Vintage Refurbished [ℹ]
Polaroid SX-70 Alpha Prototype Sonar Chrome Folding Instant Film Camera
Consider Enhancing Your Experience with a 600 Film Conversion
SX-70 cameras were originally designed to use SX-70 film, which has a sensitivity rating of ISO 160/23°. This is a pretty slow film speed, which is desirable for fine grain. However, it can be limiting in low-light settings. 600 film is twice as sensitive (ISO 640/29° to be exact!) which will perform better in a variety of light situations and is more readily available at big box stores like Target. More than half of customers upgrade to 600. Learn more about the process here.
Comes with film shield
This pre-production SX-70 Sonar Autofocus camera features a chrome body and black leather. True to the series, this camera has strap lugs and a tripod mount. Being pre-production, some features are in prototype forms - the camera is even badged as an "Alpha 1"! The plastic for the Sonar upper cover is untextured, which is common for pre-production models as the engineers work out the tooling for injection molding. Subsequently, the geometry of the sonar housing differs from the final production version, most notably in the lack of ridges surrounding the gold sonar and the mounting method of the MF/AF switch.
This vintage Polaroid SX-70 instant camera is an unusual camera and is part of the collection from a former Polaroid employee. Carefully stored for decades in Boston, these cameras and other paraphernalia eventually made their way to Retrospekt. We are slowly releasing bits and pieces from this incredible collection, much of which is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own pieces we've never seen before.
Please note, this camera's MF/AF switch is broken and, being of non-standard design, could not be replaced or repaired.
This is a genuine piece of vintage retro tech - refurbished and restored by Retrospekt. We have brought the internals of this camera to a working condition, but we have left the cosmetic nature of this camera original. The leather has been replaced.
Specs |
|
| Brand | Polaroid |
| Color | Chrome with black leather |
| Film |
Polaroid SX-70 instant film |
| Film Size | Image 3.1 x 3.1 in Image with border 4.2 x 3.5 in |
| Lens | 116mm f/8 |
| Focus |
Sonar AutoFocus, 10.4" - Infinity |
| Viewfinder | Single lens reflex (SLR) |
| Exposure Control | Automatic, with manual +/- 1EV lighten/darken wheel |
| Shutter Release | Electronic, automatic shutter speeds of 1/175 to 14 seconds |
| Flash | External flash bar socket (Flash bar sold separately) |
| Battery | Built into film cartridge |
Features |
Yes | No |
| Freshly repackaged | X | |
| Autofocus |
X | |
| Built in flash | X | |
| Flash socket | X | |
| Tripod mount | X | |
| Strap lugs | X |
Its beauty and technical capabilities are ageless, but to ensure it still works like the day it was first made, our team carefully refurbishes every camera by hand from the inside out. Each camera is deconstructed to its base components so its pieces can be checked, cleaned and serviced (or replaced if need be). This also includes a step unique to Retrospekt’s refurbishment process: using proprietary tools to internally recalibrate the shutter to expose true to the light/darken wheel so no compensation is needed in settings with normal lighting. The cameras are then reassembled with fresh, genuine leather covers and film tested to ensure they’re producing excellent exposures for another lifetime of use.
Authentic Vintage, Guaranteed to Work
This camera has experienced decades of life before finding its way to Retrospekt. As such, it will show some signs of past use and may vary ever so slightly from what is pictured. However, we are extremely picky about the condition of the cameras we restore and the parts we select for the repair process. The end result is an excellent vintage restoration that is guaranteed to work properly. Should any questions arise, we have a team of friendly people ready to help you.
This camera is covered by the Retrospekt Refurbished guarantee. [view our 90-day limited warranty]
This is a genuine piece of vintage retro tech refurbished and restored by Retrospekt. Our process includes:
- Deconstructing the camera to its base components
- Verifying the form and function of each piece
- Repairing and replacing pieces whenever necessary, but also...
- Retaining original pieces whenever reasonably possible
- Cleaning all optical and viewing components including lenses and fresnels
- Polishing exterior components
- Applying new genuine leather replacement coverings
- Packaging each camera in a specially made box
Authentic Vintage, Guaranteed to Work
This camera has experienced decades of life before finding its way to Retrospekt. As such, it will show some signs of past use and may vary ever so slightly from what is pictured. However, we are extremely picky about the condition of the cameras we restore and the parts we select for the repair process. The end result is an excellent vintage restoration that is guaranteed to work properly. Should any questions arise, we have a team of friendly people ready to help you.
This camera is covered by the Retrospekt Refurbished guarantee. [view our 90-day limited warranty]
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Trained by the best
In 2015, our team was formally trained in SX-70 repair by original Polaroid technician Jos Ridderhof (affectionately called 'Jos the Boss'). Jos bestowed his decades of experience in Polaroid SX-70 repair upon our team, laying the foundation for best practices and quality craftsmanship.
Down to the bones
Each camera is carefully disassembled to its base components. Each part is inspected for form and function. Repairs are performed wherever required. Some parts need to be replaced to optimize performance, but we retain original camera parts whenever reasonably possible.
Polished to perfection
Each camera is carefully cleaned, including fresnels, optical components and exterior housings. Our housings will be free from cracks, carvings and significant scratches. Our goal is to make them look as close to off the factory line as possible.
All Folding Cameras
