Written by Angela Izzo
My history with the Lomo’Instant Wide started when I joined Lomography and became a LomoAmigo. I was instantly drawn to the camera’s old-school style and the vintage charm that I’ve always loved about Polaroids, so, of course, I had to give it a shot!
Since then, it’s been my companion on road trips, events, and portrait sessions. People always comment on how cool the Lomo’Instant Wide looks, which makes it easy to start conversations and get people comfortable in front of the lens.
At first, it was a little intimidating because I’d never used an instant camera quite like this, but I’m always up for a challenge!
Find the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide on Amazon.
What Is the Lomo’Instant Wide Like to Use?
Loading the Lomo’Instant Wide is straightforward, just pop open the back and drop in the Instax wide film! It runs on AA batteries for the flash, so no weird specialty batteries to hunt down.
The shutter button is off to the side and pushes inward, which takes a little getting used to. The viewfinder is also offset from the lens, so you have to adjust your framing to avoid cutting things out of the shot.
The main thing is to watch your settings. It’s easy to accidentally flip a switch without realizing it, and I’ve definitely lost a few shots that way. It’s all trial and error at first until you get a feel for it.
Specifications & Lens Attachments
Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Wide Film
Lens Focal Length: 90mm (35mm equivalent)
Exposure: Auto Exposure, +1/-1 exposure compensation
Aperture: f/8, f/22
Shutter Speed: Bulb, 8s-1/250s (Auto Shooting Mode), 1/30 (Fixed Shutter Speed Mode)
Multiple Exposures: Yes
Built-in Flash: Automatic Electronic Flash & Flash Off Mode
Closest Focusing Distance: 0.6m (0.1m with the Close-Up Lens)
Zone Focusing Setting: 0.6m / 1-2m / infinite
Tripod Mount: Yes
Battery Supply: 4 x AA batteries (4 x 1.5V)
Filter Thread: 49mm
There are three lens attachments available for the Lomo’Instant Wide: the Ultra-wide, Close-up, and Splitzer lens attachments. The Ultra-wide lens attachment gives you the equivalent of a 21mm lens, the Close-up attachment lets you get as close as 10cm, and the Splitzer attachment covers half of the lens allowing for creative double exposures. You can also get colored gel covers for the flash.
I wish I’d spent more time experimenting with the extra accessories, like the Splitzer lens attachment, because it opens up even more creative options for double exposures. There’s so much to this camera to explore and expand yourself as a photographer!
Multiple Exposures & Long Exposures with the Lomo’Instant Wide
What I thought was really cool about the Lomo’Instant Wide is its multiple exposure capabilities. This was the first time I’d ever seen a double exposure with Instax film—or, honestly, on any Polaroid film at all!
I love that I can create a little work of art and have it printed instantly—that’s one of the big reasons I love Polaroids in general. I know newer Polaroid cameras now have a double exposure setting through their phone app, but the Lomo’Instant Wide was the first time I got to experience double exposure in person, hands-on.
It does take some trial and error to figure out the right “formula” for getting the perfect exposure for this effect, but that’s part of the fun.
This camera also offers long exposures, and you can attach it to a tripod to capture those beautiful night shots—something you don’t usually expect to get with an Instax camera.
General Pros and Cons
One big plus to using the Lomo’Instant Wide is the cost of Instax Wide film. You can grab a double pack of 20 shots for around $26, while traditional Polaroid film can run you $20 or more for just eight.
I also love the vintage design of the camera and the creative control you get from all the settings.
A downside of the Lomo’Instant Wide is it takes practice to nail your exposures. When I first started, I overexposed a lot of shots, especially in sunlight with the flash on because I was used to how traditional Polaroids handled light.
With this camera, you have to find the right balance, especially for double exposures, or you’ll end up with washed-out images.
The offset viewfinder also means you have to consciously adjust your framing. And it’s a big camera, so if you’re looking for something pocket-sized, this isn’t it.
My Favorite Ways to Use the Lomo Wide
This is a great camera to expand your creativity with Polaroid and instant cameras. It has so many different options for taking non-traditional Polaroids.
For me, I loved using it on road trips—capturing landscapes as well as documenting friends and artists who came along with me. The wide lens is great for that.
It also comes with different color flash inserts so you can pop some extra color into your shots. It’s very versatile—I’ve used it in the studio, out in nature, for fashion shoots, and even at events! The flash is also really powerful, so you can work with it in low-light settings.
Conclusion
I absolutely love working with the Lomo’Instant Wide. It brings me so much joy when I load a fresh pack of film and start shooting!
The style, the versatility, the double and even triple exposures, the advanced creative controls, the vibrant colors—this is an instant camera that definitely pushes boundaries. I can’t wait to see what more this camera has to offer!
Thank you so much, Angela! Angela is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and be sure to check out her other articles here, such as 110 Film: What Is It & Everything You Need to Know and Lomography Sprocket Rocket Review.
You can also check out more of her work her website, Instagram, and YouTube.
Leave your questions about the Lomography Lomo’Instant Wide below in the comments, and you can pick one up on Amazon here.
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September 5, 2025 at 3:53 pm
Nice work. Yes. I do not know why they put the lens off center . The reason I do not like rangefinders. The Sharper Image is the only instant camera with the view finder directly above the lens for centered photos. They all should be made like that.