A deep dive into the MiNT SLR670 'Type I' battery adapter for SX-70 cameras. Repair & modification
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- Опубликовано: 21 дек 2024
- A few videos ago I released a monster hour and a half episode all about Polaroid i-Type adapters:
• The Ultimate Guide to ...
In that video, I briefly mentioned the MiNT SLR670 'Type I' adapter, but I did not go into much detail about it.
Well, I ended up having a few of these cameras end up coming my way, so I figured I'd make a video about it.
This video all started because a client of mine asked if I could convert his MiNTSLR670 Type I into my PolaVolt battery solution instead. Why? Well, this client had already purchased another camera from me that was pre-installed with a PolaVolt, and they liked it so much that they wanted their collection to be consistent.
One of the aspects this video talks about is how (early versions of) the Mint battery adapter panel makes opening and closing the camera difficult. This is due to the plastic side panel being too thick, resulting in the erection arm grinding against the side of the panel. I should note too that this is an issue that sometimes affected the original model cameras due to molding issues and or/warped body panels.
This issue, although annoying - can be fixed, as I will demonstrate in the video.
I reached out to MiNT for comment on this - who informed me that this problem is now fixed on current revisions of the adapter. They also offer services to rectify this issue and I've had a few clients reach out saying that they were able to send their camera back to MiNT and have the opening/closing issue fixed.
I was very happy with how fast MiNT responded to my emails too. Quite possibly the most rapid customer service I've ever experienced!
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Chapters:
00:15 - Introduction - Going over some important info
15:28 - Swapping a MiNT SLR670 Type i to PolaVolt
17:48 - Stiff opening / closing (Now fixed in future versions)
23:38 - Some quirky design decisions from MiNT
31:46 - Getting inside and figuring out the wiring
38:48 - Looking at the adapter in more detail
42:05 - Impressive soldering!
43:15 - Adding a rule of thirds grid montage
44:28 - Reassembly montage
44:36 - Further assembly and game-plan
44:50 - Examining PCB behavior before PolaVolt modding
49:49 - Wiring up a PolaVolt - 8x speed
50:35 - Reassembled - further info on i-Type lug compatability
53:58 - Final results - the first PolaVolt converted MiNT SLR670
55:00 - Further findings the how the adapter works
58:58 - Why do this mod in the first place?
1:00:51 - Fixing the open/close issue with a dremel!
1:11:10 - Outro
1:11:28 - Summary slide of pros & cons
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If you like this, then watch these:
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• Fully overhauling a Po...
The SX-70R PCB:
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SX-70 vs 600 (and i-Type) film - a deep dive!:
• SX-70 vs 600 film: Why...
The PolaVolt:
• The PolaVolt: a newer,...
Wiring up a PolaVolt on Model 1 & 2 cameras:
• The Cheapest (And Best...
Wiring up a PolaVolt on Alpha spec cameras:
• HOW TO: Wire up the Po...
Modifying the Rezivot Power Ranger:
• Improving the Rezivot ...
Modifying the Retrospekt Power Pack:
• Retrospekt battery ada...
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Got a Polaroid that needs some love? Hit me up!
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For those that didn't watch the intro or or read the video description, please note that MiNT has now fixed the 'hard open' issue on their Type-I adapters. They are fully aware of the problem, can rectify it and have informed me that it will not affect current batches of cameras.
Mint informed me that they are dedicated to making the best possible products they can, and take all feedback seriously - which is a very refreshing thing to see!
This is my new favorite format of yt videos, where just the intro before the actual video starts is 15 minutes long
your continued push for people to improve in whatever way they can is amazing lol you improve your self even by adding a popping noise can’t count how many time i rewind to read a missed text box
I should have done this from the start. I think it'll make my videos much better from this point onwards
+1 for the pop noise. I multitask when watching and it helps me not miss anything.
You're right about the Mint flash bar. It's an excellent product. The only downside with the flash is the capacitor recharge time.
I think the Mint flash is excellent. Those saying it's underpowered likely have a poorly (or non) refurbished camera
I'm saving up to get my SX-70 Alpha serviced and modified.. Mint wasn't an option that even crossed my mind lol
Black painted brass would be incredible!
Totally!
Excellent breakdown of the ups and downs of the Mint system.
I wonder how many bases Mint would sell seperately if you could buy it on its own.
It’s certainly the best looking almost stock in appearance option and would look good if your existing camera could be fitted with it rather than forking out $1500 or so for a new camera.
What do you think of the new sensor upgrade MiNT are fitting to new slr670 cameras, and offering as an upgrade to older 670's ?
I'm going to do a video on this :)
As far as I'm aware, it's an infrared filter
I think comparing the polastudio and mint camera battery replaceaability to the I2 is silly.
Lets assume that the battery lasts ten years, having to reolace the leather skin once every ten years and pop out four screws is completely reasonable. The I2 is absolutly different, much harder, and not comparable in almost any way.
In the grand scheme, an internal battery that is on a piece screwed in is perfectly reasonable.
I've watched more now and see you also have to do a bit more but, I still stand by my point
The I-2 is worse for sure. It's easily the craziest example of this phenomenon.
But the second a soldering iron becomes involved - it becomes beyond the skill set of the average consumer. Removing the soft leather also deforms it, and it'll never look the same
My point to the whole use replaceable battery issue is that back in the 90s/early 2000s, the camera would have had a little door on it for access to a hard-cell battery. The 'baked in' design has only been mainstream for the last decade or so, largely due to smart-phone manufacturers collectively tricking consumers into thinking it was a necessary change.
As for the replacement process, if it was just 4 screws? Totally acceptable. I agree that this would be fine.
But removing and replacing the leather and getting out a soldering iron? Not really... Especially when the bottom leather panel is not a standard size and cannot easily be sourced.
Every thing made should have user replaceable batteries.
I agree. MiNT's adapter does at least let you use 600 film to power the camera, and does seem to have a rather high capacity battery
But I'd still like to see it made in a way that is easy for the user to swap cells.