You’ve probably seen the newer, sleeker Fujifilm printers. They’re everywhere. But honestly, there’s something about the original instax share sp 1 that keeps it floating around in thrift stores, eBay listings, and the back of junk drawers. It’s the chunky, pearlescent white brick that started the whole "smartphone to instant film" craze.
Released back in 2014, it was a game-changer. Suddenly, you didn't have to carry a bulky camera to get that vintage aesthetic. You could just use your phone. Of course, tech moves fast. Now we have the Link 3 and the Evo, but people still hunt for the SP-1. Why? Because it’s built like a tank and, surprisingly, it still works. If you know the workarounds.
Is the instax share sp 1 Obsolete?
Kinda, but not really. Fujifilm has a habit of moving on to new apps, which can make older hardware feel like a paperweight. The big hurdle in 2026 is the software. The original "instax SHARE" app is the one you need. Don't go looking for the modern "instax mini Link" app; it won't see your SP-1.
If you're on a modern Android or iOS device, the app might feel a bit... dated. It hasn't seen a meaningful update in years. Sometimes it crashes. Sometimes it refuses to see your gallery. But the hardware itself? It’s basically immortal. As long as you can feed it power and film, it’ll spit out photos.
The print quality is actually quite charming. It uses a 640 x 480 resolution. That sounds low, right? But on a tiny piece of Instax Mini film, it looks sharp. It doesn't have that digital "perfection" of a modern inkjet. It has soul. It looks like a real chemical photograph because, well, it is one.
The Battery Headache
This is the biggest "gotcha" with the instax share sp 1. It doesn't have a built-in rechargeable battery. It runs on two CR2 lithium cells.
If you haven't bought CR2s lately, they aren't cheap. You’re looking at $10 to $15 for a pair, and Fujifilm says they’ll last for about 100 prints. In my experience? It’s closer to 60 if you leave the printer on while browsing your phone for the perfect shot. It’s a total drain.
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Pro Tips for Power
- Buy an AC Adapter: If you're using this at a party or at your desk, buy the optional 5V AC power adapter. It saves a fortune.
- Avoid "Cheap" Knockoff Batteries: Lithium batteries are finicky. Stick to Energizer or Panasonic CR2s.
- Remove them when not in use: The SP-1 has a tiny bit of parasitic drain. If you leave batteries in there for a month, they might be dead when you come back.
Getting the Connection Right
The SP-1 doesn't use Bluetooth. It creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot. This is where most people get frustrated and give up.
When you turn the printer on, you have to go into your phone's Wi-Fi settings and look for something like "INSTAX-12345678." The default password is 1111.
The problem? Modern phones hate being connected to a Wi-Fi network that doesn't have internet. Your phone might automatically disconnect or try to switch back to your home Wi-Fi or LTE. You usually have to "Force Stay Connected" in your phone's settings.
Expert Hack: Turn off your mobile data while you’re trying to print. It stops your phone from trying to "save" you by switching back to a real internet connection. It’s annoying, but it works every time.
instax share sp 1 vs the New Kids
How does it hold up against the modern "Link" series?
The Link 3 is faster. It’s smaller. It has Bluetooth, which is way more stable. But the SP-1 has something the new ones don't: the Reprint button. It’s a physical button on the side. If you just printed a killer photo and your friend wants one too, you just hit that button. You don't even have to touch your phone.
Also, the SP-1 has these cool LED lights on the front that show you exactly how many shots are left in the pack. The newer printers make you check the app for that. There’s something tactile about those little green lights that I really miss on the newer models.
Troubleshooting Common SP-1 Quirks
If your prints are coming out blurry, it’s rarely the printer’s fault. The SP-1 is a digital-to-analog converter. If the source image is low-res or shaky, the print will be too.
- Dark Photos: Instax film loves light. If your photo looks dark on your screen, it will look like a cave on film. Crank the brightness in the app's editor before hitting print.
- Connection Loops: If the app says "Printer Not Found" but you're connected to the Wi-Fi, kill the app and restart it. This is a classic 2014-era software bug.
- Film Jams: Usually caused by low batteries. If the printer doesn't have enough juice to push the film through the rollers, it'll get stuck. Always keep a fresh pair of CR2s nearby.
Actionable Steps for SP-1 Owners
If you just found one of these in a thrift store or your closet, here is exactly how to get it running today:
- Check the battery compartment: Look for corrosion. If old batteries leaked, clean the contacts with a Q-tip and a tiny bit of white vinegar.
- Download the right app: Search for "instax SHARE" (white icon with a colorful "S"). Avoid the "Link" apps.
- Format your photos: The SP-1 likes JPEGs. If you're shooting HEIC on an iPhone, the app should convert them, but if you're having trouble, try saving the photo as a JPEG first.
- Stock up on Mini Film: It uses the standard Instax Mini film. Don't accidentally buy "Square" or "Wide" film; it won't fit.
The instax share sp 1 might be a dinosaur in the world of tech, but it’s a functional one. It turns digital pixels into physical memories with a specific look that digital filters just can't quite mimic. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at parties when people realize that weird white box is actually a tiny darkroom.