The famous Polaroid SX70. I saw one demonstrated by Mr. Land himself the summer of 1970, a year before camera was released for sale. I just happened to be walking by the Polaroid building in Boston, and he was showing a small group of men the SX70. I stopped to watch. It was so unusual I didn't even know it was a camera. He was making the point to his business colleagues that anyone could operate it, so he stepped out of the group and handed the camera to me and told me to take their picture. So I did. The camera scrolled out a photo that was fully developed in just a minute. I was amazed, and so were those business men. In a later decade I came across one in a second hand shop and got it. Used it for about 15 years, until digital cameras got affordable in the late 90s. I recently gave mine to a neighbor who collects old cameras.
So Cool!! Lucky neighbor! I have an SX-70 MODEL 2, that I purchased from eBay. I didn’t realize they had 3 different versions. One of my relatives had a Polaroid camera when I was younger. 😊
@@LovinDebsFit50s the 3rd model isn't SLR as the first 2 are! the second one is made of plastic to make it cheaper, the first one is the best quality from the 3
I finally found one of these I just bought this camera at a yard sale with its leather carrying bag for $5 nobody cared for the camera the lady said i was the only one that even picked it up... if only people knew the gem they were ignoring
Looking in April 2024 / so pleased to find this video , as I was given this camera recently by a neighbour all in very good condition,with case . I opened it up & could not work out how to shut ! Until I saw this video 😊. Many thanks
Don't throw the flashbars away you can build a connector from the socket to connect any flash to the camera, or connect it to studio strobes if you want to.
Thank you so much for this video! You really break things down to their most basic level, making vintage instant cameras really accessible to a newbie like me. Thank you for all of your hard work!
I was just given an original sx-70 for free at a local pawn shop. No one knew if it worked and they hadn't been able to sell it for 15+ years. Gonna order some film tonight hopefully to see how well it works
@@philippmartin1702Because there is a good way of opening it, which is sadly not very common to see on RUclips ;-( You can find it on the user's manual, and it won't cause any stress on the hinge and reduce drastically the chance of breaking it
When Marcel Marceau press the button on his SX-70 and nothing came out he was not surprised. He marveled at how beautiful his photo was and showed it to his friends.
Damn, you really went HAM on this camera. I'm actually surprised the likes/comments aren't higher for what this is. Flattery aside, I finally took the plunge into ordering one of these online and I can't wait to finally try it out. I had the OneStep+ and love the extra features, but I've already had my fair share of ruined shots because - 8 packs in - I'm still not used to having to guess where my actual framing is, especially on the close-up shots.
I have a few notes on flash with SX-70. The old flash bulbs are a lot brighter than any of the electronic flashes. If anyone is using a Polaroid Q light flash with any of the one-step Box cameras you will have to use a light/dark switch on the flash itself because it overrides the cameras exposure compensation. The Polaroid Q light is not recommended to be used as a fill Flash as light sensor might decide there's enough light in the seen and not fire the flash. the Q light will not let you fire the until the flash power is fully charged.
Aw shoot! I knew that, I swear! Thanks for catching that though and pointing it out! I’ve always liked the weight the originals have to them even though they’re just made up to look metal.
@@What-pk6rt I just got one, and I think it is thin metal, around plastic, and sure does feel like it is sturdy metal construction with the weight. Any idea what I should sell this for? It's in great shape, but I have no use for it, and don't want to store it away to be forgotten.
I recently discovered you channel, and I'm enjoying the videos. I recently came into a Polaroid Onestep Sonar, so have been trying to learn more about instant photography. Thanks for the videos!
My dad bought SX-70 model 2 back in the day. I have it now and need to know how to safely remove mold from the faux leather. Pithy useful video! Best Regards, Jay
I personally don't like how expensive the mint flashbars are. For a little electronic flash I shouldn't have to be paying near a $100. I'd rather buy disposable flash bars for like $10 since I don't take Polaroids that often
Hello, Thank you for your video. Please, on your opinion, between two used devices SX-70 and the SX-70 Sonar, which is the best to have ? Thank you very much. Olivier
Hello I have a problem of fungus in the lenses and no maintenance service available around. Most technicians haven´t even seen one of those before and they refuse service. I already saw a tutorial on opening and accessing the first lens but I am really afraid of doing so and the fungus are in the other 3 lenses and not being able to deal with it safely. Woul you have a suggestion?
