In 1972 the launch of the Polaroid SX-70 format started a revolution in photography as the first self-developing instant film that required no further action from the user after they had released the shutter button. Today, almost 35 years later, despite the fact that most of us take such an innovation for granted the landmark SX-70 format continues to enthral and delight enthusiasts and creative photographers alike with it’s legendary retro image quality and manipulation techniques.

This guide includes a roll-call of the SX-70 cameras and types of SX-70 film, as well as tips for buyers on eBay.

SX-70 Cameras

There are essentially two types of SX-70 format cameras: the ground-breaking folding SLR (Single Lens Reflex) models (see image above) and the cheaper, low-end point & shoot models that are similar to the Polaroid 600 format cameras still on sale today.

SLR Models

Manufactured from 1972 till the late-80’s these iconic cameras are notable by their folding design with leather or vinyl ‘porvair’ coverings. Features shared by all the SLR models include a 4-element 116mm f/8 glass lens, manually adjustable focus (minimum focus of 10.4 inches), electronic shutter, automatic exposure (speeds from >10 sec to 1/175), an aperture range of f/8 – f/22, built-in flashbar/flashgun socket, and remote shutter release socket. All camera functions are powered by a battery contained within each film cartridge. There exists a number of variations to each model but to summarise the main ones:

• SX-70, SX-70 Model 2, SX-70 Alpha SX-70, Alpha Models 1 & 2 – Later editions of the original SX-70 included a split-image circle for easier viewfinder focusing. Alpha models added fill-flash capability, a tripod socket, and neck strap lugs.
• SX-70 Sonar/Autofocus (also sold as SX-70 Sonar OneStep, TimeZero SX-70 AF) – The last SX-70 SLR models saw yet further innovation with the addition of optional autofocus using Polaroid’s sonar AF system which also allowed a brief shot preview before exposure.

Non-Folding Point & Shoot Models

The ancestors of the 600 format cameras available today these rigid plastic models largely have fixed focus of 4ft to infinity (Pronto! and equivalent models have variable focus), lighten/darken control, and auto exposure with an electronic shutter, as well as the same flashbar/flashgun socket as the SLR models. Non-folding SX-70 format cameras include (but are not limited to):

• 500, 1000 (also known as The Button and OneStep), 1000 S, 1001, 1500 (Pronto! B), 2000 (Pronto!), 3000 RF (Pronto! RF), Sonar Autofocus 5000 (Pronto! Sonar OneStep).
  

What is a Land Camera?

Many SX-70 camera models are post-fixed LAND CAMERA in their titles and documentation. This is in reference to Edwin Land, the founder of Polaroid and the inventor of Polaroid camera technology, and does not mean that the cameras cannot be used at sea or in the air! :P

Flashbars

Unlike their successors, the 600 format cameras, no SX-70 format camera model was designed with a built-in flash. Instead all models – be they SLR or not – have a socket intended for non-renewable (they cease to function after use) flashbars. Each flashbar array houses 10 flashes worth with a maximum effective flash distance of around 10ft (3m). Flashbars were discontinued in the early 90’s but can still be found today, although whether they still work or not can be a lottery of chance!

Electronic Flashguns

Eventually electronic battery-powered flash units (also often referred to as flashguns) were released by Polaroid and a number of 3rd party manufacturers, as well as under the branding of major stores such as Boots and Jessops. For SX-70 SLR cameras these electronic flashes usually require a fixing bracket if they are side mounted. Some of these electronic flashes will also not fit on the SLR AF cameras as they are slightly larger than the other models.

A number of electronic flashes are compatible with both the SLR and point & shoot camera models although there are far more that will only work with one or the other so be sure to check for signs of which model they are intended for.

Custom made PC-socket adapters are also available made by enthusiasts.

SX-70 SLR Accessories

Include (but not limited to):

• Remote shutter release, tripod mount, mechanical self-timer, accessory lens holder, lens shade, close-up kit.

A number of official and licensed cases are also available, the most sought after of which is a folding leather case which allows full function of the SLR models (except the Sonar/AF ones as they won’t fit!) without removing the camera from the case itself.

SX-70 Films

All SX-70 format films have an image area of 3.1 x 3.1 in. (7.9 x 7.9 cm), glossy finish, and a development time of just under 5 minutes. Varieties of SX-70 film available include:

• SX-70 (known as Time-Zero SX-70 in the U.S.) – Medium speed, medium contrast film, balanced for daylight and electronic flash exposure. Unfortunately production ceased early 2006. All but the last few months of batches allow shots to be modified creatively with photo manipulation effects!
• 778 – Professional grade version of SX-70 film with improved colour and exposure performance. Also no longer produced.
• SX-70 BLEND – An *all-new*, recently launched SX-70 film that should safeguard the format for years to come! Compared with original SX-70 film it is higher contrast and better balanced for low light exposure, and furthermore develops over a minute faster. Not available through Polaroid or the shops… but I’m not allowed to give the link here so you’ll have to see sx70blend dot com for more details! ^_^
  

What is meant by 'Manipulable Film'?

Basically it is possible to apply creative manipulation techniques, mostly by using an item to indent or push the still unsettled film chemicals, to the photo after it has been taken. The results can be very artistic and add a whole new context to shots (see example photo below from londonphotos dot org).


Unfortunately Polaroid unwittingly changed part of the production mix used to create SX70 film within the last 18 months or so before production stopped and the ability to manipulate, which was an unintentional benefit in the first place, was rendered negligable in comparison to batches with expiry dates ending before 11/06.

Using 600 Format Films

It is possible to use widely available 600 format films with SX-70 format cameras. There are however two problems with this:

1. 600 format films have little nubs to prevent them being used in SX-70 cameras - You can use the dark slide of a previously loaded instant film to load the film without removing the nubs. Hold the dark slide (also known as black tab or cover sheet) under and slightly beyond the pack while loading it.
2. 600 format film is 4 times faster than SX-70 film and will produce considerably overexposed shots – The simplest way to solve this problem is to purchase a special Neutral Density filter to correct the difference in light exposure. This will however affect the exposure of any shots you take using SX-70 film with it on!
   

Tips for Buying on eBay

• Camera Damage - Unfortunately a great many SX-70 SLR cameras listed on eBay are untested or sold 'AS IS' without much specific detailing of condition which makes assessing their functionality a bit tricky. Common faults to enquire towards, and that can be spotted upon visual or basic inspection, include: punctured bellows, broken focus, broken inner mirror (will cause rattling!), and broken locking support that keeps the camera unfolded when in use. A used film cartridge can be used to test camera electronics and, if the camera is an Autofocus/Sonar model, the Autofocus function.
  
• Beware the SX-70 Model 3 - It is not an SLR camera!
• Collectable Value - If you're buying for collection purposes be on the look out for cameras complete with original packaging boxes, manuals, and registration cards etcetera. Some sellers will not think to document their possession of such items or include them in sale so it's always worth asking!