Polaroid SX-70 PolaSonic AF

Introduced in 1979 as an evolution of the groundbreaking SX-70 series, the SX-70 PolaSonic AF represents Polaroid's attempt to refine and modernize its flagship instant camera concept for a new decade. Building directly upon the legacy of the original 1972 SX-70 – the first fully automatic, motorized, foldable instant camera that ejected self-developing film – the PolaSonic AF introduced autofocus technology to the line. This innovation addressed a common consumer complaint of earlier SX-70 models, aiming to simplify picture-taking by automatically setting focus, thereby making instant photography even more accessible to casual users. The camera retained the iconic folding SLR design, featuring a sleek black and chrome body that unfolded to reveal the lens and viewfinder, maintaining the high-quality feel and presence associated with the SX-70 line.

Despite its technical refinement, the PolaSonic AF operated using the same SX-70 integral film pack as its predecessors, producing the characteristic, high-quality instant prints that defined Polaroid's appeal. It offered a fixed 4-element glass lens (typically a 116mm f/8) and incorporated a built-in electronic flash for use in lower light conditions, complementing the daylight capabilities of the original SX-70. Positioned as a premium consumer model, it represented Polaroid's continued investment in making instant photography convenient and enjoyable. While perhaps not as revolutionary as the original 1972 model, it embodied the brand's commitment to incremental improvement and maintained the SX-70's cultural cachet, being favored by artists, celebrities, and design enthusiasts throughout the late 1970s and beyond for its immediacy and unique aesthetic.