Early Polaroid Photos Using Polaroid SX-70 Camera by LIFE Photographer Co Rentmeester, 1972

In 1972, Polaroid introduced its iconic SX-70 camera. It was an evolutionary leap from the groundbreaking “Land Camera” invented in 1947 by Polaroid co-founder Edwin H. Land. These gorgeous SX-70 photos from a time when instant photography was still in the realm of magic. The shots were taken by LIFE photographer Co Rentmeester who had a chance to put the SX-70 through its paces before it was available for purchase.

The SX-70 fully captured the imagination and the attention of photography buffs, industrial design aficionados and pop culture commentators alike. Far from a mere consumer product, the camera quickly became associated with, and in a sense helped to define, the early Seventies.

Dancers photographed from above with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

Dancers photographed from above with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

A study in motion featuring two dancers from the Joffrey Ballet, made with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

Portrait of a fashion model, made with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

Nude photographed with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

Wood and flower, photographed with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

A farm in Pennsylvania photographed with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

Children at a school in Lancaster County, Penn., photographed with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

Portrait of a child, made with a Polaroid SX-70 camera, 1972.

Edwin H. Land used one of his own creations, a Polaroid Land Camera, in 1972.

The October 27, 1972 cover of LIFE magazine, featuring Edwin Land.

(Photos by Co Rentmeester/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)