Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1
[1972-1977]

When folded the SX-70 presents a slim appearance and hides the fact that it is a camera. Classed as a single lens reflex, the SX-70 hold a special place in history due to the unique film technology introduced with the camera. It produced instant colored prints without the use of a negative. The self contained print slowly appeared after it was automatically ejected from the camera after exposure. The camera was powered by a disposable flat battery pack which came hidden in the film pack. Although focusing was manual (to 10 1/2 in), the SX-70 utilized an automatic exposure control. The SX-70 became the first autofocus SLR in 1978 when it used sound waves (sonar) for estimating the distance from the camera to subject.

Nagaoka 4x5 Field Camera
[circa 1976]

The folding wood field camera is still widely used by nature and landscape photographers. The cameras are very light in weight and fold into a compact package perfect for backpacking. The large format 4 x 5 inch film yields a large high quality negative perfect for the production of art photographs. The Nagaoka is virtually identical to the Tachihara 4 x 5 field camera with the exception of brass fittings rather than chrome plate.

Large format cameras can accept a variety of lenses which are mounted on a removable lens board.