I have two wonderfully re-engineered Polaroid SX-70 cameras I purchased from Mint camera—a SLR 670a and a SLR 670s Noir. MiNT is well known for their reconditioned/refurbished and remanufactured Polaroids. They rebuild the cameras with new sensors, light meters, and electronics to shoot 600 film or both 600 and SX-70 film with higher Shutter speeds and full shutter control with the SLR 670s Noir. Each is intended to take the iconic build and manual TTL focusing of the SX-70 to new and greater creative heights.
The SLR 670a is a fast, low light performer with automatic control of shutter speed and exposure. The SLR 670s is equally capable and provides for manual or automatic control of shutter speed using a MiNT add on device called a Time Machine. When you nail your exposure metering to get proper shutter and lighting control with the SLR 670s for longer exposures, the results are utterly fantastic. When you miss exposure and take Shot after shot in a trial and effort attempt to figure out how to capture some ever elusive phototographic magic, the frustrating failures are utterly agonizing.
Such is the case in my latest adventures with my 670s and 670a. My recent experiences have gone like this:
1. Conceptualize shot and framing.
2. Set up tripod. Set up 670s.
3. Compose shot in viewfinder. Check focus.
4. Take light reading.
5. Adjust Time Machine with light reading results.
6. Attach remote cable release.
7. Check composition in viewfinder. Recheck focus.
8. Fire shutter to take the shot
9. Wait for photo to develop.
10. Curse in frustration.
11. Repeat until at least three wasted shots are taken.
12. Set up 670a on tripod.
13. Repeat steps 6 through 9.
14. Marvel at result and evaluate why didn’t begin with the 670a.
15. Curse at the wasted pile of pictures again.
I love the 670s. The Noir color scheme looks great and makes the camera even more unique. I just dont have the time or patience (or money for film) to learn how to maximize the manual capabilities of this camera. The 670a does what I need to capture the shot and move on. Sadly, the manual flagship and King of integral Polaroid film that is the 670s will soon be headed to a better home.
