Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 vs Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 and Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass score essentially the same (4.0 vs 4.0). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Ranked #4 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

4.0

4 sources$170.15as of Oct 28

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a compact instant camera shooting the newer Instax Square format, which yields wider square prints with a vintage Polaroid look. PCMag's Jim Fisher described the analog process, where the image surfaces gradually 90 seconds after the shutter fires. Camera Labs' Gordon found it close to the SQ1 model but dressed up more seriously. A built-in flash and viewfinder are included, and it runs Instax Square film at 10 prints per cartridge. Reviewers pointed to the two limits: Square film only, and a price above the alternatives.

Strengths

— Uses fully analog process with prints emerging 90 seconds after shooting
— Produces wider square prints reminiscent of vintage Polaroids
— Includes built-in flash and viewfinder for easy framing

Watch-outs

— Limited to single print shape (cannot use Mini film)

$170.15 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Instant Cameras

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

4.0

3 sources$129as of Oct 28

Reviewers call the Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass the world's first instant camera with a wide-angle glass lens, a 38mm (21mm equivalent) f/4.5 design using 6 elements in 4 groups. Operation is fully automated with manual overrides for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures, and the box includes creative accessories like colored filters and a Bluetooth shutter release. Critics flagged the large, non-pocketable body and the uncommon CR2 batteries. It shoots Instax Mini film and aims squarely at creative photography, mixing automation with manual control for artistic work.

Strengths

— Features a wide-angle 38mm glass lens (21mm equivalent in 35mm terms) with 6 elements in 4 groups
— Fully automated operation with manual controls for flash, exposure compensation, and multiple exposures
— Build quality with textured coating and robust design suitable for creative photography

Watch-outs

— Large, non-pocketable design with square form factor
— Uses uncommon CR2 (3V) batteries that are hard to find
— Limited LCD display - relies on LED indicators for settings

$129 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

The Polaroid I-2 offers LiDAR autofocus and full manual modes, while the SQ40 focuses from 0.5m to infinity. At 453g it weighs about the same as the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 at 451.5 g without film.

Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass

The Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass's wide-angle glass lens distinguishes it from the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400's basic design and manual focus. Unlike the Polaroid I-2, it lacks advanced manual controls but offers creative accessories like colored filters.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40	Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
Film Format	Instax Square	Instax Mini
Battery	CR2 lithium	2x CR2 (3V)
Color	Three options	black with orange detailing
Lens	2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6	38mm (21mm equivalent)
Flash	Built In Flash	Built In Flash
Focusing	0.5m to infinity	0.3m to infinity
Weight	453g	—
Dimensions	2.4 x 4.72 x 5.28 inches; 15.98 ounces	—

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