The PockePi is an instant camera of the brand Takara. The model is from the 90s and was built by Fuji. The camera is based on the Instax Mini 10. The Takara Co., Ltd. was a toy company based in Japan. It was founded in 1955 and merged with Tomy in 2006.
The lens of the PockePi is fixed. The focal length is 60 mm and the maximum aperture is f/12.3. The name of the lens is “Fujinon Lens”. Focusing the lens has to be done manually in two steps. The closest focusing distance is 60 cm.
The PockePi has a built-in light meter. The built-in flash provides enough light.
Power is supplied by two CR 123A batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the PockePi
The Takara PockePi requires instant films. More precisely the Instax Mini films from Fujifilm are needed. Films for this format are produced by Fujifilm. The current color film is the Instax Mini Film*.
It is currently the smallest instant film format on the market. The dimensions of an Instax Mini image are 8.6 x 5.4 cm. The dimensions of the captured image are 62 x 46 mm. The color images are about the size of a credit card.
The individual images are stored in a film cassette. The film holder is placed in the camera as a whole. One package usually contains 10 pictures. When the frame counter indicates zero, the film must be changed. One frame costs about 70 cents, depending on the dealer.
After the picture has been thrown out of the camera, the picture is developed within a few minutes. The image quality is not bad for an instant camera. If you like, you can decorate the white frame around the picture with pens and stickers.
For some time now, besides the colour film, there is also the Instax Mini Monochrome*, a black and white film. The colour film is available in different editions with coloured frames. For weddings, scrapbooking and parties the Instax Mini format is very suitable.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Instant camera |
| Film format | Fuji Instax Mini |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 62 mm x 46 mm |
| Focal length | 60 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/12.3 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/400 second to 1/30 second |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Power supply | 2x CR123A batteries |
| Manufacturer | Fujifilm |
FAQ about the PockePi
Is the PockePi camera easy to use?
Yes, it's a straightforward instant camera. Focusing is manual, with just two settings, making it simple to operate, even for beginners. The built-in light meter and flash also help simplify picture-taking.
What kind of film does this instant camera use?
The PockePi uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film. These films are readily available and come in color or black and white options. Each pack typically contains 10 exposures.
How big are the photos taken with the PockePi?
The photos are the Instax Mini size, about as big as a credit card. The actual image dimensions are 62 x 46 mm, which is quite compact. The final printed size with the border is 8.6 x 5.4 cm.
What's the lens like on the PockePi?
It has a fixed Fujinon lens with a 60mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/12.3. Manual focusing is done in two steps. The minimum focusing distance is 60cm.
How long does it take for the pictures to develop?
The photos develop within a few minutes after ejection from the camera. This is standard for instant film cameras. You can then decorate the white border around the image if you desire.