What did it cost back in the day and what would that be in today's dollars? I paid thirty dollars Canadian for mine at the secondhand store. And it came with the Nissin flash unit too!! A real steal!!!
I bought the old sx-70 at a thrift store and it's practically brand new but because the shutter speed is so slow I always end up shaking the camera a little bit unintentionally as I can't keep it perfectly still. Any advice for that?
Great video... thank you! I have a SX70 that was owned by my grandfather and has been tucked away in a box for 40+ years. There is a cartridge in it and the number indicator shows 5. Haven't removed it as yet. I've tried to find out how this camera is powered. Can you possibly advise. Thanks!
The camera is powered by the film cartridge itself (each film cartridge has a battery in it). If the camera was tucked away for 40+ years, it is more than likely that the camera won't work unless your remove this film pack (battery is most probably dead) and insert a fresh pack in. You can still buy SX-70 polaroid film packs.
In theory. If I were to cover the electric eye and pop an external flash while the lens is open in a dark room. Would that work to light more creatively?
Hi, i really love your videos. Currently thinking about stepping up my Polaroid game and going from plastic lenses to glass lenses. I am torn between the sx-70 and the slr 680. Any recommendations? Thank you :)
Thanks for the nice video! I have one question though! Do you know the difference of "Polaroid SX-70" and "Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1". If yes, what are the differences?
ugh I only have the inferior Polaroid OneStep SX-70 now. I Had the Polaroid SX-70 sonar as a kid in 2006 from flea market for about 5 bucks or so and sadly distroyed it arrrg. I collected cameras and now and then wished I had taken better care of it. I wanted to find out how it was possible to see through the camera without the lens having an obvious light path and got curious and wound up busting it and was very sad when I broke it.
Great video! Can you reccomend any sites where I can buy one? A cheaper one that is. 😅 Something lower than $300. I just recently got into instant film photography and I've been looking for an SX-70 in forever. I currently have an I-1, a OneStep+ and a 635. Thanks!
Did you have any difficulties using the mint flashbar on your sx-70 model 1? I’ve read about a lot of people giving bad feedback because the model 1 doesn’t have the fill in flash function and the flash doesn’t seem to work properly. Just making sure before pulling the trigger!
Sorry to ask but where's the best place to get one repaired? Like for a good price and quality repair. Mine is not cycling properly and the motor wirrs whenever there's a cartridge in there. Idk how to fix it but it used to eject pictures
Hello great channel! So I am a camera collector and seller. I just got another excellent condition polaroid sx-70 first model with brushed metal wrapped body and this is the 1st time I have one like this that the focus is locked on infinity. It's still works but I want to beable to use for all types of pictures and have them come out great. The plastic model 2 is easy cause that front cover just pops off but how do you get this front cover off to get to the focus knob? Is it the 4 screws in the back?
For those models you have to be able to remove those special screws to get the front plate off. It can be very difficult, but here are some resources for it: www.chemie1.unibas.ch/~holder/sx70tech.html
Each one could be slightly different. My model 1’s all came apart just like my model 2’s however underneath I found different hardware. Instead of two flathead screws normally hold the light adjustment component. My model 1 had two screws that used a tiny square head. I couldn’t get behind that one to clean lol
I've got an issue with mine where I can't see anything when I look through it and it also doesn't spit the film out but the shutter clicks. Does anyone have any ideas?
No it just has a basic framing viewfinder that won’t help you at all with focusing unfortunately. On top of the camera are distance values to help you set focus so you just have to use that for reference when shooting on the Pronto
I got the sx-70 on eBay and the first 2 shots the camera was fine, press the button it would take a picture no problems. but now when i press the button the viewfinder goes black and stays like that for a few seconds then flips back up and spits the picture out. could it be a low battery, or is it a camera problem? Thank you.
