SX-70R - A Bluetooth PCB for full manual control of your SX-70! Better than the MiNT Time Machine?

[@TajDeVoreBey]

Benefits of staying up at 2am: Coming across this video. Thank you for this.

[@TajDeVoreBey]

One issue with the Time Machine from Mint for me, was not being able to trust it would stay into my SX-70 while moving around. Always concerned it would fall out, or even break somehow. It never felt all the way secure to me. This eliminates that fear 100%

[@theinstantcameraguy]

@@TajDeVoreBey there are multiple advantages to the SX-70R over MiNT to be fair Wider range of shutter speeds, flash functionality, studio strobe ability, the ability to use it with auto-focus models, self timer functionality etc

[@GonzoTheRosarian]

What I love is that the camera retains the SX 70 look which is the reason to get the camera in the first place, the cool factor of it.

[@th1649]

Interesting tech, I love the ingenuity of the folding camera community! I currently have the MiNT slr670s like you showed in the video, and I've always wondered if these new modifications would work on my camera.

[@theinstantcameraguy]

Technically the answer is yes. I could take your MiNT camera and swap out the PCB for you to become an SX-70R The SX-70R is more capable than MiNT's design, and cheaper too! So there is genuine argument for the upgrade. The SX-70R and MiNT dongles work differently though, so they are not compatible with each other. SX-70R uses Bluetooth, whereas the MiNT uses a rotary switch and resistor bank (I believe).

[@markv5978]

I just shipped mine to you! Can't eait tonget evrything done to it! Appreciate your hard work!

[@TrinityCodex]

im planning on getting the pcb and i really needed this info!

[@theinstantcameraguy]

I've answered your questions in the other post you made. If you'd like one made up feel free to contact me!

[@williamdutton3928]

I can't get over how cool this thing is. Pair this with an internal battery modification and you've got yourself a future-proof SX-70! If you don't mind sharing, what kind of revisions have you put forward to the creators?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

With my PolaVolt battery mod that is certainly the case! Working with Yongmin and making suggestions on the project I have: - figured out a foolproof method of calibrating the cameras, since the original method recommended was not reliable - improved shutter timing functionality on the 680 series - came up with the method of calibrating the 680 shutter since its slightly different in blade design - gave feedback re: the Dongle and its battery supply - Sonar and 680 cameras now have fill-flash capability - recommended he build a non-bluetooth version for people that JUST want a new PCB

[@GonzoTheRosarian]

@@theinstantcameraguyyou are one brilliant lad!😊

[@bobmalin656]

Are multiple exposures possible with the Mod?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

Multiple exposures are not possible on any SX-70 camera sadly. This is less to do with the new PCB and more to do with the fact that the SX-70 is an SLR. Most SLR cameras, the SX-70 included, do not have double exposure functionality. This is because the viewfinder mirror inside the camera is connected to the film mechanism. Effectively during a photo the mirror flaps up inside the camera, the camera takes its exposure and then spits out the film after the mirror has lowered again. There is no way to manually lower the mirror inside the camera on an SX-70 without it ejecting film. So technically it IS possible to fire the shutter multiple times while the mirror is up. But since the mirror is up, you would not be able to see through the viewfinder to compose! Additionally, having the shutter blades remain closed while the mirror stays up puts huge strain on the shutter solenoid. For it to work, some kind of new geartrain and mirror box mechanism would need to be invented. It would require a massive feat of engineering. Multiple exposures are easier to do on box-type cameras, since they do not have a moving mirror mechanism. The new Polaroid I-2 is the only camera on the market capable of this now as far as I know.

