Marcus R.
I had two of my favorite cameras restored recently and they work perfectly! Retrospekt always does a fantastic job bringing my cameras back to life, I would highly recommend their service. The turnaround time was excellent as well. Thanks again for the tremendous service you provide!
David D.
My old beat-up camera came back to me looking like new.
Guillermo R.
Camera came back looking like a million bucks! shoots great pics, and works as it should... well worth the investment! Polaroids are back in my bag of cool experiences!
Onar H.
I have had 3 cameras converted and/or repaired by Retrospekt and when I open up the packages returned to me it's like christmas, except you know you're getting what you wished for.
The cameras are now in beautiful condition and I couldn't be happier with them.
Oscar R.
Thank you so much for the restoration of my Polaroid SLR680. I gave this camera to my Dad almost 30 years ago when he turned 65. He always had the Polaroid at family functions, taking pictures and sharing them. Dad has passed away in 2021. I came across the camera in a dusty corner of the garage, what a find! I thought the camera was long gone. I loaded a film pack into it and the pictures where blurry and the flash was hit or miss if it was going to fire. I was so happy to find your website and to find that Retrospekt was restoring these old Polaroids. The camera is beautiful once again. The pictures are clear as if the camera just rolled out of the factory. Thank you so very much!
Shannon M.
I really appreciate the repair work to my Polaroid 690! The attention to detail, notes about the work performed, and return packaging were a delight. Everything functions beautifully, and took even less time to repair than I expected. It's great to have my camera back and working/looking better than ever!
Currie C.
Very impressed with the repair service on my SLR680. The camera had taken a short tumble off of a tripod and knocked the mirrors out of alignment. I feared it was a goner. The camera was returned to me better than new -- much smoother and quieter in operation and the focus and exposure are spot on. Would highly recommend to others needing repair.
Magnus L.
Thanks for the excellent work with repairing my SLR 680! The camera looks like it is brand new and works great. Just look at the first test picture. Shipping from Sweden and back worked without any problems.
Also since I was curious about what was wrong with the camera I appreciate the report you include to show what was fixed.
Excellent service and customer support team!
Derek M.
Camera had a major jamming issue, came back like new. Couldn’t be happier!
Rhoeby G.
My SLR680 was in really sorry shape when I got it. After finding out about Retrospekt, I was so excited to see what they could do for my camera. Their estimated timeframe for repairs is around 4 weeks, but my camera took around 5 weeks. I was in no real rush to receive it back and I understood they were probably super busy working their magic on these vintage electronics. Upon receiving my camera, I was amazed not only by it's condition, but the presentation of the box it came in. I love to store it in the box as it feels so special to open the magnetic lid and take it out of its felt cocoon.
While I don't have anything negative to say about this company and their amazing staff, I do have some small details I think should be known. I did read in a prior review that Retrospekt replaces the 600 Film sticker that is inside the camera film door. Mine was a little tattered, so while I didn't mind that replacement, I do wish it was replaced with one that better matched the original sticker. They also replaced the sticker that's under the viewfinder which wasn't in bad shape and which also was different from the one that was originally on the camera. I completely understand it's a super nit picky thing to write about, but for a person that likes things as stock looking as possible, I think it's worth mentioning.
Using the camera has been fun mixed with some trial and error. I took it to the beach on an overcast day with some mildly warm temps (maybe high 60s low 70s?). The first two pictures I took with the camera came out a little overexposed, but I had been walking around with it and my thought is the film inside heated up a bit. I also took a picture later on at a different location and it had a really bad orange hue to it (82 degrees at time of shoot). Another sign that the film had gotten too warm. The pic attached to this review was taken on a sunny day in the shade with the camera having been stored inside my home just before use as to not expose it to heat for too long. I think it's one of the best I've taken so far!
All in all, I am so grateful for companies like Retrospekt to take on the arduous task of restoring and repairing these cameras and other retro gadgets. Knowing that there are not very many people that repair/restore vintage cameras, finding companies that repair them and back their repairs with a full year warranty is truly amazing.
Great customer service, good turn around time, and overall a wonderful repair on a camera that I never knew could look this good again.
Camille G.
