How to Take BETTER POLAROIDS with the SX-70

The Polaroid SX-70 is easily one of my all time favorite cameras, but it can be a little tricky at times. Here are 3 tips to help you get better results with yours!

[normanal]

Thank you for the honesty and saying "you're only seeing the photos I choose to share" 🤘

[Ambynt]

Great video! Super helpful to know a bit about the camera before I take pictures with it...
Here are some timestamps if you want a quick refresher on the tips:
0:55 - Tip #1 - Get to know the light meter!
2:10 - Tip #2 - Get in close!
3:17 - Tip #3 - When in doubt... underexpose!
4:43 - Bonus Tip - Practice with the camera (AMAP)

[isaackimball]

Brooo I needed this!! It seems like all the sx-70 tips on the internet are either generic info or found in weird photography forums. Thanks for the quality content :)

[stevekoss]

There are some really important things that I feel you could have thrown in there with useing impossible’s (Polaroid originals) film. The first is keeping it from seeing any light for at least 45 minutes. It can be super important. Their frog tongue accessory is pretty big have in my opinion as the film is still very susceptible for the first 30 seconds to a minute after the exposure is taken. The frog tongue keeps the film from seeing light for the first couple seconds or so. It also is built in to all the new first party cameras they have released. Another good tip is to keep the box around as well as the dark slide to store the photos after exposure. The last one is the temperature the film develops at. It hates the cold. When I used to shoot it in the winter while road tripping I would take a picture put it in the box and let it develop on the dashboard with heat on it. If you can’t do that store it in an internal pocket of your coat. I think these are some pretty big issues to address to help someone get the most out of their sx-70.

[AimShootDevelop]

I totally agree with everything you’ve said in the video! I recommend people check out the Sx-70 Sonar as well. It’s usually cheaper than the regular Model 1&2’s. The autofocus is sharp and great for taking more candid photos on the fly. It does also allow for manual focus for more control with your shots!

[analogmind]

Polaroids are not so easy to use but can give amazing results! We just did a polaroid vs instax video, we tried to take portraits and they came pretty good, more than we expected! Trying to push italy 🇮🇹 into film community

[robertschellhammer]

I wish I had a SX-70 camera with the color rendition of Instax.

[MrEddiep]

I’ve honestly been scared to shoot with my SX-70, but honestly after watching this video I think I’m ready to give it a shot! Thanks for the tips, they’re really helpful! 😎

[THEDONLEONARDOHC]

I was just gifted one of these 2 days ago and came directly to YouTube for help. I don’t know squat about photography but quickly recognized the manual light and focus dials on the camera.There are quite a few videos describing this that and the other about the sx-70 but none addressed the specifics how to use those dials like you did. Kudos to you sir!
I sure do wish you explained which way to turn that light dial to get the exposure you recommended for us dummies…

[stevenfoon]

Love the bonus tip.... yes, it's expensive but you are so right. The thought is to conserve but to get better is to shoot. Keep up the good work!

[Stratmann]

I just scored an SX-70 with leather case for 100 Canadian bucks, delivery included. I paid 85 for the camera, so the deals are still out there if you get lucky. The ad said it was in very good used condition but untested, which made me nervous, but took a chance anyways. After nervously buying the mega expensive film today and putting it in the SX-70, I would have loved to have seen a picture of my face after I closed the film door and heard that magic sound and seeing the black cover slide out. My heart is still pumping and I can’t wait to get outside tomorrow to start shooting !!! Thanks for the information in your videos, it’s awesome and helped me pull the trigger on looking and buying one of these iconic cameras.

[tennyoAMV]

"You're only seeing the photos I choose the share." THANK YOU! Every time I mess up a shot I want to pack up my sx-70 and never use it again. But now maybe I feel hopeful that if I just keep doing it I'll eventually get some good shots.

[videofan]

Underexpose when in doubt, love it! Thanks Matt

[nathanhirschler]

dude, this video has perfect timing. i just got an sx-70 last week, so hopefully these tips will help me make better photos with it.

[AbdullaYusef]

More SX 70 content please! I loved the previous video about it, the shots were great. I’m still learning with mine and getting better each time.

[briansavage]

Love my sx-70. It's such a satisfying camera.

[UlyssesAokiPhoto]

Just got an sx-70 and this is real helpful! Hope to make some good photographs on it...

[brunandre]

the motion blur example one is definitely my favourite!

[Markybug-Keira-Cody]

Great to see you shooting polaroid again Matt ! Haven’t seen you use them regularly for a while ?

If I was adding tips it would be the following :

1. Be aware of how temperature sensitive Polaroid film is, ie try to avoid shooting in too hot or cold temps if possible.
2. Always use a frog tongue.

[geoffpeck]

Had to send one off for repair and should be getting it back today! So excited to start shooting with it. Polaroid should hook u up...you've done enough SX-70 vids to get that sponsorship!