I was at the antique market in Springfield last weekend and saw a guy selling a box of 'untested' Polaroid SX-70s for $50 each.

He had about eight of them, all pretty dusty. I asked if I could pop the hood on one, and he got really defensive, saying they were sold as-is. It made me wonder how many of those 'untested' cameras just need fresh batteries or a simple roller clean, and how many are truly bricked. What's the most common quick fix you've found on a camera someone else wrote off as junk?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason.margaret1mo ago

Oh, that "untested" line is the oldest trick in the book! Classic move to avoid letting you see the obviously corroded battery contacts. Most of the time they just need a good cleaning and a fresh pack of film to get going again. It's wild how many people think a little dust means it's totally broken.

walker.alex1mo ago

Used to think "untested" was always a scam too. Then I bought a Polaroid Sun 600 listed that way. Thing was filthy, batteries were toast. Gave the contacts a scrub with some vinegar, popped in new batteries. Fired right up. Now I see it as a gamble, but sometimes you win.