Loading the Polaroid SX-70 with Film (and Results)

Following up on my Polaroid SX-70 videos, here's one specifically about loading film. The Impossible Project film I used over-exposed about one or two stops when the camera was set to it's default darkness compensation. So using the film in the future I'll need to turn the dial toward the dark about 1/3 or 1/2 of the way.

[rml]

I love the way the photos came out. I grew up in the 90s and this has a very 90s look to it.

[DavidHancock]

There's a ton to love about these cameras, too. The Model 2 I use, especially, is brilliantly fun.

[antigua]

Great results. Just bought one today. Nostalgic!!  (born in the 70's)

[HoracioBertorello]

Thanks for the upload! Really nice pictures, and really nice colors. I just bought one The Impossible Project cartridge for a Polaroid 3000 and I was looking around for this.

[DavidHancock]

Interestingly about Polaroid images, I grew up in the 80's, and these remind me of the 80s (since Polaroids were the only instant game around then.) A friend of mine who grew up in the 70s said the images looked like they were taken 40 years ago. I think Polaroids, especially with this film, stir in people a reminiscing and trip our brains' memory neurons with the washed-out colors and wonderfully tactile feel of the photo in its white paper frame.

[DavidHancock]

Thank you! That's good to know because catching pictures as they eject from the camera isn't very easy.

[rml]

Agreed. What's even more interesting is how with a fully manual film SLR, you need to know what you're doing (which I love. In fact after studying film SLRs I've put my D70 into full manual and will shoot thusly until I can get around to getting a film SLR). Yet with today's digital cameras things have gotten so easy...it's almost as if the average person has forgotten (maybe...I don't know...what do you think? LOL)

[ipariszalonna]

That's what I love about Pentax. They still use the K-mount for their lenses and all their DSLRs are compatible with them. This way I have a proper aperture ring on the lens with buttery smooth manual focus. And I don't have to buy separate lenses for my old Pentax film cameras and the DSLRs.

[rml]

Since you are a Pentax shooter, I figured I'd go ahead & ask. I was looking at the available kits for the K30, and assuming that they'd carry over to the K50, do you think the DA 18-135 WR is better built than the 18-55? (I hope it's at least quieter since the 18-55 WR is a loud mouth LOL)

[rml]

I must admit that I love shooting in manual mode. It forces you to use your mind. I wonder why more modern cameras (aside from the Fuji X series and debunked Panasonic L1) don't use the older control system. I actually like that better than the newer system. Aperture on the lens makes sense because aperture is part of the lens, where as the shutter speed should be on the body since it's part of the body. I really got to thinking and wondered when the contacts would give out on a DSLR lens.

[amilcartravels]

Great informative video, is the Fuji FP-100C or FP-300B Film compatible with the SX-70?

[rml]

I find that whole fashion accessory thing to be quite silly. What about you?

[sunshinesuds]

with the new PX680 Color Protection (The one you are using) you actually don't need to shield the picture! you only need to do that with the older films

[rml]

I just heard a rumor on PhotoRumors the other day that the K50 has been spotted. DO you think it will replace the K30?

[DavidHancock]

Who knows. I, unfortunately, have no special insight into Pentax's operations. I love the K-30 and it's look and would buy one if I didn't have a great K-7. I'm waiting for whatever replaces the K-5IIS as my next DSLR.

[KL]

Hi, thanks for the upload. One question, I see on the SX70 package there's 8 exposures. Do you know if back in the 1970's there were 8 or 10 exposures per box? I need to know for some hisorical research I'm doing.

[nicktrevino]

one question .. my sx70 came in today put film in but the view finder is blurry except in center circle, is it suppose to be blurry outside that little circle in the view finder? thanks

[gracianapiaggio]

hi, whats the differences between the sx-70 models?

[daveporter]

I got an old polaroid land camera. I have found that the impossible project film does really good black and white pictures. Also I like the novelty films with animal skin borders, check them out. :)

[DavidHancock]

So... Wait... "P" isn't for "Professional" mode?

I tend to agree, but most people I know won't get a DSLR because they're intimidated by the complexity. PnS cameras remain the most popular because of their ease. And modern DSLRs are too complex -- I don't use about 80% of the features on my K-7 and wish I could have bought its functions a la carte.

Sony did an interesting study last year, I think, that shows 20% of people who bought their DSLRs bought it as a fashion accessory.