In a world dominated by digital cameras and smartphones, instant film cameras offer a refreshing alternative that emphasizes the joy of physical, tangible photography. Unlike digital photos, which often remain trapped in devices or lost in the cloud, instant film delivers a print you can hold, share, or display immediately. This tangibility creates a deeper connection to the moment, making memories more meaningful and lasting.
Instant film cameras also encourage creativity through their inherent unpredictability. Each shot is a one-of-a-kind creation, with unique color tones, light leaks, and the occasional imperfections that add character and artistic flair. The process of using an instant camera slows down photography, making each shot more intentional and thoughtful. With a limited number of exposures, you’re prompted to carefully consider your composition and timing.
Moreover, instant film fosters social interaction. Whether at a party, wedding, or casual gathering, these cameras invite curiosity and engagement, as people watch the photo develop in real-time. Instant prints make for memorable keepsakes, offering a personal touch that digital images often lack. In an era of digital overload, instant film cameras provide a nostalgic, creative, and tactile escape, allowing you to savor the moment in a way that digital can’t replicate.
Who is Lomography?
Lomography began in the early 1990s, inspired by the Soviet-era LOMO LC-A camera, known for its unique, saturated images. Founded by a group of Austrian students, the Lomographic Society International quickly grew into a global community celebrating analog photography's spontaneous and creative spirit. The company produced its own quirky cameras like the ActionSampler and Diana, emphasizing experimentation and fun. As digital photography rose, Lomography stood out by championing analog techniques. Today, it continues to thrive, offering cameras, lenses, and films that encourage photographers to embrace unpredictability and capture life's moments with a playful, artistic approach.
Lomo Instant Wide
The Lomo’Instant Wide is a versatile instant camera that uses Fujifilm Instax Wide film, offering larger prints compared to standard Instax cameras. It features a 90mm f/8 lens with a zone focusing system, allowing for quick adjustments between 0.6m, 1-2m, and infinity. The camera includes a built-in flash with manual control, long exposure mode, and multiple exposure capabilities, making it ideal for creative photography. It also comes with lens attachments like a close-up lens and a splitzer for added versatility.
Pros of the Lomo'Instant Wide
1. Large Film Format:
Uses Fujifilm Instax Wide film, producing bigger, more detailed prints compared to other instant formats.
2. Creative Features:
Offers multiple exposure, long exposure, and color gel flash options, allowing for artistic and experimental photography.
3. Manual Controls:
Provides control over aperture, exposure compensation, and focusing, giving photographers more flexibility in their shots.
4. Retro Aesthetic:
The camera’s design and the instant film format provide a nostalgic, vintage feel that appeals to many photography enthusiasts.
5. Built-in Flash:
Comes with a built-in flash and color gel filters, making it easy to shoot in different lighting conditions. The ability to turn the flash off sets it a part from other cameras.
6. Tripod Mount and Remote Control:
Equipped with a tripod mount and a lens cap that doubles as a remote control, making it easier to take group shots or self-portraits.
Cons of the Lomo'Instant Wide
1. Bulky Design:
The camera is relatively large and bulky, which can make it less portable and harder to carry around compared to smaller instant cameras.
2. Expensive Film:
Fujifilm Instax Wide film can be expensive, and the cost of each shot may add up quickly, especially for casual shooting.
3. Limited Battery Life:
The camera uses standard AA batteries, which may drain quickly, especially when frequently using the flash and other features. However, I think this is a plus as AA are readily available. Use rechargeable ones to save money and the earth.
4. Viewfinder Issues:
The optical viewfinder can be inaccurate, especially at close distances, making framing and composition a bit challenging.
5. Learning Curve:
The manual controls and creative features may require a learning curve for beginners, making it less user-friendly for those new to instant photography.
6. Fixed Lens:
The camera has a fixed lens with limited focal length options, which may restrict creative flexibility in terms of perspective and composition.
My thoughts about the Lomo'Instant Wide
As someone who hasn't been too fond of film, I enjoy instant film cameras since I don't have to get the film developed and wait. Although 35mm film is a professional quality medium it can be a hassle and quite expensive. Instant film is not professional and I reserve that for my mirrorless cameras. But when I want something different, experimental, nostalgic, and fun, instant film cameras are my go to.
The Lomo'Instant Wide provides me with a good size film (Instax Wide) and enough creative flexibility to play with. But its also mostly automatic so its still a good point and shoot experience. The features that are clutch for me is the ability to turn the flash on and off, the inclusion of a pc sync for external flash, and the multiple exposure mode.
I use the camera primarily as a camera for family time and gatherings but I can see myself pushing the boundaries of instant film in my home studio. When it comes to artistic expression I don't feel that you should be limited in what you can use. Yes, for paid client work I will reserve that for my professional camera with megapixels and EVFs. But for experimentation this camera is a lot of fun. For something less than $200 bucks its pretty good.
My other instant camera consideration
I did consider the Mint RF70 but the price was a big prohibitive factor. I love the idea of full manual focusing, glass lens, and aperture control. However, I also own an Instax Wide printer and I can simulate that experience with my Fuji mirrorless cameras (except for the truly instant analog output).
The price of $900 is really steep but I might eventually purchase one when I can justify the use. I can see a case for both if you're a serious user. The Mint for full manual and the Lomo for automatic on the go. For now the choice is The Lomo'Instant Wide since it is balanced in price, features, and control.
