Instant photography has now evolved from old age photography to modern days hobbies. There are various films which are used by various instant cameras to produce the photos instantly. Types of films have a huge effect on the photos we produce. Here, we will know the details of the best Polaroid film types which we can used to produce the best instant photos. The instant camera films are mainly produced by two companies: Fujifilm and Polaroid Originals.
There are 5 most popular Polaroid film types:
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini Film
This is the debit card sized film of dimension 54(W) x 86(H) where the image is printed in the size 46(W) x 62(H). It offers stunning instant pictures that you can fit into a purse, wallet or mini photo frame. The Instax Mini film ensures sharp, clear reproduction, vivid colors and natural skin tones. This is the most commonly used film which is used not only by Fujifilm cameras i.e. Instax Mini 9, Instax Mini 70 and Instax Mini 90, but also by Leica Sofort instant cameras and Lomo Instant cameras.
This film comes in various styles and colors and the price of this film is $10 per pack of 10 Films. This means that it will cost you $1 per photo printed in this film. The size looks standard and photo printed on this film looks good whether it be a portrait or landscape. Since this is used by many brands of instant cameras, the film is readily available on markets and will cost cheaper if bought in bundle packages or bulk.
Also See: 10 Best Instax Mini Film Frame Designs
2. Fujifilm Instax Square Film
The Instax square film has the dimension of 86(W) x 86(H) where the image is printed in the size 62(W) x 62(H) similar to the photo you upload in Instagram. This film is for used in only square format instant print cameras such as the new SQ10. This film offers stunning instant pictures that you can fit into a purse, wallet or mini photo frame. Instax film ensures sharp, clear reproduction, vivid color and natural skin tones.
This film is used by the Fujifilm Instant Square Cameras i.e. SQ06, SQ10 and SQ20 which produces the photos best suited for portrait photography. The film comes in black and white designs which you can select as per your choice. The price per photo in this film is around $1 which may reduce if bought in bundle which will offer you more discount.
3. Fujifilm Instax Wide Film
The Instax square film has the dimension of 108(W) x 86(H) mm where the image is printed of size 99(W) x 62(H) mm. If you are a person who loves to capture landscape photos instantly, then this film is for you. This film is used by Instax Wide 300 and Lomo Wide cameras. The film ensures sharp, clear reproduction, vivid color and natural skin tones. The film, being bigger in size, is a bit expensive with price per photo ranging from $1.5 to $2. The film is available in white and monochrome designs as shown below and please make sure you buy in bundle to reduce the cost per film.
4. Polaroid Originals i-Type/600 films
The Polaroid i-type/600 films both are of same size 86(W) x 108(H)mm and produce the image of size 79(W) x 79(H)mm. The difference being 600 films comes with the battery required for Polaroid 600 vintage cameras and i-Type films are optimized for the OneStep 2, battery-free (which makes it easier on your wallet) and ready to roll. The film comes in 8 films per pack in Color and Black and white designs and costs more than $2 per photos making them the most expensive films in instant photography.
5. Polaroid Zink Film
Let’s face it—instant camera films aren’t cheap, but this film is the perfect solution as it is the cheapest film ever produced for instant cameras. The Zink technology makes it easy to handle and quick to print the photos. The film size is 51(W) x 76(H) and produces the image of same size i.e. 51(W) x 76(H) which covers all the areas of the film and has adhesive back which the user can make use as stickers.
The film is used by Polaroid SNAP Instant Print Camera, Polaroid Snap Touch Instant Print Digital Camera, Polaroid ZIP Mobile Photo Printer, and Kodak Printometer and cost per photo in the film is less than $0.5 and can be reduced further if bought in bundle. The film produces the images that are earth friendly, and also provides stunning vibrant details.
When buying the Polaroid films, make sure to buy in bulk whenever possible. This will ensure you have reduced the effective cost per film, and will also provide you instant discounts. Furthermore, buying in bulk also allows you to get your films shipped for free.