Ok so I’m gonna start this by saying that my camera got drenched in ocean water and I wasn’t sure it would be able to be fixed at all. After reading the reviews and talking to some of the people at retrospekt, I sent in my camera. While it was gone I read everyone else’s reviews about how blown away they were, how their camera was basically brand new, etc. so needless to say I was super excited to get my camera back. When it got here, it looked gorg very clean and new looking. When I went to open it, it wouldn’t just snap into place which wasn’t a problem my camera had prior. After taking a couple photos the mirror got stuck up and the camera wouldn’t eject/close but I just took out the film and reloaded and now it seems fine. So, basically, I’m grateful the camera works and I probably wouldn’t of been able to fix it otherwise, but I’m not as impressed with the results as I thought I would be and at the end of the day I am a little disappointed my camera isn’t working as flawlessly as everyone else’s seems to be. Also, I did reach out to the team about my concerns and they said it’s normal so, looks like it’s staying like this.
Nils H.
Works and looks great. The shipping to Sweden was not a problem.
Timothy M.
I had high expectations as to what I was expecting to get back when I sent in my broken SLR 680, and I was not disappointed one bit. Not only was my camera sent back in immaculate condition, but the packaging and literature made me feel as if I had purchased a brand new camera. Now I'm secretly hoping my SX-70 goes down so I have an excuse to get it rebuilt. I could not be happier!
Jesse H.
The attention to detail was top notch. From custom box with branded materials to resurrecting my SLR690, I am extremely pleased with the service.
Dana J.
I am VERY impressed with how my SLR680 was returned to me -- in it's new case, with a handsome sleeve around it. Better than the original case from Polaroid. I appreciate the checklist itemizing what parts were replaced. My only thought would be to include a frog tongue -- I'd pay extra for that.
john patrick i.
I got this working camera from a flea market but autofocus was off and exposure was hit and miss. I got retrospekt to refurbish it and man the difference in the photos are night and day. No more wasting film for me, so if you have a working device but you feel that it is slightly off, send it in, mine even if it was working needed a lot of parts replaced and it makes a difference.
Mark R.
I have had this Polaroid 680 SLR since 1983. It has seen a lot of service over the years and was in need of several repairs (flash sometimes did not fire, exposure was often off the mark, etc).
My 680 came back from Retrospeckt looking brand new, and even better it works like brand new!
Many thanks!
Peter F.
Retrospekt made a very old camera seem brand new, which is pretty special. The work they do is incredibly important for hobbyists such as myself but also the world at large. Repairing and reusing is beyond important these days and it's even more satisfying when it's done well.
Brian S.
My SLR680 was not working correctly, flash dead and autofocus was intermittent. I sent the camera to Retrospekt, and it has come back Better than new. The flat-rate repair price is about what this camera cost in the 1980s. When you get the camera back- that is the experience- it is like buying a brand new SLR680 in the 2020s. The "new" Polaroid film is good. Takes a slight getting used to- I find 1/2 tick towards Lighten does it for color, and no correction for B&W. I've been shooting Polaroid since the 1960s when I was 10 years old. Nice to have my camera back in action.
Tony Q.
These folks did a fantastic job repairing and refurbishing my 690. It returned well packaged in a reusable box and very clean. My viewfinder was visibly clearer, the leather was new and I came with a very visually satisfying checklist of things that have been serviced, as a car guy, I love this.
Some things to note however, I love maintaining the originality of the camera, so the original 600 sticker is now replaced by a Retrospekt branded one, no big deal here but some people may not dig it, and the viewfinder label is now gone. I loved that it said "Polaroid Corp. Made In Japan", again this doesn't affect functionality and perhaps it had to come off for some reason but I would have loved to have had it on the camera. Other than that, I highly recommend this service.
Pierre B.
The presentation with box , tech sheet and stickers are great .(no 690 box?) Ofcourse the repair was correct . The only thing I don't like too much is the material used to reskin the camera. Expected smoother edges. I think the original skin was a bit thinner and perhaps I could not notice the edges . But the skin that was used in the refurbish just feels like it might peel off . (it has not ) other than that all good , nice to see and support one of the truly last places in the USA that fix these great cameras . Thank you kindly
Ramon L.
