REVIEW: Fuji-film Instax Mini 8

Querida
Jun 28, 2015
3 min read

Hey guys!

Thanks to the heavy rains and our full time jobs, this week was really busy and we haven't managed to post a lot. But here's aanother review on something we love- "The Fujifilm Instax Mini 8".

I always wanted a polaroid camera, although this one isn't a polaroid, it's an instant camera which basically serves the purpose. We are so used to clicking a thousand pictures on our phones and choosing the best amongst them, well, you can't do it with this camera as it's instant!In recent years, Fujifilm have released a range of instant cameras. Until then, it was incredibly expensive to purchase film as more and more manufacturers discontinued their film during the 90s.

The best place to buy this camera would be Amazon, since you can compare the rates offered by different sellers and choose the cheapest offer. You will also need to buy the film seperately, so look for an offer which gives you a good deal on both. The film usually retails for around a 1000 bucks for 10 pictures, which is quite expensive when you can just go get your images printed on glossy paper at your local printer. So, click wisely!

The Instax Mini 8 is available in a wide variety of colours, including some special edition versions. There are the five basic colours: White, Black, Yellow, Blue, and Pink. I've seen varieties in Purple (Grape) and a Fuschia Pink (Raspberry) as well. I got the Powder Blue shade.

Some Technical Specifications:

The camera functions are quite simple - it is a point and shoot like all your other cameras. The camera is auto-focus, and the flash will fire for every shot. But on using it, you will realize that you need to position your photos a little down and to the left before you release the shutter in order to take the photograph you see in the viewfinder.

You can see the viewfinder on the top-left of the image; instead of an SLR viewfinder, where the viewfinder will show you an accurate depiction of the photo you will take, this viewfinder is only an approximation of the photo you will take.

From the back view of the camera body, you can see where to load and unload film. The instructions to load film are very simply marked on each packet, and if you have any difficulty, there are a couple of Youtube vidoes that show you how.

You can see the shot countdown on the right hand side of the back of the camera. The film automatically rolls onto the next. You can have a maximum of 10 shots loaded at a time.

While the camera is automatic, there are four options which you can adjust your image with according to the light. When you power on the camera, the camera will automatically detect the light settings, and the light setting which it recommends will blink in Orange. Hi-Key mode will produce brighter images in all settings.

Instant print photos are precious- you get 10 in a pack, and each photo costs around Rs.100. You can buy them here. They come in various packs ranging from 10-50. You can buy whichever one you require depending on your use.

This camera is absolutely the best thing I've bought in a long time. The photo quality may be not be the best, but you learn how to get used to the light in due time. Each picture is a little memory. I would really recommend this camera. The images are also fun, cute, and a pleasure to look at over and over again.