Camera Shelf: Polaroid SLR 680
Today we're going to dust off a camera from the shelf (or bin in the closet) and take a trip down memory lane to talk about one of the most iconic instant cameras of all time: the Polaroid SLR 680.
I actually sold this camera last year and was sad to see it go. Out of all of the instant cameras that crossed my path, the Polaroid SLR 680 was by far the best!
History of the Polaroid SLR 680
Saying good-bye to our friend Kelvin as we head to the airport in Hong Kong, 2018.
Released in the late 1980s, the SLR 680 was a game-changer in the world of instant photography, and really all photography because it was a first of its kind professional Polaroid. It was the first Polaroid camera to use the now ubiquitous 600 film (note: common in the 90s until it was discontinued and later brought back by the Impossible Project, which rebranded as Polaroid. What a mouth full!) which meant that it produced higher-quality prints with better color reproduction than earlier models.
But the SLR 680 wasn't just about the film; it was also a technological marvel in its own right. It was the first Polaroid camera to feature autofocus, which made it much easier for photographers to capture crisp, clear images.
However, what really set the SLR 680 apart from other Polaroid cameras was its unique "Sonar Autofocus" system. This technology used sound waves to measure the distance between the camera and the subject, ensuring that every picture was perfectly focused. Well, nearly every picture. This was a major departure from earlier Polaroid models, which relied on manual focus or simple fixed-focus systems and resulted in some really great photos over the decades.
As you can imagine, all of these features made the SLR 680 a popular choice among professional photographers. It was also a hit with amateur photographers and families, thanks to its easy-to-use design and instant gratification factor.
Many famous photographers have used the Polaroid SLR 680 over the years. Andy Warhol was known for his love of instant cameras, and he famously used the SLR 680 to capture many of his iconic images. Chuck Close, another renowned artist, also used the SLR 680 to create his large-scale portrait paintings. And let's not forget about fashion photographer Steven Meisel, who used the SLR 680 to shoot some of his most iconic fashion spreads.
Tech Specs and Operating the Polaroid SLR 680
The SLR 680 has a fixed lens with a focal length of 116mm and an aperture range of f/14 to f/45. It also had a minimum focus distance of 2.5 feet, which makes it great for close-up shots.
If you managed to get your hands on one (I sold mine used with a brittle leatherette for $350 USD back in 2022. They currently go for close to $750 on eBay), there are a few tips you should keep in mind to get the best results with your Polaroid SLR 680.
Before you start taking perfect instant pictures, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the camera's controls. The SLR 680 has a simple, easy-to-use design, so it shouldn't take long to get the hang of things. The most important buttons are the power switch, the shutter release, and the flash toggle. There's also a simple wheel to control exposure (bright to dark).
When you're ready to take a picture, aim the camera at your subject and press the shutter release halfway down to activate the autofocus. You'll see a red autofocus dot in the viewfinder, which tells you when the camera has locked focus. Once the camera is focused, press the shutter release all the way down to take the picture. The view finder shows you exactly what the photo will look like, unlike other 600 series cameras, but similar to the SX-70.
A couple shots with imperfections due to dirty rollers. Clean your rollers, folks!
Make sure you're using fresh, unexpired film. And the correct kind! Polaroid sells packs of 600 film on their website in different frame colors and shapes. You can also get the film on Amazon with Prime delivery. Read the label to make sure you don’t accidentally purchase SX-70 or i-Type film by mistake. And, again, please stick to fresh film. The reason that you shouldn’t use old film is obvious. It will most certainly produce faded or blurry prints. And, let’s be honest, no prints at all in many cases.
Also, pay attention to the lighting conditions. While the SLR 680 is best used on a sunny day, the camera’s flash has a range of up to 9 feet, so you may not need to use it in well-lit situations.
And finally, please experiment with the camera's settings to find the look that works best for you. Film is expensive, but creativity is important. Be daring!
Overall, the Polaroid SLR 680 was a revolutionary camera that helped shape the world of instant photography as we know it today. Its blend of technology and simplicity made it a beloved tool for photographers of all levels, and it's still considered a classic to this day.
A street in Hong Kong on Impossible Project film back in 2018.
Additional Reading on the Polaroid SLR 680
Dan Finnen’s “Polaroid SLR 680 and 690 Camera Guide”
I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane!
Do you have any experience with the Polaroid SLR 680, or any other instant cameras? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to connect on Instagram or Twitter.
