BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Modifications for the Use of SX-70 Cameras with 600 Film

If you happen to have an old SX-70 camera lying around, you're in luck. SX-70 cameras can take Polaroid 600 film with an easy modification. Folding SX-70 cameras are superior to 600 cameras as they have optional neutral density filters, glass lenses and a starting focal length of 10.4 inches.

The modification to use 600 film with SX-70 cameras is not a modification to the camera, but to the film cartridge and is simple to do.

What you will need to load 600 film into an SX-70 camera:

  1. Open the camera.
  2. Take the old protective sheet or photograph and hold it under the bottom of a new pack of Polaroid 600 film. You need to cover all four of the plastic bumps on the bottom of the film cartridge.
  3. Holding the old protective sheet or photograph under the cartridge, insert the cartridge into the SX-70 camera.
  4. Remove the old protective sheet/photograph and close the camera.
The problem with using 600 film in an SX-70 camera is that SX-70/Time Zero film was only 150 ASA compared to 600's 640 ASA and SX-70 cameras were, of course, manufactured for SX-70/Time-Zero films. When shooting in a low light situation, there is no problem; all you need to do is adjust the camera's exposure controls and the difference in ASA will take care of the rest. Otherwise, there are easy solutions for the ASA problem.

The first is to use the SX-70 Blend film, which is made by, but not supported by Polaroid. The second is to use a factory issue 2-stop neutral density filter, which this will darken the image in the viewfinder making it more difficult to focus. The third is to use a semi-disposable filter called a PackFilter®., which are ±2 neutral density filters specially tailored to give 600 film a look similar to Time-Zero film.

For more information about where to purchase SX-70 Blend film, neutral density filters and Packfilters®, please see the Additional Resources section.

Contents © 1995-2009 J. Norris unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.