[@bobmalin656]

@@theinstantcameraguy i saw one Idea by inserting a thin metal rod on the Film-Pack to block the Pickup-Arm. Would that Work or damage the Camera?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

​@@bobmalin656 there is no way to easily achieve double exposures. Believe me, if there was, I'd be offering it as a service! The pick arm is engaged by a metal cam on one of the gears. There is no way to disengage it. You can prevent it from going backwards to its home position... but you cannot stop it sliding forwards. Additionally, the pick-arm is held in place with proprietary metal rivets set from the factory. They are nearly impossible to replace. Damage the pick arm and you destroy the entire chassis of the camera. It's a critical piece of operation and should not be messed with. The only method I can think of that could work is to completely re-engineer the spring loaded mirror mechanism so that it poked out the side of the body with a lever. The lever could be manually held in place to lower the mirror during a double exposure. This would require precision machining, a hole drilled into the body of the camera, re-building the geartrain to accomodate the new part and the addition of light seals to not cause light leaks. The only other method would to manually 'hold' the lever forwards after its taken a shot. The second shot would then be primed for double exposures until the pick was released. This would involve removing the gear train cover though, and would introduce light leaks. File under "too damn hard"

[@bobmalin656]

@@theinstantcameraguy yeah that sounds too complicated. Thanks for the extensive explanation

[@EtChan-tv3lz]

@@bobmalin656 Yes...is too hard to make double exposures on the sx70 camera. But i saw some guys found a easy one way to make sx70 doouble exposures. Just use a clear film after emulsion lift, and set that clear film back to the cartridge. Maybe you can try this.

[@steveburns9722]

Hi Jake--another wonderful video. I'm considering an SX70R board--in fact, I've ordered one from Carlyle. I've been doing a bit of lookabout on the net about this board, dongle, and especially, the app. From what I've found the app looks cool. The version I've downloaded looks somewhat different than yours (e.g., 23:50 into the video). The one I downloaded seems to look more, well, Cantonese. Is this the one app that is available? My Cantonese is a bit "rusty/nonexistent."

[@theinstantcameraguy]

If you plan on installing it yourself, be aware It can be very difficult depending on your solenoid, blades etc The app I'm using is the Android app

[@steveburns9722]

@@theinstantcameraguyNot that far along yet; just noticed the app. I've viewed the installation manual--a bit beyond my capabilities. I'm using iOS on the phone and it's 'quite Cantonese."

[@jungletrooper9252]

Is there any way to make the PCB auto eject the dark slide instead of having to manually eject it every time?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

@@jungletrooper9252 with the right firmware sure Manual ejection adds a good degree of reliability to the camera though, and helps with itype battery conversions

[@Andrew12759]

I was waiting for the part where you mention the Bluetooth sends the SX-70 picture to the phone app, but I guess we aren't quite there yet. 😊 Are published cost estimates available?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

If only! As for pricing, I specifically didn't list prices in the video in case people are watching years from now and the prices have been raised due to inflation etc What I CAN promise, is it will likely be several hundred dollars cheaper than what MiNT will charge for a similar camera. I have all current service pricing estimates on my Instagram, and of course you can always contact me on the links in the video description! I'd love to build you one!

[@renguney]

Can you also make a SLR 680 overhaul video?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

Eventually I will once I have one to repair

[@petertheis7889]

Love my SX70r converted Sonar!

[@ianfleming4356]

Very tempted

[@Ni5ei]

Would be nice if the dongle PCB could be shrunk down so there'd be room for a flash as well. If you look at the flash circuits in pocket cameras they don't take op much room.

[@theinstantcameraguy]

To fit batteries, flash capacitors, a rotary encoder, OLED screen, xenon tube, light meter etc into such a package would be one heck of a task It would end up MASSIVE and likely very expensive to produce

[@Ni5ei]

​@@theinstantcameraguy Yeah that's true.

[@Argo-F-Ur-Sef]

Couple questions: can the dongle be used as power for shooting I-type film? That would be a great solution. Also, do you happen to know anyone in the US that does these installs? Shipping to AUS would be kinda expensive. Great video BTW!

[@theinstantcameraguy]

To answer your questions: 1) This is technically possible, however the camera would require modification and the dongle would need to be completely re-designed with a buck converter installed to output a steady 6V. The dongle would also need to be larger, and a much larger capacity battery installed. Additionally, SX-70 Model 1, 2 and Alpha cameras require an extra terminal to be installed into the flash socket if 6V power is to be sent through the flash socket. It would not be a 'plug and play' mod. Eventually I will do a video on "Powerbar" mods, and the pros/cons of them. Sonar cameras actually already have + and -battery terminals inside the socket, so technically a 'plug and play' dongle could be made for these cameras. But whether the demand is there or not is yet to be seen. 2) In regards to international shipping, I believe this is important comment on. I'll address this in my next video. SX-70s weigh under 1kg and are very slim when collapsed. So shipping them word-wide in a well-fitting box really isn't that expensive. Additionally, the exchange rate will generally more than make up for shipping costs, since $1AUD is generally worth around $0.65 or so USD. For American clients, this generally makes my overhaul rates less than what you'd pay in the USA at a place such as Retrospekt.

