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 natively shoot SX-70 film, which has an ISO of 100. 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 a faster speed (600 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.
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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 structurally from the final production version; on this example, the design of the cover is completely different from the final version.
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, one of the latching tabs of this production Sonar upper cover (on the erecting link side) is broken and could not be repaired. This results in the sonar cover being slightly loose on that side, but does not seem to otherwise impact function.
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, with manual override |
| 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 |
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
