SX-70 Issues

[ChristopherCoy]

This SX-70 was completely refurbished in 2013 or 14. It hasn’t been used in a couple years though. I loaded some new film and I thought the first frame was just because it came out less than I remembered.

However frame two and three proved I have camera issues. More specifically I think I have roller issues, as only a portion of each frame is getting developed.

anyone know how to clean these things? I kept the dark slide so I can reinstall it in the dark to save the film.

ETA: or could it be something completely different?

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

...if cleaning doesn't solve it, it is more likely an issue with the chemical pods. I have similar marks, even after cleaning. I've run some SX-70 B/W film and no issues. At the end of the day, one should get into the habit of cleaning the rollers when it looks like they need it.

 

[Ariston]

Did you check the date on the film to make sure the retailer didn't have it on the shelf too long? That new Polaroid stuff doesn't store well.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Did you check the date on the film to make sure the retailer didn't have it on the shelf too long? That new Polaroid stuff doesn't store well.

That's a good point.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

Did you check the date on the film to make sure the retailer didn't have it on the shelf too long? That new Polaroid stuff doesn't store well.

i ordered it directly from PO.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I agree, that looks a lot like partially dried up pods. Polaroid (formerly Polaroid Originals, formerly Impossible Project) has stated that their film should be used within a year of production. Even if you ordered it direct, it might well be beyond that time frame if you haven't used the camera in a while.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

I contacted Polaroid regarding the suspected bad box. They were quite helpful. I took the remaining 5 frames out of the camera and placed them in a dark box, and inserted another pack. This is the result. It does appear that the first pack was defective.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I contacted Polaroid regarding the suspected bad box. They were quite helpful. I took the remaining 5 frames out of the camera and placed them in a dark box, and inserted another pack. This is the result. It does appear that the first pack was defective.

View attachment 245698

That looks pretty good. If you happen to take any photos with yellow objects in it, please post here. I do want to see that the yellows are better than what I shot last summer. Thanks!

 

[Ariston]

I contacted Polaroid regarding the suspected bad box. They were quite helpful. I took the remaining 5 frames out of the camera and placed them in a dark box, and inserted another pack. This is the result. It does appear that the first pack was defective.

View attachment 245698

I'm glad you got it straightened out. I have shot some of their film that, to me, wasn't all that old, but had shoddy results. It just doesn't keep well. Some people think it looks "artistic" like that. I think it looks expired. It's not the best in color rendition, even brand new.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

So the "tier 2" customer support team, whom my inquiry was directed to by the "tier 1" team, determined that their film was not the problem, but in fact I was the problem. They "were only able to see an issue with overexposure, not a film issue" but as a courtesy they offered me a discount code for $15.99 off a new pack of film. I might have an SX-70 for sale soon.

 

[Ariston]

So the "tier 2" customer support team, whom my inquiry was directed to by the "tier 1" team, determined that their film was not the problem, but in fact I was the problem. They "were only able to see an issue with overexposure, not a film issue" but as a courtesy they offered me a discount code for $15.99 off a new pack of film. I might have an SX-70 for sale soon.

I don't blame you. At the prices they are charging, you have every right to expect better.