Getting your hands on the best Instax refills is a necessity if you own an Instax camera. These handy and affordable instant cameras are nothing without a decent film stock; after all, once the photo is captured the moment can’t be replicated. So, you want to make sure the resulting picture is well-preserved (unless you’re lucky to have the higher-end Instax cameras that save snaps to a microSD).
On top of reliability, the best refills for Instax are needed because they are often given as mementoes. If the beauty of instant cameras is the ability to have a meaningful keepsake, why would you want to compromise things with sub-par film stock? It’s for these reasons, and more besides, that we’ve rounded up some essential Fujifilm Instax options below.
Included in our roundup are options for all Instax cameras, including the mini, WIDE and SQUARE. These refills will also work with the corresponding Instax portable printers, which allow you to print in a retro style from your smartphone, wherever you may be.
If you’re new to Instax cameras, you may find yourself wondering what their deal is, how they work and whether you need to waft and shake the developing image, à la Outkast’s 2003 classic. We’ve answered these questions at the bottom of the page, be sure to take a read.
Instax mini refills
The classic white-border choice for the ever-popular Instax mini range. Size: 54mm x 86mm. Image size: 46mm x 26mm.
Everyone knows that black and white equals immediate cool, right? Well, you can access this magic power via this monochromatic film for the Instax mini. Size: 54mm x 86mm. Image size: 46mm x 26mm.
This refill cartridge includes enough film for 10 shots, with each border offering a different bright colour blend. A great one for parties. Size: 54mm x 86mm. Image size: 46mm x 26mm.
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Adding a cute dotted pattern to the border of standard Instax mini film, this cartridge refill is ideal for anyone wanting an extra pop from their instant pictures. Size: 54mm x 86mm. Image size: 46mm x 26mm.
It's amazing how much the border colour can change your appreciation of the image captured. This Sky Blue border works to add a sense of peace and calm. Size: 54mm x 86mm. Image size: 46mm x 26mm.
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Shooting snapshots with an Instax SQ? This is the basic white-border choice - simple, but effortlessly cool. Size: 86mm x 72mm. Image size: 62mm x 62mm.
For a splash of space-themed whimsy, this pack of films has a sat patterned border. Size: 86mm x 72mm. Image size: 62mm x 62mm.
The 1:1 ratio of the SQUARE range is timeless - going black and white only works to pile on the classic vibes. Size: 86mm x 72mm. Image size: 62mm x 62mm.
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The Instax Wide range of cameras provides you with TWICE the printable space of the Instax mini. While that does mean that the film is a bit more expensive, there's no denying the extra space adds loads of potential to your photography! Size: 108mm x 85mm. Image size: 99mm x 62mm.
All the joys of the WIDE camera lens, but with the added mood of instant black and white. Easy and excellent. Size: 108mm x 85mm. Image size: 99mm x 62mm.
Do you need to refill ink with Instax?
No ink is needed in Instax cameras. The film is used as chemicals stored in its many layers which, when exposed to a scene by the camera, begins to develop into the final photograph. So, because it’s all included in the film, there’s no need to refill any ink.
Should I shake an Instax picture?
Do not shake an Instax picture. Contrary to what you see on TV, shaking an instant camera photograph while it is developing can actually harm and ruin the process. Once the picture is taken and the Instax has printed out the film, the best thing to do is leave it along on a flat surface for as long as possible.
Who makes Instax cameras?
Instax is a range of instant cameras from Fujifilm. The Japanese photography company has been making instant cameras since the 1980s, and the Instax range launched in 1998. Fujifilm Instax is amongst the most popular and most reliable instant camera ranges available today.
What to read next:
The best Instax accessories and printers: cases, frames and hangings