:: DIY:: Modifying a Polaroid SX-70 Camera to Use i-Type Film with an External Battery Pack
This protocol describes how to modify a Polaroid SX-70 camera so it can use i-Type film by adding an external battery pack. The process involves carefully removing the camera's leather cover, accessing the internal screws, and soldering a new power source. Additional steps explain how to load i-Type film correctly and why an ND filter is required.
This guide is intended for users with basic technical skills and experience working with small electronics.
Turn the camera upside down and carefully remove the leather cover. Use a hairdryer to gently heat the glue, this takes time, so be patient. Use a plastic spatula to lift the cover. Remove any remaining glue with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use acetone, as it will damage the plastic.
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Remove the four screws. These are very small, special screws that normally require a specific screwdriver (which I did not have). Instead, I used a rotary tool to cut a diagonal slot in each screw (as shown by the red line in the picture). Then I removed the screws using a flat-head screwdriver.
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Identify the positive and negative terminals of the battery connection.
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Solder the battery pack as shown in pictures 4 and 5. I used a 4 × AAA battery pack (6 volts) with an on/off switch.
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Use adhesive tape to attach the battery pack to the back of the camera.
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When loading i-Type film, be aware of the pins on the back of the film pack. These can block the film pack during loading (see picture 7). To prevent this, use a dark slide to guide the film pack into the camera (as shown in pictures 8 and 9). Do not forget to remove the dark slide before fully inserting the film pack.
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To use i-Type film (SX-70 film is less light sensitive than i-type film; 160 ASA vs 640 ASA, respectively), you need an ND filter. See my separate post for more information about ND filters.