Instax

Instax is a brand of instant still cameras and films marketed by Fujifilm since the late 1990s. There are two formats of Instax film and cameras-the original "wide" format which gives an image approximately 6 cm x 10 cm, and a "mini" format of 62mm x 46mm.

The films and cameras are based upon the improvements Kodak made to Polaroid's SX-70 instant film system in the instant film cameras it sold in the 1970s and 1980s, namely the ability to expose the film through the rear of the photograph, and the reversal of the order of the dye layers so that development in the blue layer is visible first. As a result of these changes the image does not need to be taken via a reflex mirror in order to reverse the image (as all Polaroid integral film cameras do); and colour balance and tonal range are improved over Polaroid integral instant films. As well Fuji's decision to integrate the pressure plate springs and electrical power sources into the camera bodies rather than the disposable film pack itself helps make the Instax system more economical per exposure than Polaroid's equivalents.

Although Kodak itself ceased production of instant film cameras when it was successully sued by Polaroid for patent violation, the Instax cameras are made and marketed with Polaroid's permission and as a result cannot be officially distributed in certain territories such as the USA, although both film and cameras are readily available there through grey market sellers, and Polaroid itself has sold a camera compatible with the Instax mini system (the Polaroid Mio) in the USA. With Polaroid ceasing production of instant films in 2008 the Instax system will remain the only integral instant film system in production.

External links

[http://www.fujifilm.com/products/instant_photo/cameras/index.html Fujifilm's home page for the Instax system]