The Polaroid Pronto! Land Camera is an instant camera for the SX-70 format. It was introduced by Polaroid in 1976. The design of the body and the construction is very similar to the Polaroid OneStep or Polaroid 1000. Like the Polaroid SX-70, the plastic camera does not fold up.
The Pronto! is completely black, the only splash of color being the red shutter button.
The Pronto! has a 116 mm plastic lens with a maximum aperture of f/9.4. In later versions, the lenses were also color corrected.
Focusing has to be done manually by turning the lens to the right distance. You should keep 0.9 meters (3 feet) away from the subject to get a sharp image, the distance must be estimated. The subject is aimed through the simple viewfinder.
That’s about it in terms of settings, the Polaroid Pronto! sets aperture and exposure time itself. The exposure can still be influenced a bit with the light/dark slider.
A flash can be connected to the Polaroid Pronto! There is a connector on the top of the camera for this purpose. Flashbars (flash bars with small flash bulbs), Polatronic flash or the Impossible Flash Bar by Mint can be used.
It does not have a connection for a tripod.
Films for the Pronto
The Pronto is designed for the SX-70 format. The original Polaroid SX-70 film is no longer manufactured. For this, there are alternatives from The Impossible Project for the Polaroid Pronto. The films are also sold under the original brand name again since 2020. Here you can use all SX-70 films.
For example, the Polaroid Color Film for SX-70* for color images or also the Polaroid B&W Film for SX-70* for black and white images.
A counter on the back shows the remaining images. If you take pictures with films from Impossible, you should be aware that you already have to change the film when you see a 2 in the window, because there are only 8 pictures left in a pack instead of 10.
However, Polaroid 600 films (or those from Impossible) can also be used in the Pronto! Since these have a higher sensitivity, it is advisable to use an ND filter to lower it. You can either attach one in front of the lens or get the “Impossible ND Film Pack Filter”. The latter comes over the film cassette and thus lowers the sensitivity.
Other versions of the Pronto!
It with the Polaroid Pronto! Sears Special, Polaroid Pronto! SE and Polaroid Pronto! BC. These have the same features but differ slightly in design.
The Polaroid Pronto! Plus is identical to the normal Pronto! but came with a matching case, photo album, film and flash bar.
In addition to these four cameras, there were also other versions of the Pronto!
Polaroid Pronto! B
Polaroid Pronto! S
Polaroid Pronto! Extra
Polaroid Pronto! SM
Polaroid Pronto! RF
Polaroid 1500
Polaroid 2000
Polaroid 3000
Polaroid Super Clincher
Polaroid Encore!
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | SX-70 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 79 mm x 79 mm |
| Focal length | 116 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/9.4 |
| Minimum focus distance | 90 cm / 2.952 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Flashbar connector |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
| Estimated value / Used price | 53,58 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 85,00 Euro (92.00 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 55,75 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 44,13 Euro (47.63 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Polaroid Pronto!
What kind of film does the Polaroid Pronto! use?
The Polaroid Pronto! uses SX-70 film. Original Polaroid SX-70 film is discontinued, but Impossible Project and Polaroid now offer compatible alternatives. These films are designed for this camera and provide instant photos.
How do I focus the instant camera?
Focusing is manual. You need to adjust the lens to the correct distance, roughly estimating the subject's distance; aim for about 0.9 meters (3 feet) for sharp photos. The viewfinder helps you aim.
Can I use a flash with the Pronto! camera?
Yes, you can connect a flash to the Polaroid Pronto!. It has a port on top for flashbars, Polatronic flashes, or the Impossible Flash Bar by Mint.
Does the Polaroid Pronto! have a tripod mount?
No, this instant camera does not have a tripod mount. You'll have to hold it steady for your exposures.
What are the settings on the Polaroid Pronto?
The Polaroid Pronto! automatically sets aperture and shutter speed. You can only adjust the brightness slightly using a light/dark control. It's a simple point-and-shoot.