You know, this was made nearly 50 years ago. Most of the people in it have passed on, and even the youngest who appear in it are approaching old age. And in the photos made for this--and in all the photos made with the SX-70, over time--contained in that little square that just popped out of the camera is a thought someone once held, an idea and a feeling from someone's consciousness, a frame of a moment from a life. That's part of the magic of photography, to record in a fraction of a second and hold fixed something of what makes us individually human. The SX-70 was, and is, indeed a wonderful tool to perform that magic. And this video wonderfully and movingly conveys that.
Beautifully put. I bought my very first SX-70 Sonar & it arrived today. The seller was very honest and listed it’s fault (imaged getting stuck & motor continually whirring) I only paid £20 for it & I will get it repaired when I can afford it. I always wanted one of these and to hold my own in my hands now, fills me with pride. Watching this film on the iconic SX-70 was an absolute privilege and made me respect this perfect piece of mechanical engineering even more. It’s truly an amazing camera that we should all be passionate about. Can you imagine how many have been thrown away or gathered dust in lofts or garages over the past 48 years?
@@beverleypearson2646 I feel your joy! I lucked out and found mine in a second-hand shop on the east coast of Florida a few years ago. The proprietor was asking only $35 for it, and I jumped on it. Fortunately, it works perfectly. I did replace the leather on it--it looked as if a young child had scribbled on it with a biro--and I found a gentleman in Switzerland who makes an adapter that allows me to connect it to my studio flash kit, so I've been having a bit of fun with that. Hope you get yours up and running soon, and enjoy it thoroughly!
My dad was around 16 when this was made, hes been doing photography his whole life. Now im 17 and continueing the family business. Getting one of these soon.
I have a completely rebuilt Retrospekt Polaroid Sx-70. The pop up viewfinder mechanism broke. There's a tiny spring attached to a plastic clip that allows the viewfinder to collapse and fold down along with the body of the camera. The viewfinder is very delicate, be forewarned. Pull gently towards the back the folded down viewfinder to 'pop' it up. Push down very gently to retract the viewfinder and click it into the down position on the body of the camera.
Im so sad Polaroid went bankrupt, dont get me wrong the "Impossible Project," AKA "Polaroid," does a great job making a reproduction film, but looking at images my grandparents took of my dad in the 80s and photos of me as a baby, the color, and sharpnes, and grain is so much more advanced. I love how they keep inovating on the film, but I really hope they keep improving.
I love the background music. Love everything else about this video too. So well made. The quote at the end is really well said. Devices made with great attention and care deserved to be used well by users to complete the circle of creativity
4:38, "two hundred transistors and as many resistors", just 200? My god technology has advanced a lot. You can barely do anything with that nowadays. It actually makes the SX 70 seem even more impressive.
Made by Americans in Cambridge Mass. Right there on the back. BEFORE the two letter state postal designation in the US. Recent American history right here! Amazing!
This video is amazing! Its great to see how the whole instant photography chemistry works, along with how the camera works. Its sad now that Polaroid no longer makes film, and Impossible Project does, which is pretty cool, even though the film is pretty pricey. It kind of made me cringe when the woman was taking constant pictures of the girl playing around, but then I realized this was mad before Polaroid went down under.
Awesome video and CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Impossible film please bring back the original chemistry now that you own the intellectual rights of Polaroid!!!!!!!! And someone please start building newer and bigger SX-70 cameras!
2:43 I think that’s why half my pictures didn’t work in my camera I wasn’t giving it enough seconds to stay still and for the picture to spit out. These things need LOTS of light to work correctly!
Quick question. When and how would an advert like this been shown? I assume it was made to be broadcast on TV, but a 10 minute commercial? Anyone remember seeing this in its time?
Haha, no they didn't have infomercials in the 1970s. Go to the Eames website here: www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/sx-70-polaroid/ This was originally shown at a Polaroid shareholder meeting to introduce the camera. Then it was used within the company as a sales tool.
@@xoxohayaati I expect you might well have got to see it if you went to a trade show where Polaroid was exhibiting. It's also likely that salemen went on the road with it.
can this thing really develope despite the amount of light? I mean, obviously shining a light at it during development would ruin it, but could it really do it just by leaving it on a desk or something?
Not original polaroid film. The opacifier that spread over the photo sensitive layers completely blocked out light and would also contain the developer, the original opacifier Polaroid used was very strong, you could let it sit in direct sunlight and the photo wouldn’t be spoiled. It was very good.
