Polaroid Impulse Autofocus AF Instant Film Camera

Designed for Polaroid's 600-series integral film, the Impulse AF models are similar in body design to the autofocus models released for SX-70 film (usually known as OneStep AF models) in that they feature a non-folding plastic body, plastic lens and sonar focusing. The Impulse autofocus models feature higher quality 3-element lenses than the fixed-focus Impulse models.

The Impulse AF is usually found in a mid grey colour, but there were a variety of different colours of Impulse released including yellow, blue and purple. The body is a hard-wearing plastic, and features rubber grips around the rear, a tripod-socket, flash-ready light, film counter and timer LED. The flash is raised by pressing down onto the top of the unit; this also turns the camera on and retracts the lens cover.

Features common to all Impulse autofocus models are:

Three element plastic lens with fixed aperture (116mm, f9)
90 cm (3 ft) minimum focus distance.
Exposure compensation controls below lens.
Self-timer function
Flash fires for every shot; cannot be user controlled.

With its unique shape, rubber binocular grips and pop-up flash, the Polaroid Impulse might be the oddball of the 600 family, but it’s got a certain charm about it. Its rugged design makes it perfect for anyone with a habit of bumping into things, and the automatic flash makes it ideal for late nights and parties. Just don’t drop it in the punch bowl, it’s not that tough.