So that usually means the shutter is staying open pretty long. When the viewfinder goes black the mirror inside the camera flips up so you can’t see anymore and then the film is exposed. When it’s staying like that for a few seconds are you in lowlight where it would try to take a longer exposure? For SX-70s you need a flash for low light situations or it will try to do it automatically by staying open for long. If not then it could be your battery in the film pack. Is the film old or fresh? If it’s fresh then it might not be a battery issue and could be a deeper mechanical issue in which case there are places that service these cameras like Brooklyn Film Camera (which has information on their website about it). I hope some of this helps and gets you some great images!
Hi, nice explainer. I'm looking for answers I can't find anywhere... I have the SX-70 Land Camera Alpha 1 Model 2. it's black with black leather. Question: is it, by any chance!?! possible, to add the sonar autofocus where the flashbar is fitted on top of the camera? does it exist? Best regards, Martin.
I love the SX-70 because they're better quality then most 600 cameras! The SX70 film sometimes goes out of stock for periods though and isn't as easy to get as 600 or i-type film. The high end cameras like the SLR680 & 690 are very good as well and take 600 film which is much easier to get sometimes, but they're usually very expensive.
@@AnalogResurgence thank you so much! My heart sank when Spectra died. I thought to buy a Mamiya with a Polaroid back but that film died. I was left with a lousy lens 600 or go to an 8x10. No middle. This helps a lot, I’m assuming you are saying the lens on the SX-70 is better. They are expensive, but as a film lover, it seems like a must have!
Those cameras are kind of tough to do repairs on and getting to the mirror inside involves taking it apart. Not an easy fix from what I know! There’s a guide on opening these up: web.archive.org/web/20110707004528/www.chemie.unibas.ch/~holder/sx70tech.html
Hey, It’s Francisco from Chile. Last year I got a polaroid Sx70 sonar (new) and I also bought flash mint bar. However I’m having problems to coordinate shooting with flash. I don’t really know what should I do. Sometimes it works but sometimes it doesn’t. I’m super frustrated I’ve lost many charges because of it. Do you have some idea what’s going on to me?? Thanks! I’ll really appreciate it
I’m not too sure, my Sonar actually has broken flash contacts I believe and won’t work with my Mint flash. Is there any chance that your camera could need a repair? How new was the camera? Sometimes the cameras can have problems even if they’re in good shape simply because they were made 30 years ago.
Analog Resurgence thanks for your answer. My sonar is totally new ( “impossible project” version) unfortunately, there is no place specialized on this kind of cameras here to repair it. But I’m gonna figure out what to do. Thanks again!
I dont know if you'll see this but I have a sx-70 model 2 & I cannot get the film pack out. It also isnt taking any photos but i can hear it squealing and trying hard to take a photo. I may need to clean my terminals but i cant because i cant get the film pack out. Please help 😭
I'm not sure, I've never encountered one where you can't remove the film :( I typically end up scrolling through the SX-70 group over on Flickr when I'm trying to troubleshoot some of the weirder issues! www.flickr.com/groups/sx-70/
So I found my great grandmother sx-70. I bought the film and it took 2 pictures just fine but I just went to take a 3rd and it didn't spit out the photo and the view in completely black and want come back. It doesn't even want to close now. You have any idea what I'm doing wrong or is it the camera
Unfortunately that’s the sign of a stuck mirror in the camera. When you look through the viewfinder you see through a mirror that reflects the lens view up for you to see. When you take a picture that mirror flips up and the film is exposed and then it’s flipped back down so you can see out the viewfinder again. It’s a somewhat common issue amongst the SX-70s as they age. I don’t have any experience with fixing it myself, but hopefully this has pointed you in the right direction to do some more research on it. Depending on where you are there are places that will repair these cameras. I really recommend www.brooklynfilmcamera.com
Can someone link me where to buy/what kind of film to buy for the classic 1972 SX-70? I have one, and want to get it working but don’t know what type of film to buy. Any help appreciated! :)
You can the necessary film from Polaroid! Polaroid themselves are the only manufacturers of film for these cameras. To buy film for the SX-70 just look for the film that has SX-70 printed right on the front! Avoid i-Type and 600 film as it will not work properly with the SX-70. polaroid.prf.hn/l/7ovXdqE
I like them both, but the Model 1 is a nicer quality build. Like it just feels more sturdy and heavier when your using it. The sonar is good when the autofocus works, but it’s definitely bulkier and feels a little less solid overall.