America was a somewhat gentler place then. This is before the hateful divisive politics of the 1980s. This is when America was a good place. Its not a good place anymore.
Beautiful commercial but taking a photo of insects? Each 10 pics film pack costs about $50 (inflation adjusted for 2023) - it is simply not economical. Also, the camera cost around $1,300 today. Nowadays we take photos with our phones and they far exceed the quality of imaging of Polaroid and you can shoot as many as you want - cost of 225 full resolution pictures is only a penny (per gigabyte right now) but unlike film, the digital image keeps getting cheaper and cheaper thanks to cheaper storage.
You know, this was made nearly 50 years ago. Most of the people in it have passed on, and even the youngest who appear in it are approaching old age. And in the photos made for this--and in all the photos made with the SX-70, over time--contained in that little square that just popped out of the camera is a thought someone once held, an idea and a feeling from someone's consciousness, a frame of a moment from a life. That's part of the magic of photography, to record in a fraction of a second and hold fixed something of what makes us individually human. The SX-70 was, and is, indeed a wonderful tool to perform that magic. And this video wonderfully and movingly conveys that.
Beautifully put.
I bought my very first SX-70 Sonar & it arrived today. The seller was very honest and listed it’s fault (imaged getting stuck & motor continually whirring) I only paid £20 for it & I will get it repaired when I can afford it. I always wanted one of these and to hold my own in my hands now, fills me with pride.
Watching this film on the iconic SX-70 was an absolute privilege and made me respect this perfect piece of mechanical engineering even more. It’s truly an amazing camera that we should all be passionate about.
Can you imagine how many have been thrown away or gathered dust in lofts or garages over the past 48 years?
@@beverleypearson2646 I feel your joy! I lucked out and found mine in a second-hand shop on the east coast of Florida a few years ago. The proprietor was asking only $35 for it, and I jumped on it. Fortunately, it works perfectly. I did replace the leather on it--it looked as if a young child had scribbled on it with a biro--and I found a gentleman in Switzerland who makes an adapter that allows me to connect it to my studio flash kit, so I've been having a bit of fun with that. Hope you get yours up and running soon, and enjoy it thoroughly!
rulnacco
I’m so pleased that yours worked and to adapt it to your studio lighting is amazing.
I’m thrilled for you.
All the best..... stay safe 😀
Great film! Who is here after Van Neistat podcast? I think this is the video that he was talking about... Fascinating!
Upon seeing this, I have reversed my decision to sell the SX 70 sitting in my cabinet. It is truly a gem of engineering.
Hell, ya! But what is your asking price?
This is awesome. I wish companies would make advertisements like this nowadays.
honestly yeah. very thorough and informative. i also wish things came with actual user manuals.
This was so moving!
My dad was around 16 when this was made, hes been doing photography his whole life. Now im 17 and continueing the family business. Getting one of these soon.
I just shot an SX-70 today, its still magical.
It allows you to dream an image, then pull it into the waking world.
Van Neistats Interview on the Rich Roll Podcast brought us here :) amazing piece of art
Same.
2:08
Polaroid: WRITE THAT DOWN WRITE THAT DOWN!
Btw for film shot in 1973 it looks and sounds REALLY good!
This is incredible. I wasn't expecting this to be that informative, and now I need an sx-70
TheSanoKid You ever get one?
Get one !! You will never regret it 👍🏻
I love the sound of the reflex mirror slapping up inside the body...
Beautifully made advert! I would never 'Skip' this! ;-)
Agreed, it is just so amazing.
I like this Stereo thing... voice left, music right
The production quality and video quality is still very good and professional like even in 2020.
I have a completely rebuilt Retrospekt Polaroid Sx-70. The pop up viewfinder mechanism broke. There's a tiny spring attached to a plastic clip that allows the viewfinder to collapse and fold down along with the body of the camera. The viewfinder is very delicate, be forewarned. Pull gently towards the back the folded down viewfinder to 'pop' it up. Push down very gently to retract the viewfinder and click it into the down position on the body of the camera.
The Eamses knew how to tell a story.
Im so sad Polaroid went bankrupt, dont get me wrong the "Impossible Project," AKA "Polaroid," does a great job making a reproduction film, but looking at images my grandparents took of my dad in the 80s and photos of me as a baby, the color, and sharpnes, and grain is so much more advanced. I love how they keep inovating on the film, but I really hope they keep improving.
