Fans of the iconic Polaroid SX-70 rejoice - a successor is coming! Interestingly – it's not by Polaroid, but by the Chinese manufacturer 10Art.CC.
The Polaroid SX-70, first released in 1972, was a marvel of engineering and design that forever changed the landscape of photography. As the first 'instant film' single-lens reflex (SLR) camera, its most iconic feature was its ability to fold down from a functional camera into a compact, elegant rectangle of leather and brushed chrome. This immediacy turned photography into a social, shareable event and cemented the SX-70 as an icon of its era.
Beyond its technical innovation, the SX-70 created a unique artistic legacy. The camera's manual focus, and exposure compensation dial, gave photographers a level of creative control previously unheard of in instant photography, attracting acclaimed artists like Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams.
The SX-70 film itself (still available) produced images with a distinct, dreamlike quality – soft focus, beautifully saturated colours, and a warm, often unpredictable, palette. The entire process, from the camera's satisfying mechanical sounds to the slow reveal of the photograph, makes using an SX-70 a uniquely tactile and rewarding experience.
Although production was discontinued in 1981, the camera has a cult status and it's not hard to find them fully refurbished on the second-hand market.
Announced by Chinese manufacturer 10Art.CC, The Pocket Fold 66 maintains the aesthetics of this legendary film camera.
The upcoming model folds down to a compact 16 × 10 × 5cm and opens into a fully functional instant camera, slightly shorter but thicker than the Polaroid SX-70.
Rather than copy the SX-70, 10Art.CC says it has built the Pocket Fold 66 from the ground up, keeping only the folding structure to achieve maximum portability. The optical system, electronics, and mechanical drive have all been redesigned.
The camera will include an optical viewfinder, automatic metering with EV adjustment, and a 110mm f/5.6 lens with macro capability, focusing from 15 cm to infinity.
In addition, it will be powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium battery. The Pocket Fold 66 will use Polaroid square photo paper, which is less common among modern instant cameras that typically use Instax film.
10Art.CC has worked in instant photography before, producing an instant film back for Hasselblad cameras and a small standalone camera module, although those projects delivered image quality and portability separately. The new model aims to combine both in one package.
Pricing and release details are still unknown, but the company suggests a launch sometime in 2025.
And it makes us wonder if Polaroid will look with jealous eyes and consider manufacturing their own 'offical' version. Businesswise, it makes sense as there is a strong consumer demand for vintage and retro cameras.
You can see the original Chinese announcement here.
