Fujifilm Instax Wide Film Review: High Quality, Pricey Buy
The surprising thing about the Fujifilm Instax Wide Instant Film Twin Pack is how consistently it earns near-perfect ratings despite a recurring complaint about its price. Across platforms, it scores an impressive 9.2/10, with users calling it “superior to Instax Mini by a large margin” and praising its vibrant colors, sharp detail, and generous frame size. This wide format has become a favorite among instant photography enthusiasts who value more space for group shots and scenic landscapes, even if they have to be “careful when taking pics so I don’t waste any film,” as one verified Best Buy buyer put it.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy – Excellent image quality and format size, but budget-conscious users may hesitate due to cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior color reproduction and saturation compared to Instax Mini | Higher cost per shot than digital or smaller format instant film |
| Wide format ideal for group photos and landscapes | Occasional purple hue reported by some users |
| Fast development time (~90 seconds) | Film formats not interchangeable – risk of buying wrong type |
| Easy to load and compatible with all Instax Wide cameras & printers | Limited availability in some regions |
| Durable, stable emulsion works in varied temperatures | Less “character” than Polaroid film according to some |
| Consistently high build quality and reliable performance | Price fluctuations and few discounts |
Claims vs Reality
Fujifilm markets the Instax Wide film as producing “superb wide format instant photos” with “vivid colors and natural skin tones” thanks to its ISO 800 rating and high-quality emulsion. The promotional material also emphasizes quick development and ease of loading.
Digging deeper into user reports, these claims largely hold true. Reddit user rob2468 said: “This film is far superior than the Instax Mini… the wide offers superior color reproduction, saturation, and dynamic range.” Multiple reviewers confirm the vivid color performance, with one Best Buy Canada reviewer noting “rich tones, subtle imperfections, and tangible feel” that make it stand apart from digital prints.
However, not every user experiences perfect color balance. A verified buyer, jorgeg, commented that “these are nice but have a bit of a purple hue… you need to remove the purple in the app.” While Fujifilm’s marketing touts “natural skin tones,” this suggests occasional deviations depending on lighting and conditions.
Ease of loading is universally confirmed. A Best Buy US reviewer wrote: “The film loads easily, and the results never disappoint,” aligning perfectly with the company’s claim of user-friendly cartridges. Development time also matches the advertised “under 90 seconds,” with multiple reports of near-instant gratification.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One of the strongest selling points is the wide format size. This is repeatedly praised as the “ideal size for capturing memories” by Best Buy Canada reviewers, giving shots “room to breathe” for group portraits and landscapes. For event photographers, the extra width offers a practical advantage; one verified buyer described “making awesome cash flow with this especially [at] events,” where presentation matters.
Color reproduction also earns consistent accolades. A Reddit user summed it up: “Love these, pics always come out great.” Another said: “Pictures come out really nicely and for a lot cheaper than Polaroid.” The film’s sharpness and clarity are also highlighted, with one user noting: “The detail is amazing… very impressive.”
Ease of use and reliability are equally celebrated. Across Trustpilot and Best Buy, the film is described as “compatible, easy to install, and quick to develop.” The ISO 800 speed and stable emulsion mean it performs reliably in varied lighting and temperature conditions, a plus for travelers and outdoor shooters.
Common Complaints
Price is the most persistent issue. Users frequently report being “careful when taking pics so I don’t waste any film.” With costs hovering over $1 per shot, budget-conscious buyers may hesitate. Some note it’s “cheaper at other locations,” and lament the lack of sales or discounts. On Fakespot, one reviewer stated plainly: “The price could be more affordable for everyone.”
There’s also the risk of buying the wrong film format. Best Buy Canada reviewer country splatt shared: “We got a mini camera and thought this would just create wider pictures… we were wrong.” Instax Wide and Mini are not interchangeable, and confusion can lead to wasted purchases.
A few users mention slight color shifts, notably the “purple hue” issue. While not widespread, it’s enough to warrant caution for those seeking perfect neutrality in skin tones.
Divisive Features
The film’s aesthetic is a point of contention. While many love its crispness, others feel it lacks the organic, unpredictable charm of Polaroid. Fakespot notes: “It has a lot less character than Polaroid film and often looks sterile and boring compared to Polaroid shots.” This split often comes down to personal preference—whether one values technical perfection or nostalgic imperfection.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Fakespot analysis indicate minimal deception in reviews, with most feedback deemed reliable. Packaging quality is consistently praised—arriving “safely packed” with “no issue with the film being damaged in its packaging.” Long-term users report steady performance over multiple packs, with one Fakespot reviewer stating: “I’ve shot 6 packs in as many weeks… pictures are definitely better than Polaroids when I was young.”
The product’s durability extends to environmental resilience; official specs and user experiences confirm it functions in temperatures from 5°C to 40°C without degradation. This stability reassures buyers using it outdoors or in variable climates.
Alternatives
Within the instant film space, users often compare Instax Wide to Instax Mini and Polaroid. The Mini is more affordable and portable but sacrifices frame size and, according to many, image quality. Polaroid offers a distinct vintage aesthetic but at a higher cost per shot and less consistent technical performance. As one Reddit user put it: “Why spend over $20 for 8 films when you can get less than that for 20 shots [of Instax Wide]?”
Price & Value
On eBay, prices range from $15 (plus shipping) for open-box deals to $24.99–$26.99 for sealed packs, with occasional discounts bringing costs down by 16–23%. Amazon listings hover around $26.99. Community advice consistently recommends shopping around or waiting for sales, especially if buying in bulk.
Resale value is limited—unused, sealed packs hold close to retail pricing, but open packs are worth significantly less. Value is highest for event photographers or those who prioritize large-format instant prints over digital convenience.
FAQ
Q: Is Instax Wide film compatible with Instax Mini cameras?
A: No. Instax Wide and Mini use completely different formats and are not interchangeable. Buying the wrong type will result in unusable film.
Q: How fast does the film develop?
A: Around 90 seconds. Users confirm nearly instant image emergence with full development under two minutes.
Q: Does it work in cold or hot conditions?
A: Yes. Official specs and user feedback confirm stable performance from 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F).
Q: Is the color reproduction accurate?
A: Mostly yes—many praise its vibrant colors and natural tones, though a few report slight purple shifts in certain lighting.
Q: Is it worth the price compared to Polaroid film?
A: Users who value technical quality and larger frames say yes; those seeking a more vintage aesthetic may prefer Polaroid despite higher costs.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an instant photography enthusiast who values large, high-quality prints and can absorb the higher cost per shot. Avoid if budget is tight or you prefer the unpredictable charm of Polaroid. Pro tip from the community: shop sales or bulk deals to reduce cost per print, and always double-check compatibility before buying.
