What Happened to my Camera!?!?

I used to have that question constantly bouncing around in my head when I would get a camera that wouldn't work. There's a LOT of broken cameras out there and it's very common for folks to get one that either "worked last time I used it" or "untested". Some don't even know what the hell it is (those are the ones I buy :) ). A majority of times it doesn't work or if it does, it doesn't work properly. Here's a little snag that my videographer (Dubbs) took a video of... I narrowed the problem down to faulty gears probably from packed dirt, oil, and dried up disco smoke and polyester carpeting in the geartrain.

The SX70 is a sweet little gadget. Every movement has a cause and effect and it's very efficient how it operates. But like every design things can be made better. Thus the evolution of parts on the inside and out. Stay tuned to see how the fix went.

I'm mumbling like Harrison Ford in this vid because this was actually a rehearsal... I decided to keep it. I actually have a very nice presenting voice. Seriously...

OK... it turns out the motor wasn't putting enough torque to move everyting along. I did a gear swap and it helped a little during cycling but didn't have enough umph to initiate the cycle to begin with. After about an hour of work, new gears, new motor... BLA-BLAM! Works like a champ! :)

Model 2 Gets a Makeover

The Model 2 has to be one of my favorites of the SX70 family. It was a nice evolution of the camera from a cost standpoint. Eliminate plating and save cash but don't go skimpy on features or function. Yes, the "stainless" models are in fact only plated plastic(earlier models having a brushed steel/chrome appearance and later ones having a frosted less reflective look). The downside is that Polaroid got rid of the cowhide for a new material called porvair. There's no doubt in my mind that this material was primo back in the day but unfortunately it didn't survive the elements and time. There's a few survivors here and there, but any Model 2 I've held has some very nasty covering that pretty much disintegrate in your hands. The color was very nice though... almost like a Hershey's Chocolate maroon.

I'm very happy with my latest refurb for a customer not too far from me here in Buffalo. He was very kind to drop it off at my house and chat about Polaroid for a while. I love shop talk. This Model 2 was already in very good working condition... a few adjustments and tweaks needed but a very solid camera. So without further adieu, here's my model 2 makeover. I hope this camera takes some stellar pics and is admired by those that take a glance... Thanks Randy!

Before and after...

And some more beauty shots... (and promo)