If I say that the instax mini 11 is a well-deserved whim, it is because it is one of those objects that we think about a lot when buying but that we love to be given as a gift (or give ourselves as a gift so as not to fail). It is not the camera that you would normally buy to take photos, however, if you have it, you enjoy it. Especially if you are one of those people who adore special moments and being able to touch them.
That of having a million photos on a hard drive is nothing comparable to being able to capture a special moment with your friends or family and being able to put that memory in your pocket forever. Without depending on a development, without having to rely on a virtual cloud or buried among hundreds of images on a hard drive that, moreover, can be damaged at any time.
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE INSTAX MINI 11
And that's the best thing about this camera. You take the photo in the moment and you have it forever.
You can give it to your family who have come so far to see you as a souvenir; Or you can put it on the fridge door to remind your friends that they have arranged a surprise dinner for you because they saw you depressed.
You can also capture your baby's first steps and put it immediately in the family album, because we already know that if it's not in the moment you'll never find time.
An image that touches and feels instantly is unmatched by any other.
In addition, they are analog images. In other words, they have that style that we now sometimes look for with filters in a natural way, less saturated and defined photos and a special touch.
At the end of the article I leave you my personal opinion as a summary.
FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 11 CAMERA FEATURES
Let's see what are the main features of this Fujifilm instant camera:
| Aim | 2 components, f = 60mm, 1:12.7 |
| Viewfinder | Real image viewfinder, 0.37x, with sight mark |
Focus distance |
0.3m and more – selfie mode from 0.3m to 0.5m |
shutter speed |
1/2 – 1/250s Slower sync in low light |
Exposure control |
Automatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800) |
Exposure mode |
Automatic |
photo size |
Photo: 5.4 x 8.6 cm Image: 4.6 x 6.2 cm |
| batteries | Two AA LR6 alkaline batteries (not included) |
| Flash | Constant flash firing (automatic intensity adjustment). Recycling time: Less than 6.5s (with fresh batteries), Flash range: 0.3m – 2.7m |
| revealed time |
90s approx. according to room temperature |
| Size | 107.6mm x 121.2mm x 67.3mm |
| Weight | 293g (without batteries) |
| Colors | sky blue, Blush Pink, Charcoal Gray, Ice White, Lilac Purple, Pastel Green |
| Price | From €85.99 |
HOW TO USE INSTAX MINI 11: TIPS AND TRICKS
To start, it is best to situate ourselves. These are the different parts of this camera:
Let us now see how this instax mini 11 works .
Although it is very easy to use, these tips and tricks for the instax mini 11 will help you get the most out of it and avoid the odd little disaster ? :
- Be careful not to cover the flash or the lens with your fingers.
- In close-ups, what you see in the viewfinder and what you photograph are not exactly the same, move a little higher and to the right of what you would have framed so that your subject is as you want.
- To take close-up photos use the Selfie mode (30-50cm).
- Unlike previous models, with this camera the exposure is automatic thanks to the sensor or exposure meter that detects the light there is, you no longer have to choose the indoor, sunny, etc. mode.
- Try not to photograph from too far away because if the size of the paper is already small, the distant figures will look too small, unless the important thing is the context or environment. Another reason is that the flash does not have much range (up to 2m approx.).
- Don't expect the kind of photos you can get with a digital camera, they are less sharp and saturated images, but that's one of the charms of analog and instant photography.
- Keep in mind that the hours and position of the sun will affect the result of your photos. When the sun is high in the sky, photos will be much clearer. Also avoid backlit photos. Ideally, the sun should be out of the frame and at an angle approx. 45º to obtain better colors.
- For indoor photos, make sure not to get too close or too far from the subject (no more than 1.5-2m) so that the flash illuminates correctly.
- Be careful with the temperature when developing the photograph, if it is too cold, protect the paper between your hands to keep it warm.
- If the camera fails at any point, remove the batteries and put them back in to reset.
- The light blinking means the flash is charging, please do not press the shutter button until it is steady.
- Do not touch the area of the image or shake the photograph during development (no matter how much you have ever seen the gesture), because you will interfere with the proper functioning of the chemicals contained in the paper and that allow the development of the image.
