REVIEW: Fujifilm Instax Square Film Rainbow (10 Exposures)

It’s tough when you want to capture life’s spontaneous moments but feel tethered to digital screens. I remember wishing I had a way to instantly hold a memory in my hands, something tangible and unique. Not having an immediate physical photo meant those fleeting smiles and funny faces often stayed trapped in my phone, easily forgotten in the endless scroll. It felt like a part of the fun of photography was missing without that instant print.

Fujifilm Instax Square Film, Rainbow (10 Exposures)
  • Produce instant photos, film size 86 (H) x 72 (w) mm, image size 62 x 62 mm
  • Suitable for all instax SQUARE cameras and printers, inc. SQ1, SQ6, SQ10, SQ20 plus SHARE SP-7
  • Fas picture development ISO 800 film with border

What to Ponder Before Getting Instant Square Film

If you’re drawn to the charm of instant photography, you’re likely someone who values tangible memories and enjoys a bit of creative flair. Instant film solves the problem of digital overload by providing a physical keepsake right on the spot. It’s perfect for documenting parties, trips, or just everyday silliness in a unique, retro-inspired way. However, instant film isn’t for everyone. If you need perfect, high-resolution images with extensive editing capabilities, or if you’re on a strict budget where cost-per-photo is critical, instant film might not be the best fit. DSLR or mirrorless cameras with standard digital formats offer more flexibility and lower long-term costs per shot.

Before buying instant square film, you should think about:
* Camera Compatibility: Ensure the film format matches your camera (Instax Square film for Instax Square cameras/printers).
* Cost: Instant film is more expensive per photo than digital or traditional film processing.
* Creative Use: Are you looking for classic borders, or something more fun like the rainbow frames?
* Storage: Instant photos are physical items you need to store safely to prevent damage.
* Expectations: Instant photos have a distinct look – slightly less sharp than digital, with unique colour rendering.

Bestseller No. 1
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini Instant Film Twin Pack (White)
  • Designed for use with Instax Mini line of cameras; Works well in low light
SaleBestseller No. 2
KODAK Gold 200 Film / 3 Pack / GB135-36-Vertical Packaging
  • Excellent consistency & Excellent processing robustness.
Bestseller No. 3

Introducing the Fujifilm Instax Square Film Rainbow

So, what is this product? It’s specifically the Fujifilm Instax Square Film, Rainbow (10 Exposures). This film pack promises to inject a burst of colour and fun into your instant photography with its vibrant rainbow-coloured borders. Each pack contains 10 exposures, giving you a single cartridge ready to load into your compatible Instax Square camera or printer. Compared to the standard white-bordered Instax Square film, the key difference here is purely aesthetic – the playful, multi-coloured frames. Functionally, it offers the same fast development and ISO 800 sensitivity as other Instax Square film variants. It’s definitely for the photographer who wants their prints to stand out immediately, adding an extra layer of personality to each shot. If you prefer a more classic or minimalist look, the standard white or even black bordered film would be a better choice.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:

Pros:
* Vibrant, fun rainbow borders add unique character.
* Instant development provides immediate gratification.
* Compatible with all Instax Square devices.
* ISO 800 works well in various lighting conditions (daylight).
* Tangible, shareable memories.

Cons:
* Higher cost per photo compared to digital.
* Occasional issues with film ejection or duds (though rare).
* Picture quality is good, but not high-resolution digital clarity.
* Subject to potential damage if not stored carefully.

Diving into the Features and What They Offer

I’ve been using Fujifilm Instax Square Film Rainbow for a good while now, and it’s become a staple for certain occasions when I want my photos to have that extra pop. The experience of using this film goes beyond just taking a picture; it’s about the whole process and the final, tangible result. Let’s break down some of the key aspects and why they matter in day-to-day use.

Instant Photos, Tangible Memories

The core principle of this Fujifilm Instax Square Film Rainbow, and indeed all Instax film, is its instant nature. You snap the picture, and within minutes, a physical print develops before your eyes. This feature is the primary reason most people are drawn to instant film in the first place. In an age where we take thousands of digital photos that often live and die on our phones, having an instant, tangible photograph is incredibly rewarding.

For me, this means being able to capture a moment at a party, a family gathering, or a casual hangout and immediately share a physical copy with someone. There’s a sense of magic watching the image appear on the film, and the fact that it’s instantly shareable makes it a fantastic social tool. It sparks conversation and creates a unique souvenir right there and then. You don’t have to worry about emailing photos later or hoping people check an online album. The memory is captured, printed, and shared all within moments. This instant gratification is addictive and truly enhances the experience of taking pictures, shifting the focus from endless documentation to capturing specific, meaningful moments.

Perfectly Sized for Sharing and Display

The physical dimensions of the Instax Square film are designed for practicality. The film size is 86mm (H) x 72mm (W), with an image size of 62mm x 62mm. This square format is a fantastic blend of the larger Instax Wide and the smaller Instax Mini. The square image area is particularly appealing; it feels classic, reminiscent of vintage Polaroid prints or medium format photography, but with a modern instant twist.

