Polaroid Impulse AF [Instant Review]
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- The chunky unsung hero of plastic Polaroid cameras is undoubtedly the Polaroid Impulse AF. In this Instant Review, we dive into the strange waters of this cult classic.
Related Video: Polaroid's amazing Sonar Autofocus - • Polaroid's amazing son...
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This is the channel I have been hoping and praying for
@Otis Emmitt nope couldn't care less
@@turnerrobert7605 Hey how about you get the heck out of here with this crap
I’ve gotten these comments on like half the videos AND comments I’ve left on other channels 😂😂 no idea what prompted the spam flood
LOL, in my mind, I keep reading it as “Impulse As F--“. I have both the AF and the non-AF and.... it’s bulky late 80s aesthetic has kinda grown on me (and it does really feel nice to hold!). When I was looking for an AF on eBay, I also noticed how the listings would say it’s an AF when it wasn’t. Make sure to look at the pictures in the listings to confirm that it is indeed an Impulse AF!
LOL about the AF, always think that every time I see it. The weird 80s look to it definitely has some merit, and I agree about the cool binocular-like ergonomics. Those ebay sellers will be dealt with in The Purge!
Yeah, when i was looking for one a bunch of listings said AF. But, as with most of the listings for these cameras, they didn't have that godlike golden circle-sonar plate behind that plastic vent.
Hilariously, I bought one of these whenI was little entirely because I though instant cameras looked and sounded cool.
Nearly a decade later I'm patting my younger self on the back because now that I'm actually digging into photography my Impulse AF is cool all over again, with a quick dusting, a lens cleaning, and some new 600 film it'll be a fun... if odd.. partner to carry with my Rebel T6 DSLR
Honestly, same here…
I recently found an Impulse AF at my local thrift store here in Toronto. And the moment I saw it, immediately recognized it thanks to your videos. I got it for $8! Went and bought a film right away and it is working perfectly. The camera is green and it looks like it wasn't used that much, no scratches or stains whatsoever. Thanks man again for your high quality videos! This channel deserves more subscribers tbh
Wow that is so dope! Clutch find, enjoy that camera and make some magic with it! Thanks for the love regarding the channel 🙌🏻
Another con:
The Impulse AF tends to go on accidently in my backpack. It even took a picture inside of it, which really wasn't a masterpiece. Also, the autofocus was most of the time not in focus, which is also a bummer, probably mine was just broken.
The Impulse AF was my reason to switch to the Spectra ProCam.
But since Spectra has been discontinued, i gave the Polaroid Ones from the early 2000s a try. Those lack AF, but do feel like budget Spectras. And honestly, the pictures and features were decent for the One series.
Damn I wanna see that backpack pic! Agreed, that’s a consideration with quite a few cameras which can be pressure-triggered inside bags. Unfortunate that your AF broke, I’ve had some faulty moments but in general the gears are still turning! I love the Spectra cams across the board, still use my Image 1200 and Spectra 1 (which looks pretty similar design wise to the impulse).
Well done. The Spectra cameras have self timers too and I used to recommend them, but I can't these days...
Yeah that whole situation is quite unfortunate (and I do have a video coming up about it). Funny enough the Impulse and initial Spectra releases mirror a lot of aesthetic touchstones, so it's no surprise they share some features. The shutter button, curvatures, and overall design of both cameras are definitely cut from the same weird cloth. I'll continue shooting with my Spectra until the last pack dries up! Thanks for watching Nick!
This is probably the most professional new TH-cam channel I've ever seen. Incredible!
Much appreciated Manuel!
I could rarely find a video with so much information and such a great sense of humour. Thank you!
Cheers Thilo! That's the roasted blend of content I'm looking to serve the customers!
I’m sorry now I’m just imagining a Floating yellow school bus
If homie puts a 80s ball cap on. He looks like Keith Harrying
Very entertaining video, as usual. Love the style, and the information as well.
One thing I discovered recently on my iAF, is that lifting the rubber on the bottom of the camera shows the contacts to the film pack battery !
