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.
-
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.
More Polaroid
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$ 21.00
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from $ 349.00
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