“The instant camera is a type of camera which uses self-developing film to create a chemically developed print shortly after taking the picture. Polaroid Corporation pioneered (and patented) consumer friendly instant cameras and film, and were followed by various other manufacturers.”
In more recent years, Fujifilm has introduced a line of instant cameras and film in Japanese and Asian markets. Fujifilm called their instant camera line Fotorama. In the late 1990s Fujifilm introduced a new series of cameras using a new film called Instax it was available in markets outside the US. Instax became available in smaller mini size with the introduction of the Instax mini/Cheki line. -From Wikipedia
Photo credit: Tumblr
The Instax Mini 8 Camera from Fujifilm is all the rage these days. It's the modern Polaroid which is totally becoming more popular and popular in today’s “selfie” generation. Why? Because by snapping photos and having it printed out instantly like it's popping surprises every after click makes it really fun and exciting.
And it’s cute and compact since the body design is available in 7 different colors; in raspberry, grape, white, pink, blue, yellow and black. The most common type of film to find is the white version but it has many more designs to choose; from monochrome, black, sky blue, rainbow, candy pop, stained glass, shiny star, comic, air mail, stripe, to hello kitty frames and more.. Although some frame designs may not be available in certain countries. Every pack of film contains 10 piece and it comes in a handy box too.
Photo Credit: Google
It’s also convenient because you can bring it anywhere you like since it’s handy. Perhaps a slumber party is happening in the weekend, or a family vacation on the beach this summer or just wanting to take selfies with your friends at school. It's a go-to-camera.
Photo Credit: Google
And basically it’s very easy to use.. Here is how:
Photo Credit: Google
-
Press the button beside the lens to turn power on.
-
Adjust the dial to the lit position.
-
Shoot and obtain pictures instantly
For instax there is no need to peel off the negative image and no shaking or putting it under your arm (for proper temperature) required. Within an ambient temperature range of 41-104°F, just wait about two minutes and your image will appear, although it would be fun to experiment with different development temperatures.
Instax mini 8 automatically determines the best brightness for taking a picture, and informs you of the suitable setting by lighting the corresponding lamp. Just turn the brightness adjustment dial to the position (mark) of the lit lamp. Setting the brightness adjustment dial to the high-key mode mark allows you to take pictures with a softer impression. The film are daylight balanced, ISO 800 with a 10 lines/mm resolving power, and can expose indoor and outdoor shots equally well. Here is another basics of how to use Instax mini 8: Video courtesy of YouTube.
How it differs with Polaroid
One aspect of the Fujifilm design, compared to Polaroid, is that the power source for the camera and film is in the camera and not the film pack. The mini 8 uses two AA batteries. you can easily replace it if it's getting low.The picture size is 46(W) x 62(H) mm while the film size is 54(W) x 86(H) mm which is about the size of a credit card wherein you can put it in your purse or wallet.
You can also accessorize your Instax mini 8 with cool camera bags with sling and wear it with your stylish outfit. You can get one here: Amazon, Instax Shop (more accessories here)
Photo Credit: Google
Where to buy it and how much?
You can buy the Instax mini 8 at your local Fujifilm stores in malls or even other gadget stores available near you. You can also buy it online through Ebay, Amazon for you guys who lives in the United States, Pakistan Online Fujifilm Store, Lazada if you're living in the Philippines and many more sites. Here in the Philippines it costs for about ₱3,699 (You can buy it directly at this site). Sometimes, it comes with a pack of regular film already which explains why other prices on the net is usually more expensive or maybe depending on what online store you'll avail, some comes with a shipping fee that adds up to the original price of the instax camera. In Amazon it costs for about $52.49. It is only₱2,547.73 if converted to Philippine Peso Basically it's quite cheaper in the United States.
Now if you already have your Instax Mini 8 Camera or is willing to have one, Here is 3 ways to make use of your cute and exciting Polaroid camera!
1.) Photo Wall
There are so many ways to decor your room's wall with.. and one cute stuff is decorating it with your Instax prints. Get a pack of wooden clips and some string at the bookstore and use them to hang your favorite prints may it be above your bed or at any vacant place on your wall.. You can also get a bunch of prints and use them to spell out your nickname, your fave word like "LOVE" or "YOLO" or a nice heart shape. Just lightly trace the word/shape with chalk before sticking on the wall with adhesive tape.
Photo Credit: Google
2.) Leave a mark
You can also make customized bookmarks you can keep for yourself or give it away as a gift to someone. Write a note with pretty lettering like "Have a great day", "My best friend forever" or "I love you". You can also write the date when the photo is taken or even doodle it yourself to make the frame artsy. :) Some Korean artists use it for giveaways to their fans too like this photo below:
Jessica Jung Gives Fans 700 Polaroid Selfies At 27th Birthday Party -Kpopstarz
3.) Polaroid Guest books for weddings
Having a great wedding reception decoration can add to the great memories that you have on your big day and can help guests have a wonderful time. Get your family and friends snap with the Instax mini 8, paste it in the guest book and let them write some note, advice or best wishes for the newly weds! You will have a photo of everyone; the important people who was a part of this important celebration of your life.. Let them be silly and have fun with the instant photographs! Totally not your usual wedding guest book.
Photo Credit: Google
That are just some of the things you can do with your Instax prints.. and their are still a lot more! Here is another video for the Instax mini 8: Courtesy of Youtube
I personally don't have this instant camera but I've always wanted instax since high school :(( it's basically a must buy for me since I take photos so much but I still can't buy for my self.. so after I'll earn here at Bitlanders, maybe??? Hehe hopefully!!! We'll see by then. By the way thanks for reading! And GOD BLESS :)