This allowed me to solder a couple of wires and allow me to use an external battery pack and use i-film packs which are cheaper ther regular 600 packs.
This without destroying the camera while trying to open it
That’s awesome Rogério!! Very creative mod. And thank you for the kind words
Instant SUBSCRIBE! I love the energy of these videos. Keep them coming!!
Thank you Justin!! Will keep it up!
I'm so glad I found this channel omg
Haha thanks Bri!!!
I love this camera, I love the design and everything about it, I bought one in perfect condition and, sadly it's a "dumb one" but the lack of AF, tripod or timer doesn't bother me. It's really good.
I have a huge attachment to this camera, since it was the one my grandma Helen brought absolutely everywhere, and I have continued the tradition to carry her camera with me. If only she had chosen a cooler color, the grey one looks like office equipment
That’s such a sweet story, glad you’re continuing the legacy ♥️
These videos are fantastic, keep it up!
great explaining. but you forgot 1 PRO: tripod socket on the AF Modell ;-)
Very true, crazy that some Polaroids don't have it!
Exactly why I love this camera. Dont know why they didnt include it on the poalroid now cause that also has a timer button
For sure! One of the weirdest omissions. If you’ve got a timer button, you gotta offer a way to use it practically
just picked upmone of these for £40, (about 47USD), very pleased and excited to learn about it!!
Added thumbs up for the word "doinker". Great site!
It's Doinker Appreciation Month and I'm more than thrilled to see a thumbs up for it!
Polaroid: impulse as fuck
I just bought my girlfriend one for her birthday. Thankfully now there's something else automatically focusing on her...
I approve of this comment and this gift
Really liked this video! I have a maroon Impulse AF and I loved taking pictures with it. Sadly, the flash broke last summer and I haven't used it much since then :/
That might even be a benefit! I find the flash kind of gets in the way with this camera, would be nice if it could be toggled off without covering it up. I think it's a good opportunity to shoot with it in natural light!
Hey man! Just discovered your channel and wish you all the best. I would love for you to make a couple vids! Idea #1: The genius and beauty of the original SX-70. Idea #2: How cool and smart and innovative Edwin Land was (practically the Steve Jobs before Steve Jobs). Keep up the killer work and look forward to watching more in the near future!!!
Hey dude! As you mention it, I am working on both of those episodes now. The first, coming in a few weeks, is about the SX-70 and SLR680. It's more of a review/comparison, but I do have a future concept that really gets into why the SX-70 is so special. And as for the second idea, I think you'll dig something coming up in the future about that very topic!
another youtuber to subscribe in the instant community. yey!!!
What film does it use? Modern?
Had me dying to af "as fuck" i always think of that, had to play it multiple times 😂
I'm crushing on this camera, hard, and you're not helping... there's just something about the atmosphere of Polaroid and especially this one that caught me and it's not letting go
Just go for it! Definitely a great doinker to mess around with
I’m glad I found this channel, great quality and very informative
I've got a nice deep purple one of these
Purple doinker squad!!
same!! just scored at thrift for $10
I wish they put a timer on the sun 660 already has a tripod socket.
I know! It's such a simple but extremely useful thing to have on a camera, especially a Polaroid which was long used to capture family memories - you'd think a 10 second timer would be a requirement. Glad the Impulse has got it at least!
I have the plane one but green, works great, great content
I got mine for a steal at $15 wow i feel so much more appreciative of it now
Hello, Thank you for these videos, I love instant cameras. I subscribed to your channel today. I was wondering, where did you get your small model Polaroid on the table beside your SX-70? Thank you.
Awesome, thanks for peeping the vids! The little OneStep is a keychain you can get on Amazon by searching "World's Coolest Polaroid Camera" - a boastful designation but a worthy buy. It even ejects little film!
@@InAnInstant Very cool, thank you so much. I love your videos. Thanks again.
Can i have a video how to open a polaroid impulse? How to disassemble It?
Why its aesthetics is considered as a con? This camera looks very cool.
