Frequently Asked Questions

Product

Best Value

Colorful Mini

Our best value bunle with point-and-shoot ease and many fun colors. This is the best choice for most events. Specific colors are usually available on request.

Film Size
Mini
Ease of Use
Easy
Cost
Best Value
Colors
White, Black, Pastels
Camera Model
Instax Mini 11/12
Bundles
4+ & Special 2-Pack
Build this Bundle

Retro Mini

An old-school styling of the colorful cameras with the same point-and-shoot ease. This is also a great choice for most events.

Film Size
Mini
Ease of Use
Easy
Cost
Great Value
Color
Black w/Silver Accents
Camera Model
Instax Mini 40
Bundles
4+ & Special 2-Pack
Build this Bundle

Square

These are larger, pricier cameras and film with point-and-shoot ease and the classic square film shape.

Film Size
Square
Ease of Use
Easy
Cost
Mid
Colors
Blue, Orange, Cream
Camera Model
Instax SQ1
Bundles
2,4,8-Pack
Build this Bundle

Wide

These are the largest, priciest cameras with huge film area, a self-timer, and tripd mounting screw (1/4"x20). They're best for special uses or fixed locations.

Film Size
Wide
Ease of Use
Moderate
Cost
Mid+
Color
Green
Camera Model
Instax 400
Bundles
1,2,4-Pack
Build this Bundle

Our standard Colorful Mini bundles include the Fuji Instax Mini 11/12. We feel these two near-identical cameras offer the best combination of image quality, cost efficiency, and ease of use without instruction for your event's guests. This is the best bang-for-your-buck. If you're not sure which to choose, go with the Colorful Mini bundle.

We also offer the Instax Mini 40 in our Retro Mini bubles. The Mini 40 is identical in operation and quality to the Instax Mini 11 but features a cool old-school design.

We also offer the Instax Square SQ1 cameras. The SQ1 is easy to use like the Instax Mini 11/12 but shoots on larger, more costly, film in the classic square frame shape. If you're looking to replicate the aesthetic of old-school Polaroid shots, this format is a good choice.

Finally, we also offer small bundles of the Instax Wide 400. Instax Wide film is twice the size of Mini film and is great for capturing larger groups and greater detail. The cameras are easy to use but are quite large, however. We therefore think they're great for fixed locations like photo booths, but not for passing around or in large quantities. These cameras also include a self-timer and tripod screw mount.

Our service is designed to offer the best combination of image quality, cost efficiency, and ease of use without instruction for your event's guests. Fuji Instax, especially the specific camera models we offer, provide the optimal blend of those attributes. Polaroid brand cameas and film by comparison are more complex, more clumbsy to ship and use, the film is much more expensive, and offers fewer options and colors. Instax film also does a better job at rendering detail and low light scenes while still retaining that vintage, analog film look.

Choosing cameras and film is easy! Here are tips to help you get started:

Guest Books and Photo Boards: We recommend at least two cameras for guest books or photo boards. Our 2-pack bundles are a perfect fit. If your event is large (over 150 guests), consider renting a 4-pack bundle so everyone gets a turn without waiting too long.

To figure out how much film you'll need, add up the number of couples and single guests attending. Each couple or single guest usually takes one photo. Then add about 25% extra to make sure you have enough for retakes and extras.

Simple formula:

(Number of Couples + Number of Singles) x 1.25 = Total Photos Needed Divide this number by 10 (photos per pack) and round up to get the number of film pack.*

We love the Square format cameras for guest books. They have that fun, classic Polaroid shape, and their size is great for capturing couples together.

Instant Photo Booths: You only need one camera for a photo booth, but our bundles include two or more. That means you'll always have a backup if needed, or you can keep the fun going while someone reloads film!

Film calculation for photo booths is the same as above—remember to add a little extra!

Square and Wide cameras work best here. Square photos have that timeless Polaroid look, and Wide cameras fit larger groups perfectly, but keep in mind Wide cameras are larger and ideal for fixed locations.

Cameras for Passing Around or at Tables:

Planning to leave cameras at tables? One camera per table (about one camera for every ten guests) works well. Film quantity depends on how much you would like guests to use the cameras. For a casual approach, having one extra film pack per camera is usually sufficient. To encourage lots of fun photos, make announcements, add signs, or highlight the cameras during your event. In that case, having 2-3 extra film packs per camera or more is a smart idea.

