Anyone else use Fuji Instax Mini

[bjornkeizers]

Hey gang,

Earlier this year I started using analog films again and wanted to branch out into instant photography. Being a child of the 80's, I definitely remember when Polaroids were shot often.

Seeing as how the real Polaroid stuff isn't available and Impossible produces art at best... I opted for a slightly different modern option called Fuji Instax Mini. Very similar to Polaroid in form and function, with a smaller picture as the end result.

These are still very popular in Asian markets. I.e. groups of friends take a camera when going out, share the pics as a memory of the evening. I've used them around the family, and they definitely make people smile - both young or old.

The camera is a Fuji Instax 7S, which costs around 70-100 euros. Being popular in Japan, you can also get these in several colors, or even Panda and Hello Kitty designs. Smaller then most Polaroids and the quality of the image is excellent because of a different mirrorless design. I bought three packs of 2x10 film, with about 15 shots taken. The packs run about 20 euros for 20 shots.





The quality of the image is decent enough for this type of lens and film. Nice colors, good sharpness when checked with a loupe, but it won't replace your 120 film for sure. The main benefit is sharing the love of photography and handing out cool 'souvenirs'. I imagine this would be a handy backup to street photographers.

[Ezzie]

Not an Instax mini, but an old Land Camera with Fuji pack film. Works a treat on social occassions. And as you say, the kids love the instant gratification it gives. Pricewise, its heads or tails. Pack film and Instax films cost about the same where I live.

[EcoLeica]

Hey Bjorn! Im a big fan of the Instax mini system and I always have the camera with a couple of packs of film with me. I use to have a mini 7S like yours but I found a cheap second hand 50s (the new piano black model) with the closeup kit and have loved every minute of it! Here is some shots I did at a friends wedding

[bjornkeizers]

Nice shots! Good to see I'm not the only one enjoying this wacky contraption I haven't shot any true 'works of art' yet. But it does make me smile whenever I click the shutter, so it's definitely worth it.

[FalseDigital]

I don't use mine often enough. However here's a shot I took recently.

[raytoei@gmail.com]

yeah...i use the AF500 Instax wide...

[FalseDigital]

Also if anyone is interested I know where to get special editions of this camera in Bangkok

[Paddy C]

I've got an Instax 210 which is a lot of fun. I like the look I get out of it and, like you say, people of all ages love it.

Don't shoot it enough mind you but will get out with it this summer for sure.

[shadowfox]

Good shots guys!
Hope more will post theirs.

I've never tried the mini-version.

[Ezzie]

Originally Posted by raytoei@gmail.com

yeah...i use the AF500 Instax wide...

Like the picture of the sign. Reminds me of the Don't panic sign on the Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy.

[daveleo]

Can you turn the flash OFF in these cameras ? ?

[daveleo]

Never mind . . . I found the answer.

[ChrisWMartin]

What is the answer, Daveleo?

[daveleo]

According to user reviews, you cannot turn the flash off.

This is too bad for me. When then add a turn-off option, I am certain to buy one of these.

Using flash in museums, cafes, parties is not good for me.

[bjornkeizers]

Yep, that is the one annoying thing. There are several settings from indoor to sunny, but I don't think they do much for the overall picture quality.

The flash actually has a weird effect. If you photograph against glass like I did a few times, you'll see the brightest spot of the flash actually turns black. You can actually see that in the first photo just about the houses, two little spots.

You can probably use some black tape to cover the flash if you need to shoot through glass.

[raytoei@gmail.com]

i use the Instax 500AF, this is the professional version. And you can turn off the flash...

Shoot from yesterday...

[Crazy Fedya]

Originally Posted by raytoei@gmail.com

i use the Instax 500AF, this is the professional version. And you can turn off the flash...

Shoot from yesterday...

Great shot!!

[SimonSawSunlight]

my girlfriend has one (instax mini), it's a great little camera, but the larger instax formats are cooler in my opinion.

[pdexposures]

I love the Instax films, but I always shoot with a colored filter over the lens. Produces much nicer colors in my opinion.

(pardon the awful scans)

Warming filter:

25 by pdexposures, on Flickr

8 by pdexposures, on Flickr

24 by pdexposures, on Flickr

Light green filter:

32 by pdexposures, on Flickr

33 by pdexposures, on Flickr

30 by pdexposures, on Flickr

[OlliL]

I have an Instax Mini (7) myself and it's really a joy to shoot.
Last weekend we used it for a guest book, at a wedding.
The people had so much fun taking pictures of each other.

pdexposures I really like the filtered pictures!
Can you tell me where you got them?

[pdexposures]

The filters? I just bought a pack of colored flash gels. Came with like 100 different ones for $5 or so from the local photo supply store.

[OlliL]

Yes, I meant the filters.
Thanks, didn't think about that.
I recently saw a filter adapter for the Mini, so I was curious, if you bought something like that.

[jasonrutter]

I have an Instax 210. It is by far the most fun camera I own. I also use a Polaroid pack film camera with the fuji film but the instax tends to be the one getting used.

I thought I would share a couple images I made lately.

[bjornkeizers]

Wow, some nice results here! I've never even considered using a filter with these... will have to give it a go I guess.