Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar - Review

Are you a retro-style aficionado who loves to take instant film photos? If so, you've probably heard of the Polaroid SX-70, the first folding camera that took instant photos. But have you ever needed more light to take pictures with it indoors or during nighttime? Enter the Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar, a handy add-on that can make a world of difference in your instant photography game.

First things first: What is the Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar? Essentially, it's a unit that attaches to the top of your SX-70 camera and provides additional light when you need it. It's called a "flashbar" because it contains several small flash bulbs that will light up when you press the shutter button. The Mint version of the Flashbar has some notable upgrades over older models, including an LED display that shows you how much battery life you have left and the flash settings you've chosen.

The Flashbar is compatible with both folding and box-type SX-70 cameras, so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues. It's powered by two AAA batteries that are included in the package, so you can start using it right out of the box. One thing to note is that the Flashbar is not rechargeable, so you'll have to buy replacement batteries when they run out.

The Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar has two main functions: to provide additional light when you're taking pictures indoors or in low light conditions, and to compensate for the lower sensitivity of SX-70 films compared to other instant films like the 600 or I-Type. Let's take a closer look at each of these functions.

First, the flash. The Flashbar contains 10 small flash bulbs that will light up simultaneously when you press the shutter button. This burst of light can help illuminate your subjects in dark environments and add more detail to your photos. The Flashbar has three flash modes: strong, normal, and low. Strong is the most powerful mode and will provide the most light, but it can also cause your photos to look overexposed and washed out. Low mode is the least powerful and should be used in situations where you don't need a lot of light. Normal mode is a good balance between the two. You can cycle through the modes using the button on the front of the Flashbar.

The second main function of the Flashbar is to compensate for the lower sensitivity of SX-70 film. Because SX-70 film is less sensitive to light than other instant films, you might notice that your photos look underexposed or dark when you're shooting with it indoors or in low light. The Flashbar has a feature called Neutral Density compensation mode that will adjust the flash output to compensate for this. When this mode is activated, the Flashbar will provide less light than usual, which can help prevent your photos from being overexposed. You can activate this mode by holding down the Flashbar's button for a few seconds.

One cool thing about the Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar is that it comes with two colored filters: Hot Pink and Chartreuse. These filters can be attached to the front of the Flashbar to add a tinted effect to your photos. This can be a fun way to add some personality to your instant photos and experiment with different types of lighting.

Overall, the Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar is a great add-on for any SX-70 camera owner who wants to take better pictures in low light conditions. It's easy to use and provides a noticeable improvement in the brightness and clarity of your photos. However, it does come with some drawbacks. The Flashbar can be a bit bulky and can make your camera less portable. Additionally, because it's not rechargeable, you'll have to keep buying replacement batteries, which can be a hassle and add to the cost of using the Flashbar.

Despite these drawbacks, the Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar has received rave reviews from customers on Amazon, scoring an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 180 reviews. Customers have praised the Flashbar for its ease of use, compact design, and noticeable improvement in the quality of their photos. Some have even called it a "game-changer" for SX-70 photography.

In conclusion, if you're a fan of instant film photography and own an SX-70 camera, the Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar is definitely worth considering. It can provide a significant improvement in the brightness and clarity of your photos, and the colored filters can add a fun touch to your shots. Just be prepared to deal with the bulk and battery requirements of the Flashbar, and you should be good to go.

Polaroid Originals Mint SX-70 Flashbar

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