Try cleaning the battery contacts. And make sure they are making good contact with the blatter on the film cartridge. I had battery contact move out of place once. Good luck.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
The famous Polaroid SX70. I saw one demonstrated by Mr. Land himself the summer of 1970, a year before camera was released for sale. I just happened to be walking by the Polaroid building in Boston, and he was showing a small group of men the SX70. I stopped to watch. It was so unusual I didn't even know it was a camera. He was making the point to his business colleagues that anyone could operate it, so he stepped out of the group and handed the camera to me and told me to take their picture. So I did. The camera scrolled out a photo that was fully developed in just a minute. I was amazed, and so were those business men.
In a later decade I came across one in a second hand shop and got it. Used it for about 15 years, until digital cameras got affordable in the late 90s.
I recently gave mine to a neighbor who collects old cameras.
Wow!!! Thank you for sharing your story! That’s so cool
What is your neighbor's number?! Does he still have it?!
great story - its interesting to think of polaroid as the affordable option lol
So Cool!! Lucky neighbor! I have an SX-70 MODEL 2, that I purchased from eBay. I didn’t realize they had 3 different versions. One of my relatives had a Polaroid camera when I was younger. 😊
@@LovinDebsFit50s the 3rd model isn't SLR as the first 2 are! the second one is made of plastic to make it cheaper, the first one is the best quality from the 3
I finally found one of these I just bought this camera at a yard sale with its leather carrying bag for $5 nobody cared for the camera the lady said i was the only one that even picked it up... if only people knew the gem they were ignoring
Was it working?
GASP!!!!!!! How can people be so stupid?!!!!!!
you just did the best review anyone could have ever done on this camera.
Looking in April 2024 / so pleased to find this video , as I was given this camera recently by a neighbour all in very good condition,with case .
I opened it up & could not work out how to shut ! Until I saw this video 😊. Many thanks
The SX-70 is truly a stunning piece..... even closed down.....a classic, elegant and trim! Just found my first one, so thanks for the thorough report!
Don't throw the flashbars away you can build a connector from the socket to connect any flash to the camera, or connect it to studio strobes if you want to.
Thank you so much for this video! You really break things down to their most basic level, making vintage instant cameras really accessible to a newbie like me. Thank you for all of your hard work!
I was just given an original sx-70 for free at a local pawn shop. No one knew if it worked and they hadn't been able to sell it for 15+ years. Gonna order some film tonight hopefully to see how well it works
Did it work?
I am so scared of breaking my sx70 every time I open it 😂
You are not alone! Lol
No kidding I was hella nervous figuring out how to open the thing!
A friend has loaned me his and I feel the same. I got it open but now can’t get it to close and terrified of breaking something haha
I did break mine...
@@philippmartin1702Because there is a good way of opening it, which is sadly not very common to see on RUclips ;-(
You can find it on the user's manual, and it won't cause any stress on the hinge and reduce drastically the chance of breaking it
I learnt more with this review that was less than 10 minutes long than with the countless other reviews out there, cheers
When Marcel Marceau press the button on his SX-70 and nothing came out he was not surprised.
He marveled at how beautiful his photo was and showed it to his friends.
grandma gave me the family camera and this helped me out a bunch with learning how to work it, gonna buy some film soon to try it out
Damn, you really went HAM on this camera. I'm actually surprised the likes/comments aren't higher for what this is. Flattery aside, I finally took the plunge into ordering one of these online and I can't wait to finally try it out. I had the OneStep+ and love the extra features, but I've already had my fair share of ruined shots because - 8 packs in - I'm still not used to having to guess where my actual framing is, especially on the close-up shots.
