It is one of the most legendary instant cameras ever: the Polaroid SX-70, the first foldable SLR with integral film, which in the 1970s was a pioneer in the field of instant photography. Thanks to the restorers of the MiNT company, it is now available for purchase again. And almost like new. We tell the whole story.
In short:
- Vintage SLR camera from Polaroid
- Refurbished models from MiNT
- Foldable
- Picture format: 1:1 (3.1 x 3.1 inches)
- Film: Type SX-70 or 600 (with grey filter)
The history of the SX-70 Land Camera
The Polaroid SX-70 was developed in the early 1970s to solve a fundamental problem of the instant cameras of the time: the cumbersome film that had to be developed was associated with all sorts of pitfalls, even for professional photographers. With the then used instant film, the two layers of instant film still had to be separated manually after a waiting time of about 60 seconds. In addition, one came into contact with the chemicals used in the film. The process was anything but simple.
The SX-70, personally introduced in 1972 by Edwin Land (the founder of Polaroid), revolutionized instant film: in the integral print film used from then on, the layers were firmly bonded together. The chemicals were firmly enclosed in the image together with the negative. The process was now simple, clean and fast. A complex arrangement of three mirrors also made it possible to use a SLR system. In addition, the SX-70 relied on an external energy source in the film, which made the clever folding of the camera possible.
MiNT revives the Polaroid SX-70
The Hong Kong-based company MiNT has now set itself the task of making the Polaroid SX-70 available to a wider public again. Besides the production of own cameras like the InstantFlex TL70, MiNT has specialized in the restoration of original Polaroid models like the SX-70. It is true that such models could already be purchased second hand. But such an acquisition was connected with a high risk, as the classic models had to fight with all kinds of signs of age. Worn out rollers or uncalibrated aperture and shutter technology are not uncommon and cause failed pictures. MiNT’s restorers rework the cameras from the ground up, readjust them and replace worn parts.
The technology of the SX-70 instant camera
It is the extraordinary design that immediately catches the eye. While current Polaroid cameras like the Now look like the typical picture of an instant camera, the SX-70 looks like something out of a science fiction movie at first glance. The folding technology of the Polaroid SX-70 is completely in line with the modern spirit of the 70s. Folded together, there is hardly any evidence of a camera; only when unfolded does the clever design of this instant camera become apparent.
SLR compact
Despite the flat design, this is the first time a single lens reflex system has been used in an instant camera. The camera uses three mirrors in aspherical form to display the image correctly in the optical viewfinder despite the flat construction.
Exposure metering
The exposure meter is located next to the lens on the Polaroid SX-70. The amount of light passing through the meter determines the camera’s shutter speed (between 1/175 and 14 seconds). This can be adjusted manually with a dial above the light meter.
Tip #1: A typical mistake when using this Polaroid is that the camera itself is exposed to different lighting conditions than the subject. Accordingly, the closer you are to the subject, the more likely you are to take a picture, as the subject and camera are exposed to the same light.
Tip no. 2: underexpose rather than overexpose. In the video at the end of this article Matt Day explains why the shutter speed that comes with underexposure leads to better photos in case of doubt.
Focus: Close-Up is king
One of the special strengths of this instant camera is the short distance to which sharp images can be taken: the camera captures objects sharply up to a proximity of 10 inches, even modern cameras often require special close-up lenses. The focus of the SX-70 is also adjusted with a rotary wheel above the shutter release.
Film
As already mentioned, the energy source of the camera is found in the film cartridge itself in the form of a so-called PolaPulse battery. For this reason, original films, if still available, can usually no longer be used. The batteries are not usable after a long time. In the meantime, the SX-70 fan community has continued to be supplied with film by the Impossible Project, and the Polaroid brand has since been revived. Therefore SX-70 films are currently available from Polaroid in colour or black and white.
Note: the original films contained 10 photos while the new ones only have 8 photos per cartridge. Accordingly, the frame counter on the back of the camera is actually 0 when it reaches 2. The camera ejects the top cover sheet as soon as the new film is loaded.
Models of the Polaroid SX-70
The SX-70 has been continuously improved over its nine-year product cycle. For example, the first model lacked a focusing aid in the viewfinder, the tripod thread or the distance scale on the lens. All of this was first brought together in the Alpha 1 model. Only with the Polaroid SX-70 Autofocus did the camera finally have automatic focus. The camera was replaced in 1982 by the SLR-680 based on the SX-70.
Tech Specs
- Lens: 4 elements 116mm lens
- Aperture: f/8 – f/22
- Flash: optional, flash slot available
- Manual focus: 10 inches (25.4 cm) to infinity
- Shutter speed:1/175 to 14 seconds
- Dimensions: 6.89 x 3.93 x 0.98 inches
- Film: SX-70 type or 600 film (with additional grey filter)
- Battery: Included in the film
- ISO: 160
Source: https://mint-camera.com/en/shop/cameras/model1/
Polaroid SX-70 Manual
CONCLUSION
In terms of price alone, the refurbished Polaroid SX-70 instant cameras from MiNT are not for beginners. Today’s common shooting modes are completely missing and the success of a picture depends to a large extent on the experience of the photographer. And yet this camera is one of the most popular instant cameras when it comes to artistic demands. Images from this vintage camera embody all the charm of instant photography. The small blemishes and the extraordinary coloring create unique images that are almost unimaginable today. If you have developed a real passion for instant pictures, you can hardly avoid this camera in the long run. And thanks to the resurrection of Polaroid, the supply of film is assured. For those who want to be on the safe side and have a fully functional copy of the original SX-70, the remanufactured models from MiNT are a real recommendation to buy.
VIDEO: Tips for the Polaroid SX-70 from Matt Day
Information about the Polaroid founder Edwin Herbert Land: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_H._Land