10ARTCC is developing a foldable Instax Square film camera inspired by the classic Polaroid SX-70 design. The Polaroid SX-70 camera is considered a legendary instant film camera, similar to the first iPhone when it debuted in the 1970s. It is the only foldable SLR to feature a high-quality glass lens, a distinctive aperture, and exceptional image quality in a nearly 4x5 integrated film format. Many manufacturers have attempted to replicate its success both at the time of its launch and in more recent years, but they have consistently fallen short.
Even the modern Polaroid I-2 camera, despite incorporating various technological advancements, lacks the foldable feature and faces multiple issues that Polaroid has only recently addressed. Fifty-five years on, nothing has come close to the SX-70 experience. To relive it, one must locate a vintage model and use SX-70 film—a type of emulsion that the new company is producing specifically for these older cameras.
The renewed interest in instant film, however, extends beyond one company's revival. Despite Polaroid's hesitance to permit others to innovate with their film (I discussed this issue with Daren regarding their restrictive policies in last month’s podcast episode), many small businesses have turned to Fujifilm Instax. Fujifilm, unlike Polaroid, welcomes the creation of cameras compatible with their film. MiNT has notably transitioned from modifying SX-70s to manufacturing their own rangefinders and TLRs for Instax film. In fact, I used the Instax Square platform along with Jollylook’s processor to create the world's first edible instant film camera. There are now numerous options for Instax film available, indicating that we might soon see a product that rival the brilliance of the SX-70.
10ARTCC, a business based in Shenzhen, has previously produced Instax backs for Hasselblad cameras along with various accessories. Recently, they announced their new venture: POCKET FOLD 66—a camera that resembles the SX-70 and offers full SLR capabilities while utilizing Instax Square film. The preorder for the initial batch of cameras sold out quickly at $633 each, although the public release date and the final pricing details are still undisclosed.
Additional information can be found on their website. You can change the language to English in the navigation bar, although the translation appears to be automated. Nonetheless, it's sufficient to review the complete specifications of the forthcoming unit:
- Body size: 16cm x 10cm x 4.5cm (folded with viewfinder)
- Body material: Aircraft aluminum
- Lens: 10OPT. ASPH Lens 110mm F5.6 Macro 1x (self-developed)
- Focusing distance: 15cm to infinity
- Focusing mode: Frosted focusing screen, optical framing, WYSIWYG
- Metering system: Automatic with EV adjustment
- Power supply: Built-in rechargeable lithium battery
- Expansion: Expandable Module
- Compatible photo paper: Instax Square paper
Unfortunately, there are no additional images available beyond the teaser linked to this comment. I will keep a close watch on this project and look forward to more updates, visuals, and specifications. I'll provide any new information as it arises!
The Polaroid SX-70 camera is regarded as a treasure in the realm of instant film, much like the original iPhone was when it debuted in the 1970s. It is the only foldable SLR in existence that features a high-quality glass lens, a distinctive aperture, and exceptional image quality on an almost 4x5 integrated film format. Numerous companies have attempted to duplicate the success of this camera, both at the time of its launch and more recently, but have consistently failed... #editorial.