How to Modify a SX-70 Polaroid Camera to Use 600 Film
Despite coming with a relatively hefty price tag, the SX-70 was Polaroid's first motorized camera and remains a highly sought-after collector's item. While Polaroid 600 film fits into the SX-70 camera body with relative ease, the problem is that 600 film is many times more sensitive than standard SX-70 stock. Therefore, you'll need to modify the SX-70 to compensate for the heightened film sensitivity.
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Things You'll Need
- Glue or other adhesive
- Hobby knife or other cutting tool
- Neutral density (ND) lens filter
- Plastic compact disc case
Instructions
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1
Locate the photocell on the front of the SX-70 camera body, to the right of the lens.
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2
Insert the end of a small knife beneath the retaining ring that holds the photocell to the camera. Pop the retaining ring off, as you will need to modify the built-in neutral density filter it holds.
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3
Remove the camera's built-in neutral density filter.
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4
Use a hobby knife to cut a circular piece of clear plastic from a compact disc case that's equal in size to the neutral density filter you removed. To ensure accuracy, cut a bigger piece than you need, then use a file to reduce it to the correct size.
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5
Put the clear plastic circle back in the photocell, in place of the neutral density filter, using the retaining ring to hold it in place.
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6
Place the one-stop neutral density lens you bought in front of the SX-70 camera lens. A 28 millimeter lens will fit in most SX-70 models, though it may be a snug fit. Instead of forcing it, you can use a pair of small pliers to bend back the aluminum casing holding the lens in place, removing the lens and inserting the filter.
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Replace the lens, if you had to remove it, and attach your new one-stop ND filter.
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Close up the camera body, load some 600 film in the camera and take a picture. You'll notice that the more sensitive film stock now produces images virtually the same as standard SX-70 film stock, thanks to the ND filter you added.
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Tips & Warnings
When your neutral-density component filters out exactly one camera "stop" it ensures the correct recalibration of your camera for the increased sensitivity of the 600 film stock. Talk to a staff member at a specialty camera stop to make sure you select the correct filter to modify your SX-70.