I have a few notes on flash with SX-70. The old flash bulbs are a lot brighter than any of the electronic flashes. If anyone is using a Polaroid Q light flash with any of the one-step Box cameras you will have to use a light/dark switch on the flash itself because it overrides the cameras exposure compensation. The Polaroid Q light is not recommended to be used as a fill Flash as light sensor might decide there's enough light in the seen and not fire the flash. the Q light will not let you fire the until the flash power is fully charged.
Ngl though I got one at a flea market and I love how compact it is. It can fit in like, any purse and it's so nice
What did you pay for it?
@@michaelrmurphy2734 50$ works great
Great video but a slight correction at 1:18: The original SX-70 is not metal! It's all plastic with a finish that makes it look like brushed metal!
Aw shoot! I knew that, I swear! Thanks for catching that though and pointing it out! I’ve always liked the weight the originals have to them even though they’re just made up to look metal.
Im about to buy one I always thought it was metal, thanks man, do u think it is the right choice to get ??
@@What-pk6rt I just got one, and I think it is thin metal, around plastic, and sure does feel like it is sturdy metal construction with the weight. Any idea what I should sell this for? It's in great shape, but I have no use for it, and don't want to store it away to be forgotten.
@@frankhobson8716 hey, do you still have that camera? just curious
Interesting and informative - thanks. Sonar on order!
I recently discovered you channel, and I'm enjoying the videos. I recently came into a Polaroid Onestep Sonar, so have been trying to learn more about instant photography. Thanks for the videos!
My grandpa has a Polaroid Sonar AutoFocus 5000, thanks for the video, now I'll be able to use it and maybe make him use it again sometime
I have the family Pronto that my Grandma originally bought as well as a later talking Polaroid from the late 90s.
My dad bought SX-70 model 2 back in the day. I have it now and need to know how to safely remove mold from the faux leather. Pithy useful video! Best Regards, Jay
You can buy replacement leather for the SX-70 online. Remove the old faux leather and replace it!
Ive just started collecting vintage instant cameras, your videos are really helpful.
Your videos are great! i like that you give attention to a lot of stuff that has been forgotten!
Excellent short and sweet instructions I own two functional Polaroid One Step 600, yet I still looking for a good working X-70..
Love the vids, keep it going!
Great video. Super informative and concise! New subscriber ✅
excellent video bro! - nice going ...
Great video. Thank you for this information!
I have a one step polaroid(the old one) and it works perfectly with 600 film as well
Yo!
Just discovered this channel and it’s the greatest thing happened to me this week!
Keep the great content coming!
Great walkthrough! Just bought a 2000 Land Camera at a flea market. :)
I personally don't like how expensive the mint flashbars are. For a little electronic flash I shouldn't have to be paying near a $100. I'd rather buy disposable flash bars for like $10 since I don't take Polaroids that often
Really loving your vids m8 :-)
Great informative instant film video.
You can also use Windex to clean the Polaroid jelly off the rollers.
Great Informative video.
I found one at a thrift store and I got it for $10 and I was completely shocked that the price was so low and it worked just fine.
Thank you!! I have an SX - 70 Model 2. Where do you purchase the film and the mint flash?
Just got an original SX70 at the swap meet for $25 yeeeeeaaah buddy! 😎
ay bro i dont know if u will reply but i found my grandpa old Pronto! camera and i dont know how to use it
I just ordered a modern Polaroid Now, to get use to using them. Then I'll plan on ordering an SX-70 from Brooklyn Film Camera.
Hello,
Thank you for your video.
Please, on your opinion, between two used devices SX-70 and the SX-70 Sonar, which is the best to have ?
Thank you very much.
Olivier
Excellent video.
Hi… are you collecting sx70? I have got one piece
I'm going to point out that Sona autofocus Pronto can actually the cable release.
