Konnichiwa!
It’s Bob from Bob’s Polaroid Works! Welcome back to my garage!
First thing first, I wrote about the Polaroid’s iconic camera SX-70!
Please enjoy your time at my garage!
Bob’s Polaroid Worksをご覧いただきましてありがとうございます！
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この記事は日本語版があります！
Chapters;
- Introduction To SX-70
- Parts of SX-70
- How to USE SX-70
- Recommended Tips
Introduction To SX-70
If you are accessing this page, I know you have some clue about SX-70! But not all of you…
So let me explain a brief introduction to SX-70!
SX-70 was introduced to the market in 1972 by Polaroid Corporation in the United States. This first model utilizes a film pack.
You might know its code name, “Aladdin,” and they are still popular for almost 50 years after its first introduction.
“And now a compact folding, electronically-controlled, motor-driven, single-lens reflex camera. Capable of focusing infinity down to 10 inches. Has been developed to exploit integral self-processing film unites which once exposed they’re automatically ejected from the camera with no parts to peel or discard. And whose final images emerge without timing in daylight where the viewers can see the materialize within the same transparent protective plastic cover through which the film was originally exposed.”
Before Polaroid introduces film packs, “Polaroiders” needed to peel off the photo’s protective film.
After SX-70, Polaroid cameras are using battery embedded film pack, auto film ejection. It improves the ease of instant Photography.
Also, we can see how those develop after once the film is exposed!
SX-70 ignites Polaroid instant photo fever, and the popular model, OneStep (introduced 1976), hit the record of camera sales after its introduction!
This film pack system has been utilized for years, and even the latest Polaroid cameras such as Polaroid Now, Polaroid OneStep+, and Polaroid Lab! (To be exact, ASA has improved, and the latest models introduced camera embedded batteries. *i-Type Films)
Thus, SX-70 was the foundation of today’s Polaroid cameras, and it was a fabulous invention!
How To Buy SX-70 today…
It’s been almost 50 years since the first sales of SX-70. You may think it’s hard to find them in the market!
But the truth is there is much number of them as used for around $50-$250(USD)!
After Polaroid (Original lineup) has stopped film production in 2008, the Impossible Project has started to remake Polaroid instant films and sell refurbished vintage Polaroid Cameras, including SX-70!
Today, the Impossible Project had merged with Polaroid, and they are still working on refurbished cameras. (Currently sold out at polaroid.com)
Also, some third-party companies repair SX-70 models and sell them as refurbished ones. (Availability may vary in your location)
There are some variation models for SX-70s, such as Alpha 1(Instagram post above), Model 2 with a painted plastic body.
You can choose the best one from the SX-70 family!
Besides, you can still find some after parts or repair services provided by third parties! (*Availability may vary in your location)
It’ll be your favorite if you customize yours!
Compatible Films on SX-70
You can use Polaroid SX-70 Instant Films and 600 films with ND filters! *i-Type is not compatible because it does not have a battery.
Parts of SX-70
1. Shutter Button
Push it when you shoot!
2. Focus Wheel
You can adjust focus on the subject. Turn it clockwise to closer and opposite to farther as you look through the viewfinder. The focus distance is 10 inches (25.4cm) up to infinity.
3. Lens
This is the light intake of this camera! It works for both film exposure and viewfinder.
4. Exposure Control
As you turn it more white, the photo will be brighter (slower shutter speed), and as you turn it more black, the photo will be darker. (Faster shutter speed)
5. Accessary Dock
You can attach accessaries, such as Flash bars.
6. Exposure Sensor
The sensor calculates shutter speed according to the amount of light around the camera.
7. Front Cover (Film eject)
You will open this door when you reload the film pack! The exposed film will be ejected from the bottom edge of this cover.
8. Viewfinder
You will look at the subject through this viewfinder to adjust the composition and the focus.
How to USE SX-70
When you shoot…
1. Open your SX-70
Hold in palm of your left hand, and pinch the narrow side of viewfinder to pull strait until lock-pin is in proper position.
2. Shooting Stance
Hold your camera in your left palm, and place your right thumb at the backside of the shutter button. Adjust focus with your right index finger and push the shutter button with your middle finger.
Keep In Mind;
Be careful the place you hold the camera, especially the front cover. It may interfere with the film ejection.
3. Shoot!
Before you shoot, adjust the exposure control depend on your request!
For neutral, set it to the center. Turn it to more white; results will be high-key. Turn it more black; results will be low-key.
Because of the camera’s age, the exposure sensor can be incorrect. As a result, the photo may be High-key or Low-key even though you set your exposure control to the center position.
You can adjust and fix this issue as you understand your camera’s tendency by using exposure control!
Next, you will use the viewfinder to adjust the focus.
If you could see the viewfinder correctly, you can see the subject like below.
