SX-70

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The SX-70 is a folding single lens reflex Land Camera which was produced by the Polaroid Corporation in the 1970s. It was the first instant SLR and the first camera to use Polaroid's new SX-70 integral print film, which developed automatically without the need for intervention from the photographer. The SX-70 was also notable for its elegant folding design, which allowed the camera to be relatively compact when collapsed.

There were a variety of models beginning in 1972 with the original SX-70, though all shared the same basic design. Early models had a rangefinder focusing prism. Later models were equipped with a sonar autofocus system.

Polaroid Corporation actually marketed this relatively inexpensive, novel sonar technology as a set of components to hobbyists in order for them to incorporate distance sensing into other systems. Though expensive, the SX-70 was popular in the 1970s and retains a cult following today.

1 Design Features
2 Models
3 Image manipulation
4 Film issues
5 See also
6 External links

[edit] Design Features

There were many novel and sophisticated design elements in the SX-70. Making a collapsible SLR required a complex light path, with many mirrors at peculiar angles. The mechanical parts were very tiny precision plastic parts. The film pack also contained a flat battery to power the camera electronics and flash.

[edit] Models

The original SX-70 was a high-end consumer market camera, with plenty of stainless steel and leather surfaces. Most of the same technology was later sold in cheap-looking black plastic versions.

[edit] Image manipulation

One feature of the SX-70's integral print film is its ability to be manipulated while still developing. Because it is an instant film and develops over a period of several minutes, artists are able to "push" the emulsion material around the photograph to produce effects somewhat like impressionist paintings.

[edit] Film issues

Polaroid's original SX-70 "Time-Zero" film was phased out of production in late 2005 to early 2006 (differing according to regional markets). However, SX-70 users are left with two options for using new film in their cameras:

Polaroid SX-70 Blend Film

In October 2006, a brand new SX-70 film was introduced. It uses an internal neutral-density filter and modified chemistry to yield vibrant colors, strong contrast, and high resolution. This film is made fresh in the Netherlands, and represents Polaroid's commitment to supporting the SX-70 community. As the cartridge is made to its original specifications, and the ND filter is placed over the film and not the lens, it allows for full and normal use of all the camera's functions.

The following are sample images shot with Polaroid SX-70 Blend film. They are courtesy of Lord of the Lens, the North American distributor for SX-70 Blend.

Image:SX-70Blendsamples.jpg

Polaroid 600 film

Many SX-70 owners modify their cameras to use Polaroid's more recent 600 film, which is readily available and relatively inexpensive. SX-70 and 600 film are not exactly the same however, the 600 having some extra little 'nubs', so photographers must either use a playing card or dark slide from a used Polaroid film case to help slide the 600 film into the camera or slice the nubs off of the cartridge.

Another problem with using 600 film is that it is significantly faster than SX-70 film, causing overexposure. To address this issue, some photographers simply set the exposure dial all the way to "darken" and replace the small ND filter over the electronic eye with a similar clear filter. Polaroid itself recommends placing a 1-stop ND filter over the lens, and replacing the small ND filter over the electronic eye with a clear piece of plastic (as from a CD case). Even with these modifications, SX-70 users may find they need to set the exposure controls fully to "darken." Perhaps the most effective, yet difficult, modification is to modify the SX-70's exposure electronics to accept the film's higher speed.