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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glue or other adhesive
• Hobby knife or other cutting tool
• Neutral density (ND) lens filter
• Plastic compact disc case

1. Locate the photocell on the front of the SX-70 camera body, to the right of the lens.

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.

3. Remove the camera's built-in neutral density filter.

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.

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.

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.

7. Replace the lens, if you had to remove it, and attach your new one-stop ND filter.

8. 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.

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.