You can adjust the focus by the Fucus Wheel with your right index finger.
When you find the correct focus of your subject, it is time to shoot!
SX-70 Instant films are low ASA, resulting in longer exposure (it can be a few seconds up to 14 seconds) in darker surroundings.
Therefore, it is recommended to avoid shaking your camera during the photo shoot.
When you press the shutter button, I recommend pushing it with your middle finger instead of the index finger to reduce camera shake.
If you shoot in a dark place or inside, use the flash bar or tripod for better works!
4. Post Shot
After the shutter is closed, an exposed film will be ejected through the front cover.
Right after the film ejection, the exposed film can be affected by the light. In the worst case, it may result in a white shot.
To avoid this, cover your photo with your fingers or use the film shield for SX-70.
Take special care for 5 seconds, at least after the film ejection, for the unnecessary exposure.
And just wait for the photo to develop!
In the latest Polaroid Instant films, the picture usually will develop in 5-10 minutes for B&W films and 15-20 minutes for color films.
Polaroid Instant films can be developed differently due to the temperature.
Colder to bluer, hotter to redder. Especially in the summer and winter, you should care about your film’s temperature when it develops.
According to Polaroid’s support article, recommended range will be
Right after the film ejection, the exposed film can be affected by the light. In the worst case, it may result in a white shot.
To avoid this, cover your photo with your fingers or use the film shield for SX-70.
Take special care for 5 seconds, at least after the film ejection, for the unnecessary exposure.
And just wait for the photo to develop!
In the latest Polaroid Instant films, the picture usually will develop in 5-10 minutes for B&W films and 15-20 minutes for color films.
Polaroid Instant films can be developed differently due to the temperature.
Colder to bluer, hotter to redder. Especially in the summer and winter, you should care about your film’s temperature when it develops.
According to Polaroid’s support article, recommended range will be 13 – 28°C (55 – 82°F).
5. Fold Your SX-70
If you finish shooting, it’s time to fold your SX-70 camera.
When you fold it, release the lock-pin to slide it to the right.
Once the camera body has folded, push and lock the viewfinder to finish!
Reload Film Packs
I will explain how to replace the film pack after finishing all the shots.
You need to open your camera beforehand!
1. Open the Front Cover
If you press the yellow latch on the right hand of your SX-70, the front cover will open like below.
2. Pull Out Empty Film Pack
Pull the attached tab (sticker) to pull out the empty pack from the camera.
3. Load A New Film Pack
Firmly slide in a new film pack. Make sure the tab (sticker) is facing outside of the camera.
4. Close the Front Cover
Once you finish loading, close the cover.
If you finished this process correctly, dark slide will be ejected automatically.
All Done! You’re Ready to Shoot!!!
My Recommended Tip for SX-70
Adjusting Focus
Except for SX-70 Sonar models, SX-70 cameras are manual focus.
Especially for camera beginners, it’s challenging adjusting focus on the subject correctly.
Here’s my tip to get closer to the proper focus through the SX-70 cameras!
I want you to look at the red circles in the picture. If you see the half split rings inside of them, these are the indicator of the focus of the SX-70.
The first one (left above) is out of focus, and the indicator seems to mismatch for the upper and the lower part.
The second one (right above) is closer to the correct focus compare to the first one. If you see the ring, both parts are getting closer to the right match.
The third one (below) is the correct focus in this case. The indicator matches perfectly with the subject.
If you use this tip for your works, use a mark at the same distance as the subject. You can set a mark on your subject or letters, patterns, and sticks for ease of checking the unmatched in the indicator!
Summary
Polaroid SX-70 is one of the vintage cameras, but it takes you to the joy of analog Polaroid photography!
Conditions vary, but you can start yours under $100 (USD). So I recommend SX-70 to be your first analog camera!
If you are more flexible with your budget, refurbished models are more satisfactory!
And as I explained, there are so many third-parties that sell customize parts for SX-70! So I want you to enjoy making your own favorite SX-70!
If you check Instagram, there are thousands of “Polarioders” are posting SX-70 works!
They are very inspirational and fabulous!
Check the hashtag; #SX70 or #SX70film for detail!
If you have questions or comments, please leave them here or send me an email from the contact!
I will update my garage soon, and I’ll be happy if you follow me!
Thank you for reading this!
And I’m looking forward to seeing you again at my garage!
Bob
How to use SX-70, How to, Polaroid, Polaroid SX-70, Polaroid Camera, Photography, Analog Photo, Instant Photo, Instax, Instagram, Street photography, Old Camera, Film Camera, Single lens reflex camera
SX-70使い方、ポラロイド、ポラロイドSX-70、SX-70とは、使い方、ポラロイドカメラ、写真、写真生活、ポラロイド生活
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