My Retrospekt refurb’d SX-70 is so over the top cool. It truly is a terrific analog photo experience. Everywhere I capture images with it I get looks, stares, and questions. Older folks remember it fondly. Younger folks are like “WTH?”. Love it so much that I purchase another SX-70 from Retrospekt, this time with a 600-film conversion. Way to keep the analog happiness alive Retrospekt Team :)
FAQs
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Absolutely. While Polaroid Corporation ceased film production in 2008, a small group of former enthusiasts purchased the last remaining factory in the Netherlands and brought instant film back from the brink. Today, fresh film is produced year-round at this same factory and remains readily available.
You can purchase film directly from Retrospekt, from Polaroid and from many camera shops and major retailers. Depending on the camera, you'll need either SX-70 film or 600 film, both of which are still in production.
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These models natively shoot SX-70 film, which can be hard to find due to manufacturing constraints at the Polaroid factory. Many people opt to have their camera converted to take 600 film, which is a faster (and therefore slightly more user-friendly) film speed. We achieve this conversion by modifying and recalibrating the camera's internal exposure circuitry so it correctly meters for the faster film speed.
If you prefer to leave your camera in the native SX-70 format, you can also use ND filters to shoot 600 film in your SX-70-calibrated camera.
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Manual focus folding cameras do not come with a built in flash. The Polaroid SLR680 is the only folding model with this feature. If you are shooting in a low light setting, flash is highly recommended to reduce blur. You can purchase the MiNT Flash Bar, or utilize disposable vintage flash bars.
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The SX-70 is often considered the premium Polaroid experience thanks to its folding design, SLR viewfinder and manual focusing options. If you're drawn to thoughtful design and a more hands-on photographic experience, the SX-70 is hard to beat. The specific model you choose often comes down to aesthetics and features, as image quality is excellent across the lineup.
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Yes. SX-70 cameras were originally manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s. Each camera is an authentic vintage Polaroid that has been professionally refurbished, tested and restored for modern use.
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Not at all. The SX-70 was designed to be easy to use. Frame your shot through the viewfinder, turn the focusing wheel until your subject is sharp, press the shutter button and let the photo eject. Honestly, the biggest learning curve is figuring out how to open and close it!
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Retrospekt has spent more than a decade restoring Polaroid cameras. Our refurbishment process was developed with guidance from Jos Ridderhof, a former Polaroid technician in the Netherlands, and utilizes original Polaroid tools, components and service procedures whenever possible.
Unlike sellers who simply clean and resell vintage cameras, our technicians fully disassemble, service, calibrate and rigorously test every SX-70 before it leaves our workshop. Our repair technicians have spent years specializing in Polaroid cameras, helping us refine one of the most comprehensive SX-70 restoration programs in the world.
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Every camera is disassembled, serviced, tested and inspected before sale. While vintage cameras can never be considered "new," refurbishment helps ensure dependable performance and a much longer service life.
Like any camera, issues can occasionally arise. The most common causes are using expired film, which contains the camera's battery, or accidental damage from drops and impacts. With fresh film and reasonable care, a properly refurbished SX-70 can provide many, many years of reliable use.
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Absolutely. While Polaroid Corporation ceased film production in 2008, a small group of former enthusiasts purchased the last remaining factory in the Netherlands and brought instant film back from the brink. Today, fresh film is produced year-round at this same factory and remains readily available.
You can purchase film directly from Retrospekt, from Polaroid and from many camera shops and major retailers. Depending on the camera, you'll need either SX-70 film or 600 film, both of which are still in production.
-
Manual focus folding cameras do not come with a built in flash. The Polaroid SLR680 is the only folding model with this feature. If you are shooting in a low light setting, flash is highly recommended to reduce blur. You can purchase the MiNT Flash Bar, or utilize disposable vintage flash bars.
-
Yes. SX-70 cameras were originally manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s. Each camera is an authentic vintage Polaroid that has been professionally refurbished, tested and restored for modern use.
