Love the camera, autogocus fast. Love Retrospect!
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.
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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.
-
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.
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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.
-
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.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 42 reviews.
Absolutely love it! I got the OG one, not converted to 600 because I have another Polaroid 600.
Great camera, really nice packaging. You can tell the technician team working on repairing and restoring the cameras take great care.
I love my SX-70! It looks brand new and functions flawlessly.
What can I say, I'm in love.
Superb refurbishment, all camera functions operate smoothly, works great with the conversion to 600 film, as it allows for lower light shooting. The sonar auto focus functions flawlessly, only cannot be used when focusing a subject behind glass. I would highly recommend purchasing with the MINT Flash Bar 2. Bravo Retrospekt!!!
Easily one of the coolest cameras money can buy. I can see how the price could put someone off but I would say it’s well worth it. This model in particular is (imo) the best bang for your buck since you get autofocus, strap lugs, and a tripod mount for one of the lower prices of the sx-70 offerings. One thing I would caution prospective buyers to keep in mind is it will probably have some small scratches, imperfections, and some signs of wear externally, but functionally this thing works great. The blue button and accents also look really cool with the all-black frame. I got mine converted to shoot 600 film natively, and can’t say as though I regret that. If you look at some of the forums like r/Polaroid you’ll see people encouraging newbies not to have sx-70 series cameras converted because “they’re made to shoot sx-70 film” and for what it’s worth I think that’s weirdly puritan for no reason. If you think you will get more out of higher sensitivity film like me then I would highly recommend the conversion (I would even say it’s almost a must if you plan on shooting w/o a flash in low light or doing the long exposure trick by opening the film door mid shot). Likewise if you want to potentially have a little better dynamic range by sticking with sx-70 film or just save the 50 dollars it costs to convert that’s great too :)
My father had a spectra in the 90s but the film is now discontinued so I had to explore other options. I always like to take pictures....to capture moments.
I have really enjoyed using my Camera and it has truly been brought back to better than new and it is so convenient to shoot 600 film. Fantastic
All I can say is I find my Blue Button SX70 with Auto focus brilliant.I am really enjoying the photos that are possible with this camera. Shoots 600 film Yay!
Its beautiful! My scanner is dusty, but the camera is clean as clean gets. 10/10. Couldn't be any better. Next up, a flash bar
Perfect SX70. Great box to use for photos. Cool stickers. Fast shipping. Very happy!
This camera has been refurbished to perfection, it appears to be brand new. Photos are very sharp and display light beautifully. For best results, I recommend looking into how to use this camera in a variety of lighting situations. Looking forward to purchasing additional polaroid cameras from Retrospekt to expand my collection——they bring so much joy!
In love. Amo mi cámara. 大好き！
Was thinking of fixing my regular SX-70 on the right but i just decided to buy the sonar auto focus sx-70 converted to 600 and I'm not regretting a single penny. Worth the price.
Shipping was fast and the packaging was superb. This SX-70 looks beautiful, I was surprised at how original this vintage/refurbished item looked from the leather to the lens and the function/mechanics. Everything is buttery smooth and in great condition. Really happy with my purchase and will be recommending anyone looking for a reasonably priced SX-70 to look at Retrospekt.
Looks stunning and works great. The box was the perfect touch and made opening it and experience. Very happy with my purchase
Such a great buying experience. The team at Retrospekt was fantastic and helped immensely with my understanding of which camera was best suited for me.
It didn’t arrived as expected bc of snow. But, it was worth the wait. Right off the box packaging was gorgeous, love the stickers. Went out with my son with my new Polaroid SX-70 Sonar plus SX70 color film and all 8 shots came out perfect. So very happy with my purchase and will definitely come back for more. Waiting for the SLR 680 to be back in stock. Thank you Retrospekt!
Fully refurbished camera with fast picture printing. Arrived on time. 8.25/10
I purchased the 600-converted SX-70 Sonar and it is just fantastic! Absolutely in love with it and I am very impressed with Retrospekt's rebuild. It is functionally and aesthetically brand new. Heck it even smells new. Photos are razor sharp and exposures are appropriately adjusted for 600 film. Worth every cent and I would highly recommend their service to anyone looking to buy a vintage SX-70
Decided to go with Retrospekt after much deliberation between them and Brooklyn film cameras. Extremely glad that i did. I was a little disappointed that the manual focus toggle seemed to spoil within 6 months but they were very helpful and did offer me some potential solutions which i declined ultimately (as i predominantly shoot in autofocus mode anyway). Nonetheless, i was impressed with the condition of the camera when it finally arrived. I had it converted it to 600 film and its a always a pleasure to shoot with it. The shooting of the images is great and its my favourite camera to shoot on currently. Very little issues with the cosmetic or the functional state of the camera and i would definitely recommend them again. i have included a scanned image of a polaroid taken recently by me, just so you can judge for yourself!
