The Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Alpha 1 is an instant camera. It was introduced by the Polaroid Corporation in 1977. The biggest innovations compared to the original SX-70 are the thread for a tripod, eyelets for a camera strap and the possibility of a fill-flash via the flash bar connection.
The SLR comes with a fixed focal length. The focal length is fixed and is 116 mm. The largest aperture is f/8, there is no autofocus with the instant camera. You have to focus on the subject by hand. To get sharp pictures, you have to be at least 26.4 cm away from your subject.
The camera has a built-in light meter. The Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 can automatically set the aperture and exposure time. You can influence the exposure time with the light/dark control. The instant camera can be mounted on a tripod.
The camera requires a battery for the power supply, which is located in the film cassette of this type of camera.
Films for the Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1
In the Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1, instant films are exposed. More precisely, films for the SX-70 format are needed. These films are restored and sold under the “Polaroid Originals” brand.
The current film for colour images is Polaroid Color Film for SX-70* and for b/w images Polaroid B&W Film for SX-70*.
Both packages contain a film cassette for eight images. The film cassette also contains the battery for the camera. This means that the battery is changed every time the film is changed.
The Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 exposes an area of 7.9 x 7.9 cm. The frame fills the rest of the picture. The film transport is automatic. After pressing the shutter release, the camera ejects the image with a motor and development begins.
The camera is only available used. The condition and, if necessary, accessories determine the price and value of the instant camera.
Other models
The Alpha 1 was also sold in an “SE” (Special Edition) and “Sears Special” (for Sears) version. It was also available under the brand of the German company Foto-Quelle “Revue” as Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Alpha 1 Revue.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | SX-70 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 7,9 x 7,9 cm |
| Focal length | 116 mm |
| Biggest aperture | f/8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/175 second to 10 seconds |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Exposure compensation | ± 1EV |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Flashbar connector |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
| Estimated value / Used price | 209,33 Euro 346,81306,78203,271612,87179,1834452,532444,71222,85 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of 1.4.2024 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 732,33 Euro (792.32 US-Dollar) |