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What’s your Instagram style? Are you the type to post loads of photos with a curated carousel, or the occasional single portrait? Whether you’re the type to add comedic captions or prefer prose, the most important part of your grid post is, of course, the image you share. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your grid and make your Instagram-worthy moments stand out more, consider swapping out your iPhone lens for one of the best film cameras, approved by Gen Z fashion girls.
Whether it’s FaceTune or eerily accurate AI tools, there are more photo editing features than ever before to filter your videos. But let’s be honest, no one has time to dwell on photos all day (especially if you like to take a ton of them). Plus, social media trends are moving away from overly edited images. Blame it on Gen Z’s candid internet presence through apps like TikTok and BeReal, or the golden rule for exuding an It-girl vibe: trying too hard never looks cool. Film cameras not only create perfectly imperfect images with built-in filters (which you can always edit later!), but they also bring an authentic vibe to your feed and share your candid memories in an unadulterated way.
A favorite among Gen Z, film cameras are also a fun way to temporarily disconnect from notification-filled phones and focus on important events, like a vacation, a birthday party, or even a fake dad walk to document the day’s outfit. From old-fashioned disposable cameras that are lightweight and can be carried in a purse, to easy-to-use compact film cameras for beginners, to instant cameras that allow you to physically print out the photos you take on the spot, there are plenty of camera options available for a low price.
Fashion girls are leaning towards the vintage feel that only film can create. Gen Z whisperer Alix Earle uses Fujifilm’s QuickSnap Flash camera for action shots of Miami nightlife. This is Gigi Hadid’s Gisposcan The account features behind-the-scenes photos from fashion week and star-studded parties. Ella Emhoff also showed up to last month’s Democratic National Convention fully prepared, bringing along her go-to disposable film camera, captioning her post: “Making an important behind-the-scenes report.”
Kendall Jenner She frequently posts 35mm film photos on her feed, ranging from mirror selfies to photos capturing the hidden chaos of the Met Gala. Other celebrities, including Zendaya and Frank Ocean, have been spotted with film cameras, but they use them as private time capsules, with only a few scans ever seeing the light of day (after all, casual boasting is the secret to cool).
Not only are they incredibly convenient, instant cameras also create some undeniably timeless images in an instant, from Andy Warhol’s famous celebrity portraits to Ariana Glaude’s Instagram selfies to the cover of Taylor Swift’s album “1989,” which was released around the time that physical media like record players and cassette tapes were making a comeback and Fujifilm’s Instax Mini camera was all the rage. Classics never die.
Below, Gen Z fashion writers who never leave the house without a disposable or instant film camera in their bag share their favorite Fujifilm products for cool girls to share on Instagram.
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Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash Camera
You don’t need to know anything about photography to take amazing photos with this disposable camera: just wind the film, turn on the flash, and find a focus. Then take your camera to your local photo lab and ask for a download of your images that you can upload to your feed.
Editor’s Testing and Review Notes: “The Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash camera is what got me started in film photography. I would carry it around to take photos of my friends and was always amazed at how clear the images were and how the flash shone. It’s the perfect size to throw in a shoulder bag and take on the town, and it literally weighs only 4 ounces.” — Olivia Ciliano, WWD Shop Commerce Writer and Producer
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $19.99
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini camera has a very retro look and feel, but all of its photo features are modern and easy to use. There’s a selfie mirror built in next to the lens to help keep your face in the frame, and a dial to switch between different settings to suit the lighting around you. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors to match your aesthetic.
Editor’s testing and review notes: “In my opinion, this camera is a must-have for any home. I keep it on my living room console table for those exciting moments, so I can instantly hang the photos on the wall and create a keepsake board to enjoy every day. And if you’ve ever used this camera, you know it takes the most flattering selfies you’ll ever take. The film and flash blur skin just the right amount.” Cigliano
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $69.99
Fujifilm ISO 200 36-exposure color negative film for 35mm cameras
Want to dip your toe into film photography? Whether you pick up a manual film camera from a vintage store or find one in the back of your parents’ closet from decades ago, this film can be used with any 35mm shooter. It will produce beautiful photos with accurate colors in both outdoor and indoor lighting (yes, even under harsh fluorescent lights).
Editor’s Testing and Review Notes“This is my go-to film for loading into my used film cameras. The colors are vibrant but don’t look oversaturated, and it gives images that perfect vintage texture that filters just can’t replicate. It’s also one of the most affordable options on the market, especially when you buy it in a great value pack like this one. Plus, I love how easy it is to refill your film at local retailers like Target.” Cigliano
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $31.99
Shop for more cameras, film and accessories
Fujifilm Instax Mini Contact Sheet Instant Film
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $8.99
Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof Camera
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $24.49
Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash Camera 2-Pack
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $35.99
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Accessory Kit
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $139.99
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Decorative Camera Case
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $14.99
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Instant Film Camera
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $199.99
Fujifilm Brushed Gold Cheki Square SQ6 Instant Film Camera
Prices as of the publication date of this article: $210.08
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About the Author
Olivia Ciliano is a commerce writer and producer for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes shopping content covering fashion, beauty, footwear and TikTok style trends. Cigliano holds a BA in Journalism from Emerson College and has bylines in publications such as Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City, and when she’s not writing for WWD, she can be found photographing the city with her Fujifilm camera.
Source: Shop – wwd.com
