04.14.07
Neko Tech - Polaroid SLR 680 SE.
Together with the 690, the SLR 680 was the last gasp for Polaroid’s high-end consumer cameras. Based on the stylishly popular SX-70 chassis and Single Lens Reflex function, this was the form factor for the first integral film camera from Polaroid. Prior to 1972, all Polaroid film was first roll-film, then pack-film peel-apart. With the release of the ground-breaking SX-70, integral film eliminated the sometimes messy other half of the peel-apart process.
1992 Polaroid SLR 680 SE.
As covered in some of my previous Polaroid entries, peel-apart film though still available, its range is steadily decreasing. Such is life in the modern world. So, the SLR 680 & 690 make a good alternative for those wanting to enjoy the creativity of instant photography. Unfortunately, Type-600 film does not respond to manipulation like SX-70 `Time Zero` film, so that avenue of expression has gone too. Sniff.
The SLR 680 was available from 1982 through to about 1994, first as the plain-Jane 680, then as the SLR 680 SE. Though I’ve looked for manual shutter & exposure control on my SE, the only difference I can see is with the name.
The 690 followed the SLR 680 in some markets, and being made in Japan, it was also on sale here until at least 2005, well after distribution stopped elsewhere in the world. Due in part to their ability to use readily available Type-600 film, MiB examples of the last-of-the-range 690s command prices approaching USD1000. During its last days, the 690 sold in Japan for JPY98,000, the present day equivalent of about USD1000. Reasonable examples of the 680 and 690 can be found in Tokyo shops, and in on-line auction houses for JPY30,000 - JPY50,000.
If you are however prepared to trawl second-hand shops, garage sales, and other places that sell old sundries, both can be had for well under USD100. Like the rest of their sister SX-70s, the 680 & 690 have a 116mm lens / f8 glass lens. Shutter speeds are controlled electronically to coincide with auto aperture selection from f8 to f22. I assume the smaller apertures are used when flash is engaged. The flash autofocuses for closer subjects.
Normal Focused Flash.
Close Focused Flash.
While later model SX-70s use a rather nice split-image focusing system (them being largely manual), the 680/690 uses a flat ground-glass focus screen. Not nearly as sexy perhaps, but with the sonar autofocus engaged, it’s a 100% accurate solution. Like the Auto Sonar SX-70, both the 680 and the 690 have a switch to disengage the mechanical autofocus cog from the focus wheel, and in doing so, you can obtain full manual control of focus. This switch re-engages to ‘On’ mode when the camera is closed, as does the Light/Dark control too if you move it off-center…
Manual Focus Switch - SLR 680 SE.
The sonar autofocus makes a great mechanical whirr noise that adds to the very 1970s camera experience. Though, with the print eject noise, it does make this type of camera not very effective for stealthy street work. It is more a party machine, and judging by the millions of photographs of this type on websites, that is something it does rather well too.
Unlike the normal 600-series cameras, the SLR 600s eject their photographs in the SX-70 stealth mode, from an indiscernible slot in the base cover. My 680 is popular at parties too, and often catches unfamiliar users with the photograph ejecting into their ill-prepared fingers. With the scare, no one has dropped the camera yet though…
Both SX-70 film and Type-600 film (named I assume as everyone knows after their ISO values) have gone through a number of improvements. SX-70 to `Time Zero` version for example, and Type-600 with a variety of variations to its borders, a matte version, a write-on version, a B&W, and a sepia version too.
The present version of Type-600 film is thinner too than the original version. Grain is finer, development artifacts less, and color rendition too is more accurate - all of which demonstrate Polaroid’s process of continual improvement, and to a certain extent the elimination of Type-600’s Polaroidness; the sweetness of muted colors and ambient temperature-based color shifts.
600-series film - 1980.
600-series film - 2007.
While the high-end consumer SLRs are no longer manufactured, Polaroid continues to make other 600-series cameras. The Spectra or 1200-series are also still available in Japan, as are a range of professional cameras, including the Macro SLR 1200 range; used for medical, scientific and legal purposes. Just as easy as digital photographs can be manipulated, evidence integrity guidelines are easier to maintain with Polaroid integral film - as a result, the manufacture of at least one type of integral film should remain on Polaroid’s agenda for at least another few days.
Arigato.