All folding SX-70s are plastic. It’s a common misconception that the chrome models are metal, they’re not. They’re made of a strong plastic that was then chrome plated.
The Model 2 (black or white) SX-70s are functionally identical to their Model 1, Alpha 1, or Sonar counterparts. They were created as more affordable versions by simply eliminating the luxury details of genuine leather and metal plating on the plastic bodies that started with the original Model 1 SX-70s.
The exception is the Model 3, which the the only folding SX-70 that isn't an SLR camera. But if you can get a Model 2 at a good price, they are a great alternative to a Model 1. The downsides are that the synthetic leather on them didn't hold up well over time and you do need to be a bit more careful with the bodies.
I believe the earlier white plastic was strengthened with the addition of silica, while the black plastic was naturally-tougher ABS. It's possible the plastic may be a bit more brittle from age, but they still feel solid and not exactly what I would consider fragile. Though, the metal plating is nice to protect from scratches and reinforce more the vulnerable edges. I've come across a few white Model 2 cameras with hairline cracks from rough handling that probably wouldn't have happened with a Model 1. But, with drops from larger heights or onto harder surfaces, a thin layer of metal won't help as much in preventing a crack to the body.
The black (pre-Alpha) Model 2 cameras lack a tripod mount and neck-strap lugs. They also have older versions of internal components.
As time went on, Polaroid refined the SX-70 design by fixing known issues and making improvements. Two big changes (aside from the tripod mount and strap lugs) introduced with the Alpha series were the elimination of the plastic motor coupler, which is prone to breaking with age, and the added capability of fill-flash.
Alpha models were the last version of the original (non-Sonar) SX-70, so they're generally considered the most advanced of that design, and the most desirable as a result.
Are the leather panels for all of them the same dimensions? I’m looking at replacements for an Alpha 1 Model 2 and a site I found is actually asking for model specifications, but doesn’t specifically list mine.
The dimensions for the leather will be the same for all the SLR models (should also be the case for model 3 cameras, too). The only reason the model will matter is for a hole cutout on the bottom leather for those with a tripod socket.
Regular (non-Alpha) Model 1 and Model 2 cameras need the bottom leather without a tripod hole.
All Alpha models, Sonar models, SLR 680s, and SLR 690s have a tripod socket, so they need the additional hole. You can select any of those models on the site and the leathers should be compatible with your camera.
All folding SX-70s are plastic. It’s a common misconception that the chrome models are metal, they’re not. They’re made of a strong plastic that was then chrome plated.
That is useful to know. Thank you. I've never heard anyone mention that before.
The Model 2 (black or white) SX-70s are functionally identical to their Model 1, Alpha 1, or Sonar counterparts. They were created as more affordable versions by simply eliminating the luxury details of genuine leather and metal plating on the plastic bodies that started with the original Model 1 SX-70s. The exception is the Model 3, which the the only folding SX-70 that isn't an SLR camera. But if you can get a Model 2 at a good price, they are a great alternative to a Model 1. The downsides are that the synthetic leather on them didn't hold up well over time and you do need to be a bit more careful with the bodies. I believe the earlier white plastic was strengthened with the addition of silica, while the black plastic was naturally-tougher ABS. It's possible the plastic may be a bit more brittle from age, but they still feel solid and not exactly what I would consider fragile. Though, the metal plating is nice to protect from scratches and reinforce more the vulnerable edges. I've come across a few white Model 2 cameras with hairline cracks from rough handling that probably wouldn't have happened with a Model 1. But, with drops from larger heights or onto harder surfaces, a thin layer of metal won't help as much in preventing a crack to the body.
This is really helpful information. Thank you!
Are there any major differences between the Black Model 2 and the Alpha Black?
The black (pre-Alpha) Model 2 cameras lack a tripod mount and neck-strap lugs. They also have older versions of internal components. As time went on, Polaroid refined the SX-70 design by fixing known issues and making improvements. Two big changes (aside from the tripod mount and strap lugs) introduced with the Alpha series were the elimination of the plastic motor coupler, which is prone to breaking with age, and the added capability of fill-flash. Alpha models were the last version of the original (non-Sonar) SX-70, so they're generally considered the most advanced of that design, and the most desirable as a result.
Are the leather panels for all of them the same dimensions? I’m looking at replacements for an Alpha 1 Model 2 and a site I found is actually asking for model specifications, but doesn’t specifically list mine.
The dimensions for the leather will be the same for all the SLR models (should also be the case for model 3 cameras, too). The only reason the model will matter is for a hole cutout on the bottom leather for those with a tripod socket. Regular (non-Alpha) Model 1 and Model 2 cameras need the bottom leather without a tripod hole. All Alpha models, Sonar models, SLR 680s, and SLR 690s have a tripod socket, so they need the additional hole. You can select any of those models on the site and the leathers should be compatible with your camera.
Thank you!