Testing an SX-70 sans film?

[kevin_v]

I recently acquired a Polaroid SX-70 (the folding kind, not the plastic fixed shaped ones) and it appears to be in good condition. However, I don't actually know if it works. Being that getting film for this camera would be rather expensive, especially if it turns out not to work, I was wondering if there is a way to check some functionality without film. Any ideas?

Note: I don't know why there's an icon on this thread – must have clicked on it by mistake.

 

[rawhead]

You might try to obtain an empty cartridge of either the real deal, or the Impossible version. You just need to have the cartridge in there for all the functions to work.

 

[bugmenot]

Put 6 volts across the 2 contacts at the bottom of the film chamber.

I usually test them with an empty film pack but then you'd have to have an empty film pack to do that. 🙂

 

[pinkarmy]

Put 6 volts across the 2 contacts at the bottom of the film chamber. 🙂

just what i want to know too! thanks

 

[emmef2]

Kevin, since you already bought the camera I suggest you buying a film pack and test.
Testing with an empy film cartridge is better than nothing and shows if the camera triggers the shot and ejects the film.
I tested last week a SX-70 with film and at the end I found that the rollers on the right side were not pressing the film properly leaving the right part of the image underdeveloped.
It is better to discover any flaw when taking test shots than the valuable ones and, if still on time, you can return the camera