The Polaroid Impulse Portrait is an instant camera. It is designed for the Polaroid 600 format and is very similar to the “normal” Impulse. As the name suggests, it is very well suited for portrait photography. For this purpose, it has a switchable close-up lens.
The design of this camera is very different from most other 600 format instant cameras. The camera does not fold up and is therefore strongly reminiscent of the SX-70 box cameras (e.g. Polaroid 1000).
The body of the camera is made of plastic and is black with small color accents.
The Polaroid Impulse Portrait is equipped with an automatic exposure system. The photographer can influence this with the light/dark control. The Impulse has a built-in flash.
The focus of the fixed focal length, zooming is not possible, is fixed. A close-up lens can be slid in front of the lens with a switch on the top. With this, sharp shots are possible with a distance between 0.6 m and 1.2 m.
The Polaroid Impulse Portrait requires instant film for the Polaroid 600 format.
Polaroid has discontinued production, but new films for the film format are available from The Impossible Project.
In the Portrait, the 600 films from The Impossible Project can be used. For color images, for example, the Polaroid Color Film for 600* or the Polaroid B&W Film for 600* for black and white. Both films have been sold again since 2020 under the well-known brand and logo of the photo pioneer.
The battery of the Polaroid Impulse, which supplies the camera with power, is located in the film cassette. With a film change, therefore, a battery change is performed at the same time. The instant camera does not need additional batteries.
The Portrait does not have a tripod socket, nor does it have a self-timer or a connection for a cable release.
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 | ? |
| Widest aperture | ? |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| 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 | 43,06 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 6 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 36,53 Euro (38.97 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 43,83 Euro (46.54 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 51,13 Euro (55.20 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Polaroid Impulse Portrait
Is the Polaroid Impulse Portrait easy to use for beginners?
Yes, it's quite user-friendly. It has automatic exposure, a simple light/dark control, and a built-in flash. Even beginners can quickly take good photos.
What kind of film does this instant camera use?
The Polaroid Impulse Portrait uses Polaroid 600 film. While Polaroid stopped production, The Impossible Project now makes compatible film in color and black and white.
Can I take close-up pictures with the instant camera?
Yes, it has a close-up lens that you can switch on. This allows for sharp shots from 0.6m to 1.2m away, making it great for portraits.
Does the Polaroid Impulse Portrait have a zoom?
No, this instant camera has a fixed focal length; it doesn't offer a zoom function. However, the close-up lens provides versatility for different distances.
How does the battery work in this Polaroid camera?
The battery is cleverly incorporated into the film pack. So, whenever you replace the film, you also replace the battery – no extra batteries are needed.