Konnichiwa!
Today, I am sharing facts and tips on how to maximize your Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 8. One of the best item I have whenever I travel because photos are printed immediately and I can even share it to my loved ones as a perfect souvenir! You can also start keeping memorabilia’s the traditional way!
I bought mine during my first salary back in May of 2013, back then its cost was around P3,900. I had trial and error with this product because of too much or less light exposure. Films are a bit pricey too! As of this writing, it is still working pretty fine. ♥️
Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 8 is a manual camera (non-digital) that uses films to take pictures (business card size). I chose pink because it’s my favorite color and I know that you want or you already have one in your favorite color too! According to some reviews, the color faded too fast when they displayed it inside their room.
PS. My camera’s color didn’t fade because I always keep it inside the box. (Photo above was set a little brighter.) ☺️
These are the colors available:
Here in Japan, they released an updated version with new set of colors such as Mint, Strawberry, Cocoa, Vanilla and Honey. They simply added a Self Shot Mirror.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Weight: 307g (10.8 oz)
- Lens: f=60mm 1:12.7
- Focus/shooting range: 0.6m-infinity
- Shutter speed: 1/60 sec
- Automatic power off: 5 minutes
- Power: AA batteries x 2
- Box Includes: hand strap, batteries, manual
- Film sold separately
HOW TO USE INSTAX MINI 8?
Steps on how to use this camera is pretty basic and easy so you don’t have to worry. Let me share facts and more photos… 📷
Lens will come out as soon as you press the button beside it.
Shutter Button – as long as your lens is close, no photos will be taken. No films will be wasted.
Flash Settings or Brightness Adjustment Dial for Instax Mini 8 will automatically determines the appropriate brightness for taking a picture and will inform you for the suitable setting by lighting the corresponding lamp. Turn the dial and change it accordingly as suggested.
High Performance Flash is always ON when you take pictures. There’s no way you can turn it off.
Finder is available to see your subject if they fit in the frame.
Film Counter lets you know how many films are available to use.
Insert films (pack of 10) properly and please be advised that you can only use the prescribed films from Fujifilm.
It uses two AA Batteries. I honestly don’t know when was the last time I changed the batteries. 😂 If you will not use your camera for a long period of time, remove the batteries to avoid battery leaks that can damage your electronics.
Films are very expensive that cost around 360 pesos ($7-8) for a pack of 10 plain sheets. It would be cheaper to buy the 20’s worth 680 pesos ($15). There are also patterned films that hold 10 sheets for a higher price than the plain ones. If you don’t want to spend more on films, just design it with films skins (stickers). It’s cheaper than the printed films.
You will reach a time that taking photos will be hard because you were not able to achieve the right angle, right exposure and all. It’s very frustrating but along the way, you will get used to it. Trial and Error it is! So if you’re not willing to try and maximize its potential as a camera, then this is not for you.
Tips:
(a) Keep your camera away from extreme temperatures (keep it inside the bag/box) because it will affect the color of your photos and will cause pinkish edges on your films.
(b) No x-ray exposure. If you are bringing films abroad or bought some films abroad, keep it on your carry on luggage and insists that your camera has films in it. This will be the hardest part when bringing it during travels. If they don’t believe you, show them the box of films and point out “Protect from x-ray” (at the side of the box). If you don’t like being questioned at the airports during security check, just leave the camera at home.
ACCESSORIES
You can buy bag, waterproof case, close up lens, films stickers and album to keep your photos and please keep in mind that these items are sold by a third vendor. Don’t miss the chance to show the creative side of you! 🙂
WHERE CAN I BUY THIS CAMERA?
If you are still after saving money, try to compare mall prices vs online prices.
* Online prices are way cheaper tho.
US (online)
Amazon $69 w/ twin pack + free shipping
Ebay $89.95 w/ twin pack + free shipping
Walmart $89.95 + free pickup at the store
Philippines (online)
Price Price P3,200
Lazada P3,400 – P5,000
★ You can also visit Fujifilm’s physical store at Lower Ground, Building A, SM Megamall.
After sharing important details of this cute camera, let me share my own way of keeping my photos. ♥
Scrapbook #1 for my grandchildren.
Art Journal Inserts
Aside from giving photos to my friends as a souvenir of our gathering, I also make time in creatively keeping my printed films on my scrapbook / journal / planner. Aside from being a travel story teller, photos has thousand stories to tell as well.
I am also thinking of sticking films in one of the corners of my room, in a heart or globe shape. What do you think?
I hope you had fun on my first gadget review, expect two more reviews this month of December! ♥
xoxo,
Life and Misadventures of AKI 
Love the review… was thinking of buying one for myself too. Keep the reviews coming! Kudos!
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Ate Tin! Thank you for taking time to read this article of mine! I’m also making another review that is more practical than this camera. 🙂
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