Polaroid SX-70 Black & White Film: What to Expect

Polaroid SX-70 black and white film delivers rich texture and fine grain, but its low ISO demands bright light. Here's how to decide if it fits your camera and shooting style.

Publishing teamXI LANGS Editorial

PublishedOct 14, 2026

Page updatedOct 24, 2026

Reading time5 minutes

Polaroid SX-70 Black & White Film: What to Expect

Quick answer

Polaroid SX-70 black and white film is a niche choice for SX-70 camera owners who want moody, textured monochrome prints and are willing to shoot in abundant natural light. Its ASA 160 speed means it struggles indoors or in shade without a tripod or flash. If you need color or more flexibility, consider Polaroid i-Type color film or a different camera system.

Why SX-70 film is different from other instant films

Polaroid SX-70 cameras were designed for a specific film speed and battery arrangement. This black and white film is made especially for SX-70 cameras, and unlike i-Type film, it contains a battery to power the camera. That battery is essential because many SX-70 bodies rely on the film pack for power. The film speed is ASA 160, which is relatively low. Lower speed means you need more light to get a proper exposure, but it also allows for finer grain and richer texture compared to faster films. Each pack holds 8 exposures and produces classic white-frame prints.

How to get well-exposed SX-70 black and white shots

Because the film is slow, always shoot with lots of natural light. Bright, direct sunlight or open shade on a sunny day works best. If you're indoors, you'll likely need a flash or a very bright window. The SX-70's exposure compensation dial can help, but it's not a cure for low light. For best results, meter for the shadows if you want detail in dark areas, or meter for the highlights if you want a silhouette. Black and white film has latitude, but underexposure will look muddy. Overexposure can blow out highlights, so bracket if you're unsure. Keep in mind that each pack has only 8 photos, so make each frame count.

When to choose color instant film instead

If you want to shoot indoors, at parties, or in changing light, color i-Type film may be a better fit. For example, the Polaroid Color i-Type Film Double Pack - Golden Moments Edition offers 16 color photos with a gold metallic frame, and it's battery-free, so it only works in i-Type cameras. That means it's not compatible with SX-70 bodies. If you own both an SX-70 and an i-Type camera, you'll need to match the film to the camera. For SX-70 users who want color, Polaroid makes color SX-70 film, but this guide focuses on the black and white option.

Alternatives for black and white film shooters

If you're not tied to instant film, traditional black and white negative film offers more control and lower cost per frame. Ilford Delta 100 Professional is a medium-speed ISO 100 film with exceptionally fine grain, available in 120 roll film for medium format cameras. It's ideal for uncompromising image makers who want maximum detail and sharpness. For 35mm shooters, Vandal Daylight 200 Tungsten offers remarkable exposure tolerance and a distinctive halo effect, designed for daylight but versatile in diverse lighting. These films require development and scanning, but they give you more room to adjust exposure and are more economical for high-volume shooting.

Decision rules for buying SX-70 black and white film

You own a Polaroid SX-70 camera: This film is designed specifically for SX-70 cameras and includes a battery to power them. If you have an SX-70, this is one of the few black and white options available. Check your camera model: SX-70, SX-70 Alpha, or other SX-70 variants.
You shoot primarily outdoors in bright daylight: ASA 160 requires ample light. Direct sun or bright open shade works well. Indoors or at night, you'll need a flash or tripod. If most of your shooting is indoors, choose a faster film or a different camera.
You want fine grain and rich texture in monochrome: The lower film speed delivers finer grain and richer tonality than higher-speed instant films. This is ideal for artistic, moody shots. Accept the trade-off: slower speed for better image quality.
You need color or more exposure flexibility: Consider color i-Type film if you have an i-Type camera, or traditional black and white negative film like Ilford Delta 100 for medium format. Match the film to your camera and lighting conditions.

Product facts

Polaroid Black & White SX-70 Instant Film - 8 Exposures: Polaroid Black & White SX-70 Instant Film - 8 Exposures: Film made especially for Polaroid SX-70 cameras. Black and white SX-70 film has a lower film speed (ASA) to give you photos with richer texture and finer grain. ASA: 160. 8 photos per pack. Classic white frame. Contains a battery to power your camera. Format: 4.2 x 3.5 in (107 mm x 88 mm). The built-in battery powers SX-70 cameras that rely on the film pack, so you don't need a separate power source. The low ASA means you must shoot in bright light for proper exposure.
Polaroid Color i‑Type Film Double Pack ‑ Golden Moments Edition: Polaroid Color i-Type Film Double Pack - Golden Moments Edition: 16 color instant photographs finished in smooth gold for Polaroid i-Type cameras. 16 instant photographs in that original Polaroid square format and finished with a gold, metallic frame. Color instant film for Polaroid i-Type cameras. 16 photos per double pack. Gold metallic frame. Battery-free. Format: 4.2 x 3.5 in (107 mm x 88 mm). This film is battery-free and only works in i-Type cameras, not SX-70. It offers a color alternative with a distinctive gold frame, but you'll need a compatible camera.