Polaroid SX-70 Model 3

The Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Model 3 is an instant camera. The Polaroid company built it from 1975 to 1978. Although it belongs to the SX-70 series, it lacks the biggest feature. While the body is similar to the original SX-70, the Model 3 is no longer an SLR. When looking through the viewfinder, you’re not looking through a viewfinder, but you’re looking through a simple window.

The body of the camera is made of plastic. Parts of the body are covered with brown vinyl (“Porvair”). Model 3 is considered to be a slimmed down version of the series.

The lens of the Polaroid SX-70 Model 3 is not interchangeable. The focal length is fixed at 116 mm. The largest available aperture is f/8. You have to manually focus the lens on the desired subject. The distance must be estimated and then adjusted accordingly. The closest focusing distance of the lens is 26.4 cm.

The camera comes with a light meter. The Polaroid SX-70 Model 3 has an automatic exposure and sets aperture and exposure time automatically. The use of a flash is possible via the flashbar socket.

Films for Polaroid SX-70 Model 3

This instant camera is designed for the SX-70 format. Films used to be manufactured by Polaroid itself. Today, they are freshly available for purchase again. They are distributed under the brand “Polaroid Originals.

You can choose between the Polaroid Color Film for SX-70* film for color pictures and the Polaroid B&W Film for SX-70* film for black and white pictures. Films have the same size as before and a white frame.

In one package there is a film cassette with eight photos. In it there is also the battery for the power supply of the camera.

When the film is inserted, the darkslide is ejected and the camera is ready for use. After pressing the shutter button, a motor automatically transports the SX-70 out of the camera and the development of the image begins.

The Polaroid SX-70 Model 3 can only be found used. The price for a used one depends on the condition. The value is significantly lower than the models with a real SLR viewfinder.