wall Street Journal had a story [subscription required] a month or so ago in which readers complained about the ubiquity of digital cameras, reporting that at weddings, so many of the guests were snapping photos that there were no pictures of people enjoying themselves -- only meta-photos of other cameras. I'm certainly the worst kind of offender; my mom's been known to tell me that it still happened even if I didn't get a picture of it! (My answer: no it didn't!)

Is there a technology backlash? Are consumers deciding to forego the digitalization of every minute of their lives and just frickin' enjoy them for a minute? Ummm, nope. If the leaked sales for Black Friday are any indication, come New Year's Eve, there will be ever more amateurs making high-resolution memories of that New Year's kiss.

I remember it used to be $100 per megapixel, but now you can get massive resolution for a miniature price. But how many megapixels do you (and your gift-ees) need? And can you really get a good 6MP camera for $99? Here are some of the sales we've found for this Friday:

Sears
Polaroid i630 6MP Digital Camera $99
Kodak EasyShare 6.1MP Digital Camera and Printer Dock $329.99
Kodak EasyShare 7.1MP Digital Camera with Printer Dock $244.00 Doorbuster Sale

Wal-Mart
Casio Elixim EX-Z60 Digital Camera $199.88
Kodak Z612 Digital Camera $329.76
Kodak EasyShare C633 Digital Camera and Printer Dock $189.74 Doorbuster Sale

Best Buy
Canon PowerShot 6MP Digital ELPH Camera $219.99
Kodak 5MP Digital Camera $79.99 Doorbuster Sale
Nikon Coolpix 5.1MP Digital Camera $119.99