Just got this in black for 30 dollars, my first instant. Really liking it so far. I just wish it was yellow, now that I saw it in the video.
We all yearn for the yellow but we'll save that color for other things in our life!
what kind of film/paper do you put in the machine?
Polaroid 600 Film!
The manual says that the camera has a 12 second self-timer.
I can’t find the definite answer to this question. Does the Polaroid Inpulse SE auto focus also have a self timer?
Just got one at a goodwill for 8$ :)
What is the tiny camera in the right side of the desk?
I have the grey dumb one and the AF one in black. It’s a shame I have a mechanical issue with the AF, I think it’s just oxidisation...
Damn, is film not ejecting? Luckily the AF can be replaced at a pretty low cost if you get it in the grey color.
In An Instant nah, it’s whenever you put a pack into it, it just keeps trying to eject the film. The counter keeps going down.
@@AeromaticXD woh that's a strange malfunction, never heard of that before!
Thanks to your video I can’t afford an AF now 😂😂😂.
They’re all ridiculous prices.
I just got my first ever Polaroid in the mail today. A basic impulse. And now I discover they come in blue. The search begins.
This is a slippery slope. This comment is a warning shot. Refer to it in one year when your pile of cameras and film reaches human height.
Where the battery? I cannot find!
Hi there! Vintage Polaroid cameras do not have batteries. The battery is inside the film cartridge. This camera only accepts 600 type film.
Can we take a moment to appreciate the absolute rap masterclass in the opening statement? The work that goes into these videos is insane!
I savor any moment to go on a riff like that 😂 thank you so much mate!!
Mine doesn't what to work
I bought 2x Impulse AF cameras from army surplus store that sells old stuff of Finnish defence force. Cost was only 8€ for camera in original cardbox. Color os boring black but for the price, it was a great find. Great pics. Only downside is 20€ for 8 pics.
Cool video man, you're about to get a new subscriber :)
I've barely used my Impulse cameras because of the flash, but now you're telling me that I could just hide the flash and the photo would still turn out okay? Doesn't the camera adapt the shutter speed by taking the flash in its calculations?
Thanks Micha! I've found that, at worst, images are a little underexposed with the flash covered. In daylight, this is usually only a positive with Polaroid film (when shooting people, mostly).
@@InAnInstant Thank you for the reply, I might give the Impulse another chance!
Love this channel, I aspire to get to this level eventually 😎👍🏼
Love your stuff!
How much would you recommend paying for a blue Impulse AF? I found one for $160.... that seems really high.
Yeah, that's high. I wouldn't pay more than $45 for one.
This was my first camera ever
Hahahahaha 😂😂😂😂......that product may inadvertently have the greatest product name of all time.....impulse as fuck!
Oh man, I absolutely love how the Impulse line looks. Even the grey ones. It just beats me over the head with how unapologetically late-80s it is. I was seeking them out for several months and then suddenly I found one normal and one AF model at a local flea market.
I like them so much more than my OneStep Close Up. I've never really enjoyed the feeling of folding those cameras open/closed. However, I can't really tell if the AF mechanism is working, it's kind of expensive to test.
How does the exposure switch below the lens work? If I’m switching to the left is that gonna expose the image appropriately for a brighter scenery similar to how a low iso film would? And vice versa for the right switch for a darker scenery?
Hey man I really love this Channel and all of your content. Just discovered you since picking up my first Polaroid camera ever just the other day. Really really great overview!!
Dude that’s awesome! Thanks for checking the channel out dude
Ironically the Impulse AF with remote port, as rare as it is, was the only listing I could find (that I wanted to buy) online that is being sold functional and in good condition. Definitely worth the 40$
Is it good for close-up photos? My friend would like to take selfies with it but I don't know if the minimum focus distance is too much for that purpose
for 4.5k subs this guys quality is amazing
Thank you mate! Gotta produce like a popular channel to become a popular channel, hope those metrics keep rising 🙏
Can the auto focus be turned off to do manual focusing ?