-
Retrospekt has spent more than a decade restoring Polaroid cameras. Our refurbishment process was developed with guidance from Jos Ridderhof, a former Polaroid technician in the Netherlands, and utilizes original Polaroid tools, components and service procedures whenever possible.
Unlike sellers who simply clean and resell vintage cameras, our technicians fully disassemble, service, calibrate and rigorously test every SX-70 before it leaves our workshop. Our repair technicians have spent years specializing in Polaroid cameras, helping us refine one of the most comprehensive SX-70 restoration programs in the world.
-
These models natively shoot SX-70 film, which can be hard to find due to manufacturing constraints at the Polaroid factory. Many people opt to have their camera converted to take 600 film, which is a faster (and therefore slightly more user-friendly) film speed. We achieve this conversion by modifying and recalibrating the camera's internal exposure circuitry so it correctly meters for the faster film speed.
If you prefer to leave your camera in the native SX-70 format, you can also use ND filters to shoot 600 film in your SX-70-calibrated camera.
-
The SX-70 is often considered the premium Polaroid experience thanks to its folding design, SLR viewfinder and manual focusing options. If you're drawn to thoughtful design and a more hands-on photographic experience, the SX-70 is hard to beat. The specific model you choose often comes down to aesthetics and features, as image quality is excellent across the lineup.
-
Not at all. The SX-70 was designed to be easy to use. Frame your shot through the viewfinder, turn the focusing wheel until your subject is sharp, press the shutter button and let the photo eject. Honestly, the biggest learning curve is figuring out how to open and close it!
-
Every camera is disassembled, serviced, tested and inspected before sale. While vintage cameras can never be considered "new," refurbishment helps ensure dependable performance and a much longer service life.
Like any camera, issues can occasionally arise. The most common causes are using expired film, which contains the camera's battery, or accidental damage from drops and impacts. With fresh film and reasonable care, a properly refurbished SX-70 can provide many, many years of reliable use.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 36 reviews.
My camera showed up looking brand new! It arrived in record time, I love it. Thank you for keeping the golden oldies relevant. Chris
So clean - buy one asap!
Having never had a Polaroid camera or any camera (outside my phone camera) I can confidently say that this is the best camera I've ever owned. I usually have reservations about buying anything refurbished, but outside of maybe a couple of small scratches on the metal toward the back of the camera, I couldn't tell you this wasn't factory new. It's a satisfying mechanical device that has great feel and design, the leather is new which is awesome and feels wonderful. All in all it's a wonderful purchase from a wonderful team. 10/10 from me 👍
I purchased the SX-70 camera as a Christmas gift for my daughter. I have not been able to test it due to it being a gift to be opened at Christmas. However, I can comment on other aspects of the purchase. Externally the camera is in exceptional condition, it arrived quickly and is very well presented and packaged. The postal packaging was also top notch and ensured safe shipment.
Arrived fast, well packaged and expertly refurbished and converted to 600 film. Very happy with this purchase. Thank you
I can't express in words just how happy I am with my SX-70! I got the Alpha 1 model, as well as the 600 film upgrade, the last of which has already been useful in taking photos in low light just around sunset. The photos are turning out beautifully. The lens is surprisingly sharp. The camera itself actually looks and feels brand new! All of my older relatives who lived through the 70's/80's as adults are astounded to see such a device in use again. It's just seems to bring joy wherever I take it.
A great clean camera, like new and works very well.
Beautiful camera, can’t tell it was refurbished.
I have coveted the SX-70 for a long time and ended up purchasing the Alpha 1 Chrome version modified for 600 film. I was disappointed upon its arrival to find that it did not work correctly since it could not eject the safety cover or exposed prints. It had a defective film motor evidently. Upon contacting their customer service I was offered a free return for warranty repairs which took about three weeks. The customer service folks were incredibly responsive, often responding to my emails within hours. They kept me posted on the progress. The returned camera now functions as it should. I cannot quite tell whether they repaired the original camera or replaced it with another. The markings seem different. I do notice a lot of dust from the mirror in the through the lens viewfinder. I hope this does not exist on the exposure mirror as well. I have not seen it in the prints. I would have given five stars if it were not for the initial shipment of a non-functional camera. I would have thought they would be inspected prior to shipping. In the end it took two months to get the camera functioning after the initial purchase. Be aware that the warranty is only 90 days. I would suggest they reconsider this for such complex and delicate machinery. I would think a one year warranty might be more reasonable given the cost. I am impressed with their customer service and ability to get these devices working again.
