When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

My favorite camera simply for looks is the Polaroid SX-70.

I love how thiscult-classic instant camerapops open from its hip flask-like state into its ready-to-go position.

Polaroid SX-70 camera in the hand with focus on its lens

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Back then I was getting maybe one in eight usable prints, and the results were wildly inconsistent.

So I stopped trying, and the camera took its place on a bookshelf at home, a relic.

However, the latest film stock still rendered disappointing results.

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Could Retrospekt work its magic on my vintage camera?

you’re able to see the process carried out by the Milwaukee-based team in the video, above.

There were a few fixes that needed to be made.

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

The comprehensive report from the workshop listed a few additional minor issues too.

That could explain the particularly washed-out feel of my SX-70s prints.

It was great to have the camera back, but could it take decent instant photos again?

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Theres more contrast in the print on the right, which was taken after the refurbishment.

Its not packing the kind of contrast Id expect from digital tech such as a mirrorless camera.

No, the SX-70 makes vintage-looking prints, so there’s a softness to them, in any case.

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

But now there is tonal detail in the prints that wasnt there before.

Again, not to digital standards, but more like the classic instant camera look so many people love.

However, you might want brighter results, so there’s no one-stop formula.

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Also, exposure is calculated by averaging the light reflected from the scene.

In even light with little contrast say a street scene on a cloudy day you cant really go wrong.

Im glad I didnt give up on my SX-70 and for outfits like Retrospekt that restore retro tech.

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

I retract what I said about today’s SX-70 film in the aforementioned article, to a degree.

Interested in film cameras?

Check out ourbest instant cameraandbest film cameraguides.

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

You might also like

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Tear down of the Polaroid SX-70 camera in the Retrospekt workshop during a refurbish

Retrospekt’s color chart taken with my SX-70 before it was fixed (left) and after (right).(Image credit: Retrospekt)

Two Polaroid SX-70 prints flat lay on a wooden table, one of a tidal pool another of a seaside harbour

There’s more contrast in my SX-70’s prints since its lens fungus was removed. Also imperfections like those at the bottom of the prints, that I actually like.

Flat lay of Polaroid SX-70 prints on wooden table, one of a young girl on a bike in a mask, another of pink flowers