The Instax Mini 9 is one of the most popular Fujifilm Instax cameras produced and made to be an inexpensive way to enter into the charming and fun world of Instax. The Instax Mini 9 came out in April 2017 as an upgrade to the Instax Mini 8, which came out in November of 2012. Because of all of the options for Instax cameras, you may be wondering should I buy the Instax Mini 9?
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is one of the most popular Instax cameras produced. The instant camera is easy to use in any situation (even for kids), it is cheap, comes in many vibrant colors, has manual exposure settings with a constant flash system, a selfie mirror on the front of the camera, a closer focus distance with the included close-focusing adapter that lets you focus 13.7 inches (35cm) from the camera, takes only 2 AA batteries, and uses Instax Mini film (the most affordable of all Instant film). All of which make the camera a fun, inexpensive, and easy way to capture memories.
However, there are some helpful things missing from the Instax Mini 9 including a self-timer, a tripod mount, ability to to turn off the flash, and not being able to connect your camera to your smartphone. If these are things that you do want in an Instant camera than I suggest reading at this guide on instant cameras 
for other options.
What is the Instax Mini 9?
The Instax Mini 9 is an analogue Instant Film camera made by Fujifilm in Japan. The Instax Mini 9 instant camera because available in April 2017 as a slight upgrade to the popular Instax Mini 8 and became popular for several reasons. Not much changed between the Mini 8 and the Mini 9 since the cameras have the same 5-way manual shooting experience, constant flash, same dimensions, and weight. The main differences between the two instant cameras are the addition of the selfie-mirror on the front of the camera to help line up your photos and a close-up focusing adapter that clips onto the lens and allows you to focus at 13.7 – 19.6 inches (35cm – 50cm), which is 9 inches (22.8cm) closer than the normal focusing distance of 22.7 inches (0.6m).
This camera only shoots Instax Mini film made by Fujifilm, which is the most affordable instant film available (especially when bought in bulk). The credit card-sized Instax Mini film is by the most popular of the three sizes of film that Fujifilm makes which is the Mini (at 3.33″ x 2.13″), Square (at 2.83″ x 3.39″), and Wide (at 3.39″ x 4.25″ which is almost twice the size of Mini film). Once ejected from the camera the film takes approximately 90 seconds to fully develop (depending on the ambient temperature) and Fujifilm says that it is best to keep it out of the direct sunlight by turning it over when developing as well as not shaking the film while it is developing since it won’t affect the development time.
The Mini 9 gets around 100 shots on 2 AA batteries, a constant firing flash with a recycle time of 0.2 – 6 seconds, constant 1/60 shutter speed, a minimum aperture of f12.7, However, like the Mini 8, the Mini 9 does not have a lot of extra features that a photographer might find helpful. For example, you cannot turn off the flash, and the Instax Mini 9 does not have a have a self-timer, a tripod mount, or automatic focusing. However, this all does keep the cost of the instant camera down.
One of the more interesting features of the Instax Mini 9, as well as the Mini 8, is the light meter and how to change the exposure / brightness setting on the camera. Since the shutter on the Instax Mini 9 is fixed at 1/60th and doesn’t change, the only way to adjust brightness on the camera is to use the brightness adjustment settings feature on the lens of the camera, which adjusts the aperture and flash strength of the camera.
The Instax Mini 9 also comes is many colors and options. The new colors for the Mini 9 are Sea Blue, Flamingo Pink, Lime Green, Smokey White. There are other colors available like: Cobalt Blue, Black, Light Gray, Yellow, Arcadia Green, Clear Pink, White, Pink, Coral Papaya, Smokey Purple, and Purple. Other options include a themed model of Hello Kitty and Disney themed models based around Toy Story 4, Frozen 2, , and Star Wars are also available. You can can find most, if not all, of the colors and styles on Amazon.com but only certain colors / styles are available packaged with film.
On Amazon, the Instax Mini 9 in Ice Blue sells for around $80 with 20 sheets of film. However, for a little more you can get the Instax Mini 9 in Ice Blue with 60 sheets of film, a carrying case, 2 AA batteries, and a photo album for around $129. However, the Star Wars Themed Instax Mini goes for around $119 for just the camera.
Included in the box of the Instax Mini 9 comes the camera, a camera strap, 2 AA batteries, and quick start guide. Unfortunately, the Instax Mini 9 does not come with film unless you purchase a kit, like the one linked above.
