If you are thinking about buying your first Instax camera but have little experience in the world of instant photography, you may have a number of questions before you take the leap.
In this article, we’ve covered all the most frequently asked questions about Instax cameras, so hopefully you’ll find the information you need. And if you don’t? Then do let us know in the comment section below and we’ll do our best to add your question to the list!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Do Instax cameras come with film?
Does Instax film expire and can it be used?
Can Instax film be taken out of the camera?
Should you shake Instax film?
Does Polaroid film work with Fujifilm Instax?
Do Instax photos fade?
Can you cut Instax film?
How long does it take for an Instax photo to develop?
Do Instax cameras need ink?
Are Instax cameras allowed on planes?
Are Instax cameras waterproof?
Where are Instax cameras made?
Do Instax cameras have a timer?
Can Instax cameras save pictures?
Do Instax cameras need batteries?
Which Instax camera is the newest?
Are Instax cameras worth it?
Do Instax cameras come with film?
It depends. Some bundles include just the camera body and the relevant accessories while others include a pack or multiple packs of film. I’ve often found that bundles that include a pack of film are priced the same as those that only include the camera!
Does Instax film expire and can it be used?
Yes, Instax film does expire and on each pack you can find an expiration date. Fujifilm advises that you do not use Instax film beyond the expiration date because the photographic properties of the film can change over time, causing adverse changes to colour balance. Some users have also complained that very out-of-date film can leak, spreading chemicals across the rollers of the camera. Having said that, many photographers do shoot with expired film – just be prepared for the risks.
Can Instax film be taken out of the camera?
Once you’ve loaded a pack of film into your Instax camera, it is best to leave it in there until you’ve used up your ten shots. Any exposure to light will instantly overexpose the remaining film, causing it to turn white.
That being said, I did successfully transfer a half-used pack of film from one camera to another by closing myself off in a dark room and throwing a blanket over my head so that no light could reach the cameras. I wouldn’t recommend doing this on a regular basis though since it’s impossible to see the cameras and film as you make the transfer!
Should you shake Instax film?
Absolutely not! Despite OutKast’s advice in his popular song Hey Ya!, you really shouldn’t shake your Instax prints as doing so could destroy the chemicals that form the picture. All you have to do is lay it face-down on a flat surface out of the sun, or inside a flat coat pocket, and let it work its magic.
Does Polaroid film work with Fujifilm Instax?
The only kind of Polaroid film that works with Instax is the Polaroid 300 film. It has been specifically designed for use with Polaroid 300 and Fujifilm Instax Mini cameras. Other types of Polaroid film are not compatible.
Check price of Polaroid 300 film on
Amazon | Amazon UK
Personally I only ever use Instax film with Instax cameras, not least because it is usually less expensive. For Mini models (Mini 8, Mini 9, Mini 70, Mini 90, Mini LiPlay), you need the Mini film whereas for Square models (SQ10, SQ20, SQ6) you need the Square film.
Check price of the Instax Mini film on
Amazon | Amazon UK | B&H Photo
Check price of the Instax Square film on
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Do Instax photos fade?
Yes, Instax photos can fade if they aren’t stored properly. I tend to keep mine inside an album or a box. Putting them on display or leaving them out in the sun can cause the colours to fade over time. It is also best to keep the prints away from heat and humidity.
Can you cut Instax film?
If the film is unused, you must not tear, puncture or cut Instax film. This is because the film contains chemicals that could burn your skin.
My advice would be to avoid cutting Instax film even after it has been developed. That said, some people have successfully experimented with peeling off the plastic that covers the image to create a grungy border. You can see a full video tutorial here.
How long does it take for an Instax photo to develop?
The time it takes for an Instax print to develop varies depending on the ambient temperature but the Instax manual suggests that the average time is around 90 seconds. In our experience, we’ve found that it develops more slowly in cooler temperatures.
Do Instax cameras need ink?
No, Instax cameras don’t need ink because the prints already contain the chemicals needed for developing and fixing the photograph. These chemicals are stored inside the white border of the film and cause the developing process to begin when they come into contact with the layers of emulsion and developing dye within the sheet.
Are Instax cameras allowed on planes?
Yes, Instax cameras can go through airport security but the Instax film should always be hand-checked for visual inspection – or in other words, it cannot be put through any kind of X-Ray machine, including the one used to scan your carry-on luggage. Exposing it to X-Rays will cause streaking in your final images. My personal advice is to a) use up any film in your camera before flying, and b) buy the Instax film at your destination or once you’ve gone through security. There are usually shops that sell gadgets and camera equipment in the departure lounge.
Are Instax cameras waterproof?
No, none of the cameras in the Instax range are waterproof, and that includes the popular Mini 8 and 9. If you take them out on a rainy day, it is best to keep them stored inside a case or bag until you are indoors or the weather clears.
Where are Instax cameras made?
Instax cameras are made by Fujifilm, which is a Japanese company, but they are manufactured in China, Indonesia and Thailand.
Do Instax cameras have a timer?
Some Instax cameras have a timer and others do not. The most basic models like the Mini 8 and 9 tend not to have a timer whereas the more advanced models like the Mini 70 and 90 do.
Can Instax cameras save pictures?
It depends. Some digital Instax cameras such as the Instax Square SQ20 and Instax Mini LiPlay have an internal memory and a slot for a Micro SD memory card where you can save the pictures you take and print them at a later date. The analogue models (including the Mini 8 and 9, Mini 70 and Mini 90) do not allow you to save your images.
Do Instax cameras need batteries?
Yes, all Instax cameras need batteries to run, although the type of battery will depend on the model you choose. The Mini 8 and 9 for example accept your standard AA batteries whereas the Mini LiPlay has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can only be charged via USB. You can find out which battery you need by reading the user manual for your specific model. Note that all Instax cameras come with a battery starter pack.
Which Instax camera is the newest?
At the time of writing (November 2019), the latest Instax camera is the Instax Mini LiPlay. It is a compact digital model with a rear LCD screen, a memory card slot, and new features such as sound recording, frames and filters.
Check price of the Mini LiPlay on
Amazon | Amazon UK | B&H Photo
Are Instax cameras worth it?
This is a difficult question to answer as Instax cameras are like marmite: you either love them or hate them. On one hand, the film is very expensive and with the analogue models, it is impossible to know how your exposure will turn out until it develops. On the other, there is something exciting about watching your image develop before your very eyes.
If you still aren’t sure, I would suggest going for a model with an LCD screen on the rear so that you can have the instant film experience without the risk of wasting lots of shots while experimenting with the camera.
Is there an adapter that will hold the mini film so it can be used in the sq6? Thanks in advance.
Hey Heather,
2 weeks back I got my SQ10, first ever instax camera of my life. I am cautious while printing out photos so that I won’t be getting the unwanted ones. I do have taken few photos. The ones I took at night indoors were more clearer rather then the one I took at morning time, indoors. Kindly, tell me how to select the best effects for getting brighter photos. So that they won’t get black and white effects at the borders. And over all too.
my camera wont work it turn on and when you puch the shutter to take a picture all light blind and nothing happens
Hi Heather, I bought my instax mini 40 Polaroid camera about a month ago. I took a photo recently, it was the last photo in the pack, but in the middle of printing, it got stuck. The light on the front was flashing, so I changed the batteries. I was able to remove the photo, replaced a full pack of photos, and now it won’t take pictures. The light just flashes rapidly. What’s wrong with it and can I fix it myself?