How to Take BETTER POLAROIDS with the SX-70 

Thank you for the honesty and saying "you're only seeing the photos I choose to share" 🤘

Brooo I needed this!! It seems like all the sx-70 tips on the internet are either generic info or found in weird photography forums. Thanks for the quality content :)

I totally agree with everything you’ve said in the video! I recommend people check out the Sx-70 Sonar as well. It’s usually cheaper than the regular Model 1&2’s. The autofocus is sharp and great for taking more candid photos on the fly. It does also allow for manual focus for more control with your shots!

Great video! Super helpful to know a bit about the camera before I take pictures with it... Here are some timestamps if you want a quick refresher on the tips: 0:55 - Tip #1 - Get to know the light meter! 2:10 - Tip #2 - Get in close! 3:17 - Tip #3 - When in doubt... underexpose! 4:43 - Bonus Tip - Practice with the camera (AMAP)

There are some really important things that I feel you could have thrown in there with useing impossible’s (Polaroid originals) film. The first is keeping it from seeing any light for at least 45 minutes. It can be super important. Their frog tongue accessory is pretty big have in my opinion as the film is still very susceptible for the first 30 seconds to a minute after the exposure is taken. The frog tongue keeps the film from seeing light for the first couple seconds or so. It also is built in to all the new first party cameras they have released. Another good tip is to keep the box around as well as the dark slide to store the photos after exposure. The last one is the temperature the film develops at. It hates the cold. When I used to shoot it in the winter while road tripping I would take a picture put it in the box and let it develop on the dashboard with heat on it. If you can’t do that store it in an internal pocket of your coat. I think these are some pretty big issues to address to help someone get the most out of their sx-70.

Polaroids are not so easy to use but can give amazing results! We just did a polaroid vs instax video, we tried to take portraits and they came pretty good, more than we expected! Trying to push italy 🇮🇹 into film community

I’ve honestly been scared to shoot with my SX-70, but honestly after watching this video I think I’m ready to give it a shot! Thanks for the tips, they’re really helpful! 😎

Underexpose when in doubt, love it! Thanks Matt

More SX 70 content please! I loved the previous video about it, the shots were great. I’m still learning with mine and getting better each time.

dude, this video has perfect timing. i just got an sx-70 last week, so hopefully these tips will help me make better photos with it.

the motion blur example one is definitely my favourite!

Great advice here, dude. Especially the one about under exposure. All of the Polaroid Originals film that I shot, I was never a fan of the washy/yellow look to the highlights. That was shooting with a Sun 660. Looks like it may be time to pick up an SX-70!

I was just gifted one of these 2 days ago and came directly to RU-vid for help. I don’t know squat about photography but quickly recognized the manual light and focus dials on the camera.There are quite a few videos describing this that and the other about the sx-70 but none addressed the specifics how to use those dials like you did. Kudos to you sir! I sure do wish you explained which way to turn that light dial to get the exposure you recommended for us dummies…

Great to see you shooting polaroid again Matt ! Haven’t seen you use them regularly for a while ? If I was adding tips it would be the following : 1. Be aware of how temperature sensitive Polaroid film is , ie try to avoid shooting in too hot or cold temps if possible. 2. Always use a frog tongue.

Love my sx-70. It's such a satisfying camera.

Just got an sx-70 and this is real helpful! Hope to make some good photographs on it...

I love Brooklyn film camera 🖤 support the local business and also keep the art of film photography alive. Awesome vide 🙆🏻‍♀️

Thanks for the great tips! I just bought one. Can't wait to get it and start shooting.

Had to send one off for repair and should be getting it back today! So excited to start shooting with it. Polaroid should hook u up...you've done enough SX-70 vids to get that sponsorship!

I was just given this camera for my birthday and I’m so excited. Waiting for the film to come in

BIG HELP! thankyou the L/D controll was giving me some problems.

Awesome video, and VERY helpful. The lightmeter tip is on point and the last advice is as simple as essential, so I guess I'll use my stock from the fridge and forget about the money a bit. Thank you!

I just scored an SX-70 with leather case for 100 Canadian bucks, delivery included. I paid 85 for the camera, so the deals are still out there if you get lucky. The ad said it was in very good used condition but untested , which made me nervous, but took a chance anyways. After nervously buying the mega expensive film today and putting it in the SX-70, I would have loved to have seen a picture of my face after I closed the film door and heard that magic sound and seeing the black cover slide out. My heart is still pumping and I can’t wait to get outside tomorrow to start shooting !!! Thanks for the information in your videos, it’s awesome and helped me pull the trigger on looking and buying one of these iconic cameras.

Thanks Matt this was an awesome video! I was soo lucky to have been gifted one of these from a stranger on Instagram, I've only put one pack through it and this re-inspired me to pick it up again. Something really special about instant film.