Timeless camera. Very sharp lens and takes groovy photos. Learning curve but very rewarding when composition and natural light align.
What a gem to have! The camera came as expected and it was just as gorgeous in person as online. It's hefty and solid! The 600 conversion is awesome as well! Beautiful camera and Retrospekt is has some great people willing to help every step of the way. P.S. the packaging for this camera alone is awesome and comes with many goodies :).
I ordered the SX-70 with the 600 conversion. The camera showed up in pristine condition and took a few good pics before an issue arose. I had an event that week I needed the camera for and Magdelena and the Retrospekt team came through and helped me resolve the issue just in time. They were very attentive and in my opinion, went above and beyond what they had to do. They have earned my loyalty and my SX-70 is taking great pictures. I absolutely love it! I'm looking to restore another old SX-70 and Retrospekt will be the one I call when that time happens.
Excellent condition and exactly as described — thank you!
A beauty Recieved my SX-70 (converted to 600) the day before christmas (after it being through the swedish customs for a day or two). Opening the very nice package, I was really surprised and amazed by the camera’s exceptionell good look and its perfect condition. Can’t believe it’s from 1977 (according to a search on the serial number). The camera is a gem, worth much more to me than the dollars (SEK) paid for the camera and for the extra fees regulated by EU. It’s one of the coolest things I ever bought through my 62 years. And it works just like expected — perfectly, with its charming design solutions, shiny new bellow, flawless rolls etc, and the well crafted cable release that I also ordered. I stumbled upon Retrospekt in an article on the company and the SX-70 by PCMag.com, and I am so glad I did — the whole experience from buying, recieving and now using this beauty has been truly enjoyable. Peter, Malmoe, Sweden
Love this camera.
Beautiful camera and in excellent condition as described - awesome job retrospekt
Customer Service was quick, kind, and friendly. Shipping was great, and the canera itself is amazibg. I did the 600 conversion for it, and the camera looks as if it were day 1 new, untouched. Functions and feels great. Will definitely be buying from again!
The camera arrived in time, and it works perfectly! You can really see it was properly taken care when refurbished. My only note would be that, to me, it has quite a few aesthetic imperfections - even considering its age - given the selling price. However, I am overall happy with it and I would recommend.
Stunning!!! I received my SX-70 Alha 1, along with a pack of films. There were minor scratches on some parts of the camera, such as the cover support and the front part of the viewfinder. However, the leather is superb, and it works like a gem. I have taken a single photo almost every day since I received it! Can't wait for summer to come and take the SX-70 on our travels!
My SX-70 arrived in beautiful condition. I shot a pack of color and B&W this week. I am an experienced Polaroid user I bought the original SX-70 in 1973, the year it came out so I expected some exposure misses along with the good and that is what I got. With my first color pack, I got seven nice exposures and one bad (I shot into the sun.) With my first B&W pack, I got 5 well-exposed ones, one a little light and two that I tossed. It was a good experience and similar to the original Polaroid SX-70 experience. I already knew to expect less than razor sharp photos and soft, even slightly shifted colors especially in the shadows. That is the Polaroid film look and part of what makes it a neat alternate to sharp film (or digital) shots. I'm looking forward to more. Soon our Azaleas will be blooming and I will be ready for a color explosion in our area. My next pack of color Polaroid is waiting. I'll shoot old barns and weathered buildings next with the B&W.
First polaroid and I love it. So much fun and the anticipation of letting the photo develop reminds me to slow down and appreciate the wait. Would highly recommend the 600 conversion too!
Absolutely beautiful camera. Love it.
