I often get asked “why do I need to use a neutral density filter to shoot Polaroid film with my SX-70?” The simple answer is that Polaroid film found readily in stores today are more light sensitive than the film made when the SX-70 came out.
Most retail stores sell Polaroid 600 film. They are easily identified by their blue packaging.
If you put in Polaroid 600 film into your SX-70, all of your photos will come out too bright. This will happen even if you turn your exposure dial all the way down.
A neutral density (ND) filter acts like a pair of sunglasses for your film. By using a ND filter, your photos will come out properly exposed. The Twin Tails Camera Shop ND filter is easy to install and reusable!
This is a much cheaper and non-destructive method compared to sending your SX-70 to a shop to have it 600 converted. SX-70 600 conversions generally cost $200+ while we sell ND filters for only $9!
For those who are proficient in photography – Polaroid 600 film is ISO 640 rated while the SX-70 is expecting ISO 100 film. The ND filter reduces light hitting the film by 2 stops, resulting in the ISO 640 film functionally becoming ISO 100 film.
Have Questions?
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