Polaroid Instant Film

The Polaroid SX-70 is a land camera (folding single lense reflex) which was in production from 1972-1981 by the Polaroid company.

Polaroid considered using a Henry Dreyfus SLR for its film, but the SX-70 was the first camera to use Polaroid’s SX-70 integral print film , which was able to develope itselve in broad daylight without any help needed from the photographer. Anpther notable point about the SX-70 was its ability to fold, which made it small enough to fit in a photographer’s pocket.

The SX-70 Model 1 was the first of several models available in 1972, though they all shared a similar design. The first model had a screen that was plain focusing (this meand the photographer could tell the difference when the camera was in or out of focus) because Dr. Land wanted to encourage photographers to think as though they were looking at the actual subject, as opposed to looking through a viewfinder. Due to many complaints that focusing was too hard, especially in low light, Dr. Land was forced to include a split-image rangefinder prism. This feature later became standard on future models.

Later, the Sonar OneStep and SLR 680 models both had a sonar autofocus system, which allowed them to return to the plain focus screen. These were the forst SLRs available to the public. The later SLR 680/690 models updated the basic design of the cameras to more modern standards by incorporating support for newer 600 cartridges, replaced  the flash bar with a built-in flash module. They are the mist evolved forms of the SX-70 and enthusiasts seek them out.

Even though it can be costly, the Polaroid SX-70 is still viewed as a collectible today.

Models

Originally, the SX-70 Model 1 was considered a high-end camera for consumers, with genuine leather panels and brushed chrome on the exterior. It had the ability to use several accessories, like a close-up lens (1:1 @ 5 inches), remote shutter release (electrical), a mount for a tripod a carrying case that unfolded along with the camera and could be hung from the neck. Rigid, plastic fixed focus versions of the camera were later sold with many of the same features. In it’s time, the OneStep’s simplicity, prince and the fact that it used the same instant film made  it the #1 selling camera in the USA.

Film history

Polaroid SX-70 film was first put on the market in 1972, and was an instant success despite there being some problems with the battery packs in the first models. The original SX-70 film was improved upon in the mid-70’s and was replaced by a further advanced type in the 1980’s , in which much faster development times were possible due to a rearranging of the innerworkings of the film. The colors were also richer and brighter than in the original 1970’s product. Professional types of the SX-70 film were soon produced, including 778 (Time Zero equivalent) and the similar 708, Time Zero film with no batteries, which was intended to be used for applications such as the “Face Place” photo booth and professional film-backs, where batteries aren’t necessary. Time Zero was produced up until 2005, though overseas-market and some last run film packs were marked only as SX-70…