YOU GUYS SAVED THE STICKERS OFF MY OLD CAMERA … AMAZING WORK
Alan S.
Camera was done in the time frame quoted and was received back in excellent condition, with new leather skin. Finally took a picture today to test, and it was perfect (fresh-dated film with no frog-tongue. Not that I recommend that but it worked well for me!)Many thanks.
Martin G.
These guys are wonderful to deal with and rebuilt my SLR680 to perfection. The presentation box in comes back in shows you how much they care - it was such a joy to see it returned that way. Thank you Retrospekt!
Sharon E.
Great Refurb - we have been using Retrospekt for many years now and they are a great company to deal with
Emily D.
It’s always so hard sending one of your favorite toys away to get spiffed up! But it was so worth it. My SLR680 came home looking and smelling like a brand new camera and in perfect working order. I am so happy I finally sent it to these guys. It was hard to believe it was still the same camera I sent to them and not some brand new replacement instead!
Selena H.
Everyone I interacted with at Retrospekt was extremely accommodating, highly and promptly communicative and an overall delight to work with! My camera looks flawless and works impeccably. I am ecstatic!
beverly s.
The team had it back to me within 2 weeks of sending it off. Looks almost brand new. Shooting beautifully. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for quality work.
Eduardo C.
camera went in looking janky but came back within 3 weeks looking new and shiny! along with the awesome packaging! Carol helped me out with some shipping complications so shout out to her!
I appreciate the team’s communication and skill restoring my SLR to its former glory!
Andie B.
The customer service was great! Team was really sweet and they fixed up Esméra better then I could have asked for! Thank you so much everyone. P.S Ryan as always you a real one.
robert a.
I was very surprised how the box it was returned looked. Better then the original when I first purchased the camera in 1984. The camera looks brand new! The pictures are wonderful. Operation instruction were also included. You guys and gals are the best. Wish I had something else to send you. The whole operation and follow up exceeded anything I expected!
Alan C.
I posted my non-functioning Polaroid 690 from Ireland, when it was returned to me I found it to be not "like new" but as a completely new camera with accompanied box, instructions and most importantly...stickers!
My excitement opening this package was to the point of embarrassment.
Retrospekt carried out a tremendous transformation and I look forward to capturing many new memories with this camera. Thank you.
Jeremy K.
Retrospekt is the best choice for vintage Polaroid repairs. The attention to detail is apparent, they even send the camera back smelling new. The top notch packaging is a nice bonus. I got my camera used and it had cracked leather, a malfunctioning sonar unit, and was generally dirty from not being used much. I didn't have to tell Retrospekt any of that, just sent the camera in and they identified the issues, fixed it, cleaned it, and put in a new motor. Now it works great and takes amazing photos.
Noreen M.
In covid cleaning out, I discovered a long lost Polaroid SLR 680 SE hanging out in the cabinet. So I googled where to get it fixed and Retrospekt popped up. I checked out their website and decided to go ahead with the repair using Retrospekt. They were very professional and pleasant to deal with. If I had another Polaroid to fix, I would definitely send it to Retrospekt. It came back in better than new condition! The packaging was awesome, can't say enough about the team. You guys and gals rock.
Emily H.
Retrospekt did an amazing job fixing my SLR 680! Before I sent it in it was sitting on a shelf, but now it takes such great photos and looks so great cosmetically as well! My camera was also missing its silver front elements when I sent it in that I wasn’t so sure would be able to be replaced, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were able to be replaced in the restoration. Thank you Retrospekt for bringing my camera back to life!
Mark F.
Absolutely fantastic work! It came packaged beautifully, and the restoration is better than I had hoped. It looks and operates like a new camera!
Derek M.
When I was in college, I loved the Polaroid folding instants but couldn't afford one. Once I got out of college, digital had won and it seemed like the age of instants was over for a while. But, a few years ago when my aunt found her old SLR 680 and gave it to me, I was still really excited. She had never used it much, but, it was still the coolest dang camera. Unfortunately, time and sitting had knocked it a bit out of adjustment and the pictures weren't exposed right and unevenly developed. I put it on the shelf thinking that was that, until my aunt died unexpectedly this past fall. Seeing the camera kept reminding me of her, so, with my Christmas money I had Retrospekt repair it. They did a wonderful job, and it looked so new I had to check the serial to make sure it was still my aunt's. The pictures are a lot better now too, and now I get to use it and remember her and not just feel sad about it sitting on the shelf.
