I can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner! I’ve had this camera for over a decade and it has never looked or operated better. Thank you so much!
Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Autofocus Folding Camera Repair
The current turnaround time is approximately four weeks from the date of delivery to our location.
Whether your camera seems to be acting just a bit “off” or it’s gotten so bad you think a potato would take better photos than your brick of a camera, we are here to help you out.
We work on a flat-fee system because we believe in doing the same process to every single camera. The fix that makes a functioning camera work better — and a broken camera work at all — could be the same thing. We know where to look for issues and what to do when we find them. If there’s something wrong, we will find it and make it better. All of these repairs are covered by the flat fee.
Beyond the heavy repairs, our services include recalibrating the shutter (which means your camera should shoot true to the lighten/darken dial), cleaning optical components, fresnels, viewing lenses, mirrors, etc. Our team carefully cleans the external components and replaces the leather skins (they must be removed to access internals). All cameras are film tested and won't be returned until they are producing excellent exposures. All cameras receive between two and four hours of hands-on time from our team.
All necessary repair work is performed by a trained technician using specially designated tools and equipment. Replacement parts, if used in the course of repair, are fully refurbished and guaranteed. Because of their refurbished nature, previous wear may be present on any replacement components.
Each camera we service comes with a 90-day warranty.
Which models does this service cover?
This repair service covers sonar autofocus SX-70 camera models that do not have a built-in flash*. Commonly, the configuration of the sonar models is a chrome body with black leather or a black body with black leather.
In the wrong spot? Please check out our repair services for the SLR 680/690, as well as repair services for non-autofocus models.
Notes on Leathers
While we’d love to save the original leather skins, it just isn’t possible. The fasteners allowing the camera to be taken apart and serviced are located underneath. Since there is no way to peel the skins up without ruining them, they must be replaced with your choice of either black or tan genuine leather skins. They are fresh, new and made in Spain. *chef's kiss* While black and tan are our standard selections, we have plenty of new fresh skins if you are interested in more pizazz.
Convert your SX-70 to shoot 600 film.
Tired of keeping a supply of different film types to use between your 600 and SX-70 cameras? We can service your SX-70 and convert it to use 600 film.
Already converted? Please let our customer service team know before your camera arrives.
Film shield included
Repairs ship free, both ways, in the U.S.
Within two business days of placing your service order, we will email you a prepaid shipping label you can use to mail us your camera. Prepaid labels will only be emailed to customers with a US address listed on their order. Shipping labels must be used within 28 days. Failure to use the label within 28 days may result in Retrospekt canceling and refunding the order less the cost of the shipping label. The prepaid labels expire after 28 days and are non-refundable.
Need a repair shipped outside the US?
Need more information on repairs?
Contact: service@retrospekt.com
Good To Know:
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Easy Returns
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Ships from Milwaukee, WI
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 19 reviews.
I am so grateful that my wonderful companion could be saved! It came back beautifully cared for.
Maxwell H. 5/5 Verified
Retrospekt performed a thorough repair and restoration of my Polaroid SX-70 Sonar. Camera now operates perfectly and cosmetically almost looks like new. They have very friendly customer service and a highly competent repair staff. I strongly recommend Retrospekt.
James K. 5/5 Verified
The quality of the repair, the packaging it came back in... everything about it was exceptional!
Ryan O. 5/5 Verified
Amazing service from an amazing company! If your camera ever needs servicing, I'd recommend these guys. They repaired my camera and sent it back with a repair report, some goodies, and even a test shot. From the repair report, it had to have its' motor assembly replaced, and everything else was inspected and cleaned. They threw in some cool stickers and packed it good for its return trip home. All in all, they work pretty quick, and I had it back before the end of the month.
Angelo L. 5/5 Verified
Absolutely thrilled that my Polaroid was fixed in every way and newer than I could ever imagine.
Rachel R. 5/5 Verified
The refurbishment of the SX-70 Sonar was spectacular!
Anthony B. 5/5 Verified
The repair work went very well. The camera came back fully functional and looking brand new. Turnaround time was incredibly fast. A+++ overall.
Andrew N. 5/5 Verified
A billion times better than when I first got it off eBay. Works great now after the refurbish and have already ran a couple of miles packs through it. I am also thankful they offer the 600 conversion as the 600 film is so much easier to find in stores. I hope to shoot lots of Polaroids with it in the years to come!
Miguel R. 5/5 Verified
It was completely broken!!! couldn't fold, couldnt shoot nothing... thank you retrospekt for bringing my baby back to life!!!
Orion T. 5/5 Verified
Wonderful Customer Services.
Lester L. 5/5 Verified
My SX70 sonar sounds like a healthy young camera instead of the grumpy old camera it once was. Thank you for the care and detail you put into your repairs. This is my 3rd repair with you all and it feels like getting a new camera each time.
James J. 5/5 Verified
I sent my SX70 Sonar in to Retrospect for repair. It had several issues and the photos were not ejecting. I cannot begin to describe the fantastic work they did on my camera. It came back packaged as if it was a new unit. They were thorough in their repair and calibration. It has never taken better photos. I am extremely happy and would recommend Retrospect to you without hesitation. They are the best at what they do.
Edward C. 5/5 Verified
I am overwhelmed at the professional work and the packaging too that declares my SX70 to be a unique piece of photography tech. Thanks so much. I'll recommend you to anyone who needs a refurbished product or help doing it. Tom McCoy
Tom M. 5/5 Verified
Wow. With this particular service, these guys really outdid themselves. I’m happy they were able to fix it. Already it’s a world of a difference.
Alexis M. 5/5 Verified
Beautiful work! Dropped my camera during an event and the whole viewfinder assembly broke apart. Only 3 weeks later it was back in my hands in what could easily be mistaken for brand new condition! Even hearing the motor run like new makes me feel like I just time traveled back to the 70's. Can't wait to send the rest of my cameras in for the same TLC. 100% worth it.
Jeff S. 5/5 Verified
After getting my Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Autofocus repaired a few years back, I used it all the time. It worked great, and it made every trip a little more interesting. Then I took it with me on my 20th anniversary trip with my wife. I got some great shots, but then dropped it while getting out of an Uber ride and it was broken. I was so sad, especially because we really couldn't afford getting it fixed again. Finally, for my birthday I was able to send it back to Retrospekt for repair. They turned it around fast (weeks before I expected), and it is working better than it did last time. Thanks so much, Retrospekt! You have my total respeKt!
Stephen F. 5/5 Verified
I bought my SX-70 Sonar from a reputable online store as my go-to instant camera. Soon after, the camera began to show its age. I was notified of my camera’s service status through every stage and the turnaround time met my expectations. Delivery was quick and an accurate listing of the work was provided. Lucy with customer service was outstanding and answered all my questions, even after my camera was returned. 15/10 Would definitely use the service again.
Peter C. 5/5 Verified
They did a great job cleaning and fixing the broken components in a reasonable time. I was impressed with the detailed repair report, which listed out everything the needed repair or replacement. The replacement leather looks really good and eliminates the old musty leather smell. I also really like the custom packaging it came in. Overall I am very satisfied with the refurbish job I got on my old camera!
John H. 5/5 Verified