The joy of instant photography is alive, kicking and keeping teenagers engaged more than ever before. A lot of credit goes to Fujifilm’s range of Instax cameras that allow users to take square-format photos.
The latest is Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 which fuels the retro person inside you. It’s an alternative to the SQ1. Both these devices offer the same square-format film and the same batteries. What the SQ40 offers is a flashier design and then some more.
Weighing just 1.1 pounds, it measures 4.7 by 5.3 by 2.4 inches (HWD). Features that make this camera special for youngsters are its automatic exposure function to detect ambient light, which in turn, sets the shutter speed and flash output depending on the scene. If light conditions are not good, you can hold down the shutter button for an extended period of time and that will make the shutter speed slower.
The lens has three modes. In the “off” position, it is fully retracted into the body. Moving to “on” position, the lens extends out and the lens cap automatically opens and is ready for general shooting. Going past “on”, there is a “selfie” mode that extends the lens out further and is used for macro or selfies. For close-up, the lens keeps everything from 11.8 to 19.7 inches in focus using the Selfie setting.
There is also a new film variety — the new Instax Square “Sunset” variety of instant film. The design is inspired by the gentle gradation of the colours in the sky during a sunset. It will be available in a single pack with 10 exposures.
You don’t need to focus the camera as such. Subjects that are around four-five feet away will be in focus. And to get the best out of the flash, keep the subject within three-feet range.
How much will it be priced in India? There is no word yet about pricing or availability but the US retail price is $149.95.
Mathures Paul