Polaroid SX-70 manual Opening & closing the camera Holding the camera, Taking the picture

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SX-70 Cameras

Folding Models

SX-70, SX-70 Model 2

 

 

SX-70

Alpha, SX-70 Alpha Models 1 & 2

 

 

SX-70

Model 3

 

 

User Guide

 

SX-70

Sonar/Autofocus

 

For additional information about SX-70 cameras and other Polaroid products, contact Americas Business Center toll-free at 1-800-343-5000, 8am to 8 pm EST, Mon - Fri (USA and Canada only) or visit www.polaroid.com.

Opening & closing the camera

A

Holding the camera

Hold camera in your left hand with your thumb and fingers behind the hinge (A). Fingers must not block the exit slot and thumb should not touch the bellows.

Raise the camera so your eye is close to the viewfinder.

A

Hold the camera in the palm of your left hand. Grasp the sides of the viewfinder cap at the rear (ribbed surfaces).

To close the camera, push cover support to the rear. Press down on the viewfinder cap until both sides latch.

Lift straight up until cover support (A) locks.

Taking the picture

Look through the center of the eyepiece. Rest your thumb on the back of the shut- ter housing, with your right forefinger on the shutter button. Curl the other fingers into your palm.

Bring your eye close to the viewfinder so you can see all four corners of the black frame inside. Hold the camera steady.

After focusing, squeeze the shutter button all the way down until the picture exits.

Loading & unloading film

Focusing the camera

A

All SX-70 cameras use Polaroid Time-Zero SX-70 film.

Push the film door latch

(A) down to open the film door.

Hold the film pack by its edges and push it into the camera. With your fingers away from the picture exit slot, close the film door.

The motor will run and eject the film cover.

Your SX-70 camera has a split-image circle in the center of the viewfinder image. Aim camera so that the split circle is over a vertical line or edge that you want sharp in your picture. Turn the focus wheel until the vertical line in the top half circle lines up with the line in the lower half circle.

The split circle helps you focus, not frame or view. It is placed low in the viewfinder so it won’t interfere with viewing. This means you may have to reframe your picture after you focus. When you reframe, don’t change your distance from the subject. Simply point the camera down or to one side until you see in the viewfinder exactly what you want in the picture.

The SX-70 Model 3 is not a single lens reflex camera. To focus, estimate the dis- tance from the lens to your subject (if closer

Note that the film counter on the back of the camera sets to ten. It counts backwards indicating the number of shots remaining.

After shooting ten pictures, remove the film pack by opening the film door and pulling the pack out by the little tab.

than 3 feet, measure it), then turn the focus wheel until the correct distance is opposite the white line. Outdoors with subject more than 15 feet away, set lens at infinity mark.

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Contents Opening & closing the camera Holding the camera Loading & unloading film Focusing the cameraTaking the picture Using FlashBars Cleaning the rollersSonar/Autofocus Lighten/Darken control

SX-70 specifications

The Polaroid SX-70, introduced in 1972, is a groundbreaking instant camera that revolutionized the way we capture and print photographs. Combining innovative technology with a sleek design, the SX-70 became an icon of photography and remains a collectible favorite among enthusiasts and artists.

One of the standout features of the SX-70 is its foldable design, which allows for easy portability. When not in use, the camera collapses to a compact size that can easily fit into a bag or purse. This feature was particularly appealing to users who wanted a camera that was both functional and stylish.

The SX-70 was the first instant camera to use a single lens reflex (SLR) system, which enables the user to see exactly what the lens sees through a mirror and prism system. This technology allows for precise framing and focusing, which was a significant advancement over traditional instant cameras. The camera features a fixed 116mm f/8 lens, providing a sharp focus and a shallow depth of field, ideal for portrait photography.

Another revolutionary aspect of the SX-70 is its use of Polaroid's integral film. Unlike earlier models that required separate development processes, the SX-70 uses a special type of film that develops automatically within the camera. This integral film allows images to be printed instantly, with a characteristic glossy finish that quickly fades into the final photograph over the next several minutes.

The camera's exposure system caters to varied lighting conditions, featuring a light meter that assesses the scene and adjusts the aperture and shutter speed accordingly. This feature gives users greater control over their photographs, allowing for capturing images in both bright sunlight and lower light conditions.

Artistic potential is another hallmark of the SX-70. Many photographers have embraced the unique aesthetics of its imaging process. The ability to manipulate the photos during the developing phase, such as folding or pressing the image, opened up new avenues for creativity and altered the characteristics of the final photograph.

In summary, the Polaroid SX-70 stands out for its innovative design, SLR functionality, automatic film development, and artistic potential. Its charm and unique capabilities have solidified its legacy in the world of photography, making it a cherished piece of technology for both collectors and modern users alike.