Find more details about the Instax Mini 9 here or see the Mini 9 manual here.
Instax Mini 9 Pros and Cons:
Read the list of Pros and Cons for the Instax Mini 9 below for more information about the camera.
Instax Mini 9 Pros
- Affordable compared to other instant cameras
- Manual exposure system
- Built-in flash and a recycle time of 6.5 seconds on average
- Selfie-mirror on the front of the camera
- Available in many color options and multiple styles
- Uses Instax Mini film (the most affordable of all instant film)
- Powered by 2 AA batteries (rated for 100 shots)
- Optical Viewfinder (.37x magnification)
- Wide 35mm focal length (full frame equivalent)
- Fun to use
- Hi-Key Mode for brighter images
- Includes a Close-up focusing adapter to allow the camera to focus 13.7 inches (35cm) from the camera (normally 22.7 inches (0.6m).
- Filters available that attach to the front of lens
- Auto-power off feature after 5 minutes to save battery power
Instax Mini 9 Cons
- No Tripod Mount
- Contant flash (cannot be turned off)
- Constant shutter speed (1/60)
- Minimum aperture of f12.7(no control over depth of field)
- No automatic focusing (range focusing only)
- No memory card to save images
- No Bluetooth
- No Self Timer
- Placement of shutter button makes shooting landscape uncomfortable
- The Close-up focusing adapter that helps focus the camera closer than normal can be fiddly and become loose
- Camera is not waterproof
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Features:
Camera Feature | |
|---|---|
Size | 4.7″ by 4.6″ by 2.7″(116 x 118.3 x 68.2 mm) |
Weight | 10.8 oz (306g) |
Camera Type | Instant Film Camera (analogue) |
Film | |
Battery | 2 AA batteries (lasts up to 100 shots) |
Lens | 35mm focal length (full frame equivalent) with glass elements |
Exposure Control | 5-way manual switching system (LED indicator in exposure meter) |
Self-timer? | No |
Viewfinder | Real image optical viewfinder (.37x magnification and a target spot) |
Aperture | Minimum aperture of f12.7 |
Shutter Speeds | Constant 1/60 |
Built-in Flash? | Yes, Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment) with a recycle time of 0.2 sec. to 6 sec. (when using new batteries) |
Effective Flash Range | 1.9 – 8.8ft (0.6m – 2.7 m) |
Effective focus range | Normal: At least 22.7 inches (0.6m – infinity) or 13.7 – 19.6 inches (35cm – 50cm) using the Close-up Adapter |
Auto Power-Off? | Yes, after 5 minutes |
Film counter? | Yes, film counter and film pack confirmation window |
Tripod Mount? | No |
How do you change modes on Instax Mini 9?
To change the modes on the Instax Mini 9 for adjusting brightness, follow these steps:
- When taking an image with the Instax Mini 9, an LED light on the top of the camera lens will indicated what brightness setting to use based on what the camera sees through the two small holes hear the flash lamp on the front of the camera.
- To change the exposure modes on the Instax Mini 9, rotate the dial left or right until the the small bump on the dial lines up to the correct LED light indicated by the camera. The settings are as follows left to right:
- House = Indoors or Night (aperture of f12.7)
- Cloud = Cloudy or Shade (aperture of f16)
- Sun with some light rays = Sunny or Slightly Cloudy (aperture of f22)
- Sun with many light rays = Sunny and Bright (aperture of f32)
- Hi-Key mode (Note that the Hi-Mode does not have an LED indicator light)
- Once you have dialed in the correct setting press the shutter button to take an image
NOTE: If you want a brighter in image using the Instax Mini 9, then rotate the lens to the darker setting next to setting indicated by the LED on the camera. For example, if the camera indicates that you should choose the “Cloud” setting on the camera, to get a brighter image (and let more light into the camera by choosing a larger aperture), choose the “house” brightness setting. If you are on the “House” setting, then choose the “Hi-Key” mode for a brighter image.
What is hi key on Instax Mini 9?
One of the exposure setting included on the Instax Mini 9 is the Hi-Key setting, which according to Fujifilm which gives your image a “soft impression”. What I’ve found happens is the light fills the environment with a strong light from the camera flash, makes the image look brighter by raising the overall exposure by 2/3rds of light, and reduces the shadows in the image.
