For many years, I’ve said that I would love to own a instant camera but the prices are just always too high to take that step in purchasing one.

I was super excited to receive the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 for a couple of days to play around and see what it could do. I’ve seen the previous models from this range, and I’ve wondered what it would be like to use a modern instant camera, and what the results would be.

With it’s toy-like appearance, it was understandable that my kids mistook it for a toy at first.

I did have quite some fun taking different images and trying out the camera in different settings.

Disclaimer: I received the Fujifilm Mini 11 for a couple of days to use and experiment with in exchange for a review. All opinions and views are my own.

Specs:

• Dimensions: 107.6×121.2×67.3mm
• Weight: 293g (without batteries, strap, and film)
• Lens: 60mm
• Closest focusing: 0.5m (0.3m in selfie mode)
• Shutter speeds: 1/2sec – 1/250sec
• Print size: 54×86mm (2.1 in × 3.4 in)
• Printed image size: 62x46mm (1.8 in × 2.4 in)
• Prints per film pack: 10
• Film developing time: approximately 90 seconds
• Available colors: Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White, and Lilac Purple
• Power: 2x AA batteries

Features:

The Instax Mini 11 allows you to take photos in light as well as in the dark, thanks to the flash that automatically calculates the brightness and then adjusts the shutter speed suitably.

Taking a selfie is easy as it has an adjustable lens that can be moved into ‘Selfie Mode‘ to take selfies with a mirror on the front to help stay in the frame of the shot. The ‘Selfie Mode‘ allows you to take close ups, even with your arm extended to fit into the frame.

It comes in five different colours to choose from, a strap is included so you don’t accidentally drop the camera and two shutter buttons to customise it to your liking, one the colour of the camera and the other that glows in darker settings.

There is no self-timer, you cannot disable the flash and there is no tripod thread at the bottom of the camera.

Operation:

The Instax Mini 11 is very straight forward to use, and I didn’t need to consult the user manual to figure out which buttons are which. By pressing the button next to the lens, it pops out the lens and you are ready to use the camera. The flash charges automatically, and is charged within a couple of seconds. The red light on the front of the camera indicates that the flash is charged. The shutter button sits below the viewfinder on the front.

When you’re done taking photos, you push the lens back into place and the camera switches off.

With ‘Selfie Mode‘ you pull out the lens gently until you see the words ‘Selfie Mode‘ appear on the lens, and you can use the front mirror to take selfies instantly. This is the only part that left me a little worried and I ended up looking at the instructions, as I was afraid to damage the lens as it doesn’t come out without giving it a little pull.

The shutter button is positioned below the viewfinder on the front, and you attach it by using the adhesive tape that comes with the rest of the accessories. You can rotate the type between the two attachments included.

Product review: Fujifilm Instax 11 Mini #fujifilm #fujifilminstaxmini11 #productreview

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Usability:

The camera is held in a vertical position to give you the best portrait shots. I did find the viewfinder slightly small, and needed to first be sure I’m looking through it properly to make sure I had the view in front of me in the frame.

The shutter button is positioned very close to the viewfinder and I needed to move my finger a few times to not obstruct the view.

The shutter button is a little trigger happy, and is easily bumped if you’re not careful and could result in wasting a sheet of film. I would definitely recommend using the adhesive tape as the shutter button doesn’t stay in place without it, and you’ll be left with switching the camera off and on a couple times to reattach the button.

I did struggle a little with the selfies as it’s a bit bulky, and I didn’t use two hands when holding it so I had to be extra careful not to press the shutter button while I adjusted myself into the frame of the mirror.

As soon as you’ve snapped a picture, it will slide out from the top of the camera and takes about 90 seconds to develop. Just make sure to not touch the white part of the film while it’s still developing.

The camera does need to be held with steady hands as any movement can result in the photo blurring slightly. This is where I feel a tripod thread would be a great addition to not have to worry about possible shaky hands and blurred images. This applies to the person or object you’re taking a snap of as well, any slight movement and the photo does come out a little distorted.

While the camera does adjust to the lighting of the setting you’re in, I did find that the best shots came from settings with natural lighting instead of in darker settings which made the photos also have a darker appearance to them.

The image quality is good, even with some of the darker images.

The camera doesn’t have an infinity mode, which makes for some shots that are taken from a distance look a little soft on the image once developed.

Film:

While the camera itself isn’t all that pricey compared to some instant cameras, the film is. There are no do-overs, and accidental shutter button knocks can result in wasted film.

There are different filter films to choose from depending on your preference, and each one will give a slightly different appearance to the photos.

You can find the different types of film here to compare.

You open the back of the camera and insert the film as per directions shown. Be sure to not press on the film at any time to avoid damaging it.

With every new film pack you use, you’ll need to take a ‘fake‘ shot with the camera to let the black cover of the film slide out. From there, the camera is ready for use. You can add a pack of 10 sheets at a time and there’s a helpful counter to show you how much film you still have left to use.

Keep in mind to not open the film compartment while there is still usable film in it, or you’ll damage the sheets and they will be unusable.

The image takes about 90 seconds to develop, depending on the lighting you took the photo in. The natural lighting images developed around that time frame while darker setting images took a little longer.

Pricing:

Compared to other instant cameras, the Instax Mini 11 is reasonably priced at R 1199, which isn’t too bad. You need to keep in mind the basic features the camera has to offer.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 {Review} #fujifilm #fujifilminstaxmini11 #productreview

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Conclusion:

The Instax Mini 11 is a fun and creative instant camera to use to create memories on the go. It’s easy to use and operate without needing to consult the instructions manual.

While it has a bubble-like bulky shape, it’s easy to take it along with you wherever you go, depending on what you carry it in. I’d recommend keeping it away from anything that could scratch the surfaces of the Instax to avoid any damage.

The battery life allows you to take 100 shots before needing to replace the batteries and the film counter helps you navigate the life expectancy while using it.

As it has a toy-like appearance, personally I wouldn’t recommend young kids, under the age of 10, to use it as it can be easily dropped and damaged, the film is slightly expensive and there aren’t any do-overs.

Likes:

• Easy to use and operate
• Battery powered so no need to charge before use
• Mirror and ‘Selfie Mode’ lens
• Fun colours to choose from
• Reasonable price

Dislikes:

• Shutter is sensitive and you need to be careful not to accidentally touch it.
• The selfie lens seems a little fragile to use.
• Expensive film

All in all, if you’re looking for a gift idea, this is a good one to give to those that love taking photos and capturing memories on the go.

Do you have a product you want reviewed? Send me an email: sincerelyyoursannie@gmail.com