Polaroid SX-70 Alpha OpenSX70 Instant Camera

Designed by Polaroid creator Edwin Land The SX-70 is the archetypal Polaroid camera and was the first to use integral film which needed no input from the user, just press the shutter, eject the film and watch it develop. This design classic is a folding single lens reflex (SLR) camera that fits almost anywhere. It was revolutionary in its time and still impresses today.

This design classic is a vintage Alpha 1 Model One or Alpha 1 Model Two first released in 1977 in the classic chrome plated body with original tan leather finish or black for the Model One or all black for the Model Two. The Alpha has a tripod socket and strap lugs, which were missing from the sleeker design of earlier models.

Each camera has been professionally hand restored and upgraded by Brooklyn Film Camera with a new custom OpenSX70 motherboard.

OpenSX70 is a redesigned analogue board for the SX-70. Better metering, SX-70 or 600 film at the flip of a switch, and the sharpest photos this camera has ever made.

ISO Swapping

Switch between fine grained slower SX-70 Film (ISO 160) and faster 600 (ISO 640) without external tools. Open the film door, hold the shutter button and close the door. The LED blinks blue for 600 and red for SX-70 to confirm (matching the film packaging colours). The camera indicates the active ISO every time it powers on.

Precision Analog Metering

OpenSX70 uses a real-time analogue metering system modelled on the original SX-70 design. The circuit integrates light in real time for the most accurate exposure of any replacement board.

Real-Time Flash Metering

Every camera gets proper fill flash metering. The board senses the ambient light, triggers the flash bar, and closes the shutter when reflected light reaches correct exposure.

Low Light Indicator

A sold red LED warns you when ambient light is too low for a handheld shot. No more guessing in dim light conditions.

Hold to Eject

Hold the shutter button during exposure to prevent the photo from ejecting and release when you’re ready to shield your print from harsh light as it’s not fully light-fast just after exposure.

Future Features

More features will be available with the future release of the Dongle which will attach to the flash slot. These include manual shutter speeds, bulb (B) and time (T) longer exposures, strobe sync and non-Polaroid flash bar modes for syncing modern flash units, auto mode if you don’t want to shoot manual, self-timer and multiple exposure modes.

Watch this video to learn more about OpenSX70.

Every SX-70 from Brooklyn Film Camera includes a 6-month warranty. If your camera is faulty within the warranty period contact The Photographers’ Gallery Bookshop, not Brooklyn Film Camera.

Please note the warranty does not cover damage. Be careful when opening and closing the camera as damage to this mechanism is not covered by the warranty. To open support the base of the camera with a non-dominant hand. Grip small end of viewfinder. Pull straight up until the supporting arm locks. To close push the support arm back, following the direction of the engraved arrow. Push down on the viewfinder cap.

Specifications
Format: Folding SLR integral film instant camera
Type: SX-70 and 600 films
Lens: 4-element 116 mm f/8 glass lens
Focal length: 260mm - infinity

Viewfinder: SLR reflex (through-the-lens)
Focus: Manual via geared wheel
Aperture: f/8 - f/90
Shutter speed: 10 seconds to 1/175

ISO: 160 (SX-70) 640 (600)

Exposure compensation: Lighten/Darken wheel
Flash: External electronic or disposable flash bar