Polaroid SX-70 [1972]

This SX-70 was picked up along with a collection of many other cameras. It worked out to about $5 per camera in the box, though this and the beautiful Polaroid 95a were surely the cream of the crop. Unlike the SX-70 Alpha SE, this model does not have a tripod mount, nor the strap lugs. However it is all metal, and seems to be in overall much better condition. I’m looking forward to testing it out with Impossible Project film in the future.

The camera is in such great condition I forgot to anything beyond light dusting – a more thorough cleaning is in the future!

What’s So Special?

This is the first model of the SX-70 with its original leathers in excellent condition. This was the first Polaroid camera with integral film. no rolls, no sealants, no pull apart mess to discard. It was also an amazing feat of engineering both for the film, and for the folding camera itself.

Its actually an amazing device to hold and manipulate, even with no film in it. The SLR image path is quite complicated – and is detailed nicely in the Eames promotional video.

This is one of the few cameras that my kids seem interested in. I guess there is something about the complex yet reliable folding, and the ability to create an image on the spot. We have Instax Wide cameras, yet they don’t have nearly the appeal of the SX-70 from a purely aesthetic point of view.

Pros

Amazing engineering: smallest integral pack instant camera ever made for this size of print
Elegant design and wonderful to the touch. The SX-70 finds a spot in most modern art collections
Because the battery is part of the film pack, these models have held up well for the past 40 years

Cons

Finding reasonably priced film! Impossible project film runs about $4/frame
Does not work well in low light conditions without tripod use
Refurbished models are extremely expensive

Specifications

Manufacturer: Polaroid
Made in: USA
Introduced: 1977
Camera Type: folding SLR
Lens: 4-element 116mm f/8 glass lens
Film: SX-70 film discontinued, 600 film discontinued, Impossible SX-70 film (color and B&W)
Battery: integral to film pack
Dimensions (cm):
Weight:
Serial:

Accessories

Strap: yes
Suggested Flashes: 10 use flash bar, Impossible Project markets an electronic flash
Other: Telephoto lens, Close-Up kit – Self-timer – External flash