Polaroid SX-70? Is this a Variant Model 1?

[Maiku]

Hi All,

I want to identify the Polaroid SX-70 model I bought a couple of days ago.

I think it is a model 1, but want to confirm with the knowledgable people here on RFF.

I did a Google search, and from that search, I think it is a model 1, but would like to know early or later version?

Please let me know what you think.

 

[Range-rover]

I think this is the early version, after this I think they went to a Alpha 1 version,
with improvement's, there's a few site's on the camera model's.

 

[Prest_400]

I too think it is an early version. No focus scale but decorative lines instead, I just did a quick search and didn't find an useful site that listed the differences. Earliest builds didn't have a split prism in the VF. Another variation is that the connector in the left (film door open) is an electronic ribbon on later models vs a rigid cable on the earlier.

If you got the serial number you can date the camera, MINT and other sites have a database for dating these.

 

[Maiku]

Prest 400,

Thanks for the link to MINT. I checked the serial number. The database indicated it is a Model 1 produced in Dec. 1973.

Maiku

 

[Godfrey]

Another couple of difference from the earliest to about a year later in production:

• The earliest ones do not have a tripod mounting screw thread on the bottom; you have to use the tripod adapter. Later models (at least Alpha 1 and beyond) all have the tripod mount.
• The earliest ones have no distance markings on the lens where the later ones do.

Based on the lack of distance scale in your photos, I'd say yours is an early SX-70 from the first production run.

The SX-70 my uncle gave me some years ago, that revitalized my interest in Polaroid instant film, is an early Alpha 1 that he bought new. It's in exceptional condition and is one of the best performing of my instant film cameras.

G