- To avoid reflections in the photo, avoid portraits in front of the mirror, better use the selfie mode and stretch out your arm to take a self-portrait. You can look in the small mirror next to the lens to frame yourself correctly.
- Do not cut or pierce the photos, remember that they contain chemicals/inks so that development is possible.
- If you are not going to use the camera for a long period of time, remove the batteries and store it in a dry place.
- So that the photographs last longer, do not expose them to sources of heat.
- It is important that before taking a photo you check that no foreign objects have accumulated inside the slot that ejects the film.
- Keep the spools in the fridge and look at the expiration date, because if they are past they may appear color or other defects.
- Follow the warnings and precautions listed in the camera's instruction manual.
And to summarize, a video on how to use the instax mini 11 :
DIFFERENCES CAMERA INSTAX MINI 9 AND 11
In this table I show you the main differences between the instax mini 9 and the mini 11:
| Model | mini 9 | mini 11 |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
|
| Minimum Focus Distance |
0.6m | 0.3m |
| Size photos | 6.2 x 4.6cm | 6.2 x 4.6cm |
| selfie mode | with accessory | ? |
| Exposition | Manual | Automatic |
| shutter speed | 1/60s | 1/2 – 1/250s |
Auto power off function |
? | ? |
| Colors | Pink, White, Lime, Cobalt, Blue | Pink, Ice, Light grey, Black, Lilac, Blue and Green |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 11.8 x 6.8cm | 10.7 × 12.1 × 6.7cm |
| Weight | 307g | 293g |
| price from | €65 | €85.99 |
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE INSTAX MINI 11 PHOTOS
The film format used by this camera is instax mini and the photos are sized below.
INSTAX MINI 11 CAMERA ACCESSORIES
The instas mini 11 comes with the strap in the same color as the camera but, apart from the paper, there are other accessories that may interest you, especially if you want to make (or give yourself) a gift:
INSTAX MINI 11 CASE
I think it is essential if the camera is going to be used by children.
To take photos, you don't have to be taking it out and putting it in the case, you just have to open it, shoot, pick up the photo and close the case again.
You have them plain in the same colorsthan the cameras for an approximate price of €14.99
You can also find them on canvas, or with different patternsThey are not from instax but they are compatible with this model.
And for the most creative people, this kitof cover with accessories (frames, clips for hanging, etc.) is a plus.
There is also this other type of cover or casethat more than to hang it is to store at home, to take on a trip or transport. In this case, you do have to remove the camera from the case to use it.
INSTAX MINI 11 PAPER
More than an accessory, it is an essential because without the film or paper there is no photo. I dedicate a section on accessories because you have different options to choose from.
This instax mini paper would be a basic, a package with two films of 10 each.
There is also the black and white reel(the price is somewhat higher), or the reels whose frames are colored, patterned and other special editions.
PHOTO ALBUM
An instax camera deserves a place to store the photos if you are not going to have them exposed.
Therefore, a photo album is always a good option. It allows you to see them whenever you want while they are protected (and all in the same place).
You have them in many sizes and of different capacities. I leave you with some examples:
- 14 x 1 x 13cm, with capacity for 64 photos for €10.99 Available in various colors and with gift stickers.
- 19.5 x 12.5 x 2.5 cm holds 108 photos per N/A In pink. Also in blue for €13.99with capacity for 256 photos.
- 19.8 x 15.2 x 1.8 cm, in tan, holds 128 photos and costs N/A
- For scrapbooking lovers or plastic detractors, you have this other type on paper/cardboard, but you have to glue them, they are not covers. 28 x 24 cm and 50 pages. It costs €11.99
INSTAX MINI 11 REVIEWS
The instax mini 11 has over 10,000 reviews on Amazon. Proof that it is a desired camera and tested by a huge number of people who rate it with an average of 4.6 out of 5.
My personal opinion is that it is ideal for people with creative minds, nostalgic people, the smallest members of the house, and vintage lovers. Also to create albums or family diaries of special moments, or to teach children (and not so children) to think before taking a photo.
It couldn't be more easy to use and beautiful. It is suitable for all audiences, both by use and by design. It is not one of the most expensive and the film is well priced compared to other instant cameras, so yes. It is a great gift and, of course, an excellent self-gift to give yourself the treat you deserve.
