The Fujifilm Instax Digital Mobile Printer MP-100, often also known as the Fujifilm Pivi MP-100, was introduced by the Japanese manufacturer Fujifilm in 2004. The device represented an early bridge between the emerging digital mobile photography and classic analog instant photo technology.
At the beginning of the 2000s, mobile phones with integrated cameras spread rapidly. The MP-100 was developed to transfer digital images from these devices directly onto physical photo paper without the detour via a computer.
Data transfer on the MP-100 was carried out via an integrated infrared interface. Users could send photos wirelessly from compatible mobile phones or select digital cameras to the printer. The recommended resolution of the image files was up to 3 megapixels, which was completely sufficient for the compact image dimensions.
The printer used a digital exposure process with a resolution of 254 dpi to expose the received image directly onto the loaded film. The image was ejected after a few seconds, whereupon the chemical development of the instant photo began in visible light.
The image carrier was the manufacturer's own Fujifilm Pivi Film. Its external dimensions roughly corresponded to the format of a credit card and thus resembled the later Instax Mini Film. However, due to technical differences in the paper structure, the two film types were not compatible with each other.
A cassette of Pivi film was designed for 10 prints. The printer had a small display to show the remaining number of images and the battery status. Additionally, a button allowed multiple prints of the last received image.
For mobile operation, the compact housing required 2 CR2 lithium batteries (eBay / Amazon*). Due to its low weight and flat design, the device could be easily carried on the go.
With the declining use of infrared interfaces in mobile phones, the system lost practical relevance over the years. However, the MP-100 is considered an important predecessor of today's Instax Share and Instax Link printer series.
