Fujifilm Instax Mini 40: Stylish retro-style instant camera
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is an easy-to-use instant camera that prints credit card-sized Instax film photos in a cool retro style.
It's identical in specs to the Instax Mini 11 that came out last year, but the design elements on the Mini 40 make it more mature than the flamboyant Mini 11.
Fujifilm also introduced a new version of the "contact" shot with a black border and red lettering.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Review: Design
The Instax Mini 40 is finished in black and silver with faux black leather trim reminiscent of a vintage Leica. It has the familiar boxy shape, and the textured plastic finish makes it feel comfortable in the hand. Next to the viewfinder is a flash, and below it is the shutter button. The lens is opened by pressing the button in the lower right corner of the camera.
The film is inserted on the back of the Mini 40, where you will also find a comfortable place to rest your thumb. There's also a small film counter here so you can see how many frames are left in your cartridge.
The camera is powered by two AA batteries, which are inserted into the compartment on the right side. Unsurprisingly, the Instax Mini 40 doesn't have a rechargeable battery with a USB port, but that's still a disappointment.
Finally, there is the option to attach a wrist strap to both sides of the camera.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Review: Lens
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 has a 60mm f/12.7 retractable lens that matches that of the Instax Mini 11. It is activated by pressing a silver button on the lower right corner of the lens, and this mechanism also serves as a camera switch at the same time. / switch.
The lens has a focal length range of 0.3m to infinity and a field of view equivalent to a 35mm lens. This makes it perfect for everyday shooting: it's wide enough to fit multiple people in the frame, but not so wide that it distorts them.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Review: Selfie Mode
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 may revel in its retro look, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have any hints of the modern world. To this end, it has a "selfie mode" that is activated by pulling the front of the lens forward. Luckily, it displays the words "Selfie On" when it's engaged, in case you forget.
A small mirror on the front of the lens allows you to check the framing and the face before taking the picture. Selfie mode can also be used for close-up shots.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Review: Flash
While more expensive cameras usually have a pop-up or attachable flash, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is a fully automatic camera with a flash that always fires regardless of lighting conditions. The maximum flash range is 2.6 meters, although if you shoot late at night or in the dark, exposure will be better when the camera is closer to the subject.
The flash recharges after a few seconds, but with a camera like this, it's unlikely you'll shoot very fast anyway. Instead, look to one of the best mirrorless cameras if speed is your main concern.
Exposure is automatically adjusted using the Mini 40's variable shutter speed, which ranges from 1/2 to 1/250 seconds, depending on your scene's lighting conditions.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Review: Image Quality
Like most instant cameras, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is best suited for outdoor use in bright and sunny conditions. Still, the results are impressive for how well this model performed indoors and late at night: it does an excellent job of balancing ambient light with the flash on all the time, and as long as you're relatively close to subjects, it works well. in most situations.
Instax film has 10 shots per cassette. When you're paying per frame, it's important to have a camera that will hold up well so you don't burn through the film. In our time with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40, we've found it does just that.
Instax has done an excellent job of refining their cameras and film over the past few years to deliver consistent exposure with vibrant, aesthetically pleasing colors.
However, it's worth noting that photos are sharpest when the subject is close to the camera; it's a great tool for portraits, but not necessarily for landscapes or nature.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Review: The Summary
There's a lot to like about the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40. While it lacks some of the advanced controls found on some of the earlier Instax models, it's incredibly easy to use and looks more mature than the Instax Mini 11.
The retro style costs a little more, the Instax Mini 40 sells for about 500 hryvnia more than the Mini 11 with identical specifications, but it must be said that it's worth it.
Most importantly, it also produces beautiful Instax shots overall with accurate exposure and eye-pleasing colors. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is an instant camera that should appeal to a wide range of people and anyone who uses it will have a lot of fun with it.
Specification:
Viewfinder: 0.37x, with focus point
Lens: 2-element, f/12.7 with 2 elements
Focus: 0.3m - ∞ (Selfie mode 0.3-0.5m)
Auto Exposure: Yes
Shutter: Electronic shutter with software control, 1/2 to 1/250 s
Flash: Yes (constantly fires)
Flash charging time: 6.5 seconds
Power supply: 2 - AA batteries
