How to keep your instax™ film fresh and flawless

The feeling of holding a freshly printed instax™ photo never gets old. It’s kind of satisfying, right? From capturing spontaneous party snaps to those candid, quiet moments, your little prints deserve to be kept and stored with care.

But, to keep your instax™ film in top-notch condition, it’s still important to provide a bit of TLC before and after you snap your shot. Don’t worry, though — we’ve got all the best tips to make sure your instax™ camera film always delivers.

How to store instax™ film cartridges properly

You can’t skip on proper storage — especially if you want to keep your instax™ instant camera film in the best shape. As much as we love the idea of snapping pics anywhere, not every environment is ideal for storing film. 

Did you know that temperature plays a huge role in preserving the quality of your film? 

Keep it cool (but not too cool)

Extreme temperatures are a no-go for instax™ film. Ideally, you should store it in a cool, dry place away from any direct sunlight. We recommend a temperature range between 5°C and 40°C for the best results. 

Not to get too techy, but anything outside this range and you risk compromising the film’s colour accuracy and contrast. So, if you’re ever heading out on a summer adventure or on holiday, try not to leave your film sitting in the hot sun or the back of a sweltering car.

Should you put instax™ film cartridges in the fridge?

This is a common question — and the answer is yes and no. Bit confusing, we know. While some may suggest storing film in the fridge, it’s not really necessary for instax™ film… as long as you’re keeping it within the recommended temperature range. 

However, if you're in a super hot environment, storing the film in a fridge (set to at least 5°C) could help preserve it. 

Just make sure you bring it back to room temperature before using it — and definitely avoid the freezer! That’s a one-way ticket to ruining your film (and your snaps).

Avoid humidity

Humidity is another big culprit for damaging instax™ instant camera film. Excess moisture can warp the film and cause issues with development, so keeping your film as dry as possible is key. 

Store it in a sealed container or a cool drawer where it’s less likely to come into contact with humidity, and your photos will thank you.

Do you need to keep instax™ film cartridges in the dark?

Yes, keeping your instax™ film in the dark when you’re not using it is a great idea. Exposure to light before you load it into your camera can ruin the film, resulting in foggy or completely unusable shots. And who wants that?! For this reason, you shouldn’t take your film out of the camera once it’s loaded in your camera.

Keep the unopened film in its packaging until you're certain you’re ready to use it. Then, store it in a cool, dark place to ensure it’s in perfect condition for when you load your instax™ camera up.

Can instax™ film expire?

Unfortunately, like most things, instax™ film does have an expiry date, so it’s best to use your instant camera film before that date for optimal results. Film that’s past its prime might not develop as expected, and you could end up with discoloured or faded images. 

While you can use expired instax™ film in a pinch, be prepared for some unpredictable results. Expired film often leads to less vibrant colours and occasional odd streaks across your prints. 

If you’re into that, then go ahead! This vibe would work perfectly in a scrapbook, or to bring a bit of playfulness to the everyday.

Some people actually love the quirky, vintage-like results they get from using it, but if you’re after sharp, true-to-life colours, fresh film is the way to go. Just remember to check the expiry date before loading up your instax™ camera to avoid any whacky surprises.

How to take care of instax™ film post-snap

You’ve just captured a moment in time — now what? Once that photo pops out of your instax™ camera, a bit of careful handling is needed to preserve its quality.

We know you’re excited, but try not to shake the photo

Contrary to popular belief, shaking your instax™ photo isn’t just unnecessary — it can actually damage the print. 

Let the image develop on a flat surface and resist the urge to jiggle it about. The chemicals in the film need time to settle properly to bring out those vibrant colours, so give it a moment to do its thing. Trust the process.

Keep it out of the sun

Once your photo has fully developed, you’ll want to keep it away from direct sunlight. 

Overexposure to UV rays can fade your prints, leaving you with dull colours over time. If you want to show off your instax™ prints in your home or office, try framing them behind UV-protected glass to help preserve the stunning, vibrant hues they produce.

Don’t forget to check out our range of instax™ accessories. Will you go for frames and albums or magnets and clips?

instax™ film care FAQs

You’ve probably got a few more questions about looking after your instax™ camera film, so it’s time for us to tackle some of the most common queries we get.

How long does instax™ film last once it’s been exposed and developed?

Once your instax™ film has been exposed and developed, the print itself can last for years, if it’s properly cared for. 

Make sure your photos stand the test of time by storing them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and consider using UV-protected frames or albums. 

Can you reuse instax™ film cartridges?

No, instax™ film cartridges are designed for single use only. Once you’ve used up all the shots in a cartridge, you won’t be able to refill or reuse it. 

Don’t let your curiosity win! If you do, you could do some damage to your instax™ camera, so it’s best to always use fresh film.

However, if you’re feeling crafty, you can upcycle your instax film cartridges, giving them a new lease of life as super-cute photo frames.

What happens if instax™ film gets exposed to light before use?

If your instax™ film is exposed to a huge amount of light before being loaded into the camera, the results can be — let’s say — unpredictable. 

You’ll likely end up with a few blank or fogged shots. To make sure you’re not wasting your film or your pennies, you should only open the film pack in a low-light environment or just before you load it into your camera.

A few extra tips for long-term instax™ film storage

If you’re a bit of a film hoarder (and we totally get it — why wouldn’t you want to stock up on cute Deco Film in fun patterns and colours?), you might be storing multiple packs of film for your future adventures.

Here’s how to make sure that those packs are good to go whenever you need them next.

Use a film pouch or case

A protective film pouch or case is a worthy investment if you regularly carry extra packs of instax™ film with you. 

Not only does it protect your film from bumps and knocks, but it also helps shield it from light and humidity. Plus, who doesn’t love a handy pouch for staying organised when on the go?

Label and rotate your instax™ film stock

If you’ve got multiple packs of film on hand, you could label them with their expiry dates and rotate them out so you’re always using the oldest pack first. 

This way, you’ll never accidentally let a pack expire, and you’ll always be shooting with the freshest film possible.

Your best-looking instax™ snaps await

Now that you know exactly how to take care of your instax™ film, you're all set to capture your favourite moments while keeping those prints looking gorgeous for years to come. 

Whether your go-to film is SQUARE, mini or WIDE, your snaps will thank you for the extra care. Wherever you take your instax™ instant camera next, don’t forget these tips to keep your film fresh and flawless.

Why not stock up on instax™ film in the meantime to make sure you’re always ready for your next photo op? And, if you’re looking to upgrade your camera, check out our range of instax™ cameras

That’s all. Now, go and snap and store your film safely!

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