Vintage Refurbished [ℹ]
Polaroid SX-70 Original Chrome Instant Camera
Every camera we sell is fully functional, professionally refurbished and tested to the same mechanical and functional standards regardless of cosmetic grade.
A-Grade cameras show an average amount of cosmetic wear for their age, and many are over 50 years old. You can expect very light scuffs or small scratches, but nothing visually distracting. These cameras represent the best overall cosmetic condition we're able to source and restore.
B-Grade cameras are mechanically identical to A-Grade models but show more visible cosmetic wear on exterior components, primarily on the chrome body. This may include concentrated areas of scratches, plating wear-through or light pitting.
Bellows, buttons, optical components and decals meet the same standard as an A-Grade camera. Leather coverings will be brand new.
TL;DR: SX-70 film is increasingly difficult to find. 600 film is more readily available and more flexible in varying light conditions.
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.
Over half of our customers upgrade their camera to take 600 film for more flexible shooting.
Free US shipping over $99
Comes with film shield
Lovingly called "the OG" by the Retrospekt team, this camera is what made the magic SX-70 famous. The chrome body and caramel leather skins are instantly recognizable, and the collapsible body, manual focusing system and exposure adjustment options give it a perfect blend of form and precision still sought by photographers today.
Of all the SX-70 models we offer, this continues to be the most popular and best-selling camera.
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
