In 1947, Polaroid introduced its first consumer camera. Model 95 was the first camera to use instant film. To quickly produce photographs without developing them in a laboratory.
The popular Model 95 and subsequent Land Cameras required complex procedures to take and produce good photographs. Had to be manually removed from cameras, peeled open after 60 seconds, needed several minutes to dry, and often left developing chemicals. The instructions for the Model 20 Swinger. Introduced in 1965, warned that, if not followed, "youre headed for plenty of picture taking trouble". Pictures from the SX-70, by contrast, ejected automatically and developed quickly fully within 10 minutes.
Announced the SX-70 at a company annual meeting. On stage, he took out a folded SX-70 from his suit coat pocket and in ten seconds took five pictures, both actions impossible with previous Land Cameras.
In 19734, the Skylab 3. Astronauts used an SX-70 to photograph a video display screen to be able to compare the Sun's features from one orbit to the next. There were a variety of models beginning in 1972 with the original SX-70, though all shared the same basic design. The first model had a plain focusing screen. (the user was expected to be able to see the difference between in- and out-of focus) because Dr.Land wanted to encourage photographers to think they were looking at the subject, rather than through a viewfinder. When many users complained that focusing was difficult, especially in dim light, a split-image rangefinder prism was added. This feature is standard on all later manual focus models.
The later Sonar OneStep introduced in 1978. And SLR 680 models were equipped with a sonar autofocus.This sonar autofocus system greatly helped the user's ability to focus the camera, especially in dark environments, and could be turned off if manual focus was needed. The Sonar OneStep models were the first autofocus SLRs available to consumers. The later SLR 680/690 models updated the basic design of the Sonar OneStep to more modern standards by incorporating support for newer 600 film cartridges instead of SX-70 cartridges, and a built-in flash instead of the disposable Flash Bar. Today they are the most evolved forms of the SX-70, and are highly sought after by Polaroid enthusiasts.
Though expensive, the SX-70 was popular in the 1970s and retains a cult following today. Photographers such as Ansel Adams. Praised and used the SX-70. Helmut Newton used the camera for fashion shoots.Walker Evans began using the camera in 1973 when he was 70 years old. However, did its technology become truly popular. More recently, it was the inspiration for the Belfast alternative band SX-70's name.
The SX-70 included many sophisticated design elements. A collapsible SLR required a complex light path for the viewfinder, with three mirrors including one Fresnel reflector. Of unusual, aspheric shapes set at odd angles to create an erect image on the film and an erect aerial image.
Many mechanical parts were precision plastic moldings. The body was made of glass-filled polysulfone.A rigid plastic which was plated with a thin layer of copper-nickel-chromium alloy to give a metallic appearance. Models 2 & 3 used ABS. In either Ebony or Ivory color. The film pack contained a flat, 6-volt "PolaPulse" battery to power the camera electronics, drive motor and flash. The original flash system, a disposable "Flash Bar" of 10 bulbs (five on each side, with the user rotating the bar half way through) from General Electric. Used logic circuits to detect and fire the next unused flash. Leather shows some surface scuffs, there is some outside wear and tear on the leather, No rattling, opens nicely, dials work.
Slight wear and tear on leather, very slight scuffing on metal. The dials and buttons works fine, opens with ease. Good working condition, Tested very recently. The item "Vintage POLAROID SX-70 Land Camera Brown Leather Untested" is in sale since Sunday, May 31, 2020.This item is in the category "Cameras\Vintage Movie & Photography\Vintage Cameras\Instant Cameras". The seller is "hier0phant" and is located in Currimundi. This item can be shipped worldwide.