We recommend our Colorful and Retro Mini cameras for table use. They're compact, affordable, fit your decor, and perfect for snapping lots of quick shots!

A Quick Reminder:

  • Each camera arrives with one film pack already inside (10 photos per pack).

  • Extra film packs contain 10 photos each.

  • Worried about buying too much film? Don’t stress! Any fully-sealed film packs purchased separately as extras can be returned for a full refund. Film included with your base camera bundle is not eligible for refund.

Our bundles include everything needed to start taking photos right away:

  • The # and type of cameras you select
  • One 10-exposure film pack per camera, preinstalled.
  • Batteries for each camera, preinstalled
  • Extra batteries
  • Wrist strap for each camera (preattached)
  • Instruction manual
  • Instructions Sheet
  • Order Confirmation Copy
  • Return shipping label - keep your box and all packing materials to reuse for return shipping
  • Packing tape strips for resealing box for return shipping

Additional details are included in each product listing. 2-Pack, Special, Square, and Wide Bundles may be slightly differently conigured from our standard bundles, but the basics above apply.

We currently serve the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Customs and cost issues prevent us from shipping to any other country. If you're holding a destination wedding or other event outside the US, traveling with the cameras from the US to your desination is an option. Please contact us in advance noting this so we can pack your film separately and explain x-ray precautions. Cameras must be returned using the provided shipping label from within the United States.

Contact Us

We currently serve the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. Customs and cost issues prevent us from shipping to any other country. If you're holding a destination wedding or other event outside the US, traveling with the cameras from the US to your desination is an option. Please contact us in advance noting this so we can pack your film separately and explain x-ray precautions. Cameras must be returned using the provided shipping label from within the United States.

Contact Us

All Instax film sizes differ only in width. Use that width to capture more of the scene, fit more people, or to take closer, more detailed shots.

Mini

The great value and compact size of Instax Mini make it our recommendation for large bundles and general use. This is the film used in our Colorful and Retro Mini bundles.

Film: 3.4"
Photo: 2.4"
Film: 2.1"
Photo: 1.8"
Square

Square film is close in size and shape to the old-school Polaroid film for that classic look.

Film: 3.4"
Photo: 2.4"
Film: 2.8"
Photo: 2.4"
Wide

Wide has a huge photo area well suited to group shots. We like this for polaroid photo booths and other fixed locations where you want more than a few people in the shot.

Film: 3.4"
Photo: 2.4"
Film: 4.25"
Photo: 3.9"

Best Value

Colorful Mini

Our best value bunle with point-and-shoot ease and many fun colors. This is the best choice for most events. Specific colors are usually available on request.

Film Size
Mini
Ease of Use
Easy
Cost
Best Value
Colors
White, Black, Pastels
Camera Model
Instax Mini 11/12
Bundles
4+ & Special 2-Pack
Build this Bundle

Retro Mini

An old-school styling of the colorful cameras with the same point-and-shoot ease. This is also a great choice for most events.

Film Size
Mini
Ease of Use
Easy
Cost
Great Value
Color
Black w/Silver Accents
Camera Model
Instax Mini 40
Bundles
4+ & Special 2-Pack
Build this Bundle

Square

These are larger, pricier cameras and film with point-and-shoot ease and the classic square film shape.

Film Size
Square
Ease of Use
Easy
Cost
Mid
Colors
Blue, Orange, Cream
Camera Model
Instax SQ1
Bundles
2,4,8-Pack
Build this Bundle

Wide

These are the largest, priciest cameras with huge film area, a self-timer, and tripd mounting screw (1/4"x20). They're best for special uses or fixed locations.

Film Size
Wide
Ease of Use
Moderate
Cost
Mid+
Color
Green
Camera Model
Instax 400
Bundles
1,2,4-Pack
Build this Bundle

The possible camera colors are listed for each bundle type above.

The Colorful Mini bundles include a random assortment of camera colors based on availability.

If you are interested in one single color for your event, please include a note in the provided field with your order or Contact Us in advance. We make every effort to accomodate color requests but may not be able to in all circumstances. Advance ordering, more than a month before your event greatly helps in allowing us to allocate colors successfully.

Each camera comes preloaded with a full 10-shot film pack of the appropriate type/size and arrives ready to shoot. If you order additional film for your bundle, we will of course only include the appropriate format.