What a class act! Working with Retrospekt has been so easy. I had never heard of them and came upon them in a Google search. I first wrote to inquire about an SX70. I got an answer back right away telling me what I needed to look for. I’ve worked with the camera quite a bit but needed one with a tripod mount. I was directed to the right place on their site, and voila the SX70 I needed popped up. It’s less expensive than the one on Polaroid’s site and it came quickly with timely notifications about shipping etc. The packaging is fabulous- I mean Apple quality only black. They don’t miss a detail. Cool stickers are included. Out of the box it worked just as it should. And it’s beautiful, just like the picture online. I use it for B&W - a slow film - so the tripod mount is critical. I have already recommended it to my photo students and friends. Thank you Retrospekt for being such a great resource! Donna Cosentino, Escondido, CA
I love it! , it is in mint condition, truly a timeless piece of art... can’t wait to capture new memories with this beauty, thank you to the team !!! Love from Ireland 🍀
Camera arrived in an incredible SX 70 box. Inside, the camera was in beautiful condition. Restoration is fantastic. Picture quality is what it should be. Sharp and clear. Every one was excited to get a picture taken of them during Christmas get together. Truly one of the better memories of a tough 2020 year. Thanks for a great job on the camera! JAT
This is not the first renewed SX-70 I’ve had, but it is the best. The attention to detail was evident as soon as I took it out of the box. After shooting with it for a while, I can say it works like new and produces beautiful shots you just can’t get with plastic lenses on the box-type Polaroids. Mine was converted to use 600 type film and I couldn’t be happier with it.
This camera is amazing! The glass lens and the ability to focus means you get great sharpness in your pictures, and the you can get some good bokeh as well. Retrospect did an amazing job refurbishing and converting this SX-70 Alpha 1. The folding action is smooth, and both the lens and viewfinder are very clean. Well worth the investment!
It is like new!!!. The packaging is excellent and the camera not only looks like new, but smells like new. Forget about buying an SX-70 on ebay. I know the camera is working like new, I don’t have to worry about anything. THANK YOU Retrospekt!!!
The camera is beautiful and an absolute piece of art. If someone had handed me the camera I would have thought it was nearly brand new. And I love how they kept the original slot where a tripo would attach to the camera it well still shows the age. I couldn’t be happier
Customer service is excellent and answers questions in detail. The packaging that the camera came in was phenomenal and really makes this feel like a premium product. The photos that I am getting with this camera are very good and I can tell that they have adjusted the settings internally for optimal photographs. If you are able to afford it, this is the best way to go to know that you are getting a high-quality and functioning camera.
The SX-70 Alpha is a great camera! The camera itself is very clean, exposure is spot on as the focus. Great job on the packaging, too! The service I received and all of the customer support/information from Adam was so helpful. Adam's customer service is above and beyond! Thank you! I will be a returning customer and will refer my friends!
This is my second sx-70 alpha. I bought first one from one of the most famous polaroids shop from Ebay. ..paid $180+shipping. The item was described "mint+++ whatever and CLA'd". CLA means "clean+luburicate, replace". When I received it, I can see dust on view finder and internal film rack(is it what's called? I dont know) I never had sx-70 so, I just assumed that was the best condition I could get. After less than 2 months, shutter broken. I decided to buy sx-70 from retropekt because I had a very satisfying purchase of 35mm camera. really really clean and snappy. I got my sx-70 and package is really awesome. IT is like package box that you get when you buy ipad or luxury tablet. Dont worry about shipping. It will take extra special effort to destroy it. View finder is really really clean. It is day and night difference compared to sx-70 from ebay. I cannot see dust in side unit or you can say Retropekt really tried to clean. Shutter sound very snappy. Price is not cheap. but This is like 40-50 years old device. But now I fully understand to make this senior back to snappy working condition cannot be cheap. Highly recommended!
Amazing camera!
like new love it
Wow I just received my SX70 alpha 1 It looks brand new I love the retrospekt box and everything about the camera .unfortunately I had to pay 66.71£ fee coz I live in the UK. Great stuff I can't wait to try it :D Thank you so much and merry Xmas 🎄
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