[@mvooo]

would you be able to recommend someone in europe to convert my camera into an SX70R

[@javajolt4212]

Hi Jake, can you put the dongle on top of the Mint flash bar 2 and trigger it off camera?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

No. The dongle cannot trigger things remotely like that It requires physical connection to the camera

[@williamdutton3928]

If the connection was lost between the SX-70 and the dongle (say the dongle ran out of battery), would the SX-70 continue using the latest settings set by the dongle, or would it go back to some sort of default auto mode (perhaps for 600 film)?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

In this hypothetical situation it would remember the last setting if the dongle ran out of juice first AFAIK. But the new PCB always defaults to 600 when the camera is collapsed and erected again. Collapsing the camera cuts power to the PCB, so it resets. This is intentional design for this exact reason. If you suddenly couldn't control the camera, just collapse it and reopen it and it'll default back to auto 600

[@williamdutton3928]

@@theinstantcameraguy I love that. Say anything was to ever happen to the dongle, I'd at least still have a seemingly regular 600 film converted SX-70.

[@XaqFixx]

How do these compare to the Pola Studio Mercury PCB?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

It's the same thing. Polastudio just stuck their own branding on it

[@XaqFixx]

@@theinstantcameraguy Thank you, that is what It I assumed, but wasn’t certain.

[@williamdutton3928]

With the light meter being used to recommend you a shutter speed for correct exposure, is there no-longer any need to use the exposure compensation wheel?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

The L/D wheel is ignored in manual mode. Manual mode bypasses the built in electric eye completely. The wheel is only for exposure compensation in auto mode

[@quitethecontrary1846]

does the dongle have a exposure meter on it?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

@@quitethecontrary1846 I think somebody commented before they watched the whole video :)

[@quitethecontrary1846]

@@theinstantcameraguy actually I just assumed I missed that part...I let your videos play in the background mostly

[@theinstantcameraguy]

@@quitethecontrary1846 yes it has a light metre :) That's what the round lens thing is at the front It's super accurate too - on par with my Sekonic -L208 twin mate

[@quitethecontrary1846]

@@theinstantcameraguy thats the part I missed then because it looked to me like the dongle only allowed to select speeds manually and didnt give any suggestion for exposure

[@quitethecontrary1846]

​@@theinstantcameraguy does the meter only work in auto mode or something because I saw you using a hand held light meter in the video....

[@TrinityCodex]

Two questions: Is T mode for long exposures? and how does the pcb work with the mint flash, can i still change the shutter speeds with that flash installed?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

yes, T mode is for long exposures. Press button once to open shutter, then again to close shutter. If you are using a Mint flashbar it works just like a normal SX-70. The camera defaults to 'auto' when using Mint flashbar since the flashbar is designed to use the standard SX-70 'distance based' aperture. Manual flash settings are really just for studio strobes only.

[@TrinityCodex]

Cool! Thank you!@@theinstantcameraguy

[@theinstantcameraguy]

@@TrinityCodex feel free to contact me if you would like one built for you!

[@cyprus1840]

Is your page down?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

At that moment yes Some issues with domain recently changing Just contact me direct by email or social media. All the contact info for us KZbinrs is in the "about" section

[@ColTRaw]

Can the shutter button on the dongle also be used for sonar cameras? I mean can it be half pressed to focus?

[@theinstantcameraguy]

pressing the button on the dongle will engage both focus and then the picture taking Because you are not looking through the viewfinder during remote release, there is no point to have a half-press option

[@ColTRaw]

@@theinstantcameraguy thank you!! :)

[@dongdam8885]

YEEEEEEEEEE BoIIIIIIIIIIIII