I love the background music. Love everything else about this video too. So well made. The quote at the end is really well said. Devices made with great attention and care deserved to be used well by users to complete the circle of creativity
Shot on FILM of course at that time.
A beautiful film about an incredible product.
Oh to have film that good again
4:38, "two hundred transistors and as many resistors", just 200? My god technology has advanced a lot. You can barely do anything with that nowadays. It actually makes the SX 70 seem even more impressive.
I love this lil' film SO VERY MUCH.
I loved this! Edwin Land was such a genius.
This sounds awesome with earphones!
This is awe inspiring
simply amazing... i love polaroid.
that was a beautiful film! And it was an advertisement! I love my Sx-70 camera.
Van got me here. Wow.
Made by Americans in Cambridge Mass. Right there on the back. BEFORE the two letter state postal designation in the US. Recent American history right here! Amazing!
Spooky yet critical narration
i love this cam
This video is amazing! Its great to see how the whole instant photography chemistry works, along with how the camera works. Its sad now that Polaroid no longer makes film, and Impossible Project does, which is pretty cool, even though the film is pretty pricey. It kind of made me cringe when the woman was taking constant pictures of the girl playing around, but then I realized this was mad before Polaroid went down under.
Matthew Maduli even when polaroid was around the film was sort of the same price as it is now inflation
Matthew Maduli they do sell film
this is actually incredible
Infinity...whoa
Awesome video and CAMERA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Impossible film please bring back the original chemistry now that you own the intellectual rights of Polaroid!!!!!!!! And someone please start building newer and bigger SX-70 cameras!
I miss Polaroids...they were fun
Amazing
Van brought me here 0.o
.......a Spirited camera.
YES
2:43 I think that’s why half my pictures didn’t work in my camera I wasn’t giving it enough seconds to stay still and for the picture to spit out. These things need LOTS of light to work correctly!
a spirited man brought me here
and me too
Wonderful.
You can still get film. The Impossible project makes it.
Nice well made film
2019 here
Quick question. When and how would an advert like this been shown? I assume it was made to be broadcast on TV, but a 10 minute commercial? Anyone remember seeing this in its time?
David Jennings could have been in those television time slots solely for infomercials
Haha, no they didn't have infomercials in the 1970s.
Go to the Eames website here:
www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/sx-70-polaroid/
This was originally shown at a Polaroid shareholder meeting to introduce the camera. Then it was used within the company as a sales tool.
Nick Marshall but they had those shows where they would demonstrate new products and people called in to order and talk about it, hey?
@@xoxohayaati I expect you might well have got to see it if you went to a trade show where Polaroid was exhibiting. It's also likely that salemen went on the road with it.
At 7:34 is that a Hewlett-Packard instrument?
Im gonna try 600 film and a ND filter and see how it turns out. I’m still trying to figure out how everything works with this thing
van neistat sent me here
i would like to know how the long exposure mode is implemented?
Those nine people sold their ones and are now sad for the video reminding them.
So weird to see see this but its an awsone camera.
Who else is here because of van?
can this thing really develope despite the amount of light? I mean, obviously shining a light at it during development would ruin it, but could it really do it just by leaving it on a desk or something?
Not original polaroid film. The opacifier that spread over the photo sensitive layers completely blocked out light and would also contain the developer, the original opacifier Polaroid used was very strong, you could let it sit in direct sunlight and the photo wouldn’t be spoiled. It was very good.
Was that Buck Rogers?!
what an advert.
The film comes out quicker , guess because it’s thinner ?
Am I weird or sth? I ask because I watch movies like that:)
“Erect position” couldn’t have worded it better
Retro
America was a somewhat gentler place then. This is before the hateful divisive politics of the 1980s. This is when America was a good place. Its not a good place anymore.
Complaining and whining about how the world works is self-pity masquerading as concern. Give it a rest, goofy. 🙄
instagram? Sorry, had to say it
Beautiful commercial but taking a photo of insects? Each 10 pics film pack costs about $50 (inflation adjusted for 2023) - it is simply not economical. Also, the camera cost around $1,300 today. Nowadays we take photos with our phones and they far exceed the quality of imaging of Polaroid and you can shoot as many as you want - cost of 225 full resolution pictures is only a penny (per gigabyte right now) but unlike film, the digital image keeps getting cheaper and cheaper thanks to cheaper storage.
I think you are not actually seeing how absolutely incredible this was in 1972. SX70 is the reason we have what we have today.
@@ThesweaterfactoryTrue.