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At Retrospekt, we revive and reimagine retro tech so you can experience the magic of analog in a digital world. New finds drop almost daily, don't miss out!
Vintage Refurbished [ℹ]

Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Autofocus Conceptual Prototype Folding Instant Film Camera

Sale price$ 1,499 Regular price$ 1,999
Save $ 500

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This prototype camera is likely a toolroom mockup, using available parts, and is a one-of-a-kind example of the prototyping of what would become the SX-70 Sonar Autofocus. This is evidenced by the very "handmade" nature of the modifications, with plastic milled away and grafted on.

While this camera features the iconic sonar transducer disk, there is no circuitry contained within - thus, this camera functions only as a manual focus camera. Additionally, as part of the mockup, the engineers quickly modified the shutter assembly to make room for the faux-sonar. In doing so, they removed the flash capability.

This camera was acquired from a former Polaroid employee in Boston.

Because this camera is a prototype, it should be handled with extreme care. Most of the parts are custom-made, or were modified to fit this camera specifically. Thus, any breakage of those parts from rough handling would not be repairable. This camera is part of our 90-day warranty in which we will guarantee the function of its manual focus capabilities, but we do not hold a warranty on any cosmetics or the non-functional sonar mechanism.

Specs
Brand Polaroid
Color Black with brown leather
Film

Polaroid SX-70 instant film
(sold separately) [shop]

Film Size Image 3.1 x 3.1 in
Image with border 4.2 x 3.5 in
Lens 116mm f/8
Focus Manual
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 Built-in, with manual override
Battery Built into film cartridge

 

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.