Unfortunately no.
Also apparently the Spectra System remote works with Impulse models that have a remote port, although I'm not really sure how everything goes together. Would love to see you do a video on it!
Your video is really great ! Instant sub :D ... But... Now i feel really dumb with an Impulse Portrait 😂
In my eyes you’re still doing amazing 🤣
Got one of these 9 years ago when I went to Germany for my 21st. I have recently ordered some film for it, but I have not ordered much due to the cost of the stuff & a lot of my frames failed because the original impossible chems were not very good.
Yeah the new film is wayyyyyy better! Have fun mate!
your videos are cool AF
You're cool AF!!
Looking at the Impulse AF vs SE. What is the difference?
Does the instax film work on these?
It does not, only Polaroid 600 film
He Ben, love the channel!
Would you consider the impulse AF to be the best non-680 /690 Polaroid 600 camera?
I have the impulse AF along with the sun 660 AF and the one step AF. Are these cameras all similar? Or does one stand out as better? Thank you!
Hi Corbin! Those cameras are all very similar, and it's cool that you have all three! The main distinction between the Sun 660 and the Impulse is that the Sun 660 has flash override. The Impulse has a 10 second timer, whereas the Sun 660 doesn't. Otherwise they are very similar cameras with virtually the exact same optics. So it's cool you have both for whatever situation shooting situation you're going to be in! If you want flash or the timer, use the Impulse. If not, grab the 660. The newer Polaroid Now and OneStep+ are also similar optically.
Thank you for the laughs and knowledge!
Thank you Ben.
You are that paradoxical rarity - indeed, a rarity I thought only existed in Hollywood movies - A Cool geek. Wonderful dry humour and impressive omniscience!
: )
I am honored and I love you!
I never see your video but the humor lol😂 so iconic
I had a question what was the impulse QPS. I found one in my family storage but never found any info on it. I know it stands for quick pulse sonar does that mean it has sonar af or at least some type of af?
If it doesn't have the grid and sonar plate, then it doesn't have AF. I have to do more research on why exactly they called it the QPS, which is misleading, later QPS Spectra cameras did have the AF plate.
@@InAnInstant thank you it does not have the grid so no AF then but wierd they called it that.
@@zubzero91 yeah very weird, though it was the 80s so very little made sense
What hair light do you use?
I’ve got a Yongnuo light wand rigged up above the seamless, love that thing! There’s also one positioned to my back right.
I bought sun 660, please review!
Def a possibility! Great cam
@@InAnInstant How does the Sun 660 AF compare to the Impulse AF? Would you recommend one over the other? Was going to get the Impulse until i saw the 660 also has AF
Optically they are basically the same camera. Only difference is the Impulse has the flash always on and a 10 second timer, whereas the 660 has flash override and no 10 second timer. You just have to weigh which of those features you care more about.
@@InAnInstant awesome thank you
Hi! I think I’ll get one for Christmas, but I’m having some doubts. Would you get this one or the OneStep+? Or maybe a Polaroid Now? I think I’ll be a casual user, but I do like to get creative. Anyway, thanks beforehand. Greetings from Costa Rica!
Greetings from America, Saúl! If you'd like to get creative, try the OneStep+ - I think you will like the extra bluetooth features!
My great uncle gave me one in blue
I ordered a Polaroid 660AF instead, still waiting to get it.
The flash can be disabled here.
Will you review this one?
I recently found your channel, it's one of the best or probably the best on TH-cam, I love it
Hey mate!! First of all; thank you! Secondly, I haven’t planned to review the 660 because it’s essentially the same as the Impulse but with flash override. Other distinction is that the Impulse has a 10 second timer and the 660 doesn’t. The flash override and 10 second timer are essentially the only distinctions so to me it hasn’t warranted its own video, but maybe down the road!
In my opinion the Supercolor 670AF is the much camera. It has AF too, it shows exposure compensation in the viewfinder, and you can shoot it without this stupid flash. Self timer on a polaroid? I don't need it.
