Which SX-70?

sperera

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Mar 6, 2009
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So I'm excited about the Polaroid film being made again as we all know and I wanna get myself an SX-70 and buy some of this film they've made again......

....so, which models should I avoid and which should I go for....I see plenty of them on Ebay....

....its been decades since i last used one so i really can't remember anything about them other than the feeling i got when the film came out and the anticipation to see the image in front of me.....gotta get that feeling again!
 

photomem

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Sep 19, 2009
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If you want the classic sx-70, I would go for the model 1. This weekend, I was out at some estate sales and thrift shops. I saw a couple of model 2 cameras and was amazed at how poorly they aged. The faux leather had cracked and the plastic was discoloured rather badly. On the other hand, my model 1 has almost flawless leather and the steel just needs a good polish.

As far as other sx-70 cameras, some people like the ones with the sonar af. Though, I have never used one of those.
 

Akki14

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I have a nice condition sonar one. Didn't buy it off of ebay, though. Works fine even for closeups and you can turn off the AF and manually focus too.

If you're into arm's length self portraits, the golden sonar reciever on the front of the camera is absolutely excellent for aligning yourself for the perfect photo
 

Ektagraphic

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Most of the models are fine....The original is really nice.
 

j.eff

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May 30, 2010
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If you do end up with one with the Porvair covering (the cheap, tacky, not at all leatherette-like stuff that turns to greasy dust over time), you can get new coverings from http://aki-asahi.com/store/ , although they appear to not be selling at the moment. I bought some very slick yellow coverings for my grungy Model 3 and had them via air mail in less than 10 days. I haven't done the skin replacement yet, but it's on the project list.

My other is an Alpha 1. Advantages over the original are the strap lugs and tripod socket - definitely nice things to have when you need them, but I frankly wouldn't turn down any good early model SX-70 for a reasonable price.
 

aloysiuscarl

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Jun 28, 2010
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Well, until recently there was still some SX-70 Blend film for sale, that's gone now. Part of it has to be the optics of a Polaroid camera lens coupled with the relatively huge format of an SX70 film, but most of it is, I believe, down to Polaroid's own chemistry which doesn't work in the same way as a film emulsion's. You can still buy type 600 film, which is usable if you put a ND filter on the lens.
 

tboysen

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Aug 23, 2010
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Can't go wrong with any that works. I have a mint Sonar patiently awaiting the new film. Tried the Impossible, but worst $40+ spent on instant film..
 

pdexposures

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May 31, 2010
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I have both a sonar and original. I prefer the original myself but bring the sonar to parties so my manual focus inept friends can use it as well.
 
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