I like the SX70 and have had several. I remember actual Polaroid film which was far superior to the stuff that is sold now. I currently am shooting up the last of my 100 series peel apart film made by Fuji, before it goes bad. I am glad someone is still making the 600 series film even if it is a shadow of what it was. I love Polaroids

More videos like this, please! Such great tips...

The lighting is looking SICK

Thank you for the video ! great review !

Helpful information and sick shirt btw🤙🏼

"You're only seeing the photos I choose the share." THANK YOU! Every time I mess up a shot I want to pack up my sx-70 and never use it again. But now maybe I feel hopeful that if I just keep doing it I'll eventually get some good shots.

wow some of your photos are gorgeous!! This confirms my desire to get one from brooklyn film camera.

This video helped alot. Today I got the best results I've ever gotten on my sx-70. Thanks 👍

You killed it, Matt!

Wow, thanks for the extra tip! And yeah it’s definitely my favorite too! I have 2, the AF one and the one you have, I love the AF one cause it’s fast but the OG one is just beautiful and definitely gets recognized more

New subscriber man!, thanks for the tips i just purchased one, so confused on how to take a picture that isnt blurry, but just gotta stand closer and keep practising

I'm new to your channel it's so good I am digging out my old compacts and hope to get snapping thanks for your tips

As always - thankyou for your wisdom, Father Day

I neeeever thought about the light meter like that! Great video dude..I gotta bust out my SX70 again 😭

The way you look at the camera... that's love 😆 I have one too and I miss shooting with it, but for someome in Argentina the film is just impossible to buy. Some day!

Hi Matt, Nice video and it's always appreciated when great guys like you help the community to learn about instant films and cameras .. i guess you have tried the Mint cameras (SLR670X,S,M).. i usually recommend it to people that wants to take their games a little further and bring more control over the film. it also allows you to shoot both 600 and sx-70 types, among other great features.. i know it's a quite pricy but worth the shot and it's always nice to also support those guys which are making a fantastic job to improve our tools and toys for creativity. if you haven't done it yet, maybe you could make a video about those cameras and show your audience what they can go for..

Found an alpha 1 at a thrift store last week for 60 bucks. Just got the film. IT WORKS! So excited.

Matt thanks for this! My father and I were having some difficulty and this will be super helpful and save us some $$$

I just picked up the Model 2 for $25 from my local antique barn. I love it!

Matt, Thanks for the inspiration. I've been guilty of not using my SX-70 for the sake of saving my film for a special purpose or project. It's time to get out there and shoot and improve my instant film skills.

After growing up with this in the 70-/80/90s I bought 1 a few months ago mostly for nostalgia.. and quickly comming to the conclusion that flash and or tripod or very handy for this camera .. .. along with leica m’s , hasselblad 500s and possible rolleiflex has got to in the mix for the most famous /iconic designed cameras to date ..

My first couple shots were either underexposed or over exposed and I’m learning. It is a process and it’ll be amazing to see how far I go! I cherish these first incorrectly exposed shots.

Like many who commented, this is such a truly informative video about shooting with sx-70. Thank you so much!

thank you so much! I just got my sx-70 and experimented with it for the first time yesterday. I really liked your advice to just TAKE the photos and to practice, and not treat it as a special occasion camera. It's so true!! By the way, do you recommend always using a tripod when shooting, regardless of being outside or inside? (I know you mentioned not needing a tripod if you turn the wheel towards the underexposure side)... but what about taking photo with normal exposure? should you use a tripod as much as possible?

I love SX70, I am using the sonar version now that I am older and have bad vision ... I agree that shoot a lot to get better ... I never think about the cost of film, just hope to get a good image!!!

Polaroid has a slightly unpredictable nature to it, and that adds to the joy of shooting it. Anything down to a slight speck of dust on your rollers an affect your image. I always make sure I have film stocked up for my SX-70 Model 2.

That’s a quality video, nice.

Interesting metering tips

This is dope I just bought one at a low price here at a local swap meet!

Well done!👍

Sx70, true love!

My friend gave me one for my birthday and I am in love 😍

I love mine too. I shoot this along side my modded RB67 that takes instax, and the MiNT Rf70.

I really like your videos, you always bring me a lot of motivation to make videos myself. Thanks for that! Stay as you are :)

Hello, super nerdy, but I wanted to say thank you for making this video! Your photos are beautiful also.

Thank you! I need to use mine more often. :3

Please make a video like this with a Onestep!! Love this content :)

The SX-70 is amazing

Matt thanks for sharing, do you think it is necessary to get the film shield?

