The Polaroid SX-70: A Classic Reimagined
What Do You Think of When You Hear “Polaroid”?
Now, when I ask you to think of Polaroid… what do you think of? Do you think of maybe cheap cameras and cameras you take to parties? Maybe you think of them being all plastic with little to no features. Or do you think of the beauty and the innovation?
When I think of Polaroid, my first thought goes to this camera here… the Polaroid SX-70. I can’t help but find this camera absolutely fascinating, because that’s what this camera really is.
Technical Features: SLR Magic
The Polaroid SX-70 is an SLR (Single Lens Reflex), meaning what you see through the viewfinder is what you see through the lens. This makes framing and composition an absolute breeze. It features manual focusing via a split-circle within the viewfinder and a ring on the camera body that, when you turn, changes the focus of the lens. Fast, quick, and accurate.
Don’t even get me started on the lens. The lens is sharp — insanely sharp. It features a beautiful 4-element glass lenswith a focal length of 116mm and automatic aperture ranging from f/8 all the way to f/22. The minimum focusing distance is amazing: you can get about 10.4 inches (26cm) to your subject, which is very close for this camera. Unlike modern Polaroid cameras, which usually have only plastic lenses, the SX-70’s glass lens is crisp and sharp. This doesn’t mean modern Polaroids can’t be sharp because they can, but nothing beats a glass lens.
The chassis of the camera is brushed with an aluminum finish and then wrapped in a beautiful brown leather. Needless to say, the final design leaves an impression. It feels premium, and the experience from shooting — down to the touch, the feel, the sound, and even the smell — is unlike anything else.
When it comes to shooting, there is an exposure compensation dial located on the front of the camera. When the scene is too dark, move the dial slightly to the left (white section), and if the scene is too bright, move to the right (black section). If you want things just as they are, leave the dial in the middle.
Design: Compact, Sleek, and Genius
The genius of the SX-70’s design is that it folds down to a compact size for easy carrying and protection. It is very sleek and can be a great conversation starter when you open it up to take some Polaroids. A thing to note is that when you close the camera, the exposure compensation dial automatically returns to the middle.
The Polaroid SX-70 includes a proprietary flash connection, originally designed for Polaroid-branded disposable flash bars, which fire with a bang. I’ve sadly not used one before, but you can buy a reusable flash bar. If I ever get the chance to use one of the old ones, I shall write about them here.
Film Types: SX-70, 600, and i-Type
You can get many modifications for the SX-70, but first, let’s talk about film types, because this is important:
SX-70 Film – This is slower film with batteries built into the pack. It is more expensive than 600 Film and i-Type Film and only works with SX-70 cameras.
600 Film – Faster than SX-70 Film and still has batteries in the pack. It is more expensive than i-Type Film but cheaper than SX-70 Film. It works with modern cameras as well as the 600 series cameras.
i-Type Film – Faster than SX-70 Film (same speed as 600 Film), but it has no batteries, so it only works with modern cameras. It is the cheapest of the three.
SX-70 Modifications
Converting the SX-70 to use different film – Originally the SX-70 took SX-70 film, which works best in bright, sunny conditions or with flash if lighting is less than desirable. You can still buy SX-70 film brand new, but some mods allow your SX-70 to shoot 600 Film instead.
Power modifications for different film – Some modifications allow you to use i-Type Film in your SX-70, which is cheaper.
Full manual mode – Unlocks all of the camera’s functions. You can even connect it to your phone and use it as a shutter remote while adjusting shutter speed and aperture.
Frame counter adjustments – Originally, Polaroid film came in packs of 10 shots. Now you get 8 shots per pack, so the camera counter can be modified to match 8 shots instead of 10. Not strictly necessary, and in my opinion, a useless modification because how hard is it really to take two away? It is an option though.
Refurbishments and cosmetics – Not strictly a modification, but highly recommended. You can refurbish your camera for perfect functionality and even customize the exterior: green crocodile skin, pink holographic finish, blue leather, soft fur — the possibilities are endless.
History: Edwin Land’s Vision
The Polaroid SX-70 was first unveiled in 1972 and widely released in 1973. It was designed by Edwin Land, the creator behind Polaroid. He was on holiday with his family when his daughter asked him:
“Why can’t I see the picture now?”
That question sparked the creation of instant photography. Why did we have to wait for film to be developed? Why pay high amounts to get prints? In a world where you can take thousands of photos digitally, there is something magical about holding a Polaroid instantly. No editing, no computer, no extra printing costs. Each Polaroid is one of a kind.
Reflection: Memories in Eight Shots
When was the last time you looked for a specific photo in your camera roll? Thousands of images on your phone — what do you delete, what do you keep? Polaroids are different. Polaroids come in packs of eight shots. You only get eight memories to capture. Now which eight moments would you like to remember?
Thank you.