Peter P.
Excellent repair job, and done quickly as well.
Tanner B.
Once again Retrospekt has outdone themselves. Restoring my camera from out of the grave and putting a brand new definition to quality. Im so pleased with the work they do this is the second camera ive had redone. Amazing work once again, will be a returning customer for my other cameras.
Brian A.
Super quick and good experience! I bought my SLR680 as a bust, it didnt shut fully; but I got a good deal. Now that its repaired; its basically brand new for the price I would have payed for a perfect used. The new packaging was a nice touch as well; I was not expecting that!
Tanner B.
Absolutely exceeded my expectations in every way possible. When picking who I wanted to repair and refurbish my 680 SE I knew about Retrospekt but never used them before and I am so glad I choose them! My camera came back looking like it just came off the shelf looks wise and packaging wise. The packaging looked like I spent $1000 on a new camera! Overall presentation and refurbishing of my camera absolutely amazed me and blew my mind! Would 100% recommend this company and I will be a returning customer for all my Polaroid needs!
Andrew M.
When we sent in our camera for repairs it was all busted up and janky but it came back as good as new, or better! I was really impressed by the packaging it was in and how ultra-cool and professional everything was. I will definitely recommend Retrospekt to everyone. Plus I love that their from Milwaukee!
Conor C.
Amazingly quick turnaround; return packaging is beautiful; camera is basically brand new. I couldn't be happier.
Cletis R.
I have already had two 600 cameras repaired by the team so I sent in a slr-680 that I got off of ebay and it was a wreck. I sent it in for refurbishment. When the camera came back it was almost like new absolutely amazing job and worth every dollar. Great job team.
David D.
I love my 680 again! Looks and operates like brand new. Well worth the price! Got my camera back in about two weeks, shipped in a custom box— like an Apple product.
Thinking of having my SC70 reconditioned as well!. Transaction exceeded my expectations!
Dave D
Allison K.
My Polaroid SLR 680 I just received back from Retrospekt has just taken the top spot in my collection of rare cameras. The camera looks like it just came out of its Polaroid box. Superb ULINE packaging, in a beautiful, black presentation jewel box. Gorgeous new leather black skins - better than the originals.
Incredible attention to detail. Spotless film cartridge bay, and not a spec of dust internally on the lens. This camera looks brand spanking new. Kyle at Retrospekt really did an outstanding job on this 680. I elected to have the flash housing replaced, but Kyle decided it didn’t need it and refunded that option. Outstanding service.
I would give Retrospekt six stars, except it wasn’t an option. Wish I could have attached a picture of what came out of the box from Retrospekt.
Best,
Al Keegan
Austin, Texas
Cameron S.
I cannot recommend this company enough! I bought this camera from eBay, knowing that the camera was untested. Well, it arrived, sonar piece dented, with a broken light exposure system. After seeing people post on Reddit about how this company did repairs, I decided to send in my camera, and I'm so glad I did! After about 2 weeks, my camera came back, and I audibly gasped when I opened the box. It looked brand new and even came in a cool-looking Retrospekt box. After taking a few shots with it, I realized that it sounded much faster than before, and it even felt like the camera was working smoother. I haven't used any of my other cameras since.
Along in the box was a sheet that told me everything that they cleaned, repaired, or replaced! It's really interesting looking over that and I will definitely be sending in my SX-70 Sonar in the future.
Rick C.
I have a beloved SLR680. Sent it in for an overhaul and repair. Came back good as new. Highly recommended. Service was great, friendly and very helpful.
My only wish is that there were more options for return shipping.
I needed the camera back and it was on a slow boat.
Otherwise, highly recommended.
Benjamin L.
All of my Polaroid Cameras are working flawlessly. I am so very pleased with the work you did in repairing my cameras and I know that should I have issues in the future with any of my Polaroid vintage cameras, you will be who I turn to.