Table of Contents
The majority of Fujifilm Instax cameras adhere to a standard operating procedure, and in our review of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12, we broke down the steps necessary to get started with an Instax camera such as the SQ40. In a nutshell, you need to start by putting the two CR2 batteries in the camera, following the visual indicators to load the film, and then opening the lens.
The Instax SQ40 is a wonderful illustration of how well Fujifilm is able to execute designs that are reminiscent of bygone eras. My personal preference is for the traditional black faux-leather finish of the SQ40, but the aesthetic of the colorful and sparkling Instax Mini series may be more appealing to other people. The silver-effect accents surrounding the lens and shutter button are a great touch; nevertheless, if it were up to me, I would have included a more prominent silver top plate.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 Specifications
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a very important camera for people who want to combine instant shooting with modern features. With its square-shaped prints, creative shooting modes, small size, and Bluetooth connectivity, it gives users a unique and nostalgic experience while also meeting their needs for ease and connectivity.
Specification | Description |
---|---|
Film Format | Instax Square |
Image Size | 62mm x 62mm |
Lens | Fixed focal length (approx. 65.75mm) |
Aperture | f/12.6 |
Shutter Speed | 1/400 to 1/2 second |
Viewfinder | Real image finder (0.4x magnification) |
LCD Screen | 2.7-inch color TFT |
Shooting Modes | Auto, Selfie, Macro, Landscape, Double Exposure |
Link | Check Price |
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40: Design
The shape of the camera is that of a rectangle, with the height being marginally lower than the width. The outside of the camera is covered in a material that looks like black faux leather, with the exception of the sides, the shutter button, and the front section of the lens, all of which feature dazzling silver details. The end result is a bulky camera with a traditional design that is muted but not less eye-catching, and it is directly drawn from the 2021 version of the Instax Mini 40.
The camera has the same technical specifications as the Instax SQ1, which is still on the market, but it comes in a more visually pleasing design, which may appeal to customers who were turned off by the SQ1’s colorful appearance. The SQ40 is more reminiscent of the SQ6 and presents an image that is diametrically opposed to that of the upbeat and effervescent Mini 12.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40: Performance
Fujifilm’s Instax Square SQ40 is compatible with their 62 x 62mm (or 86 x 72mm with borders) film. Fujifilm’s 20-exposure film packs come with two 10-exposure cartridges and cost roughly 85 pence each frame. This isn’t an outrageous amount, but it can feel that way when you get a blurry print and have to retake the picture while watching the camera’s countdown timer.
Invest in an Instax printer (like the Instax Square Link) so you never have to worry about wasting film again. With these, you can snap as many pictures as you like on your smartphone, then use the printer’s wireless connection to pull out just the ones you want. The Square SQ40 is still the finest option if you want an immediate camera for the sake of spontaneity.
Final Words
As the weather warms up and we spend more time outside with my pals, we find that shooting with Instax cameras is a lot of fun. Instax cameras are fun to share and use without the need for any photographic expertise. The images it takes are decent, though they certainly won’t hold a candle to those from a state-of-the-art camera. We have used two packs of film and have not wasted a single one owing to improper exposure or processing thanks to the camera’s automatic settings.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 review: The good and The bad
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 produces instant photographs with a square shape that are of a great quality and look fabulous.
The Good
- Point-and-shoot simplicity
- Print size is spot on
The Bad
- Pricier than many alternatives
Questions and Answers
For the best results, you should finish a pack of film in two weeks or less and no longer than one month. Some people ask if you have to put the camera with the film in it in a dehumidifier. No, don’t do that, because it could make the chemicals dry out.
The X-ray used to check carry-on bags is not as strong as the one used to check checked bags. Low-energy X-rays won’t do much damage to pictures under ISO800, like Fujifilm Instax mini, Instax wide, and Instax square.