Our Colorful Mini and Retro Mini bundles use Instax Mini film. If you choose to source additional film on your own, any version of Instax Mini film will work. Instax mini film is generally available at most big-box stores, some drugstores/convenience stores, and at a great many online retailers. Color film is most common, and monochrome is also available. Film is also available in a wide variety of themed and colorful border options.

Our Square bunbles utilize Instax Square Film. Our Wide bundles utilize Instax Wide Film.

Square and Wide film are also generally available online but may be a little harder to find in retail stores, especially in large quantities.

Polaroid brand films will not work in the Instax cameras provided by Rent Instant Cameras.

We get it. Film will usually represent the largest cost when using instant cameras, so we want to make this easy.

Each camera is preloaded with a new, full film pack. Each film pack contains ten photos.

You have the option to add additional film packs to your order. Each additional film pack contains ten photos. Order as much film as you think you need plus a little. Any fully-sealed, unused, full packs may simply be placed back in your return shipment box for a full refund. Refunds are processed within seven business days of receipt of your return shipment and are issued to your original form of payment. You will receive notification from our payment processor when this happens.

Film provided as part of a base bundle, meaning film that is not ordered as "additional" is not eligible for refund. Returned film packs must be full sealed, at minimum in their intact foil wrapper, in order to be refunded.

Do not write on film or film borders with ballpoint or gel pens; it will smear. Use only Sharpie permanent markers in the desired tip width.

We selected the cameras in our bundles specifically for their ease of use and suitability for passing around at events with little or no instruction. The only setting to adjust is to activate the selfie mode for close-up shots.

Many customers put out a sign or few with instructions or tips, and we recommend keeping that brief. Smartphones have made us all photographers now, and the concepts of framing, light, etc. all apply with Instant cameras just like with phones.

Here's a full list of our tips for great instant photography: * Be sure not to cover the lens or any of the sensors (black dots) on the front of the camera with your hands. * Take a look at the light on the people you're photographing and move them to make the lighting even and pleasing on them. * With instant cameras especially, fill the frame with your subject(s). Far-away and full-body shots of people are tough to pull off even for professionals with costly equipment, but fill the frame with faces and upper bodies and you'll have fun, detailed portraits everyone loves. * This is especially true indoors or in dark lighting where the camera relies on the flash to light your subjects. * Do not shoot directly into the sun or at a hard sun reflection right off water as that will show up as a dark spot. * Instant photos take 5-10 minutes to fully develop. It is recommended to not leave the photos in the direct sun while they develop. * There is no need to shake instant film while developing.

Our Instax instant photos are shockingly durable. They are a tough, plastic-like, material that retains beautiful color for many years, even decades. They're also water-resistant. We've left photos in glasses of waters for weeks with no ill effect.

Of course, anything tangible can be damaged, so it's worth saving a digital copy of your photos for safe keeping and for sharing. Check out our Digital Album Service.

Even with brand new cameras, there is always the possibility of a mechanical failure, film jam, etc. We would never want to risk your event's success, so we only offer bundles of two cameas or more.

Orders & Policies

We appreciate as much advance notice as possible, especially if your order has special requests. We may be unable to accomodate orders placed with less than 10 days of advanced ordering, though we strive to accomodate even last-minute requests. Please Contact Us to check availability, especially for large orders, if ordering with less than 10 days notice.

Shipments are timed to arrive at least 2 days prior to your event at the address you provide at the time of ordering.

Within four days following your specified event date, simply repack the cameras using the original shipping box and protective materials. Seal the box using the provided tape strip. Affix the provided prepaid shipping label and drop off at your nearest US Post Office or UPS drop-off location as applicable.

If for any reason these timings do not work for your event, please Contact Us. We strive to be flexible and will work to find an arrangement that works for your needs.

We get it. Film will usually represent the largest cost when using instant cameras, so we want to make this easy.

Each camera is preloaded with a new, full film pack. Each film pack contains ten photos.

You have the option to add additional film packs to your order. Each additional film pack contains ten photos. Order as much film as you think you need plus a little. Any fully-sealed, unused, full packs may simply be placed back in your return shipment box for a full refund. Refunds are processed within seven business days of receipt of your return shipment and are issued to your original form of payment. You will receive notification from our payment processor when this happens.

