The Revival of Instant Photography: 10Art.CC's Pocket Fold 66 Takes Inspiration from the Iconic Polaroid SX-70

 In recent years, with the resurgence of retro aesthetics and a growing interest in instant photography, traditional instant cameras have become a beloved tool for many photography enthusiasts, and for those who are not yet fans, they often hold a nostalgic charm. Among these iconic devices, the Polaroid SX-70 holds an irreplaceable place in the hearts of instant photography aficionados. 

Released in 1972, this camera became legendary due to its unique folding design, superb image quality, and the convenience of instant prints. Now, in 2025, with the continuous advancement of technology, a modern interpretation of the Polaroid SX-70 is about to emerge.

Chinese manufacturer 10Art.CC has announced the release of a brand new foldable instant camera—the Pocket Fold 66. This camera, while clearly drawing inspiration from the SX-70, seeks to strike a balance between classic design and modern innovation.

 10Art.CC asserts that this is not simply a replica of the SX-70, but rather a "re-creation" that optimizes the components and redesigns the entire optical, electronic, and mechanical systems to provide a superior shooting experience.

The original Polaroid SX-70, as the first folding single-lens reflex (SLR) instant camera, broke the limitations of other instant cameras at the time. It offered not only portability but also higher image quality. Unlike many cameras of its era, the SX-70 was manual-focus only, although later versions were equipped with sonar autofocus. 

This design won the camera praise from many professional photographers and artists, becoming a part of personal collections for figures like renowned American photographer Annie Leibovitz. Leibovitz, in particular, was a staunch user of the Polaroid SX-70, often using it in her documentary and portrait series.

However, as time passed, traditional Polaroid cameras faced challenges in keeping up with technological advancements. While some consumers continued to love the charm of these old-school instant cameras, younger generations often turned to more affordable and readily available options like Instax cameras. 

As the Instax series grew in popularity, other brands started to follow suit, producing similar instant cameras, while Polaroid itself continued to explore innovation. Against this backdrop, 10Art.CC's Pocket Fold 66 is a bold and innovative attempt that not only pays tribute to the classic but also introduces modern features that push the boundaries of instant photography.

The Pocket Fold 66 retains the iconic folding design of the SX-70, allowing the camera to fold into a compact rectangle when not in use, making it extremely portable. At 16 x 10 x 5 cm when folded, the Pocket Fold 66 is slightly more compact than the original SX-70, which measured 18 x 10 x 3 cm. 

This reduction in size undoubtedly offers more convenience, particularly for those who enjoy traveling or street photography. What's even more impressive is that while it keeps the classic manual control features of its predecessor, the Pocket Fold 66 also adds modern touches such as automatic exposure compensation and EV adjustment, giving users greater creative control and flexibility.

Another standout feature of the Pocket Fold 66 is its lens. It comes equipped with a 110mm F5.6 lens, capable of macro photography with a focus range from 15 cm to infinity. Compared to traditional Polaroid cameras, the lens of the Pocket Fold 66 significantly enhances image quality, capturing more details and offering sharper results.

 While the 35mm equivalent focal length has not been disclosed, the specifications suggest that the camera will meet the needs of most users, especially street photographers and those interested in portrait or creative photography.

Moreover, the Pocket Fold 66 is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, a feature that adds convenience for photographers on the go. While many instant cameras use replaceable batteries, the inclusion of an internal lithium battery not only reduces the overall size of the camera but also improves its battery life. 

Interestingly, the camera will use Polaroid square photo paper, a choice that may attract die-hard Polaroid fans, despite these film sheets being more expensive and less accessible than Instax film. However, the unique appeal and nostalgic value of Polaroid's square prints ensure that this feature will likely resonate with a specific audience.

Although there is currently no confirmed price or release date, the Pocket Fold 66 is expected to launch in 2025. Based on the pricing of 10Art.CC's previous products, it is likely to be positioned in the mid-to-high-end market, catering to photography enthusiasts who seek high-quality instant photography with portability and style. 

This move is sure to stir up a new wave of interest in the instant photography market, particularly among those who have a soft spot for the original Polaroid SX-70. For them, the Pocket Fold 66 represents not just a continuation of a legacy, but a breakthrough in modern innovation.

Looking back at Polaroid's history, it is clear that the company has been a pioneer in the instant photography space. From the earliest Land Cameras to the SX-70, Polaroid constantly pushed the boundaries of instant imaging technology. However, with the rise of digital photography, traditional instant cameras gradually fell out of favor, and Polaroid itself faced the threat of bankruptcy. 

Yet, Polaroid made a comeback in 2017 with its revival plan, introducing products like Polaroid Originals and the Polaroid Now, attracting a younger audience. Against this backdrop, the Pocket Fold 66 by 10Art.CC represents a different kind of innovation. It is not merely a tribute to the SX-70 but a new attempt to bring instant photography into the modern age.

This blend of modern technology and nostalgic design is not just a nod to the past, but a reimagining of what an instant camera can be. As 10Art.CC mentioned, the Pocket Fold 66 is not a simple reproduction of the SX-70, but a “re-creation” that merges the classic folding design with contemporary optical and electronic systems. 

This fusion of vintage and modern makes it a versatile tool for today's photographers, offering the tactile and engaging experience of shooting with an instant camera while leveraging the advantages of modern advancements.

Looking forward, we can expect that innovations like the Pocket Fold 66 will inspire other camera manufacturers to push the boundaries of instant photography even further. It's not just a technological breakthrough, but a cultural revival. 

For those who cherish the experience of instant photography, the Pocket Fold 66 represents a new and exciting chapter in a beloved tradition—an experience that blends history, creativity, and innovation into a single compact package.