Thank you for saving such an important camera to me. Loved the box to keep it safe
Polaroid SLR 680/690 Camera Repair
The current turnaround time is approximately four weeks from the date of delivery to our location.
Whether your camera seems to be acting just a bit “off” or it’s gotten so bad you think a potato would take better photos than your brick of a camera, we are here to help you out.
We work on a flat-fee system because we believe in doing the same process to every single camera. The fix that makes a functioning camera work better — and a broken camera work at all — could be the same thing. We know where to look for issues and what to do when we find them. If there’s something wrong, we will find it and make it better. All of these repairs are covered by the flat fee.
Beyond the heavy repairs, our services include recalibrating the shutter (which means your camera should shoot true to the lighten/darken dial), cleaning optical components, fresnels, viewing lenses, mirrors, etc. Our team carefully cleans the external components and replaces the leather skins. (They must be removed to access internals.) All cameras are film tested and won't be returned until they are producing excellent exposures. All cameras receive between two and four hours of hands-on time from our team.
All necessary repair work is performed by a trained technician using specially designated tools and equipment. Replacement parts, if used in the course of repair, are fully refurbished and guaranteed. Because of their refurbished nature, previous wear may be present on any replacement components.
Each camera we service comes with a 90-day warranty.
Which models does this service cover?
This repair service covers Polaroid SLR 680 and 690 cameras.
Notes on Leathers
While we’d love to save the original leather skins, it just isn’t possible. The fasteners allowing the camera to be taken apart and serviced are located underneath. Since there is no way to peel the skins up without ruining them, they must be replaced with your choice of either black or tan genuine leather skins. They are fresh, new and made in Spain. chef's kiss
Film shield included
Repairs ship free, both ways, in the U.S.
Within two business days of placing your service order, we will email you a prepaid shipping label you can use to mail us your camera. Prepaid labels will only be emailed to customers with a US address listed on their order. Shipping labels must be used within 28 days. Failure to use the label within 28 days may result in Retrospekt canceling and refunding the order less the cost of the shipping label. The prepaid labels expire after 28 days and are non-refundable.
Need a repair shipped outside the US?
Need more information on repairs?
Contact: service@retrospekt.com
Good To Know:
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Easy Returns
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Ships from Milwaukee, WI
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 125 reviews.
Great job, looks like new now. Works great. Thanks
David J. 5/5 Verified
Came back perfect. Had the camera for 10 years now and the refurb makes its shoot like new. 11/10
Jacob S. 5/5 Verified
I believed that my Polaroid 690 was doomed to become something that I put on a shelf as a curious relic that did not function but looked cool. Due to a random internet search I found Retrospekt and discovered that there was an affordable way to bring the camera back to life. I sent the camera off, and it was back to me in about a month. And it looked beautiful! Like new! But even better due to the smoked plastic replacement panels, and the Italian leather. It works perfectly and is just as enjoyable to use as it was back in the day.
John B. 5/5 Verified
I had my Polaroid SLR 680 forever and it had served me well. I recently pulled it out of the closet to use and heard a terrible thunk. So i did a bunch of research and luckily found Retrospekt and their great service deal on Polaroids. Always nervous trying a new provider, but their team answered all my questions and were very helpful in deciding to send my camera in. They said it would be about 3 weeks, but they beat that timeline by a few days and I was amazed at the "new" camera they sent back. The repair was packaged like a new Polaroid camera in a slip-cased, clamshell box with a list of tests performed and all the items that were repaired/replaced – and a bunch of stickers. I was very impressed with the results and would certainly recommend their services.
Matthew G. 5/5 Verified
Excellent service! My Polaroid SLR 680 is back in as new cosmetic conditions and fully working! From Italy it's been a little bit expensive due to shipping costs, but the service is really wonderful! I couldn't find anything better for my Pola! Thank you!
Alessandro Z. 5/5 Verified
Everything was ship shape. Thanks to the team!
Malcolm A. 5/5 Verified
This is my first time using this service. I was really nervous sending my camera to be service but I know that it really needs to be done. I reached out for help using the customer service email to go through the process of sending the camera. They are helpful and ensuring the camera gets there. I am really impressed by the service done in my camera and it feels new again! The results of the some shots which is shown are very impressive of how sharp the lens in Polaroid camera. I will definitely use this service for one of my cameras for sure
Fylbert T. 5/5 Verified
I was super-impressed when my 680 came back, the replaced leather exudes luxuriousness and the packaging was a delight. My 41-year-old camera looks and feels essentially like a brand new product. I'm not giving it a perfect score because there are two tiny spots on the sides that I imagine were made by disassembly tools that weren't painted black afterwards, but honestly, I'd give it a 4.9 out of 5 if I could. So far I've only run through 1 pack of film, and only got half-way through that because the 5th frame didn't eject. I'm blaming the film pack because I can run previously shot film through a test pack and all shots eject as expected. I would def recommend the service -- particularly liked the punch sheet of items checked, adjusted and replaced.
Lewis F. 4/5 Verified
Sent two SLR 680 cameras in for repairs. Both worked but had glitches. Roundtrip shipping included, it took about three weeks, but the results did not disappoint. The cameras look, feel, and even smell brand new. They came boxed in Retrospekt packaging with instructions, additional film shields, stickers, and a detailed repair sheet listing everything that was replaced or fixed. Honestly surprised by how much they found and addressed. The cameras shoot great. I love the photo quality these produce. In my opinion, no Polaroid camera, even the I-2 that I own, matches the SLR 680. Very thankful to Retrospekt for bringing these cameras back to life. Hope they start taking in film cameras and lenses for repairs too. I would send a couple right away.