Hello
I have a problem of fungus in the lenses and no maintenance service available around. Most technicians haven´t even seen one of those before and they refuse service. I already saw a tutorial on opening and accessing the first lens but I am really afraid of doing so and the fungus are in the other 3 lenses and not being able to deal with it safely. Woul you have a suggestion?
found one for 6.99 yesterday trying to make sure it works
What did it cost back in the day and what would that be in today's dollars? I paid thirty dollars Canadian for mine at the secondhand store. And it came with the Nissin flash unit too!! A real steal!!!
I believe it launched with an American price of $180 in 1974 which means it would be over $1000 today
@@AnalogResurgence Big money then. And really big money to buy them on eBay now.
Over 1000 I have one with me how do I tell if it’s worth that much I have all the original box n case
I bought the old sx-70 at a thrift store and it's practically brand new but because the shutter speed is so slow I always end up shaking the camera a little bit unintentionally as I can't keep it perfectly still. Any advice for that?
Great video... thank you! I have a SX70 that was owned by my grandfather and has been tucked away in a box for 40+ years. There is a cartridge in it and the number indicator shows 5. Haven't removed it as yet. I've tried to find out how this camera is powered. Can you possibly advise. Thanks!
The camera is powered by the film cartridge itself (each film cartridge has a battery in it). If the camera was tucked away for 40+ years, it is more than likely that the camera won't work unless your remove this film pack (battery is most probably dead) and insert a fresh pack in. You can still buy SX-70 polaroid film packs.
In theory. If I were to cover the electric eye and pop an external flash while the lens is open in a dark room. Would that work to light more creatively?
I just got a pronto b for $1 and was wondering if the mint light worked with it. This was the only place I could find that answer thanks
did you find out?
Hi, i really love your videos. Currently thinking about stepping up my Polaroid game and going from plastic lenses to glass lenses. I am torn between the sx-70 and the slr 680. Any recommendations? Thank you :)
I don't personally own a 680 because of how expensive they usually are, but I love the SX-70!
Thanks for the nice video! I have one question though! Do you know the difference of "Polaroid SX-70" and "Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1". If yes, what are the differences?
Alpha have a tripod mount on the bottom and rails at the back for a neck strap. Model 1 and 2’s didn’t have those features
ugh I only have the inferior Polaroid OneStep SX-70 now. I
Had the Polaroid SX-70 sonar as a kid in 2006 from flea market for about 5 bucks or so and sadly distroyed it arrrg. I collected cameras and now and then wished I had taken better care of it.
I wanted to find out how it was possible to see through the camera without the lens having an obvious light path and got curious and wound up busting it and was very sad when I broke it.
Very informative
Hi there so where do I buy film polaroid sx-70 ?
Digital Camera user: What is this thing you call film?
Thank you
Great video!
Can you reccomend any sites where I can buy one? A cheaper one that is. 😅 Something lower than $300.
I just recently got into instant film photography and I've been looking for an SX-70 in forever. I currently have an I-1, a OneStep+ and a 635. Thanks!
Did you have any difficulties using the mint flashbar on your sx-70 model 1? I’ve read about a lot of people giving bad feedback because the model 1 doesn’t have the fill in flash function and the flash doesn’t seem to work properly. Just making sure before pulling the trigger!
I've always been happy with my results on the SX70 and the mint flash!
I bought a One Step from an antique store but it doesn't work. Any advice to fix it?
Sorry to ask but where's the best place to get one repaired? Like for a good price and quality repair. Mine is not cycling properly and the motor wirrs whenever there's a cartridge in there. Idk how to fix it but it used to eject pictures
I recommend: www.theinstantcameraguy.com/
Thank you for your video! Which are the tricks to shoot 600 film in the sx70?
You can send your SX-70 to be rewired at a repair shop to make it accept 600 film
I have a question. I have a sonar SX70. And wondered if there was a flash. How does the light meter in the camera compensate?
Hello great channel! So I am a camera collector and seller. I just got another excellent condition polaroid sx-70 first model with brushed metal wrapped body and this is the 1st time I have one like this that the focus is locked on infinity. It's still works but I want to beable to use for all types of pictures and have them come out great. The plastic model 2 is easy cause that front cover just pops off but how do you get this front cover off to get to the focus knob? Is it the 4 screws in the back?
