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Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Lomo Instant Square 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

Lomo Instant Square comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about versatile creative photographers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Lomo Instant Square
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Instant Cameras
Lomo Instant Square
4 sources2 derived$219as of Aug 1

The Lomo Instant Square is a dual-format analog camera that takes both Instax Square and Instax Mini film, which nothing else on the instant market does. Reviewers praised the creative options: multiple exposure modes, bulb (long-exposure) capability, and several focusing choices. Accessories in the box include a splitzer for double exposures and a front filter for close-ups. Some reviewers called out the bulky body and the hassle of tracking down CR2 batteries. Photographers who want creative control over instant film are the audience.

Strengths
  • — Dual-format capability allowing use of both Instax Square and Instax Mini film
  • — Includes multiple focusing options (0.8m, 1-2.5m, infinity) and portrait lens for close-up shots
  • — Features multiple exposure and bulb (long-exposure) modes for creative photography
Watch-outs
  • — Bulky design that's not pocket-friendly despite flat form factor
  • — Uses non-standard CR2 lithium batteries that may be hard to find
$219 · Buy at shop.8storeytree.comFull review →
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
Ranked #8 in Best Instant Cameras
Lomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
4 sources1 derived$129as of Jul 31

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
  • — Includes creative accessories like colored filters, Bluetooth shutter release, and close-up lens
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 AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Lomo Instant Square

The Lomo Instant Square's dual-format capability and creative exposure modes distinguish it from the Fujifilm Instax Mini Film Twin Pack which lacks creative features. Unlike the Polaroid I-2, it doesn't offer advanced manual controls but provides more creative flexibility. Compared to the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40, it supports both Instax Square and Instax Mini film, making it more versatile for different film types.

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. Compared to the Lomo Instant Square, it provides fully automated operation with manual controls for flash and exposure compensation, making it more accessible for creative users.

Specs side-by-side

SpecLomo Instant SquareLomography Lomo'Instant Automat Glass
Film FormatInstax Square & MiniInstax Mini
Lens95mm f/10 (45mm equiv)38mm (21mm equivalent)
FlashBuilt In FlashBuilt In Flash
Battery2x CR2 lithium2x CR2 (3V)
Focusing0.8m, 1-2.5m, infinity0.3m to infinity
ColorWhite, red, black and blueblack with orange detailing
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