With Fujifilm’s SQ1, design and simplicity count. They are available in the three colors Chalk White, Terracotta Orange and Glacier Blue. The operation of the point-and-shoot instant camera is as reduced as it can be: insert the film, open the lens, use the viewfinder to frame the image, press the shutter release, collect the image. The exposure is automatic and the camera also adjusts the flash itself if necessary. The photographer can only influence the focus distance. There are two rotation settings on the lens, one for selfies and one for anything further away. For the selfies, the typical mini mirror is on the lens.

A window on the back reveals whether the film has been inserted correctly, a picture counter shows also shows how many pictures are still available in the cassette. The Instax SQ1 works with the Instax Square instant film measuring 8.6 cm × 7.2 cm. The image size is about six by six centimeters – a modern square format in the Instagram style. The camera is therefore a successful concept for anyone who wants a reasonably sensible result quickly when taking photos without having to worry about exposure-related settings themselves. If you value a little more influence, you should use other instant cameras such as the Instax Mini 90 neo or a Polaroid OneStep + may be better off.

instax SQ1 (3 pictures) The instax SQ1 is a simple point-and-shoot camera. It is switched on by turning the lens. A flash brightens photos, when it is triggered and which exposure settings are selected, the SQ1 decides fully automatically. All the photographer has to do is press the shutter button. There is a small mirror on the lens for selfies.

(Image: Christine Bruns) If not … Actually, the SQ1 is a very practical camera in its field, if it weren’t for that the one thing that really annoyed us: ergonomics. The shutter release was installed exactly where the index finger was when the camera was held. That sounds logical at first, because you have to press it to take a picture. But the placement has its pitfalls: the finger cannot rest further down due to the large lens, the shutter release is too easy to move. Just a short touch is enough and pictures arise that you did not want at all.

Pictures from the Fujifilm instax SQ1 (6 pictures) The instant film can also reproduce a surprising number of details.

(Image: Christine Bruns) Equipment and power supply The Instax Square film that the camera exposes costs around one euro per picture and is in a film cassette ten shots. With larger purchase quantities you can save a few cents per picture. Special editions such as the monochrome film or variants with special frames cost a little more.

Incidentally, a hand strap and a self-adhesive thumb grip are included, which, according to the website, can be used to adapt the handle to the shape and size of the hand. The plate only has a useful place on the back, namely above the battery compartment, otherwise it will be covered. How the handle is supposed to adapt to the shape of the hand remained a mystery to us.

Two CR2 lithium batteries serve as power supply, which are for approx. 30 film cassettes should suffice.

Alternatives The SQ1 is the third Instax model for the square film. The also purely analogue SQ6 is designed a bit more chic and also has various motif programs for portrait, landscape, double exposure, high-key or low-key images. It currently costs about as much as its younger sister SQ1, i.e. around 100 Euro.

The third in the group is the SQ 20, a hybrid camera. It records both analog and digital, has a display and various editing and beautification options for the images. So several pictures can be printed on one picture or one picture can be printed as a picture from one with the SQ 20 recorded film can be exported. A micro SD slot enables the images to be transferred to the PC. Their price is around 170 Euro.

There are also the Instax mini cameras with picture sizes with a frame of 7.5 cm × 6 cm, without this frame the photo is only 6.5 cm × 4.5 cm. The Instax Wide provides larger formats 300 with image sizes of around 6 centimeters × 10 centimeters.

Polaroid also offers the square format, but slightly larger. The picture size with frame is , 7 centimeters × 8.8 centimeters, without a frame at around 8 centimeters × 8 centimeters. The development time of the pictures is ten to 10 minutes. Also the price of 15 until 18 Euro per picture not exactly a bargain.

Conclusion With the Instax SQ1 from Fujifilm, you can be with friends in between , at parties, or just taking creative instant photos for fun. This of course applies to all instant cameras. However, one looks in vain for setting options as with some others. The Instax Square films are a good compromise in terms of size. The camera itself makes a high-quality impression that is commensurate with the claim, but leaves something to be desired in terms of ergonomics. The trigger also reacts a little too quickly. That can be annoying with picture prices around one euro.

(cbr)