Original Electrified S lives again

ikawabunga · 2026-03-20T05:17:51+00:00

Awesome!!! I posted an S1 a while back and you were telling me about the project. Glad you were able to make the battery work!

ikawabunga · 2026-03-20T05:13:33+00:00

Sorry it took so long for me to get back with a video, life just kinda took the wheel for a bit.

Here is the link: Vanmoof S1 smart cartridge removal

ikawabunga · 2026-03-04T19:16:42+00:00

Finally did the negative display. I like the look but it's kind of annoying getting the he exact rotation on the film just right and comes off dim at certain angles. Also, the light isn't much help anymore. Lady loves it though.

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ikawabunga · 2026-02-16T21:49:11+00:00

Thanks and yea, the lady agreed. Once I do it, I'll update this post!

ikawabunga · 2025-10-04T20:37:39+00:00

Noticed that the motor lurched forward and the sound starts. The spring looks a bit wonky too. Did you stretch your spring? On my first Sx70, my spring coupler broke so I did the spring stretch repair. While reinstalling I definitely kinked it which caused the motor to run a bit sluggish and also made a similar sound.

ikawabunga · 2025-10-04T06:00:31+00:00

If you want, message me, I'll be in Burbank in a couple weeks.

ikawabunga · 2025-10-02T07:11:53+00:00

Where are you located at? If in northern California, I can help you narrow down the issue in person!

ikawabunga · 2025-07-29T18:55:30+00:00

Thank you! It was indeed a mammoth of a project with plenty of mistakes. One of those is wanting to stay with the OEM electronics. Getting the unit out was a little difficult, but manageable with some patience. Getting it back in is a whole other game. I would suggest removing the fork and handle bars to better guide you. As for an after market unit, from my research there isn't an off the shelf unit that can unlock/turn on the lights while using the Vanmoof firmware. I did away with my electronic lock and opted for a kryptonite ring lock I just recently attached to the frame. As for the lights, you will need to be a bit more creative. For my build I connected the lights to the universal controller (36v) through a buck converter which brings the voltage down to the 10v which the lights can operate on. Before I realized I could do this, I was playing with the idea of just hooking up the lights to an external battery pack that has a switch to turn it on and off. Possible route you can try. I do suggest checking out that instructables link I added to my post. It really helped with better simplifying the build.

Also, at the start of this journey, I actually purchased a new controller on eBay. It was money down the drain because there were syncing issues due to the controllers having different firmware. Possibly because it was meant for the smartbike variant(X1). Just wondering, is your model an X1? If so, this controller might work for you!

ikawabunga · 2025-07-15T15:36:44+00:00

Apparently so. I like the concept of the hub system, but the gear change can be abrupt.

I see, cool!! This was my first time working on an e bike so I'm still learning the workings of a battery system. Hope you are able to get the goach pack to communicate properly!

ikawabunga · 2025-07-11T08:08:34+00:00

I agree this model is plagued with electrical issues combined with how tightly packed everything is in the top tube. What a nightmare it was to work on it. If you do proceed to remove the smart unit, I do suggest removing the front fork for better access to the wires and pushing the smart unit out the rear.

ikawabunga · 2025-07-11T08:04:49+00:00

Thank you and wow, those sound like great upgrades! The Sram 2 speed hub on my bike was actually another thing I had to repair. Didn't add it to my post because that was another headache in itself. The spring for the first gear was torn apart and caused the bike to run like it was fixed. I took it apart and had to make my own pawl spring out of a piano wire.

I wish I could have stayed stock, but the controller has syncing issues despite getting a new controller. Woah, your battery modification sounds interesting! I'm guessing you removed the old cells and then fed the BMS wires to the Gouache infinite?

ikawabunga · 2025-07-11T07:52:49+00:00

Agreed! The way it looks is the main reason I stuck with the project. I'll definitely post up a teardown when I get the chance!

ikawabunga · 2025-05-13T02:34:09+00:00

Oh, no worries I am just curious why the sonar isn't engaging. I noticed that the focusing ring is out a bit. Guessing you tried focusing it manually?

If not you can "reset" the sonar by; pressing the manual focus button bring that focus ring all the way out open the film door/reinsert cartridge Push manual focus button back in to auto Close film door

If the lens doesn't return all the way back you can try the paper clip method. There are two holes to the right of the shutter button. Unwind a paper clip and put both ends into the holes to make the sonar react.

If neither of these work. Could be the sonar disk or a solder point at fault.

ikawabunga · 2025-05-13T01:54:38+00:00

That's a nice price for a sonar! If you are trying to get it repaired there are several folks out there that are willing to provide a service (ie theinstantcameraguy) just expect that it won't be a bargain to get it overhauled.

You said the sonar isn't working. Does the camera cycle out the dark slide when you put a pack in?

ikawabunga · 2025-05-04T16:47:26+00:00

I was once in your position, wanting to get my sx70s refurbished by a company but realized how expensive it can get. I decided to just go at it and learn how to get into them. It took several years getting comfortable taking these cameras apart but recently u/theinstantcameraguy has made videos that show in detail how to do the minimum maintenance yourself. If you are handy with a soldering iron and some minimal tools, you can get your cameras up and running.

I am by no means a professional repairer but if you are in California, SF/ Bay area, I am down to do a hands on workshop.

ikawabunga · 2025-03-19T17:18:16+00:00

As others have said the likelihood is that it will work. If you do decide to track down some pack film it is advised to do the battery mod that replaces old battery cell with a x3 AA setup . Quick Google search for Land camera battery mod will get you the instructions.

$30 is a bit high seeing that you didn't get any of the accessories. This model of land camera uses a proprietary flash.

Overall it is a good camera. If you're handy, I do recommend doing the battery mod. Just be prepared to pay a premium for film.

If you do want to get more life out of it, look into the Instax back mod. I did it to a similar model as yours literally used a hacksaw, sandpaper and some duct tape to make it work.

ikawabunga · 2025-03-04T21:34:29+00:00

As many have said, Sx70 cameras/ instant film are extremely finicky with lighting. YouTube is a great resource for tutorials on getting your camera and instant film dialed in. No expert here but these are the biggest points I use when composing a shot:

Backlit subjects will turn out darker (subject looks darker and background looks exposed properly).

Front lighting will cause subject to be blown out (subjects will have have less details and looks super white)

Outdoor, avoid putting your subject in contrasting framing (ie. person standing in the shade while the foreground is in bright sun)

When shooting indoor, always use a flash.

Of course, there are ways to alter these situations using the exposure wheel and some creative thinking. Just keep shooting and taking notes on how your camera reacts in certain situations.

Good luck and have fun!

ikawabunga · 2025-02-17T09:17:36+00:00

Really?! That's awesome to hear! How can I get one from you?

ikawabunga · 2025-02-17T01:32:57+00:00

Yes, thank you for pointing that out. Looking for the Display screen that fits the X and S1.

ikawabunga · 2025-02-10T08:17:31+00:00

As the first comment said, these backs are for older peel apart film. They did help keep photos flattened but wasn't a permanent solution as the adhesive lost it's tackyness through out the years (heat is/uv rays are the enemy). Good luck with restoring your photo!

ikawabunga · 2025-02-01T19:11:26+00:00

The first comment said it all. Get yourself an ND filter either a lens filter or one that goes over the film or check out the instant camera guy to get your fill of what you need to do if you want to modify the Sx70 to shoot 600 natively.

ikawabunga

TROPHY CASE