My unaltered Polaroid SX-70 with a pack of B&W 600 film. Last year, Polaroid revealed significant updates to their B&W 600 instant film packs, the most substantial since the 2020 revision of the color formula. I set aside a few packs of the new film along with several of the earlier chemistry in my refrigerator to test Polaroid's claims and, more importantly, to determine if these enhancements would finally make it possible to use Polaroid 600 film in unaltered SX-70 cameras. Daren’s MiNT-modified Polaroid SX-70 is a reference point here.
One of the main enhancements that Polaroid highlighted in the new B&W 600 chemistry is “lighter contrast,” which could imply a broader dynamic range. The challenge of shooting with Polaroid film, particularly the 600 variety being incompatible with SX-70 cameras, stems from the very limited dynamic range of this film. With this improvement, could Polaroid photography become more accessible for users of unmodified SX-70s and photographers in general?
In summary: somewhat (it depends). Equipped with several packs of both film types and two cameras, I conducted test exposures, sought out others' opinions, and formed some conclusions of my own. This article aims to assist those contemplating the use of Polaroid 600 film in their unmodified SX-70 and will also advocate for that choice. Topics covered include: the reasons the SX-70 cannot shoot Polaroid 600 film, arguments against modifying the SX-70, measuring and comparing the dynamic ranges of Polaroid B&W 600, field testing the previous and current B&W 600 chemistries in an unmodified SX-70, additional samples of new B&W 600 in SX-70, Polaroid's reaction, survey results comparing old and new B&W 600, and tips for shooting B&W 600 film in unmodified Polaroid SX-70 cameras. Support this blog and enjoy premium features with GOLD memberships! Special thanks to Daren for lending me his MiNT SX-70 for this study.
Polaroid B&W 600, captured in an unmodified SX-70.
Why can’t the SX-70 shoot Polaroid 600 film? As shown in the above photo, it seems feasible to shoot the new Polaroid B&W 600 film in unmodified SX-70 cameras, but this shot might just be an anomaly. Here’s why: Two years ago, I wrote about using Polaroid 600 film in unmodified SX-70 cameras without any accessories. The key is to choose a backlit scene to encourage the camera’s light meter to reduce exposure. However, this technique lacks precision and reliability. The photo of Norah has a lot of bright light in the center, which could influence the exposure quality, similar to how the backlit technique operates. In other words, this might simply be a fortunate shot.
Polaroid film is not exactly affordable—$20 for a pack of eight or $2.50 per frame—so it’s essential to know whether the next shot will turn out as well. Earlier versions of Polaroid B&W 600 film were not dependable on unmodified SX-70s, even with the exposure compensation wheel adjusted to full darkness:
Using the previous Polaroid B&W 600 film chemistry in a Polaroid SX-70 caused significant overexposure (the flowers are not visible/too bright).
The SX-70 features exposure control, which can adjust exposures by 1.5 stops in either direction. Given that modern Polaroid film is slightly more sensitive than the original standards, the exposure compensation dial must be set to -0.5 stops to shoot SX-70 film, leaving only a single stop for underexposure. Unfortunately, Polaroid 600 film (approximately ~ISO 640) is at least two stops more sensitive than Polaroid SX-70 film.
This signifies that using Polaroid 600 film with the compensation dial set to all-black on a Polaroid SX-70 would result in a minimum of an entire stop of overexposure. If this were a typical black-and-white or color-negative film, one stop of overexposure wouldn’t be an issue. However, Polaroid film is known for its very limited dynamic range, meaning that an overexposure of one stop in this context could easily ruin an image.
Do the updates to the new Polaroid B&W 600 make a difference? After all, it has been introduced as a product with enhanced contrast, which could imply a broader dynamic range. That’s next.
Meanwhile, here’s a case against modifying the SX-70. I discovered my lovely Polaroid SX-70 camera for $15 at a thrift shop. It had some minor
Following multiple rounds of controlled and field testing, along with a brief discussion with Polaroid, I am now prepared to disclose my findings from independent experiments: Is the new B&W 600 film compatible with unmodified Polaroid SX-70 cameras?