Film provided as part of a base bundle, meaning film that is not ordered as "additional" is not eligible for refund. Returned film packs must be full sealed, at minimum in their intact foil wrapper, in order to be refunded.

We are happy to offer cancellations if the order has not yet been shipped. Once the order has shipped, it is too late to cancel the order. You will receive shipment confirmation and tracking information shortly before shipment release. To cancel your order prior to order shipment, please contact us with your order number. Please note that orders can ship up to three weeks before your event date.

Cancellation refunds will be issued to the original form of payment within 7 business days of approval. Credit card payments are not free for merchants—we are charged fees on the processing even if a refund must be issued. All cancellation refunds will be less a 3% charge to cover these fees.

We make it easy by supplying adequate packing materials, preprinted adhesive return shipping label, and even tape to seal the box. It is your responsibility to safely pack and return your rental bundle to Rent Instant Cameras in a timely fashion.

We will not charge for minor damage in accordance with the following chart. Damage beyond these limits will be charged at $40 per camera.

Camera Qty Rented# Cameras Covered by Waiver
2-71
8+2

All cameras must be returned. Unreturned cameras will be charged in accordance with the following chart:

Camera ModelCharge per non-returned Camera
Instax Mini 11/12 (Mini Colorful)$80
Instax Mini 40 (Mini Retro)$100
Instax Square SQ1$120
Instax Wide 300/400$150

Any resulting charges will be charged directly to your original form of payment via our payment processor directly. By transacting with Rent Instant Cameras, you agree with these terms, agree to being charged accordingly, and understand that our secure payment processor stores your payment credentials should they be needed to assess these charges. Any credits due, for example, for returned film may be adjusted in accordance with these charges. You will receive notification and explanation for these charges if necessary.

We must collect sales tax for bundles and services ordered with a New Jersey shipping address. Rent Instant Cameras is not currently required to charge sales tax on shipments to other states.

We currently serve the United States inclusing Alaska and Hawaii. If you're holding a destination wedding or other event outside the US, please see FAQ above and Contact Us as necessary.

Shipping

Many couples use our rentals for weddings in Mexico and beyond. Since we only ship within the United States, simply set your event date to the day you leave for your trip (it will arrive prior to your departure) and add a note to the order comments explaining your situation and when you believe you'll be able to return the bundle on your return.

While we can only ship within the United States, if your destination is a US territory, we can look into shipping there on a case-by-case basis depending on your event's timing. Please Contact Us.

  • We typically ship bundles via USPS, though some large or rush orders may ship via UPS or FedEx. If you have specific shipping needs or require signature confirmation, just let us know in your order comments or contact us directly!
  • Need to change your shipping address before your order ships? No worries! Contact us with your order number, and we'll get it updated.
  • You'll receive tracking details by email as soon as your bundle ships. We schedule deliveries to arrive at least two days before your event, though your package may arrive earlier, up to two weeks before your event date. 
  • A handy prepaid return label will be included in your bundle's information packet, plus we'll email you a link in case you need to reprint it.
  • After your event, just repack the cameras in their original box with protective materials provided. Seal the box securely with the included tape strip, stick on your return label, and drop it at your nearest USPS location.
  • Once shipped, orders can't be canceled or changed.

Shipping method or schedule doesn’t quite fit your needs? Reach Out—we’re flexible and happy to find a solution that works best for your event!

We certainly can. Please just put a note in the order comments and we'll let you know if there are any issues meeting your request.

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About Us

Rent Instant Cameras is the one-stop source for Polaroid camera bundles. Our family-run, small business started when we decided we wanted instant cameras scattered around at our wedding. When we could not find the rental service we hoped existed, we decided to start the business ourselves.

Instax · Polaroid · Fuji · Instant Cameras

Whatever you call it, we are your source for instant camera bundle rental. With free shipping both ways, damage waiver, and more, this is the quick solution that is perfect for your wedding, party, or corporate event. We did all the research and testing for you. Our bundles are exactly what you need and nothing you don't, conveniently shipped and labeled with all the supplies necessary. We even picked the camera with the best combination of simplicity of use for your guests and cost efficiency for you. This will be the easiest to-do on your list; check it off now!

We serve all 50 US states including Hawaii and Alaska

* See FAQ and Terms and Conditions

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