The size is perfect for wallets, bulletin boards, scrapbooks, or mini-frames. The border, which is where the rainbow colour comes in with this specific film pack, provides a natural frame for the image and is also ideal for writing notes or dates, adding another layer of personalization to your memories. The overall size of the print is substantial enough to feel like a proper photograph but small enough to be easily carried and shared. I’ve found the square format encourages me to think differently about composition compared to rectangular formats, often leading to more balanced and aesthetically pleasing shots for instant purposes.

Universal Compatibility (Within the Square Ecosystem)

A significant benefit of the Instax Square Film Rainbow is its broad compatibility with Fujifilm’s Instax Square line. It’s suitable for all Instax SQUARE cameras and printers, including models like the SQ1, SQ6, SQ10, SQ20, and the SHARE SP-7 printer. This is great because if you own any of these devices, you know this film will work seamlessly.

This cross-compatibility is a big plus. It means you’re not locked into using the film with just one specific camera model. If you upgrade your camera or get a printer, your stash of Instax Square film remains useful. Loading the cartridge is always straightforward, typically just opening the film door, aligning the marks, and closing it up. The camera or printer handles the rest. This ease of use across multiple devices makes investing in Square film a reliable choice if you’re committed to the Instax Square format.

ISO 800: Good Sensitivity for Varied Conditions

The Fujifilm Instax Square Film has an ISO equivalent of 800. This sensitivity is well-suited for daylight conditions and performs reasonably well indoors, especially if there’s adequate ambient light or if you use the camera’s flash. ISO 800 film is considered a versatile speed for consumer photography, offering a good balance between sensitivity to light and image grain.

In my experience, ISO 800 is quite forgiving. You don’t need bright, direct sunlight for every shot. It handles overcast days or moderately lit indoor environments without resulting in completely dark images. Of course, like any film, especially instant film, performance in low light without a flash will be limited, often resulting in darker or blurrier pictures. But for its intended use – casual, everyday instant photography – ISO 800 is an excellent choice, providing flexibility for a variety of shooting situations you encounter throughout the day. The fast picture development also contributes to this, making the whole process quick from capture to print.

The Rainbow Border: Adding a Splash of Fun

Now, let’s talk about the defining feature of *this* particular film pack: the rainbow border. Unlike the classic plain white borders, each print from this cartridge comes with a unique, vibrant colour around the image area. The colours are bright and varied, ranging through the spectrum. This isn’t just a minor detail; it completely changes the look and feel of the final print.

I initially bought this out of curiosity, wondering if the coloured frames would be distracting, but I’ve come to love them. They add an immediate element of fun and personality to each photo. For events like birthdays, parties, or creative projects, the rainbow borders make the prints feel more festive and unique. It gives each individual photo a slightly different character depending on the border colour it gets. While the standard white border is timeless and clean, the rainbow option is perfect when you want your pictures to be explicitly cheerful and eye-catching. It definitely makes the pictures stand out, whether they’re stuck on a fridge or included in a scrapbook. It’s a simple feature, but it has a significant impact on the aesthetic outcome and the overall enjoyment of the product.

While I’ve mostly had positive experiences, it’s worth mentioning a couple of potential downsides or points to be aware of with instant film in general, and occasionally this film too. Firstly, the cost per print is something you can’t ignore. It’s considerably more expensive than shooting digital or even traditional 35mm film if you develop rolls yourself or in bulk. This makes you think more carefully before clicking the shutter, which can be a good thing for intentionality, but it’s a cost factor to budget for. Secondly, while rare, I have encountered the occasional dud – a frame that doesn’t eject properly or comes out blank. It’s frustrating when it happens, as that’s one of your limited shots gone. The picture quality, while charming and vintage-like, isn’t razor-sharp like modern digital sensors. It has a softer look, and colours can be saturated but sometimes veer towards certain tones depending on lighting. This is often seen as part of the charm, but if you’re expecting clinical detail, you might be disappointed. Lastly, some users have reported issues with film stored for very long periods (like over half a year after opening the outer foil, even if within the expiry date), where the chemicals might not develop correctly. It’s best to use the film relatively soon after purchase for optimal results.

What Others Are Saying: Real User Experiences

I’ve browsed online to see what other people think about this Fujifilm Instax Square Film, Rainbow, and the sentiment seems largely positive, mirroring much of my own experience. Many users absolutely love the fun, vibrant coloured borders, finding they add a unique and creative touch to their instant photos. People appreciate that the film performs technically just like the standard Instax Square film, offering good colour saturation and the beloved vintage look. The ease of use and compatibility with different Instax Square cameras is also frequently praised. While most reviews highlight the positive aesthetic impact, a few mentions pop up about occasional quality control issues, such as receiving packages with damaged boxes or encountering a blank or creased shot within a cartridge, similar to my rare experiences with duds. Overall, however, the consensus is that this film is a delightful and worthwhile purchase for anyone wanting to make their instant photos more distinctive and cheerful.

Final Thoughts: Why This Film Might Be Right for You

Capturing memories and having them immediately in hand is a joy that digital photography, for all its convenience, often misses. The Fujifilm Instax Square Film Rainbow directly addresses this by turning fleeting moments into tangible keepsakes you can hold, share, and display instantly. If you’re tired of your best photos living unseen on a hard drive, this film offers a perfect solution. It’s a great fit because of its unique, fun rainbow borders that add personality, its reliable instant development, and its compatibility with all Instax Square devices. To add a splash of colour and instant fun to your memories, Click here to check the film out.

Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API