This
camera is a revised and upgraded SX70. It uses 600 film, so shorter
shutter speeds and smaller apertures are possible. After Polaroid went
bust, several firms specialized in SX70 repair. Mint, a Hong Kong based
firm and one of the best known, began repairing SX70 cameras some 20
years ago. They offered also upgrades. These cameras are all from the
70s and 80s. In spite of their good build quality, they age.
So Mint then offered new, upgraded electronics for the use of their
time machine, a device that makes it possible to set exposure times
manually. Up to now (2023) the time machine sets the aperture to F8,
smaller apertures are not possible. Bear this in mind if you want one,
they are quite expensive.
There is a whole
community on the web about SX70 repair and electronics, the most known
is OpenSX70. There are also forums which can advise and members that
help with repair. My camera was revised and upgraded by a friend from
the French Polaroid-Passion forum. As
the SX70 is
a good camera and a real SLR, prices are still quite high. Prefer a
revised camera, the photo cell gets dirty with time and exposure may
not be good. Beware of
the Model 3, this isn't a SLR, so don't pay a lot of money for it.
In my opinion Polaroid film made a big step forward in 2023. The
colours are bright now, the photos look sharp and contrasty.
Development times are shorter, at room temperature the photo is ready
after 10 minutes and it has no longer to be protected from light after
ejection, although it is still better to put it face down or into your
pocket and keep it warm for the first 10 minutes. I think the new film
is quality wise as good as the famous Time Zero film, it just takes a
bit longer to develop. So prefer film made after mid-2023. And yes, a
good camera makes sense again, even if it is more expensive.
Features of the SX70 model:
4-element 116mm f/8 glass lens Minimum focus: 10.4 inches Front-cell focusing via geared wheel at top of lens/shutter housing Electronic shutter
Programmed automatic exposure, shutter speeds from >10 sec to 1/175;
aperture range f/8- f/22; smaller apertures possible when flash is used Auto flash exposure based on focus distance, Max flash distance 20ft. Built-in Flashbar socket for flash. Accessory electronic flashes were also available Socket for an electrically-actuated remote shutter release SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) viewing and focusing Chrome-plated plastic body with genuine leather covering, later different colours and faux leather
Size: 182 x 106 x 44mm (folded)
Weight: 667g
Some photos:
Camera closed.
It has a tripod socket.
Camera open. Right side and front.
Front. An Alpha 1 model with split-screen focus point..
Left side. The camera has a socket for an electric remote control.
