The Resurgence of Instant Photography

In an era dominated by digital photography and smartphone cameras, instant photography has managed to carve out a strong niche among enthusiasts, artists, and analog purists. Lomography, a brand renowned for its experimental and creative approach to film photography, has been at the forefront of this resurgence.

Among its many offerings, the Lomo’Instant Square was a game-changer when it launched in 2017, bringing instant square-format photography to a new generation of photographers. Over time, Lomography improved upon its original design, introducing a glass lens for enhanced image sharpness. The result? The Lomo’Instant Square Glass, arguably one of the sharpest instant cameras ever made.

Now, in 2025, Lomography continues to refresh and innovate within its instant camera lineup, unveiling two new stylish editions of the Lomo’Instant Square Glass:

•Pemberley Edition – A pastel-toned, elegant version designed for vintage aesthetics.

•The Blues Edition – Wrapped in classic blue denim, offering a stylish and retro appeal.

The Evolution of the Lomo’Instant Square Series

2017: The Original Lomo’Instant Square

When the Lomo’Instant Square was first introduced in 2017, it was one of the first instant cameras to shoot on Fujifilm’s Instax Square format. Unlike the Instax Square SQ6 or SQ1, which were fully automatic, the Lomo’Instant Square offered a more hands-on, customizable shooting experience.

Key features of the original model included:

•A collapsible bellows design – Inspired by classic folding cameras, making it portable and unique.

•Zone focusing system – Allowed for quick and simple manual focus adjustments.

•Multiple exposure mode – A Lomography signature, enabling creative layering of images.

•Bulb mode & long exposure settings – Perfect for light painting and night photography.

While the camera was a hit among film photography enthusiasts, the plastic lens had limitations in image sharpness. Lomography listened to user feedback and, in response, released an upgraded version.

Lomo’Instant Square Glass: The Sharpest Instant Camera Yet

The Lomo’Instant Square Glass took everything great about the original model and enhanced it with a high-quality glass lens, significantly improving image clarity and detail. The key differences included:

•A 95mm (45mm equivalent) glass lens, delivering sharper results.

•A more refined exposure system, reducing the unpredictability of Lomography’s previous instant cameras.

•The option to shoot both Instax Square and Instax Mini film, offering greater versatility.

This upgrade made the Lomo’Instant Square Glass one of the best instant cameras for those seeking creative control without sacrificing image quality.

Design & Build: Retro Meets Modern

Aesthetic Appeal & Foldable Form Factor

The Lomo’Instant Square Glass stays true to Lomography’s love for vintage-inspired cameras with a foldable bellows design. This not only makes the camera compact and travel-friendly but also adds a distinct retro charm.

With the introduction of new editions like Pemberley and The Blues, the camera now offers even more aesthetic variety.

•Pemberley Edition – Features a pastel leatherette wrap, catering to those who appreciate soft, vintage-inspired aesthetics.

•The Blues Edition – Wrapped in denim fabric, giving the camera a fashion-forward, street-style vibe.

Despite its classic exterior, the Lomo’Instant Square Glass incorporates modern controls, ensuring ease of use without losing the analog magic of instant photography.

Gulliver’s Grip: Ergonomics & Usability

Unlike some instant cameras that sacrifice ergonomics for style, the Lomo’Instant Square Glass is designed with usability in mind.

•The grip is solid, allowing for steady shooting.

•Physical dials and buttons provide a satisfying, tactile experience.

•Viewfinder alignment is intuitive, making composition easier.

While it requires a learning curve, especially for newcomers to Lomography’s shooting style, it rewards patience with beautifully unpredictable results.

Glass Lens vs. Plastic Lens

One of the biggest selling points of the Lomo’Instant Square Glass is its high-quality glass lens. Compared to plastic lenses found in other instant cameras, glass offers:

Sharper details

More accurate color rendering

Reduced distortion

For photographers who found the original Lomo’Instant Square’s images too soft, this upgrade makes a significant difference.

Creative Features & Shooting Modes

Lomography cameras are known for their creative freedom, and the Lomo’Instant Square Glass doesn’t disappoint.

•Multiple Exposure Mode – Shoot several exposures on a single frame, perfect for surreal, artistic compositions.

•Bulb Mode – Capture long exposures, allowing for creative light painting and nighttime photography.

•Self-Timer & Remote Control – Ideal for group shots and experimental self-portraits.

•Color Gel Filters – Add vibrant hues to images, embracing Lomography’s signature dreamlike aesthetic.

While some users may prefer a fully automatic camera, the manual controls on the Lomo’Instant Square Glass encourage experimentation, making it a favorite for creative photographers.

Film Format & Compatibility

Fujifilm Instax Square Film

Like other square-format instant cameras, the Lomo’Instant Square Glass uses Instax Square film, which offers:

•Consistent, high-quality instant prints

•A balance between portability and a larger image area

•Reliable availability (compared to rare Polaroid film)

Instax Mini Compatibility

A unique feature of the Lomo’Instant Square Glass is its optional “Instant Mini Back”, allowing it to shoot Fujifilm Instax Mini film as well. This adds versatility for photographers who want to switch between two different film formats without needing multiple cameras.

Final Verdict: A Modern Classic with Timeless Appeal

The Lomo’Instant Square Glass proves that instant photography is more than just nostalgia—it’s an art form.

With its high-quality glass lens, foldable design, and creative shooting modes, it stands out as one of the most versatile and stylish instant cameras available.

Whether you choose the Pemberley Edition, The Blues Edition, or the classic models, you’re not just buying a camera—you’re embracing a creative, experimental, and unpredictable world of analog photography.

 

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