![Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 SE | by [jonrev]](http://staging-jubilee.flickr.com/8239/8510351695_1b6dc8c620.jpg)
Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 SE
DOB: September 19, 1977
During the 1970s, Polaroid issued many versions of the SX-70 in an effort to make the then-expensive camera more affordable. The Alpha 1 SE operates the same as my Alpha 1 - retaining the split-circle rangefinder, tripod mount, and neckstrap lugs - but ditches the brushed chrome-like plastic and leather coverings for black plastic and a rubber-like material known as "Porvair". Brown Porvair coverings were later used on the Model 2 and 3 cameras, and are notorious for not surviving the test of time - becoming a nightmare to remove/scrape off for those who reskin these things.
The black material on this one, while imperfect, seems to hold-up better.
I found this one on Craigslist and drove up to Waukesha, WI for it; paid only $35! It didn't work when I got there, but came back to life when I got it home and threw another empty film pack in it. I must have grabbed a dud for the drive up there.
Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 SE
DOB: September 19, 1977
During the 1970s, Polaroid issued many versions of the SX-70 in an effort to make the then-expensive camera more affordable. The Alpha 1 SE operates the same as my Alpha 1 - retaining the split-circle rangefinder, tripod mount, and neckstrap lugs - but ditches the brushed chrome-like plastic and leather coverings for black plastic and a rubber-like material known as "Porvair". Brown Porvair coverings were later used on the Model 2 and 3 cameras, and are notorious for not surviving the test of time - becoming a nightmare to remove/scrape off for those who reskin these things.
The black material on this one, while imperfect, seems to hold-up better.
I found this one on Craigslist and drove up to Waukesha, WI for it; paid only $35! It didn't work when I got there, but came back to life when I got it home and threw another empty film pack in it. I must have grabbed a dud for the drive up there.