For those models you have to be able to remove those special screws to get the front plate off. It can be very difficult, but here are some resources for it: www.chemie1.unibas.ch/~holder/sx70tech.html
Each one could be slightly different. My model 1’s all came apart just like my model 2’s however underneath I found different hardware. Instead of two flathead screws normally hold the light adjustment component. My model 1 had two screws that used a tiny square head. I couldn’t get behind that one to clean lol
I've got an issue with mine where I can't see anything when I look through it and it also doesn't spit the film out but the shutter clicks. Does anyone have any ideas?
have you used mint SLR670? 🤔 i am thinking of getting one
amazing content . thks
how long does battery to run out if i just leave untouch?
Does the Polaroid Sonar Pronto have a rangefinder to help you focus on manual mode?
No it just has a basic framing viewfinder that won’t help you at all with focusing unfortunately. On top of the camera are distance values to help you set focus so you just have to use that for reference when shooting on the Pronto
Do you have any idea how much value an original SX-70 would have?
How much value I have one from 1974 with a original receipt lol
I have polaroid vision slr. I can used sx70 for it?!
I got the sx-70 on eBay and the first 2 shots the camera was fine, press the button it would take a picture no problems. but now when i press the button the viewfinder goes black and stays like that for a few seconds then flips back up and spits the picture out. could it be a low battery, or is it a camera problem? Thank you.
So that usually means the shutter is staying open pretty long. When the viewfinder goes black the mirror inside the camera flips up so you can’t see anymore and then the film is exposed. When it’s staying like that for a few seconds are you in lowlight where it would try to take a longer exposure? For SX-70s you need a flash for low light situations or it will try to do it automatically by staying open for long. If not then it could be your battery in the film pack. Is the film old or fresh? If it’s fresh then it might not be a battery issue and could be a deeper mechanical issue in which case there are places that service these cameras like Brooklyn Film Camera (which has information on their website about it). I hope some of this helps and gets you some great images!
Is SX-70 OneStep Sonar basically an Alpha 1 with autofocus?
Hi, nice explainer. I'm looking for answers I can't find anywhere...
I have the SX-70 Land Camera Alpha 1 Model 2. it's black with black leather.
Question: is it, by any chance!?! possible, to add the sonar autofocus where the flashbar is fitted on top of the camera? does it exist?
Best regards, Martin.
No the autofocus part of a sonar SX-70 cannot be removed and added to another camera.
@@AnalogResurgence thx for answers :)
Since the Spectra is dead, what is the best quality polaroid camera in terms of lens quality and film available?
I love the SX-70 because they're better quality then most 600 cameras! The SX70 film sometimes goes out of stock for periods though and isn't as easy to get as 600 or i-type film. The high end cameras like the SLR680 & 690 are very good as well and take 600 film which is much easier to get sometimes, but they're usually very expensive.
@@AnalogResurgence thank you so much! My heart sank when Spectra died. I thought to buy a Mamiya with a Polaroid back but that film died. I was left with a lousy lens 600 or go to an 8x10. No middle. This helps a lot, I’m assuming you are saying the lens on the SX-70 is better. They are expensive, but as a film lover, it seems like a must have!
nice job! Thanks ))
thank you!
thanks
Omg why didn’t you cover any other flashes other than the MiNT one.
Is the frog tongue neccessary?
In original film days - No. In modern 8 pack film days - very much Yes.
Sold!
THANKS !!!
my mirror came loose on my SX 70 , is there an easy way to glue it back down without distroying the camera
Those cameras are kind of tough to do repairs on and getting to the mirror inside involves taking it apart. Not an easy fix from what I know!
There’s a guide on opening these up: web.archive.org/web/20110707004528/www.chemie.unibas.ch/~holder/sx70tech.html
Wait the model 1 doesn’t have distance marks?
I believe so, the very very first one only has like dashes around the lens. The second model (Alpha 1) has the actual distance markings on the lens!
