Are Instax Mini Pictures too Small?

This is a question that probably asked when you’re about to purchase a camera that shoots the mini film.

I decided to purchase the Instax Mini 90 solely because of the film size.  I wanted the larger camera with larger film. But, that film comes with a pretty hefty increase in price over the mini film.  Being brand new to Instant Film I was hesitant to obligate myself to that price tag. Especially if I wasn’t a fan.

I was a little reluctant about the size.  I heard the reviews describing it as credit card sized.  It is definitely credit card sized!

I do not think the mini film is too small.  Would it be nice to have a larger photo? Of course it would.  However, the mini size is not and was not a deal breaker for me.

Some advantages of the mini film

1 Size

The first advantage is the size.  This film and camera are both reasonable in size.  I was able to put three boxes of film, and my Instax camera in my dslr camera bag with no problem.  With the larger camera, and film this would not be possible with a modest size camera bag.

Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic with my Nikon 750

2 Storage

The second is going to be storage of the developed pictures.  I have plans to store my developed pictures in my business card boxes.  This will be their temporary home until I find a permanent solution. But, in the meantime the storage of these is going to be hardly noticeable.

3 Cost

The third advantage of the the smaller film is it’s cost is lower as mentioned earlier.  Which means when we take a good photo of someone we will be less hesitant to just hand it over with a smile, and let them enjoy the photo.

4 Fridge space

The fourth advantage is related to the third.  That is giving these pictures away to the parents, and grandparents to hang on their fridge.  If there’s a lot of loved ones competing with fridge space than these are going to be the perfect and welcomed solution.

5 Give them away

The fifth advantage is also related to giving them away. Where we are taking pictures of loved ones for their fridge. Pictures of abstract lighting situations. Fall foliage pics to send to loved ones in the south. Even pictures of strangers in the city.  When we hand them this photo they are going to love it. Everyone loves instant film. I think it’s a requirement to be from earth!

6 Available Cameras

The sixth advantage is the models that this film is comparable with.  The cameras are the Instax mini 9, the Instax mini 25, the Instax mini 70, and the one I proudly own the Instax mini 90 Neo Classic.  That’s quite a few options from Fuji-film to be able to choose from. Most of these cameras have a pretty low cost point as well.

7 Cost of cameras makes it easier for young ones to experiment

The seventh advantage is the cost point of the Fuji-film cameras that use the mini film.  The Instax mini 9 without film is less than $60 on Amazon. And, with sixty sheets of film its $100.  I don’t think that’s unreasonable at all. Especially at the lower cost for the camera and film it’s easier to share the experience with younger ones.

8 Outgrow Fuji-Film

The eighth advantage of the mini film is its ability to outgrow the Fuji-film brand.  Fuji-film has some great cameras available for people wanting to get their toes wet. Once we’re ready to dive all the way in there’s a few options available.

The first option is the Leica Sofort. Leica has been a premium name in the photography scene for awhile.  This Leica offers higher quality than the entry level mini 90. Better glass with the lens equals better sharper photos than the Fuji-film can offer.

The second option is the twin lens reflex instant film camera by Mint called the InstantFlex TL70 2.0.  Full disclosure I do not have this camera, yet…. But, I have watched tons of YouTube on it. Which is basically the same thing.  No, of course it isn’t! This camera offers the super nostalgic feel and fun factor of the twin lens reflex camera. It has the inverted viewfinder that is primarily used at waist or chest level.  Manual controls including an adjustable aperture of f/5.6-f/22, and a shutter speed of 1/500s- 1s, and a bulb mode of 10s max.

The third options are are the cameras available from Lomography like the Lomo’instant.  These are the ones I could find. And, definitely put the Mint InstantFlex TL70 2.0 in my shopping cart for later!

These are the eight advantages that I could think of for using the mini instant film.  If I think of others later I will add them to the list. I’m sure I’ll think of more as I play around with the camera more.

Final words

The question original asked was, “are Instax Mini pictures too small?”

The film does have it’s limitations.  That’s true with every camera, and every film or print size.  I strongly believe that although the pictures are small.  I do not think they are too small.

Instax mini next to my hotel key.

If you’re looking to start your adventures with instant film camera I think starting with a mini film camera would be the best option.  It’ll give us a taste of what expect if we go a little larger film in the future.  If we end up upgrading cameras later there will always be someone looking to try the instant film as well, and we can either gift our camera or sell it.  A hand me down to a loved one is another way to gift the love of instant photos.

Thanks for reading, and happy shooting!

If you’re looking to dive into the world of Instant film with an Instax I use the Instax Mini 90.  Check out the price at Amazon:https://amzn.to/2LeUsSf