With the Instax SQ 6, Fujifilm goes back to its roots. But what exactly does that mean? And is it worth the purchase? We provide information about all important details, from the format to the usability and the practical features that make this camera a real highlight among Polaroid cameras.
In short:
- Classic square image format (1:1)
- Analogue technology
- Automatic exposure control
- Selfie mode
- Double exposure mode
- Macro and landscape mode
- incl. 3 flash colour filters
Instax SQ 6 Picture Format – first things first
Let’s be honest, when you think of pictures from an instant camera, you have the classic square format in mind. With the Instax SQ 6, Fujifilm offers this iconic format for their Instax camera series. Previously, films of this dimension were reserved for Fujifilm’s own printers (Instax SP-3) or models such as the Instax SQ 20. Polaroid’s competitors are also focusing on this format with the OneStep2 Viewfinder. Now the Instax Square film format is available in a classic instant camera that also uses pure analogue technology. Real old-school. In numbers Square Film means an image size of 2.4 2.4 Inches, which is 1.5 times the size of the Instax Mini format. So the whole clique really fits on the photo.
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The Design
In terms of optics, the Instax SQ 6 instant camera is also a step back to the roots. Like the image format, Fujifilm’s camera comes in a square design, with the shape of the flash and lens strongly reminiscent of the brand’s classic models. The viewfinder on the right side is unusual, but with a little getting used to it, it’s no problem. The image ejection is on top of the camera. All in all, this classic Polaroid fits well in the hand. The Instax SQ 6 provides a classic camera feel in handling, which especially smaller models often lack. This SQ6 instant camera from Fujifilm is available in the following colours:
- Graphite Gray
- Aqua Blue
- Blush Gold
- Ruby Red
- Pearl White
The right mode for every moment
The Instax SQ 6 from Fujifilm offers a range of modes to adjust shutter speeds to suit the prevailing lighting conditions or to capture close-ups or selfies in the best possible way. By default the camera is set to a distance of about 6.6 feet.
Automatic exposure control
In this convenient mode, the ambient brightness is constantly checked and the camera’s shutter speed is adjusted accordingly. This means that optimally exposed photos are no problem even in poor light conditions.
The landscape mode
If the desired subjects are further away, the SQ6 should be set to landscape mode. From a distance of approx. 6.6 feet, all objects in the picture can be captured with the necessary sharpness.
Selfie-Mode
In this mode, exposure and focal length are optimally adjusted for selfies. Faces are captured perfectly at a distance of up to 20 Inches. As a clever detail, the Instax SQ6 instant camera also features a selfie mirror mounted next to the lens – making sure the right faces are captured in the photo.
Makromode
For people with an eye for detail, the SQ6 has a macro mode. Taking pictures of objects at a distance of 11.8 – 20 Inches becomes super easy.
Light/dark mode
Sometimes you want the mood of a moment to be reflected in the picture. One possibility is the light/dark mode. This allows images to be deliberately over- or under-exposed. This creates exciting effects that give pictures a very special character.
The double exposure mode
A highlight of the Instax SQ 6 instant camera is without doubt the double exposure mode. In this mode one image is exposed twice: Simply press twice, and two different motifs merge into one. There are no limits to creativity, the results of such shots are truly unique. Here Fujifilm has given the competition a good showing.
Colour filters on an analogue Camera
In the age of mobile phone cameras, the filter effect should not be missing in an analog camera either. In the Fujifilm Instax SQ6, this works via so-called flash colour filters. These are clip-on filters for the flash light, so pictures can be “tinted” in the colors orange, green and violet. The result is a cool retro charm – matching the character of the camera.
Further details of the Instax SQ 6
The Instax SQ6 from Fujifilm has an automatically extending lens. A image counter keeps you informed of the remaining number of images. The camera has a tripod thread and a practical hand strap. With the mode button on the back, one selects the desired mode and the flash can be deactivated with the push of a button (note: the camera does not save the deactivated flash, accordingly, it has to be deactivated again with each restart). The self-timer has a timer of 10 seconds and can be stopped at any time during this period. By the way, you will look for a display in vain with this (analog) camera.
Tech specs of the Fujifilm Instax SQ6:
- Aspect ratio 1:1
- FUJIFILM Instant Picture Film “instax SQUARE
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 5 x 2.3 Inches
- Weight: 13.8 oz without batteries or accessories
- Lens: Retractable lens, 2 groups, 2 elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6
- Focusing: Motor-driven 3-range switching (1 – 1.6 / 1.6 – 6.6 / 6.6 feet and beyond),
- Macro mode (1 – 1.6 feet) Normal mode (1.6 – 6.6 feet) Landscape mode (6.6 feet and beyond)
- Exposure control: Automatic, continuous range setting (ISO800): LV5 – LV15.5,
- Exposure compensation : ±2/3EV
- Shutter: Program-controlled electronic shutter release, 1.6s – 1/400s.
- Automatic film output
- Approx. 90 seconds film developing time
- Flash: In macro mode: Integrated automatic electronic flash
- In any mode other than macro mode: Always flash (unless you select “Flash Off Mode”)
- Charging time: 0.2s – 7s (with new battery),
- Flash charge indicator, effective flash range: 1 – 8.9 feet
- Self-timer: Electronically controlled, approx. 10 second delay, can be stopped in the middle
- LED display levels: Auto, selfie, macro, landscape, double exposure), brightness setting, flash suppression,
- Self-timer mode
- Batteries: two CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries Capacity: over 300 instant images with new CR2/DL CR2 lithium batteries
- Accessories: two lithium batteries CR2/DL CR2, shoulder strap, three flash filters
Source: https://instax.com/sq6/en/
Conclusion
Back to the roots, this does not necessarily have to be good. Modern hybrid cameras are practical and offer a number of advantages. However, if you value the pure Polaroid feeling, the analog Instax SQ 6 from Fujifilm is the right instant camera for you. With its iconic 1:1 format, this Polaroid camera is right on trend, and thanks to the flash colour filters and practical modes, it also offers all kinds of analog gadgets. Fans of classic instant cameras should take a look here.
VIDEO: The Fujifilm Instax SQ 6 introduced