Can you clean the rollers when theres a film inside?
Yes.
has anyone created silk screen templates for the printing on the front of the film chamber?
Hey, It’s Francisco from Chile.
Last year I got a polaroid Sx70 sonar (new) and I also bought flash mint bar. However I’m having problems to coordinate shooting with flash. I don’t really know what should I do. Sometimes it works but sometimes it doesn’t. I’m super frustrated I’ve lost many charges because of it. Do you have some idea what’s going on to me?? Thanks! I’ll really appreciate it
I’m not too sure, my Sonar actually has broken flash contacts I believe and won’t work with my Mint flash. Is there any chance that your camera could need a repair? How new was the camera? Sometimes the cameras can have problems even if they’re in good shape simply because they were made 30 years ago.
Analog Resurgence thanks for your answer. My sonar is totally new ( “impossible project” version) unfortunately, there is no place specialized on this kind of cameras here to repair it. But I’m gonna figure out what to do. Thanks again!
I have model 3 and i like it better
I dont know if you'll see this but I have a sx-70 model 2 & I cannot get the film pack out. It also isnt taking any photos but i can hear it squealing and trying hard to take a photo. I may need to clean my terminals but i cant because i cant get the film pack out. Please help 😭
I'm not sure, I've never encountered one where you can't remove the film :(
I typically end up scrolling through the SX-70 group over on Flickr when I'm trying to troubleshoot some of the weirder issues!
www.flickr.com/groups/sx-70/
So I found my great grandmother sx-70. I bought the film and it took 2 pictures just fine but I just went to take a 3rd and it didn't spit out the photo and the view in completely black and want come back. It doesn't even want to close now. You have any idea what I'm doing wrong or is it the camera
Unfortunately that’s the sign of a stuck mirror in the camera. When you look through the viewfinder you see through a mirror that reflects the lens view up for you to see. When you take a picture that mirror flips up and the film is exposed and then it’s flipped back down so you can see out the viewfinder again. It’s a somewhat common issue amongst the SX-70s as they age. I don’t have any experience with fixing it myself, but hopefully this has pointed you in the right direction to do some more research on it. Depending on where you are there are places that will repair these cameras. I really recommend
www.brooklynfilmcamera.com
@@AnalogResurgence thanks that helps alot!
Can someone link me where to buy/what kind of film to buy for the classic 1972 SX-70? I have one, and want to get it working but don’t know what type of film to buy. Any help appreciated! :)
You can the necessary film from Polaroid! Polaroid themselves are the only manufacturers of film for these cameras. To buy film for the SX-70 just look for the film that has SX-70 printed right on the front! Avoid i-Type and 600 film as it will not work properly with the SX-70.
polaroid.prf.hn/l/7ovXdqE
Great video! Subscribed :)
Do you prefer model 1 or sonar?
I like them both, but the Model 1 is a nicer quality build. Like it just feels more sturdy and heavier when your using it. The sonar is good when the autofocus works, but it’s definitely bulkier and feels a little less solid overall.
@@AnalogResurgence Great! Btw will i be able to use an empty 600 cartridge to test an sx 70?
@@reesevelmonte1858 Yes you should be able to. I've done it myself with no problem
@@AnalogResurgence Thank you!!
I thought you were Chandler from Mr.Beast’s channel
😂😂😂😂😂😂
I got a model 1
I love the SX-70 but really find anywhere that sells them 🙁
Etsy, e bay they got tons
Check out www.brooklynfilmcamera.com they sell fully restored SX-70's
I purchased mine through them.
I have one I'll sell you. Brown and silver, metal one, great shape!
No slr 680 mention? :(
I touch on that in my video about the 600 cameras! This is only about the SX-70 cameras
@@AnalogResurgence 🤩
I couldn't find it! I'll look again
When I put the film in my one step camera, and close the “door” it does nothing ...
Try cleaning the battery contacts. And make sure they are making good contact with the blatter on the film cartridge. I had battery contact move out of place once. Good luck.
whenever i close my sx-70 i feel like my fingers are gonna get caught and break