Last Updated on 08/04/2018 by Mark Beckenbach
Instant cameras will bring a new dimension to your travel work through a deeper connection to the craft of photography.
At first glance, looking at a print from an instant camera will stir judgements about the crummy colors, lack of sharpness, and the fact that the print is a one-off. But that would be far off base when thinking about instant photography. Creating with instant cameras is far deeper when you look below the surface. When creating with instant cameras you’ll experience a closer human connection, a genuine photographic print and way to connect with another human being that’s not social media. Creating with an instant camera is less an ego play and more an act of pure photography. Free yourself from the distractions of social media, the desire to spend hours in post, and practice your craft. You’ll become a better photographer by shooting with an instant. Here’s some solid choices when looking for instant cameras.
Leica Sofort
Leica’s optics and M series rangefinders are legendary and I don’t think anyone would debate that. Other Leica products like the Sofort should be looked at more as a lifestyle product rather than a handmade Leica camera. While the Leica Sofort is going to give you the same results of other instant film cameras, you’ll want the Sofort because it just looks real good, and if that’s the element that makes you shoot more then it’s worth the money.
Pro tip – Rocking a camera that looks good or different will put people at ease when you’re shooting on the street and therefore allow for more portrait opportunities.
In our review we state:
“If you sit here and compare the Leica Sofort, Fujifilm Instax Mini 90, Lomography Lomo’Instant, and Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat you’ll see that there isn’t a whole lot differentiating them all when it comes to image quality. Sure, they’ve all got cool features but of any of them here it seems like the Leica is the most overpriced option. It’s the most expensive of the bunch already, but then when you look at the fact that there aren’t a whole lot of distinguishing features on it then it becomes a bit tougher to justify it.” – Read our review
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90
If you’re looking for results first and style second then you need the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90. The Instax Mini 90 is Fuji’s “high end” Instax Mini camera. It’s got everything you need to shoot and will deliver every time. Priced at less than half of the Leica Sofort, you can pick up a couple Instax Mini film bundles, a leather case, and have money to spare.
In our review we state:
“When Fujifilm first announced their Mini 90 camera, folks everywhere either gawked at the expensive price or looked at it alluringly with lust and heart palpitations. Then we tried it, and actually kind of liked it. It’s totally a hipster camera, but that doesn’t mean you should sit there and turn your nose from it. In fact, the Mini 90 has a couple of cool features that will force you to think within a box and put an huge emphasis on unleashing your creative side by getting rid of the technical stuff.” – Read our review
Mint Camera InstantFlex TL70 2.0
Want the experience of using a TLR but don’t like the idea of keeping rolls of 120 safe while on a trip? Then you should be looking at the Mint Camera InstantFlex TL70 2.0. The Mint Camera InstantFlex TL70 2.0 is a real-deal TLR, so once you get used to the flipped view it makes shooting a ton of fun.
Pro tip – If you plan on buying the Mint Camera InstantFlex TL70 2.0 for a trip do so in advance, especially if you have never used a TLR before. Everything is backwards and upside-down in the viewfinder which will take some getting used to.
In our review we state:
“The Mint Camera InstantFlex TL70 2.0 camera’s biggest upgrade is its brighter viewfinder over the predecessor. This is a proper TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) camera with aperture priority control, exposure compensation, manual focusing, a flash, accessories, and an overall solid build quality. Most importantly for many of us, there are glass elements in the lens. Considering that Instax Mini basically covers a 645 area, this is important.” – Read our review
Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Magellan
If you’re serious about instant photography then you should check out the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Magellan. The Lomo’Instant has more control over exposure than most instant cameras plus you have the ability to use add-on lenses and filters.
In our review we state:
“The Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Magellan answers the prayers and wishes of almost every Fujifilm Instax Mini film user–and it’s arguably one of the absolute best cameras shooting the format on the market. Obviously, part of this appeal is the glass lens on the front of the camera. This lens is the same optic used on the company’s Lomography LCA 120–and so it is the sharpest and the fastest aperture lens available for use on any Instax camera (at the time of publishing this review.) That quality will appeal to a lot of photographers and though there are a number of shooters who still want manual controls, you’d be shocked at how great the photos are from the Lomography Lomo’Instant Automat Glass Magellan” – Read our review
Polaroid Originals One Step 2
No instant camera list is complete without Polaroid. Sure, the Polaroid One Step 2 is a bit awkward to carry given it’s size, but it’s super affordable and people recognize it instantly. The One Step 2, while being the least expensive instant camera on the list, is sadly the one with the most expensive film.
Pro tip – Only buy the Polaroid One Step 2 if you want a newly made Polaroid in your collection.
In our review we state:
“The Polaroid Originals One Step 2 is an ode to the classic One Step camera. It was called the One Step because it had only one step, push the button and it shoots a photo. It’s a fixed focus point and shoot essentially and that differentiates it from many other cameras that have you manually focus or use Polaroid’s old Sonar autofocus system.” – Read our First Impressions
Instant Film Deals
Fujifilm Instax
Value Set for Instax Mini Film, SKY BLUE 10 + Black Frame 10 + Monochrome 10 + Twin Pack 20
Pro tip – Get two bundles. When you first get your instant camera you’ll be going through film a lot.
Polaroid Film
If you own a Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 and and want to stock up on film get this five pack of Color i-Type film.