Hey Matt! I enjoy your videos. It was because of your videos that I invested in 2 rebuilt XS-70s. Here is a question for you. When you say "underexposed" that is a mark or two on the dark side on the dial or the white side? I thought you meant dark side, but wanted to clarify. The problem I seem to have is that no matter what I shoot or when, the colors are just not as rich, as I would like them to be. I realize Polaroids are Polaroids but I feel I should be getting richer color out of my efforts.

Nice Matt!!! can you do the same video with the polaroid onestep 2 +......

This video was legit very helpful thank you Father Day lol

i think im gonna get this one

Ayyyyyye cameo @ 2:45

Hey Matt, with the ASA and fstop being fixed, the exposure compensation is changing the shutter speed, correct? So my main question is... what is the standard shutter speed at zero exposure compensation and how much of a stop is each level of compensation? Thanks!

I know people will hate this but I have been so lucky - been given two and have three more I paid no more than 20 bucks for. Anyways - I learned how to shoot them really well when Impossible was first getting going because we had this great shop in Cleveland specializing in analog and instant film called Aperture. I wish he had stuck around - I think he would be doing really well these days! Anyways - that was kind of the first revival of film and I couldn’t believe the camera prices. Now I’m watching people throw all kinds of money at cameras not nearly as nice or cool as SX70’s - always interesting to watch trends come and go.

please make a video abt tips in using polaroid one step 2

Matt have you ever used the mint flash bar attachment on the sx70???

Just bought a sx-70 land camera for $80. Thank you for the tips. I'm that guy that's afraid to waste film 🤣

Hi Matt, I've always wondered why you don't use the sonar/af sx-70 or slr680. Any thoughts?

Wow this camera is cool!

Hey Matt, what are your thoughts on the MiNT SLR670S?

thinking of picking up a polaroids, what are your thoughts on the SX-70 vs. the new OneStep+, which would be a better camera to invest in

I wish I had a SX-70 camera with the color rendition of Instax.

Thanks for this review! Can you give an advice please? Does SX-70 take photos with those terrible white flashes/splashes/stains, as 600 film?? I want to buy SX-70 but I need just good clean natural photos.

How do you calibrate an external lightmeter with the compensation dial?

Hey Matt, you suggest underexposing SX-70 film - stupid question coming up - which way is that? into the white of the wheel or the black?

BIG TIP... Get a light meter something like the LUMU power 2 dome for the APP by the same name that works in conjunction with your IPhone lightening port. This + the SX- 70 & Matt’s tips. Your SET ...watch the stunning results. You’ll never look back. 💪🏼👍🏻🎥

Hey Matt hmm could you tell me what do you use to flim your RU-vid videos ? like camera settings white balance the quality feels amazing

Hi Matt! I was wondering if the light meter on the sx70 shows a display of the recommended compensation when looking anywhere through the viewfinder? I have made a chart based on info I read as to how to set the exposure compensation based on the lighting, and taped it to the bottom of the camera, that has helped a ton. I never knew though if I should be able to see an actual meter reading somewhere!! Thank you!

Marty McFly’s camera!!! ♥️

I find it better to use black and white film to practice light exposure on my sx70. I love the imperfections.

Not sure if this has been answered before (just stumbled across your channel) but, how do you travel with your camera through TSA? Do you have them hand check it? What about the film?

Hi matt, how do you feel about sx70 using 600 film with the nd filter in terms of quality and results?

Do you have any tips when using the SX-70 with the MINT flashbar?

Hey Matt. Do you know if the mint flashbar 2 is compatible with the SX-70 Model 1? I am really confused because I've read a couple of times that it's not compatible but then again on RU-vid by the looks of things people are using them together :/ The website does not say there is compatibility issues and even offers to sell them together as a package!

Hello Matt, can you recommend me a place to take my sx-70 for repair in the US? thanks

turning it towards the black side is underexposing correct? the white side is for more light exposure?

I havent taken non instax instant photos in 4 years, but I decided to take my SX-70 to the Caribbean tomorrow. We'll see how it turns out

@matt day "Would love to do a video on the conversion and results from it!" Did you make the video regarding the conversion?

How does the Light Meter and shutter respond when in low light scenarios? I have an SLR 680 with four manual controls that allows me to shoot SX 70 film. Will the light meter recognize the low light and take a 6-7 second shutter or should I rely on the app where I can control the shutter speed for the camera?

Does it matter if you use the original or model 1 or model 2 ?

i have one of these with what looks like original paperwork and a leather case and the flash part that can be removed from the top....is it worth anything?

Can you tell me anything about an Argus electronic flash it says it's good for Polaroid sx-70 Pronto's or one-step a model 9670 I know nothing about it what's your opinion and can I use it with my sx-70

I have a SX 680 that is in great shape. How do I determine and get the best price for it?

I have a hard time seeing through the viewfinder on mine. It’s like looking through a tourist telescope thing. I have to constantly move it around. Kind of a pain.