From Left Field!

[bigdog]

I feel nostalgic lately and I am considering picking up an old Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera. Anyone out there still shooting Polaroids?

It appears the SX-70 SLR models from the 1970s are the way to go. I remember my dad had one or two of these cameras, the earlier version took film with a peel away paper and you would affix the image to a stiff backing so the image would not curl. The other version has the integrated chemistry so no peeling and sticky backing?

Which camera should I consider? I see you can still buy "Spectra" and "600" film with talk of more being available in the future since someone purchased Polaroids means of production. Any feedback on available films? I hear you can use the 600 film on the SX-70 cameras with the addition of an ND filter?

Any feedback on which camera film combination will give me that classic polaroid look?

 

[sevo]

The only way to go right now are cameras that take 3,25x4,25" peel apart pack film - that being the only Polaroid compatible instant film (apart from the slightly bigger 4x5" packs for large format cameras) still in production, by Fuji.

There is a initiative to relaunch the former Dutch integral (SX-70/Spectra/600) Polaroid plant, but they'll have to re-engineer the whole integral film process to use materials from new suppliers (Ilford) as all US sourced components are gone. We'll have to see whether they have the money and time to bridge that technology gap - until then, the SX-70 (as well as all other cameras taking integral film) is rapidly approaching cupboard queen status (thanks to the integrated chemistry bags, Polaroid film can't be frozen and even with perfect storage its shelf life can only be extended for little more than a year or two beyond the printed-on date).

Sevo

 

[shadowfox]

Get this one:

🙂 just kidding, that's my daughter's Taz Polaroid. Bought it for $5 at an estate sale. It actually is a decent one, here's a picture from it:

To answer your question, get the SLR 680 and a couple packs of Fuji FP-100C:

 

[bigdog]

Thanks guys! Shadowfox, based on your recommendation, I found, bid on and won this SLR 680 on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390058252812&viewitem=&salenotsupported

I am keeping my fingers crossed it works! A $107 gamble, but apparently they can go for much more....or less...this one looks like is sat in a desk drawer for years.

I also ordered 6 packs of the Fujifilm C and 1 B&W film pack at B&H. I guess you can refrigerate but not freeze these instant films?

I can't wait to test it. The materials are kind of pricey but shooting the kid should be fun!

Oh, I like the "Taz" shot the best. Some times a plastic lens and old school materials work best! I hope the camera/film combination I aquired has a soul. The clinical look of digital is not what I am going for here!

 

[shadowfox]

Brian, you'll like it. The SLR 680 has a good lens on it. I think I paid $40 for mine. I hope yours work off the bat.

What I like about those polaroid pictures is that they have shallow DOF, because the "negative" is quite big. For portraits, they are really lovely.

 

[bigdog]

Wrong film?

Wrong film?

I have another issue. Doesn't the Polaroid 680 SLR camera I purchased require a different film than Fuji FP-100C?

I just ordered 7 packs but now I realize the Fuji FP-100C is a peel apart film right? The Polaroid 680 SLR needs the integrated film with built in battery in film pack doesn't it?

Is the now defunct Polaroid 600 film the only film option for this camera or does Fuji make any equivalent?

 

[bmattock]

I have another issue. Doesn't the Polaroid 680 SLR camera I purchased require a different film than Fuji FP-100C?

I just ordered 7 packs but now I realize the Fuji FP-100C is a peel apart film right? The Polaroid 680 SLR needs the integrated film with built in battery in film pack doesn't it?

Is the now defunct Polaroid 600 film the only film option for this camera or does Fuji make any equivalent?

I do not know if the SLR 680 will take any film other than integral film, but only Polaroid made integral film and they are defunct.

 

[shadowfox]

I have another issue. Doesn't the Polaroid 680 SLR camera I purchased require a different film than Fuji FP-100C?

I just ordered 7 packs but now I realize the Fuji FP-100C is a peel apart film right? The Polaroid 680 SLR needs the integrated film with built in battery in film pack doesn't it?

Is the now defunct Polaroid 600 film the only film option for this camera or does Fuji make any equivalent?

I owe you a big apology. In my post above, I mixed up 600 with FP-100C (bonehead moment). There is no substitute from Fuji for 600.

Listen, I felt bad for misleading you. I happen to have a couple of packs of 600 that I purchased, I'll send two of them to you, so you can start using your SLR 680. How does that sound?

If you agree, PM me with your mailing address.

 

[bigdog]

No apology needed. I am glad I was able to get the lead on the SLR 680 and pick up what looks to be a nice camera. I was tempted to buy a Land 250/350/450 or save up for a 195 or similar professional lens counterparts just to try it out and use the cheaper film I had purchase. I have a feeling I still may do that in the future depending on how the Polaroid bug bites me. This is the problem and fun you encounter taking on new formats or equipment.

I hope the impossible project is successful since the current approximate $2 per shot is going to limit my shooting with Polaroids.

I appreciate your generous offer but I was able to ship the Fuji film back to B & H and I have four packs of Polaroid 600 on the way. Better you use your film to take some shots of the kids while the film still available in limited quantities. Thank you!

 

[shadowfox]

No apology needed. I am glad I was able to get the lead on the SLR 680 and pick up what looks to be a nice camera. I was tempted to buy a Land 250/350/450 or save up for a 195 or similar professional lens counterparts just to try it out and use the cheaper film I had purchase. I have a feeling I still may do that in the future depending on how the Polaroid bug bites me. This is the problem and fun you encounter taking on new formats or equipment.

I hope the impossible project is successful since the current approximate $2 per shot is going to limit my shooting with Polaroids.

I appreciate your generous offer but I was able to ship the Fuji film back to B & H and I have four packs of Polaroid 600 on the way. Better you use your film to take some shots of the kids while the film still available in limited quantities. Thank you!

Excellent.

The 180/195 is a high quality piece of engineering, it's way above the 420 and the rest in terms of finish and fit. I was surprised when I picked up one. The lens is also top-notch.