Simply perfect. These are the people you buy from if you want something done right the first time. This is my second camera that I’ve bought here and they both work flawlessly. Buying from Retrospekt takes all the guesswork/stress out of buying vintage camera equipment and gives you the peace of mind that the product will simply work at its maximum quality. Worth every single penny, the price may seem steep to someone new stepping into the Polaroid scene (but it’s seriously not even that expensive for a refurbished SX-70), but this camera from these people is the best on the market. The image quality is night and day. Highly recommend for stepping your Polaroid game up. I don’t understand why the autofocus version of this camera is cheaper than the Alpha when the user experience is much more fun. The autofocus works perfectly and effortlessly. The perfect camera for trying to take pictures of moving objects like kids or animals that require digital-camera-like focusing speed. If you’re looking into getting an SX-70 do yourself a favor and buy it here, and get it converted to 600!
Thank you Retrospekt! I’m loving my SX-70 sonar. It’s been working great, I’m getting sharp images with more controlled exposure and they have done a beautiful job refurbishing and repairing it to its original state. I also loved the packaging, it felt brand new, and high quality. This camera is really allowing me to take more professional quality photos with more control, and its a great conversation starter. Also good customer support. Can’t recommend Retrospekt enough!
It works fine and looks like new. Sonar makes focusing faster than sx-70 alpha 1, now I can caught my little girl with it. Love it.
The Sonar SX-70 is my first Polaroid camera purchase. Adam was a tremendous help with answering all my questions. This camera was retrofitted to shoot 600 film. The focus and exposure has been spot on. A GREAT camera and an AWESOME staff!
love it so much!!
This is the second sx70, converted to use 600 speed polaroid film, I’ve purchased from Retrospekt. I will always purchase from them. They are that good. Last time I was in Milwaukee, I stopped by for a visit and the shop and people are just rad. Can’t recommend enough.
The camera is great, and the service is warm and swift! I changed my mind to convert the camera to 600 after the order, the Retrospekt team responded promptly and nicely. Very nice experience!
I sadly lost my SLR 680 SE cameras during a move and could not justify a new purchase since since the prices have risen so much. I decided to purchase the SX-70 autofocus since Retrospekt could convert it to use 600 film. The camera looks brand new and shoots like a dream. Is the price a little high? Yes, however I got tired of going through eBay and taking a gamble since many people do not have the cartridges to test the film. I'd rather pay a little extra to know that it not only works, but there was some care put into reviving it. I am a fan and if I ever find my missing 680s (hoping they're just in a box I missed), I will absolutely return to get them updated and re-shelled. Thank you so much for reviving my love for instant photography.
Beautiful piece of equipment. Sturdy and well handled. Perfectly take care of and converted without issue. Produces gorgeous photographs. Very happy with this purchase!
It was packed perfectly well and very beautiful, just like I remembered all those many years ago. I hope the person I am giving it to will love it as well for her 50th Birthday! Thank you for your help and GOOD LUCK with your FUN business! Nice to see this all and not the digital world of today.
I bought a Polaroid SX-70 Sonar camera and had it shipped to Australia from Retrospekt during their sale period just last month. Upon receiving the camera, I inserted the film and took a shot, only for the camera to jam. The taking mirror got stuck in the open position, requiring me to remove and reinsert the film cartridge to reset the camera. Initially, I thought it was a minor issue with the pick arm that helps eject the Polaroid film. However, it turned out to be a result of a low-quality part. I sent it to a local repair technician in Australia, who discovered that the spring on the driveshaft was poor quality and kept slipping, causing the jam. He mentioned that this clearly indicates a lack of quality assurance and proper testing by the Retrospekt team. If I were in the US, I would have done all I could to return the product for a full refund. But as I’m in Australia, I know this would take months to rectify, if at all, as I see customer rights in Milwaukee are almost non-existent, what’s the point. For me I will take on the additional cost to fix a broken product they sold me and forget i ever bought it from them. My advice is stay far away from this company.
best camera ever. Retrospekt refurbs are rock solid and perfect.
Better than I expected
Delivery was really fast, although international with customs involvment. And then - unboxing a Sonar as good as new! I immediately went for testing and am really happy with my purchase: it works perfectly. I ordered it converted to use 600 film and the exposure is spot on. Also the customer service related to my order has been so fast and helpful, so thanks a lot to Ryan and the guys who did the marvelous work on the camera. I will definitely be around again.
I ordered a SX70 Sonar off of the site and got it modified for 600 film. I got the camera in about a week . It was packed up really nice and works just fine . With good people and great fast service , you can't go wrong tim
An absolute gem of a camera! Arrived quickly and exactly as described. The photos it takes are beautiful and nostalgic. If you're looking for a more professional feeling polaroid that is still easy to use, look no further.
Wow! This SX70 is in pristine condition and works exactly as I hoped. On top of just having a great camera, the packaging is incredible. The matte finish, magnetic lid box is beautiful in itself. The stickers and simplistic instruction manual is such a great addition to this as well. I honestly couldn’t be happier. Thank you Retrospekt!
It's not just a perfectly restored Polaroid...It's an experience. The camera is expertly restored and then beautifully packaged, as to appear new! It's amazing to have this experience 40 years after the camera's introduction.
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