The Polaroid 636 Closeup is an instant camera. The functions are identical to the Polaroid One Step (rounded corners). It is designed for the 600 format of the American company.
The Polaroid 636 Closeup is very easy to use. You don’t need a manual to press the shutter button, the camera takes care of the rest.
The exposure time and aperture are automatically set by the instant camera with the help of the light meter. Lighter and darker instant pictures are possible with the light/dark control. There is no zoom or autofocus.
The camera has a built-in flash. An external flash cannot be connected to the camera. Of course, it is possible to trigger an external flash by firing the built-in flash. The problem here is the lack of control over the camera’s exposure settings.
Its namesake, is the close-up lens, which can be slid in front of the actual lens. The close-up lens allows a shorter distance to the subject.
The 636 does not have a tripod socket. The camera is not suitable for long exposures.
Films are again provided for the Polaroid 636 Closeup by The Impossible Project after Polaroid ended production. The new films will also be sold again with the original logo of the photo pioneer since 2020. Color pictures can be taken with the Polaroid Color Film for 600*. For monochrome photos, there is the Polaroid B&W Film for 600*.
The frame counter on the back shows the remaining shots. With the new films, the film has to be changed already at “2”. The reason for this is that there are only eight, instead of ten frames in a pack.
The batteries for the flash and the camera are in the film cassette where the pictures are.
Polaroid Easy 636 Closeup
The camera is identical, but comes with an “Easy” imprint.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Typ 600 |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 79 mm x 79 mm |
| Focal length | 116 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/11 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | 1/200 second to 1/4 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 1x battery in filmpack |
| Estimated value / Used price | 92,43 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 47 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 47,58 Euro (50.87 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 53,31 Euro (57.37 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 64,31 Euro (69.27 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Polaroid 636 Closeup
How easy is the Polaroid 636 Closeup to use?
It's very simple! You just need to press the shutter button; the camera handles the rest automatically. No instruction manual is necessary for basic operation.
Does this instant camera have a zoom or autofocus?
No, the Polaroid 636 Closeup doesn't have zoom or autofocus capabilities. The exposure and aperture are set automatically by the built-in light meter.
What kind of flash does the instant camera have?
It has a built-in flash. You can't connect an external flash, although you could potentially trigger one externally, but you would lose control over the exposure.
Can I use a tripod with the Polaroid 636 Closeup?
No, the Polaroid 636 Closeup lacks a tripod mount. It's not ideal for long exposures due to this lack of a tripod thread.
Where can I get film for my Polaroid 636 Closeup?
The Impossible Project now provides film for the Polaroid 636 Closeup. They offer both color and black and white options, and are sold with the original Polaroid logo.