I have an SE and dig it, mostly because of the self timer ... I pretty much feel that all cameras need one!!! I am not sure if my flash has yellowed or it's just the current color of Polaroid, but I always feel the color is too creamy ... B&W not so much!!!
Totally agree, all cameras need a 10 second timer! Why not??
got the af one as a gift it only cost me 8 bucks
I'd love to see a 2020 "value buy" pick for you. Like what's the cheapest and best camera, and what's the best overall value
Doing a vid sort of like that coming out next month!
Just bevor I found this Video, I bought an Impulse none AF in boring gray and I love it. The best 1,50€ I spend on Ebay.
Hell yes! Happy shooting!
When did they stop making these
1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣4️⃣
i just found one of these in my grandparents closet, i already orderd a cartridge for black and white and i just noticed i haven’t seen any black and white shots with this, does black and white cartridges not work ?
They work, yes! As long as it’s 600 film, it will work.
I pound no ones subscribe button. But this channel is so informative, your production value is very high, and the content is dope AF - how can I not?
Thank you for laying waste to that subscribe button!
Hahaha "plastic chunk boi." I'm sold! I'LL BUY THEM IN EVERY COLOR
We see plastic chunks, we buy plastic chunks, IT’S SIMPLE MATH!!
hello! I have a polaroid impulse af but doesn't work cause it doesn't have a battery, do you know where to get one and where I'm supposed to put it?
Hi Ross, vintage Polaroid cameras don't require additional batteries. The film itself has the battery (specifically 600 film, which is the type needed for this camera).
@@InAnInstant thank you very much!
Dam you’ve been planning for a while
One of my favorite polaroid cameras but I hardly use mine because it spits out a frame with the plastic sheet when you put a fresh cart in lol
Ooof we don't love that
This guy is amazing and surprisingly hilarious. (not a doinker) (alittle bit of a doinker)
And proud of it!! #DoinkerSquad
this thing looks so 80s it hurts
I love it
Thanks
Can someone tell me all the types of flims that the base camera can use?
I found this camera in a flea market only for 4 dollars in Mexico!
What kind of camera is it? Most likely it will ONLY take 600 film. But I need to know what model first to be sure.
@@InAnInstant hi! It’s the Polaroid impulse
Oh great! Yes; that is 600 film only
@@InAnInstant thaaaaaaanks💓
@@InAnInstant i can use a new i-type Peanuts film in this camera? thanks♥
So when you wait for these pictures to develop do you leave it in the light or shield it from the light?
Absolutely shield it from the light, if they are exposed to light as they develop you will see a lot of problems with the photos. Tuck it away in a pocket or face down on a surface.
Is there a product where you can switch out the plastic lenses in these cameras for glass ones?
Unfortunately no - there are very expensive modifications but at that point you may as well go with the SX-70 or SLR-680.
so glad i found your channel. high quality and reliable info
Dude thank you James! Really appreciated.
I'm subscribed AF after this video
😍😍😍
Just found a base one at a thrift shop and hope it works
Good luck!!
Your videos are drop dead gorgeous, please do one on the Leica Sofort :)
You're the man Mike, thank you! Sofort review is a good idea!
finally found a channel that loves instant film as much as me!
Everyday Epic together we will ride this film into the sunset 🌅
What about the QPS?
Pardon the phrasing of this response, but what about it?
@@InAnInstant is the QPS, nothing special like the reg impulse or is it special like it’s auto focus brother
I’d personally avoid it, nothing special!
Nice video!! Do you know how many focusing zones the impulse af has?
The AF model has a "3 element lens" so while that is never explicitly advertised as 3 zones of focus, I think that's the assumption!
@@InAnInstant Cool, thanks!
The picture won’t come out. Help
Dark?
The film/photo just won’t come out. Could it be the film being bad??
Are you using brand new 600 film?
@@InAnInstant NO, I had the film like 5 years 😔😔
@@christineschultz8688 There's your issue! Have to try it with fresh film.