SX-70 Photography

The Polaroid SX-70

The SX-70 is a folding single lens reflex Land Camera invented by Edwin Herbert Land and produced by the Polaroid Corporation in 1972. It was the first and only instant SLR in history and the first camera to use Polaroid's new SX-70 integral print film, which processed automatically. The SX-70 "Time-Zero" film ceased production in early 2006 sadly ending the actual manipulation process involving the movement or "pushing" of the viscous photo emulsion to create a one-off image.

The SX-70 Technique

The most interesting feature of the SX-70 integral print film is its ability to be manipulated while developing, and for some days after. Because the emulsion is gelatin-based, and the Mylar covering does not allow water vapor to readily pass, the emulsion stays soft for several days, allowing artists to press and manipulate the emulsion to produce effects somewhat like impressionist paintings. An example of this technique was used on the cover of Peter Gabriel's third album.