Fujifilm Instax cameras have a reputation for looking like children’s toys, and it’s right, many of the cheaper Fujifilm Instax cameras are very childlike in looks, but those are the cameras aimed at the younger generation. What we’re going to do today is take a look at two more grown up Instax cameras (for adults!), the Fujifilm Instax 41 and the Instax 99. Both these cameras are fully analogue, and take Instax Mini film.
The Instax Mini 41 and the Instax Mini 99 are both instant film cameras that use the same Instax Mini film, but they are designed for different types of users. The key difference between the two lies in their level of creative control and features.
The Instax Mini 41 is a simple, entry-level instant camera designed for a point-and-shoot experience. The Instax Mini 99, on the other hand, is a more advanced, “premium” analogue camera that offers a wide range of creative controls for those who want to experiment with their photography.
Instax Mini 41: Key Features and Differences
- Simplicity: The Mini 41 is all about ease of use. It has automatic exposure and a single-button operation. You simply turn the lens to power it on and switch to Close-Up mode.
- Automatic Exposure: The camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and flash to match the ambient lighting, making it great for beginners who don’t want to worry about settings.
- Limited Controls: There is very little manual control. The camera’s flash is always on, and there are no options for adjusting exposure compensation or changing flash modes.
- Close-Up Mode: It includes a close-up mode with parallax correction, which helps with framing when shooting subjects between 0.3m and 0.5m. It also has a built-in selfie mirror.
- Power Source: It runs on two AA alkaline batteries.
Instax Mini 99: Key Features and Differences
- Creative Control: The Mini 99 is a significant step up in terms of features, giving photographers more control over their shots.
- Colour Effects: A standout feature is the “Colour Effect” dial, which uses internal LED lights to tint the film with six different colour effects (Faded Green, Warm Tone, Light Blue, Soft Magenta, Sepia, and Light Leak). This is a unique analogue feature that sets it apart from other Instax cameras.
- Vignette Switch: It has a “Manual Vignette Switch” that physically closes shutter blades in front of the lens to create a darkened, vignetted effect on the edges of the photo.
- Shooting Modes: The Mini 99 offers multiple shooting modes, including Bulb Mode for long exposures (up to 10 seconds), Double Exposure for combining two images into one, Indoor Mode for low light, and Sports Mode for fast-moving subjects.
- Exposure Compensation: Unlike the Mini 41, the Mini 99 has an exposure compensation dial to brighten or darken images.
- Flash Control: The flash on the Mini 99 can be controlled with options like auto mode, fill-in flash, red-eye removal, or turning it off entirely.
- Focus Zones: It has a manual three-zone focus system: Macro (0.3m to 0.6m), Standard (0.6m to 3.0m), and Landscape (3.0m to infinity).
- Power Source: The Mini 99 uses a rechargeable NP-70S battery.
- Tripod Mount: It has a tripod mount and comes with a base grip, making it suitable for more stable and controlled shots.
Conclusion
Both are great looking cameras, and both take the exact same quality images, however depending on the style of photography you want to do, they are very different cameras. I have used the vast majority of abilities of these cameras when owning the Instax Mini 70 and Instead Square SQ6 cameras, so I can confidently say I understand and know how each one works.
The Instax Mini 41 is a great general camera that looks absolutely fantastic. Shopping around I’ve seen it for under £90 which is a bargain! However, for just over £50 more (cheapest I’ve seen it), the Instax Mini 99 is another step up. The extra money is worth it for the exposure compensation dial alone, that’s without even touching all the other extra features.
If you’re considering either of these two analogue film cameras, you can not go wrong. Think about what you want, and just get one… You’ll be surprised how much you’ll smile using it.
And remember; Instax film is just as much fun to give away to friends and family, as it is too take the actual photograph.
One Camera One Lens Photography 