The popularity of analog instant photography is not decreasing, not least because of Fujifilm. The Japanese manufacturer releases a new model of their Instax series every year. In 2013 it was the Instax Mini 90, in 2014 Instax Wide 300 and this year it is the Fujifilm Instax Mini 70, which we will take a closer look at in this review.
The facts
The instant camera has been available on the German market since October 2015 and currently costs around 120 euros. It is available in three color variants, white, blue and yellow, which of course do not differ in terms of functionality. The scope of delivery includes a hand strap, mounting rings for a strap, batteries and instructions, in addition to the camera.
When it comes to the camera’s processing, there’s nothing to complain about. It is quite compact for an instant camera (99.2 mm x 113.7 mm x 53.2 mm (W x H x D)) and looks simple and chic with its metallic look. Without batteries and film, it weighs 281 grams.
The operation of the Instax Mini 70 is, as you know it from instant cameras, quite simple. The user can choose between seven different modes, selfie, macro, landscape, flash fill-in, hi-key, self-timer and auto, which are basically self-explanatory.
Depending on the mode, the camera automatically adjusts the focus, there is no real autofocus, flash and exposure. The LCD on the back shows the current mode and the remaining pictures.
The Instax Mini 70 has its own button for selfies. There is a small mirror on the front so that you are also in full view of the picture. If the group is larger, you can place the camera on a tripod and use the self-timer, which, if desired, takes two pictures, one to give away and one for yourself.
When taking macro shots, a little caution is required, as the viewfinder does not show the later image exactly and the camera does not tell you whether the object is in focus. The close-up range is 30 cm.
The image quality does not differ greatly from the other Instax Mini models I have tested. However, how you rate the image quality in general depends on the opinion of the viewer.
The camera is powered by two CR2 batteries. These are a little easier to get than the proprietary battery of the Instax Mini 90, but still not as common as AA batteries, which you can get almost everywhere and are used by the Instax Mini 8, for example. According to Fuji, the capacity of the CR2 batteries should be enough for 40 film cassettes or 400 instant pictures, but it is still annoying to have to carry another set of batteries.
Comparison with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90
The Instax Mini 70 is in the price range of the Instax Mini 90 presented in 2013, depending on the retailer, about 15 euros difference. Is the surcharge worth it? In my opinion, it is worth going for the more expensive camera.
The Instax Mini 90 has practically all the functions of the 70 and can also offer some more, such as the bulb mode (long exposures), the second shutter release and the multiple exposure function.
The conclusion
Is the Instax Mini 70 instant camera a recommendation? I cannot answer this question across the board.
First of all, I would like to state that the 70 is a solid instant camera that has everything you need for instant photo fun, is well made and looks chic.
The question is, who is this model aimed at? If you have a smaller budget, I would recommend the Instax Mini 8 and if everything is open at the top, I would recommend the Instax Mini 90, which offers more functions for almost the same money. The Instax Mini 70 doesn’t really bring anything new, which is why an upgrade from another Instax Mini model isn’t really worth it.
If Fujifilm wants to release a new camera every year, which would be desirable, in my opinion they have no choice but to put a few new functions into their camera. Lomography is showing how it’s done with its Instant series, be it with the radio remote control of the Lomo’Instant Wide or the lens attachments. Other possibilities would be a completely manual instant camera, whereby the question naturally arises as to whether this would not torpedo the concept of the instant camera, which is easy and quick to use.
In conclusion, I can only say that it is definitely worth getting into instant photography, be it with an old Polaroid camera, the cameras from Lomography or the Instax Mini 70, they all bring fun and that’s what this type of photography is all about.
Do you have questions about the Instax Mini 70? Get in the comments!