Instax Wide film vs Polaroid film
Instax Wide film offers several advantages over Polaroid film, particularly in terms of affordability and accessibility. Instax Wide film is generally less expensive, making it a more economical choice for those who enjoy shooting instant photos frequently. Additionally, it develops faster and more reliably, with consistent colors and sharpness across all conditions. The larger print size of Instax Wide (86mm x 108mm) is comparable to classic Polaroid shots, providing ample space for group photos and landscapes. Fujifilm's global presence ensures that Instax Wide film is widely available, making it easier to find refills.
Lomo Instant Wide Review and First Impressions
The Competition
When considering the best Instax Wide cameras to buy, there are a few standout models that offer a range of features depending on your needs:
1. Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
- Why It’s Great:
The Instax Wide 300 is the most popular and widely available Instax Wide camera. It’s straightforward to use, making it ideal for beginners and instant photography enthusiasts alike. The camera features a close-up lens attachment for shooting subjects as close as 40cm, a built-in automatic flash, and adjustable brightness control. Its large, wide-format prints are perfect for capturing landscapes, group photos, and creative compositions.
- Best For:
General instant photography, parties, and events.
2. MiNT InstantKon RF70
- Why It’s Great:
The MiNT InstantKon RF70 is a premium option for serious photographers who want the utmost control over their shots. It’s a fully manual camera with adjustable aperture, shutter speed, and focus, offering a level of precision typically not available in instant cameras. The RF70 also features a built-in rangefinder, a tripod mount, and a foldable design, making it both versatile and portable.
- Best For:
Advanced photographers who want complete manual control and premium build quality.
3. Fujifilm Instax Wide 210
- Why It’s Great:
An older model, but still a reliable choice for those looking for a more affordable entry into wide-format instant photography. The Instax Wide 210 is easy to use and provides the same large-format prints as the Wide 300. It’s a good option for beginners or those on a budget who still want to enjoy the wide Instax film format.
- Best For:
Budget-conscious photographers and beginners.
Each of these cameras offers something unique, so the best choice depends on whether you prioritize ease of use, creative features, or manual controls. I personally went with the Lomo Instant Wide because it balances automatic features with some creative controls.
Lomography Instant Camera Lineup
Lomography offers a variety of instant film cameras, each with unique features and design elements. Here's an overview of the current lineup:
1. Lomo'Instant
- Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Mini
- Features: Multiple exposure, long exposure, color gel filters, and three different shooting modes (auto, bulb, and fixed aperture).
- Design: Compact and portable with a retro aesthetic; available in various colors and special editions.
2. Lomo'Instant Automat
- Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Mini
- Features: Fully automatic mode for easy shooting, multiple exposure, long exposure, color gels for flash, and a remote control lens cap.
- Design: Sleek, modern design with various special editions; known for its improved auto-exposure capabilities compared to the original Lomo'Instant.
3. Lomo'Instant Wide
- Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Wide
- Features: Larger prints, multiple exposure, long exposure, manual aperture control, color gels for flash, remote control lens cap, and a close-up lens attachment.
- Design: Larger and bulkier to accommodate the wide film format, available in various finishes and styles.
4. Lomo'Instant Square
- Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Square
- Features: Multiple exposure, long exposure, automatic exposure mode, and a foldable design.
- Design: Compact, foldable body that combines retro charm with modern functionality; available in various colors and finishes.
5. Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
- Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Mini
- Features: Glass lens for sharper images, multiple exposure, long exposure, automatic exposure control, color gels for flash, and a remote control lens cap.
- Design: Compact with a more premium feel due to the glass lens; available in different colors and special editions.
6. Diana Instant Square
- Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Square
- Features: Interchangeable lenses and accessories from the Diana F+ series, multiple exposure, long exposure, and manual controls.
- Design: Inspired by the classic Diana camera with its lo-fi aesthetic, offering a blend of analog charm and instant photography.
These cameras cater to a range of preferences, from those who prefer the compact Instax Mini format to those who enjoy the larger prints of Instax Wide or the square format. Each camera is designed to offer a creative and fun approach to instant photography, with various features and designs to suit different styles.
History of Instant Film
Instant film was pioneered by Edwin H. Land, founder of Polaroid, with the introduction of the Polaroid Model 95 in 1947. This groundbreaking camera allowed users to develop photos instantly, a novelty at the time. Polaroid dominated the instant photography market through the 1960s and 1970s, with the iconic Polaroid SX-70 in 1972, which introduced integral film that developed without the need for peeling apart layers.
In the 1980s, Kodak briefly entered the instant film market but exited after a legal battle with Polaroid. Despite Polaroid's continued innovation, the rise of digital photography in the 1990s led to a decline in instant film's popularity. Polaroid filed for bankruptcy in 2001 and ceased production of instant film in 2008.
However, instant film saw a revival in the late 2000s, driven by nostalgia and the rise of analog photography. Fujifilm's Instax line gained global popularity, offering modern instant cameras with affordable film. The Impossible Project, later Polaroid Originals, revived production for vintage Polaroid cameras. Today, instant film enjoys a niche market, beloved for its tangible, nostalgic qualities in an increasingly digital world.
My name is Jason Logan. I'm a photographer and content creator from Northern New Jersey in the United States. You can find more about my work at www.jmtphotographymedia.com