How do you use the high key on INSTAX Mini 9?
To use the HI-Key setting on the Instax Mini 9, rotate the brightness adjustment so the bump lines up with the HI-Key name on the camera. The Instax Mini 9 high-key setting should be used when you are in a dark environment like a party at night, in a room without much light, in the shade during the day, or during dawn / dusk. Hi-Key mode shouldn’t be used if the environment you are shooting in already has a lot of light like outdoors in bright sunlight or a well-lit room. The Instax Mini 9 won’t indicate the Hi-Key setting by itself, so this setting will need to be used independent of what the camera indicates. Also, keep in mind that the effective flash range of the camera is only 1.9 – 8.8ft (0.6m – 2.7 m) so keep your subject close to the camera when using this mode.
Is Instax Mini 9 for kids?
Yes, the Instax Mini 9 is great for kids. The plastic and durable, point and shoot instant camera is easy to hold for small hands due to its shape and size and the included wrist strap will keep the camera from falling on the ground less often. While the camera is simple to use and great for kids 6 years old and up, keep in mind that the Instax Mini 9 is not a true point-and-shoot camera since it does not have an automatic exposure settings (like the Instax Mini 11). With the Instax Mini 9 the user must adjust the brightness setting as indicated by the camera which makes it is easy to use up the costly film with bad images if the user is not paying attention to the brightness settings (the Instax Mini instant film costs between $.65 – $.80 a sheet). Therefore, the best age range for the Instax Mini 9 is 8 and up.
Questions About The Instax Mini 9 and Using It
Below you will find answers to some of the most asked questions about the Instax Mini 9.
How big is the Instax Mini 9 camera?
The Instax Mini 9 is approximately 4.7″ by 4.6″ by 2.7″(116 x 118.3 x 68.2 mm) and weighs 10.8 oz (306g), which is the same at the Instax Mini 8 and larger than the Instax Mini 11.
Does the Instax Mini 9 have a tripod mount?
No, the Instax Mini 9 does not have a tripod mount. For a list of Instax cameras that do have a tripod mount, see this article about Instax cameras.
Does the Instax Mini 9 need batteries?
Yes, the Instax Mini 9 needs 2 AA batteries to work. You can purchase 24 AA Duracell batteries for around $17 on Amazon.com.
What does the Instax Mini 9 come with?
The Instax Mini 9 comes with the camera, a camera strap, 2 AA batteries, and quick start guide. Unfortunately, the Instax Mini 11 does not come with film unless you purchase a kit. You can purchase 50 sheets of Instax Mini film for around $40.
How many pictures does the Instax Mini 9 take?
The Instax Mini 9 can produce around 100 shots on the 2 AA batteries. The Instax Mini 9 uses Instax Mini film which comes in film packs with 10 sheets with most selling in a box of 2 film packs.
Does the Instax Mini 9 run out of ink?
No, the Instax Mini 9 uses special Instax Mini instant film which has film and film chemistry built into the film, which develops within 90 seconds in front of your eyes. Instax Mini film comes in film packs with 10 sheets with most selling in a box of 2 film packs.
Does Instax Mini 9 have a charger?
No, The Instax Mini 9 does not have a charger because it runs on 2 AA batteries, which lasts for 100 prints. You can purchase 24 AA Duracell batteries for around $17 on Amazon.com.
Can Instax Mini 9 save pictures?
No, since the instax Mini 9 is an analogue camera there is no memory card in the Instax Mini 9 to save pictures to. If you are looking for an Instax Mini camera that does save images, check out the highly rated Instax Mini Evo and Instax LiPlay or find more information about the two instant cameras in this article.
Is the Instax Mini 9 waterproof?
No, this the Instax Mini 9 is not waterproof. The camera is not built to withstand water and would ruin the internal electronics like the camera flash and battery compartment. Water would also ruin the film inside the camera, so steer clear of water when using any Instax camera including the Instax Mini 9. To use the Instax Mini 9 around water or on the sand I recommend putting it onto a large, clear plastic bag.
What do the settings mean on INSTAX Mini 9?
The exposure settings on the Instax Mini 9 determine how much light will enter into the camera and expose the film inside the camera. Each setting is meant to be used in a different environment depending on how much light is present.
