THE SX-70-FAMILY:

Folding SX-70 INTEGRAL PRINT CAMERAS (SX-70)


Wood model for the folding mechanism of the SX-70

ALL Folding SX-70 Cameras have the following features in common:

SX-70 (Original Model):

1972-77
SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) viewing and focusing.
Chrome-plated plastic body with genuine leather covering.

But mine is real stainless steel!
No. It is plastic - really. Even if it feels like metal. It is fairly thick metal plated. You would have to drill /scratch it to find out - don't!

IMPORTANT FIRSTS:
- First camera using Polaroid integral print films
- First ever (?) production SLR with a folding body.

COLLECTOR'S NOTES:
There are 3 minor variations of this camera:
- First year production models (10/72 - 10/73) have plain ground glass focusing screen; no focus scale.
- Later models have split-image rangefinder circle and no focus scale.
- Still later models have split-image RF circle and focus scale.

Definitely a landmark camera in the history of photography, and, IMHO, Edwin Land's materpiece.
Probably the most common folding SX-70 camera, however.
Original Price was $180


Photo: Bob D'Asto

SX-70 Alpha 1

1977

Similar to SX-70 (Original Model), except:

  • Has "fill-flash" capability (using Flashbars)
  • Has tripod socket and neck strap lugs.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE:
Early models are simply lableled "SX-70 Alpha" with no number.

Original Price was $233


Photo: Beth

SX-70 Alpha 1 Executive: (Special Markets)

1977
Similar to SX-70 Alpha 1.

SX-70 Alpha 1 SE (Special edition):

1977

Similar to SX-70 Alpha 1, except: Black body and vinyl, blue shutter button
Original Price was ?

SX-70 Alpha 2:

1977

Similar to SX-70 Alpha 1, except: Black plastic body with brown vinyl ("Porvair") covering.
Original Price was 180$

SX-70 Executive: (Special Markets)

1975-77
Similar to SX-70 (Original Model).

SX-70 Model 2:

1975-77

Similar to SX-70 (Original Model), except:

  • White plastic body with brown vinyl ("Porvair") covering.

COLLECTOR'S NOTES:
All Model 2s have a split-image rangefinder circle. Seems that most have focus scales, but not all.

SX-70 Model 3:

1975-78

Similar to SX-70 Model 2, except:
Plain viewfinder; focus by scale only. (NOT a SLR)
Flashbar-socket on viewfinder-hood. Black plastic body with brown vinyl ("Porvair") covering.
Original Price was $99.95

Photo: GH

SX-70 Sonar OneStep:

1976

Similar to SX-70 Alpha 2 except:


  • Autofocus; uses Polaroid Sonar AF system.
  • Has AF "preview" available before exposure is made.
  • Full manual focus is also possible.

Original Price was $299.95


Photo: Bob D'Asto

TimeZero SX-70 AF:


Photo shows SX-70 Time Zero Special Edition
Similar to SX-70 Sonar OneStep.

Photo: Marv Ulanoff

TimeZero SX-70 AF Model 2:


Similar to SX-70 Sonar OneStep.

SLR 680:

1982


Similar to TimeZero SX-70 AF except:

  • Uses 600 film.
  • Has built-in automatic electronic flash.
  • Flash reflector automatically tilts depending on focus distance.
    Original Price was $265


Photo: Bob D'Asto

SLR 690:

1996


The latest model in the SX-70 Family is the SLR 690
See the press-release.
It is similar to the SLR680 except:

  • uses a 4 Bit - Microprocessor instead of the analog control circuitry.
  • screws are metrical.
  • The SLR690 is produced in Japan.

Original Price is $399