Fuji Instax Mini
Judy asked yesterday how I liked the Fuji Instax Mini camera I got for Christmas and that reminded me that I hadn’t blogged about it yet.
I have a love hate relationship with this camera. I love it because of the instant gratification and how fun and cute the credit card sized photos are. I hate it because, well, the quality is what you would expect from a instant camera. I’ve tried messing around with the settings and getting it to work for me, but it’s always a surprise how it will come out. Maybe that’s part of the fun of it?
If the film were a bit cheaper and easier to find, I would probably play around with this camera more. The Instax Mini 7S (the version I have) has come down in price and is now just over $60. There is a newer version, the Instax Mini 25, which looks like it may have some improvements to it. It is $95. I would love to try that one out! Film can be found for as low as $14 for 20 exposures. That’s $.69 per image.
Would I recommend this camera? If you have the extra money laying around, why not? It is fun! But, I would save up for a DSLR any day over this camera.
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
Hi,
I think the camera is good if you like that vintage-y, burned out, sometimes blurry look, that say comes out of those Holga cameras, but that seems opposite of the kind of pictures I’ve seen you post on your blog, so that may be the reason why you may not like it as much?
I’ve definitely have been toying with the idea of getting myself one, since I had seen the results on Jonathan Canlas’ blog. Just haven’t talked myself into one completely yet. Maybe one day….
BTW, love your blog!
~Danielle
Hi Drew! Thanks so much – I do have Nikon D300 and am still a total rookie on it but have several lenses and every now and then I get a real gem!
I received one of the ‘toy’ cameras a few years back and when I remember to grab it – it’s so fun – not great quality pics but it is one that prints 4 frames on one picture – I just thought your little instant max was so nostalgic from the days of polaroids 
I am saving and hinting to hubs for your unmanual and unposing guide — I so enjoy your blog and your willingness to share — your wedding photos are amazing! (well all of your photos are really)- I’m already married but… HA — just kidding — Thanks again for posting a response! 
Blessings from Texas – J
Hi Drew!!
It looks like B has such fun on all of his adventures….I just wonder what have you done with the digital images? Do you print some every now and then and throw them in an album? Are you a closet scrapbooker? 
I have a query
I’m sure I’m like lots of moms who have a zillion jpgs, but very few printed pics….then the years get away from me, and I don’t know where to start with the project of organizing, gathering and printing them. Ugh! Anyway, if you have any tips or tricks you can share that would be so great!
Thank you!
I bought one of these as a gift for my cousin’s wedding. She had a vintage-inspired wedding at Union Station in Los Angeles. We used the camera and MANY reloads of film to get pics of the guests as they arrived and throughout the night. They guests also signed or wrote a little note (a very little note– the tab section is tiny). I agree that the quality of the photo is a little unpredictable, but the guests were very interested in the camera and it was a blast to look at the 200+ pictures the next day at the brunch. I think we caught a lot of shots that the couple will treasure in their guestbook.
He is even cute while cying!!