Can I use other brands of instant camera film?

The short answer is no. If you're using an Instax camera then you should also be using Instax film. And if you're shooting with a Polaroid then you should be using Polaroid film, as these two brands are not compatible with each other and there aren't any off-brand alternatives to choose from either.

What Instax film designs should I avoid?

I can't tell you which film designs not to buy, as it's down to your own personal preferences. But if you want my advice, avoid anything pink, sparkly, with rainbows, or confetti-type film for when shooting professional-style images, and leave the funky designs for your group selfies instead.

The best Instax film designs

(Image credit: Fujifilm Instax / Amazon)

You might already be aware that Fujifilm's Instax prints range has an array of fun designs to choose from in all sizes: Mini, Wide, and Square. These are a great way of not only expressing your personal style as a photographer but also for enhancing the overall aesthetic and vibe of your instant print images too.

Some of the best Instant cameras might be seen as nothing more than a novelty purchase or a gimmick for some, but if used correctly, they're a great way of displaying your work elegantly in a smaller format and can make for sentimental holiday keepsakes to document your travels, or even for scrapbooking. Instax sometimes collabs with other brands to create fun film designs, like Hello Kitty.

1. Contact Sheet

Film Type: Instax Mini

My number one choice for Instax Mini film is the Contact Sheet design, which features a black border and orange-tinted labels across the top and bottom sides of the print, giving the impression of a just-shot studio contact sheet using old film. I absolutely love the look that this gives my images, and it offers a unique retro vibe with numbered prints from 1-10 too which is handy for keeping track of your prints and great for display.

2. Blue Marble

Film Type: Instax Mini

This Blue Marble Instax film design is fun and classy, with just enough flair to make your photos stand out while keeping things nice and simple at the same time. It reminds me of marble museum walls but with just a tad more vibrancy, and the gold tones blend so nicely with the ashy blue background. This film would be best for complimenting any portraits you capture but might clash with any greenery or landscape shots.

3. Stone Gray

Film Type: Instax Mini

The Stone Gray Instax film is truly gorgeous if you don't like basic and bland white borders on your images, and adds a gritty undertone to your subjects. Best for still life, cars, studio portraits, monochrome shots, and even pets, the Stone Gray film can be used to add depth to an otherwise basic image and can look great when displaying your prints on a desk or shelf as well as for scrapbooking with white card.

How do I insert Instax film?

It varies slightly depending on which specific Instax camera model or MIni Link smartphone printer you're using, but you need to open up the film and also the back of the camera and simply insert the entire black cartridge into the camera facing down, or so the little yellow tab is facing upright and aligned with the tab on the back of your camera. It's really really easy and takes about 4 seconds.

The first image you print after loading the film cartridge will be a blank, as the included black card slides out of the top. Be sure to NEVER open the back of your Instax camera if you have unused film still left in there, as these will then become overexposed to natural light and simply turn out white with no image.

Beth is Creative Bloq’s Ecommerce Writer and has the fun job of finding you the very best prices and deals on creative tech. Beth kicked off her journalistic career writing for Digital Camera World, and has since earned bylines on TechRadar too. With a Masters degree in Photography, Beth loves getting to tinker with new cameras, especially camera phones, as the resident Samsung fan on the team. Her background working as a tester for CeX let her play around with all kinds of weird and wonderful products, including robots, and she’s recently gotten into 3D printing too. Outside of CB, you’ll find her gaming on her PS5, photographing local shows under the alias Bethshootsbands, and making TikToks of her dog, Tilly.

The best Instax film designs

My top 3 picks

More Instax Film options

How do I insert Instax film?

Can I use other brands of instant camera film?

What Instax film designs should I avoid?

Related articles

My top 3 picks

More Instax Film options

Get the Creative Bloq Newsletter

Related articles