Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Sonar Autofocus
The Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Sonar Autofocus is a folding single-lens reflex instant camera that uses SX-70 integral film. It added ultrasonic sonar-based autofocus to the original SX-70 body design and was positioned as the premium consumer instant camera in Polaroid's late-1970s lineup.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for this model have ranged from around £30 to £190, with a median close to £110 based on the sales on file. The market is condition-sensitive in 2026: cosmetically tired bodies with tarnished leatherette or sticky rollers sell for tens of pounds, while clean, tested examples fetch the upper end of the range at saleroom level. Because the sample of recent sales is small, a single strong result can shift the apparent value significantly.
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: November 2025
| Date | Price | Source | |
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| Nov 2025 | £30 | Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 89) Title: A Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Auto Focus Land Camera
Description:
A Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Auto Focus Land Camera, black, untested, body G, some scuffs to leatherette, elements G-VG |
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| Apr 2024 | £106 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Auction (Lot 221) Title: A Polaroid SX-70 Land Sonar Autofocus Instant Folding SLR Camera
Description:
1978-82, black, body G, signs of use, marks on base, lens F-G, slight fungus, untested |
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| Mar 2023 | £188 | Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 379) Title: Two Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera Sonar Autofocus Instant Cameras
Description:
chrome, both bodies G, untested, optics G, some light haze present, (Qty: 1) |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Autofocus worth today?
Based on UK auction hammer results on file, values sit between about £30 for rough examples and £190 for clean, working ones, with a median price around £110.
How much does a Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Autofocus sell for at auction?
Recent UK hammer prices span roughly £30 to £190, and the figure a given camera sells for depends heavily on cosmetic condition and whether the electronics and sonar focus have been tested.
What affects the value of an SX-70 Sonar?
The main price drivers are working electronics, a clean viewfinder and mirror, intact leatherette, and evidence that the sonar autofocus fires correctly; film compatibility is rarely an issue as modern SX-70 film is still produced.