Best Manual Instant Film Cameras of 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Manual instant film cameras offer a unique and nostalgic way to capture memories in the digital age. These cameras use film that develops instantly, allowing for a physical print of the photo to be held in hand within minutes. They require manual focus and exposure settings, providing a more hands-on approach to photography. Many models also come with a range of interchangeable lenses for added versatility. With their vintage look and tactile experience, manual instant film cameras are a popular choice for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 8 Manual Instant Film Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera is a compact and cute instant camera that is perfect for capturing and sharing your memories in an instant. With its easy-to-use design, simply twist the lens to turn on and off. The built-in selfie mirror makes it effortless to take perfect selfies, and the close-up mode with parallax correction ensures clear and focused close-up shots. The camera also features automatic exposure and flash control, resulting in bright and vibrant photos that are not "washed-out." In just five seconds, the camera prints out high-quality, 2" x 3" instant photos using INSTAX MINI instant film. With its portable size and convenient features, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera is a must-have for capturing and preserving your precious moments.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Camera features a classic design with premium silver accents, built-in automatic exposure for ideal pictures every time, and one-touch selfie mode with a selfie mirror. It uses INSTAX MINI instant film to produce credit card-sized 2” x 3” photos. The package includes the camera, hand strap, user manual, and 2 AA batteries.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera, also known as the Fujifilm Instax Mini, is a compact and cute instant camera that is perfect for capturing memories on the go. With its twistable lens, you can easily turn it on and off, making it convenient to use. It features a built-in selfie mirror, allowing you to take easy selfies, and a close-up mode with parallax correction for capturing detailed shots. The automatic exposure and flash control ensure that your photos are bright and vibrant, without being washed-out. In just five seconds, it prints out high-quality, 2" x 3" INSTAX MINI instant photos, which develop in approximately 90 seconds. The Fujifilm Instax Mini comes with a hand strap, user manual, two AA batteries, and a 1-year limited warranty.
Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Bundle
The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 is a compact instant camera designed for fun and convenience. You can easily turn it on or off by twisting the lens, making it simple to capture moments on the go. The built-in selfie mirror helps you take perfect selfies, while the close-up mode ensures your subjects are in sharp focus. With automatic exposure and flash control, you can trust that your photos will be bright and vibrant without being overexposed. In just five seconds, you'll have a high-quality 2” x 3” photo that develops fully in about 90 seconds, allowing you to share memories instantly.
Polaroid Now+ Generation 2
The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 is the latest addition to the Polaroid Originals instant film camera lineup. This camera bundle includes 16 color photos and offers a range of exciting features. With the Bluetooth-connected app, users have full manual control, allowing them to customize their shots with options like double exposure and light painting. The dual lens autofocus system ensures that every shot is perfectly focused, while the easy-to-use Bluetooth connection and Polaroid app unlock even more creative tools. The camera is tripod mount ready and powered by a USB-C rechargeable battery, making it convenient for on-the-go photography. Additionally, the Polaroid Now+ is compatible with both i-Type films and 600 film, giving users a wide range of film options to choose from. With the bonus lens filter kit included, users can further enhance their creativity with different lens filters like Starburst, Red Vignette, and more.
Polaroid Now+ Camera Bundle
The Polaroid Now+ is an innovative instant film camera that enhances your photography experience. With the included Bluetooth-connected app, you can take full control of your shots, allowing for creative options like double exposure and light painting. The dual lens autofocus system ensures that you capture stunning close-ups and standard shots effortlessly. Plus, the camera is designed with sustainability in mind, using 40% recycled plastic, making it an eco-friendly choice. Enjoy the convenience of a rechargeable battery and compatibility with both i-Type and 600 films for all your instant photo needs.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera is a compact and cute instant camera that is perfect for capturing your special moments. With its easy-to-use design, you can simply twist the lens to turn it on and off. It also features a built-in selfie mirror, making it effortless to take selfies. The close-up mode with parallax correction allows you to take clear and focused close-up shots. One of the standout features of this camera is its automatic exposure and flash control, which ensures that your photos are bright and not "washed-out". Additionally, it prints out high-quality, 2" x 3" INSTAX MINI instant photos in just five seconds, using INSTAX MINI instant film. With the Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera, you can capture memories instantly and enjoy them for years to come.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a delightful instant camera that combines charm with functionality. Its compact and cute design allows you to easily twist the lens to power it on or off, making it user-friendly. The built-in selfie mirror ensures you can capture perfect selfies, while the close-up mode with parallax correction helps you take sharp shots of your subjects. With automatic exposure and flash control, you can expect bright and vibrant photos without worrying about overexposure. In just five seconds, you’ll have your 2” x 3” instant photo ready to share, creating fun memories in an instant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are instant cameras still made?
Instant film has made a big comeback in recent years. Fujifilm has its Instax business, and while it's gone through some ownership and branding changes over the years, you can still buy film for many old Polaroid cameras, and buy new ones which use its modern I-Type film packs.
2. What is the easiest instant camera to use?
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 If you're looking for an affordable, easy-to-use camera that won't overwhelm anyone that's new to instant photography, Fujifilm's Instax Mini 11 is our current favorite.
3. Is buying an instant camera worth it?
Features that may be good for one person, may not suit another's shooting style or personal preferences at all. Instant cameras are extremely fun to use and it takes practice to shoot beautiful photos, but it's worth it.
During our manual instant film camera research, we found 16 manual instant film camera products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 93,775 customer reviews through our big data system to write the manual instant film cameras list. We found that most customers choose manual instant film cameras with an average price of $124.04.
The manual instant film cameras are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of manual instant film cameras, including Fujifilm, Polaroid. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,699 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.