Tomas D. 5/5 Verified
Works like a charm! Great comms through and through!
Simon L. 5/5 Verified
A+
Erik H. 5/5 Verified
I LOVE retrospekt and I love my camera! Ive had it repaired 3 times now and it always comes back like its brand new and not 44 years old. Thanks retrospekt you guys rock!
Mason M. 5/5 Verified
This was my first time sending my SLR to repair ever and I’m very happy that it worked out! I honestly thought that was time to just let my camera go, but I’m glad I did my research and gave Retrospekt a chance. Loved the attention to detail and care of the work, exciting to see the camera in a box that resembles the original and has a detailed description of the work done to repair the camera… plus all the cool stickers. Got to try it in this cold NYC weather and it works like new. Thank you so much! 💕
Lidy A. 5/5 Verified
My partner was thrilled to receive his repaired SLR 680. It looks and functions like a new camera, and he appreciated the thoughtful packaging and swag. We look forward to many more decades of use. Thank you to the Retrospekt team for great service and for keeping important photographic technology alive.
Andrew R. 5/5 Verified
As always, Retrospekt delivers on fixing my Polaroid SLR 680. They have fixed many Polaroid SX-70 cameras before, and I will continue to have them handle any future cameras.
Christopher V. 5/5 Verified
I'm pretty happy with the camera so far, it's working well and not hesitating anymore and the mechanisms feel great. I just finished off the last pack of defective film, so it should be smooth sailing at my next convention and the retro tech meet. It's good to have what is basically a family heirloom working the way it was when my grandfather was still around.
Adam S. 5/5 Verified
The repair was amazing! My camera was a bit dusty when I sent it in and the cleaned it so well that it looks brand new!
Badi H. 5/5 Verified
It looks beautiful, and works like new.
Robert H. 5/5 Verified
thank you so much, it feels like a brand new camera! i really thought it was beyond repair but you worked some kind of miracle! really appreciate how thorough and thoughtful you were, thank you again :)
Mia P. 5/5 Verified
Camera came back beautifully! Camera was clean and functioned properly when taking photos and the photos looked wonderful. Only small hiccup was the extractor arm was not properly extracting photos after taking them. It would extract 5 out of 8 photos and fail to extract the final 3. They sent me a how to PDF on re-bend the arm to properly extract photos, but really wish they had made sure that was in good working order prior to sending it back to me. Wasted three photos on a few packs of film before I could figure out the problem. Overall, still good service, good customer service, fast return time.
Isaac W. 4/5 Verified
✨
Bram V. 5/5 Verified
I had not used my SLR 680 SE in over 35 years and did not know what to expect when I got it back from Retrospekt. I think it looks better than the day I bought it and the box it came in, along with all the data included, is really slick. Very very nice job and I look forward to using it for many years. Thank You!!
Alan W. 5/5 Verified
Resurface-Perfect
Howard S. 5/5 Verified
Pristine work! My Polaroid looks newer and in better condition than when I first purchased it.
Rachel R. 5/5 Verified
Everything was great from start to finish. The camera looks and works like a brand new one.
Arthur M. 5/5 Verified
My 680's shutter was being weird and the mirror has been very dusty, but Retrospekt fixed it really well and returned it in perfect condition!! The camera body also feels stronger. Thank you thank you thank you :)
Ella Z. 5/5 Verified
Process was seamless and very happy with my purchase!
William K. 5/5 Verified
The service was so quick, professional, and fixed my beloved camera to look almost like new. I couldn't thank you enough!
Josephine M. 5/5 Verified
Camera looks and works better that it ever has done it was gone through by Retrospekt
Steve W. 5/5 Verified
Well done, reasonable / fast return around time.
Da Z. 5/5 Verified
This is the second time I've sent a Polaroid to Retrospekt and both experiences have been great! The work is spot on.
Angelo M. 5/5 Verified
Solid dudes. Solid company. Support places like this that keep cool vintage products alive!
Joe O. 5/5 Verified
So great to have my SX-70 990 working in top condition. Thank you!
Tod G. 5/5 Verified
Brought my camera back to life! So thankful
Matthew K. 5/5 Verified
Everything came as expected, very quick service and my Polaroid 690 is working like new. Great job!
Brian L. 5/5 Verified
After ruining way too many shots, My SLR 680 was just collecting dust at home. The amazing folks at Retrospekt gave it new life. The camera works, looks, and feels like new. I especially loved the box it came in, made it feel like I purchase a new camera. I’m so happy and thankful!
Javier L. 5/5 Verified
Just simply Awesome! Thank you.
Mark V. 5/5 Verified
My SLR 680 was returned to me repackaged like a brand new product, which in a way it is, but it is also my much treasured and much used SLR 680 that I bought over 40 years ago. Now, once again, it is working as it was designed to. I am very happy to have my camera back and, this time around, I now have a great custom camera bag too. All in all, a great experience.
Malcolm S. 5/5 Verified
I was worried about sending this camera in because as you can see my camera was in pretty bad condition. But, I am shocked and happy because my camera came back looking like a brand new camera. Couldn’t recommend this service enough if you are thinking about this service.
Mason K. 5/5 Verified