Polaroid Obsession
Polaroid SX-70 by Polaroid
By Christopher Paquette
30 Jun 2007
I have always been fascinated by the creamy vintage look of a Polaroid snapshot. After buying The Polaroid Book, published in 2005 by Taschen, which presents the work of 224 artists, and a stunning variety of the capabilities of Polaroid film, I decided to join the fun. I did some searching on Ebay, and finally found an SX-70 in excellent condition for just under $100.
The Polaroid SX-70 system was introduced in 1972. The ultra-cool, leather covered, folding camera is actually a very complex and sophisticated system of mirrors and optical surfaces. It is a single lens reflex camera with the lens, shutter and photocell all housed in a very compact unit. The design and operation of the SX-70 is a marvel of technology. The fact that the camera is a single lens reflex system allows for very accurate composition and focusing distances from infinity to 12 inches. As complex as the internal workings may be, the operation of the camera is as simple as all Polaroids.... focus and shoot!
The results I have achieved with this camera have been stunning. I currently scan my favorite shots with an Epson Perfection 4490 Photo scanner. I typically scan at 800 dpi, which will give me a digital file approximately 3500 X 3500 pixels. I then remove dust and scratches, as well as adjust for color balance and saturation. I have been very happy with my print results, although I have not produced anything larger than 8X10. I am hoping to eventually have some C prints made at about 24" X 24". My goal is to exhibit a grouping of these Polaroid scans as an example of what can be produced when combining new and old photo processes.
Polaroid has stopped producing SX-70 film. I am currently using a product called SX-70 Blend which is being made in the Netherlands under license by Polaroid. (I buy this film from LordoftheLens.net) It is also possible to convert an SX-70 so that it can use standard 600 film. It is not difficult to do, and involves a couple simple filters placed over the lens and the exposure meter eye on the camera. There are very good instructions for how to do this on the internet if you just Google SX-70.
In 1963, Ansel Adams wrote. "It is unfortunate that so many photographers have thought of the Land (Polaroid) camera as a 'toy'...The process has revolutionized the art and craft of photography". I couldn't agree with him more.
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