Q. Do I have to use an SX-70 camera in order to do Pola-paintings?

A. No, but if you want the best quality image, you will stick to the original camera which were made using optical glass lenses. While you can make today's 600 series Polaroid cameras take the Time Zero film, you have certain drawbacks. First is the use of plastic lenses. Plastic will never produce an image that is as sharp as real glass. Only the original cameras have glass lenses. Secondly, the new cameras are made for a type of film that is about two stops faster than the Time Zero film. To use Time Zero Film in a 600 series camera you have to use a 2 stop neutral density filter over the light sensor to trick the camera into making a correct exposure. Finally, the Time Zero Film pack must be coaxed into fitting into the modern cameras using a piece of cardboard.

All in all, we feel that there is no substitute for the real thing. A genuine Polaroid SX-70 Camera.

Q. Is Polaroid Time Zero Film the only film that can be manipulated?

A. Yes. Time Zero Film is unique in it's chemical makeup and is the only Polaroid film that remains in a soft state for a period of time once exposed and ejected from the camera.

Q. I see by your images that you do photography at night using the SX-70. How is this done?

A. The SX-70 is a remarkable piece of engineering. It's range of exposure is very impressive for a point and shoot instant camera. The SX-70 will measure the light with it's photocell and calculate a shutter speed/f stop combination for just about any lighting situation. This includes photography after dark. When the camera is properly attached to a tripod and you have the necessary cable release to make your exposures without moving the camera, you are ready to do after dark time exposures. In most instances, you will need to adjust the light/dark control toward the dark range (contrary to what you might think). The circuitry evaluates the available light and like all meters and metering systems in cameras, it strives to produce an image that is similar to a gray card. If your subject includes a significant amount of black night sky, you will have a gray sky instead of the desired black. This is where the light/dark control comes into play. Adjusting it toward the dark end of its range will keep your night sky black and allow you to render some very exciting images after the sun goes down. If you don't have a cable release or tripod adaptor, check with us.

Q. Since these cameras have not been made since the 1970's, how difficult is it to find both cameras and the Time Zero Film.

A. SX-70 cameras are in good supply but not at your local drug store. Some camera stores buy and sell used equipment. Sometimes this includes SX-70's. Many antique dealers come by SX-70's at garage and estate sales. Be prepared to stand in line if you go to an estate sale. They are always there way early. One of the best places we have found is to look at camera shows. There you can pick up the camera, smell it, look through it and even test it if you have a spent film pack with a good battery. On line auctions are somewhat risky because dead cameras are liquidated easily there in "as is" condition. You may get lucky and then again you may not.

The Time Zero Film is readily available at some camera stores, some drug stores and most Walmart stores and K-mart stores. K-mart will usually match the Walmart price if you tell them you saw it there for a lower price. Be sure to check the expiration date before you buy.