Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Review: Rediscover Instant Photography's Timeless Charm
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 stands out in the market for its affordability, ease of use, and fun features, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to dive into instant photography.
This review will explore the key aspects of the Instax Mini 12, highlighting why it has become a such a popular device.
Simple Operation and User-Friendly Design
The Instax Mini 12 is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring an improved one-button operation. The twisty lens not only serves as the power switch but also toggles between standard and close-up focus modes.
This intuitive design is a significant improvement over the Mini 11's push-button system, making the Mini 12 easier to use for beginners.
The camera's ergonomic design includes a handy selfie mirror and a close-up mode, enhancing its versatility for taking self-portraits and detailed shots. The onboard optical viewfinder aids in framing shots, though it requires some practice for precise close-up photography due to parallax.
Fun and Vibrant Film
The Instax Mini 12 uses the popular Instax Mini film, available in both colour and black-and-white options. The film develops right before your eyes, providing instant gratification and a tangible keepsake. The colour film produces vibrant, punchy images, while the black-and-white film offers classic monochrome shots.
Power and Portability
Powered by easily replaceable AA batteries, the Instax Mini 12 ensures you won’t be left stranded with a dead camera. Its compact size and lightweight build make it highly portable, perfect for taking on the go. However, the all-plastic construction, while practical, lacks the premium feel of more expensive models.
Room for Improvement
While the Instax Mini 12 excels in many areas, it does have some limitations. It omits a tripod socket, and there are no double exposure or other advanced features, which might disappoint more creative photographers. The camera also tends to overexpose shots in bright sunlight, a common issue with instant film cameras.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 is a charming and practical instant camera, perfect for those new to the world of instant photography. Its easy operation, fun features, and compatibility with widely available Instax Mini film make it a standout choice for capturing memories.
While it lacks some advanced features, its affordability and user-friendly design more than compensate, making it an excellent option for casual photographers and instant photo enthusiasts alike.
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 4.2 x 2.7 inches (HWD) |
| Weight | 292 grams |
| Film Format | Instax Mini (colour and black-and-white) |
| Battery | 2 x AA batteries |
| Lens | 60mm f/12.7 |
| Focus Modes | Standard (19.7 inches to infinity) and close-up (11.8 inches) |
| Flash | Automatic with auto flash exposure |
| Viewfinder | Optical with parallax correction |
| Selfie Mirror | Yes |
| Colours | Pastel Blue, Blossom Pink, Clay White, Lilac Purple, Mint Green |
| Price | R1499 |
Written by: Shihaam (Gabriella) Steyn-Adams
Guzzle Media