Once the camera is turned on, the camera will read the light in the environment, and indicate which brightness setting should be used. Rotate the dial until the small bump on the dial lines up the with LED light, and then take the picture.
Does Instax Mini 9 Need Ink?
No, the Instax Mini 9 uses special film that has chemistry built into it which develops within 90 seconds in front of your eyes. Instax Mini film comes in film packs with 10 sheets with most selling in a box of 2 film packs.
Does Instax Mini 9 have Bluetooth?
No, the instax Mini 9 is an analogue camera and does not have bluetooth like some other instant cameras. If you are looking for an instant camera that do have bluetooth and can connect to your smartphone, read this article.
What does the close-up lens for Instax do?
The close-up lens allows the Instax Mini 9 to focus up to 13.7 inches (35cm) away from the subject while normally the camera can only focus at a distance of 22.7 inches (0.6m).
To use the close-up lens on the Instax Mini 9, attach the small close-up lens to the camera by lining up the two small clips on the back of close-up lens with the two small slots on either side of the lens element on the front of the camera lens. Slightly push the clips into the small slots on the camera and you should hear two clicks if the close up lens are seated correctly in the two slots on the lens of the camera. Remove the close-up lens from the camera, squeeze on either side of the close-up lens and pull the it away from the camera.
Is Instax Mini 9 a Polaroid?
The Instax Mini 9 is made by Fujfilm and is an instant camera like Polaroid cameras. However, the Instax Mini 9 like other Instax Mini cameras, can only use Instax Mini film. Something to note is the only Instax Polaroid camera that can use Instax Film is the Polaroid PIC 300 because it is a rebranded Instax Mini 7s at the insistence of Lady Gaga for Polaroid to make true instant film again.
How Much is the film of Instax Mini 9?
Instax Mini 9 film, on average, costs around $39 for 50 sheets of Instax Mini film, which equals around $0.78 a sheet. However, this price can get even lower if you purchase Instax Mini film in bulk.
Do Instax Mini 8 and 9 use the same film?
Yes, the Instax Mini 8 and Mini 9 both use the same Instax Mini instant film, which is the most affordable size of instant film especially when bought in bulk (it can equal around $.65 a sheet of film).
How Can I tell how many film I have left on my Instax Mini 9?
To know how many shots you have left on your Instax Mini 9, see the film counter window on the back of your Instax Mini 9 and on the bottom right. The number in the window counts down to 0 from 10 so if it shows an “8”, this means you have 8 images left to shoot. If you have 0 like it says in the image, then you have no film left and it is safe to open the film door to replace your film.
How do I change the battery in my Instax Mini 9?
To change the 2 AA batteries in the Instax Mini 9, follow these steps:
- Pull down the battery cover located below the viewfinder on the right side of the Instax Mini 9 camera.
- Remove the 2 AA batteries from the camera and replace them with 2 AA fresh alkaline batteries.
- Finally, replace the battery cover by sliding the cover up until it firmly attaches
Does Instax Mini 9 save photos?
No, the Instax Mini 9, like the Mini 8, does not save photos because it is a film camera. If you are looking for an Instax Mini camera that does save images, check out the highly rated Instax Mini Evo and Instax LiPlay or find more information about the two instant cameras in this article.
Does Instax Mini 9 have memory card?
No, the Instax Mini 9 does not use a memory card it is an instant film camera. If you are looking for an Instax Mini camera that does have a memory card, check out the highly rated Instax Mini Evo and Instax LiPlay or find more information about the two instant cameras in this article.
How to turn on instax Mini 9?
To turn on the Instax Mini 9, press the large button below the lens on the front of the camera to turn the camera on and extend the lens.
What film does my Mini 9 use?
The Instax Mini 9 instant camera uses Instax Mini instant film, which is the most affordable size of instant film and can shoot 100 sheets of film on fresh batteries. Instax Mini film comes in film packs with 10 sheets with most selling in a box of 2 film packs (20 sheets).
What comes in the box with my Mini 9?
Included in the box of the Instax Mini 9 comes the camera, a camera strap, 2 AA batteries, and quick start guide. Unfortunately, the Instax Mini 9 does not come with film unless you purchase a kit like this one on Amazon.com.
What batteries for my Instax Mini 9?
The Instax Mini 9 uses alkaline 2 AA (LR6) batteries, which lasts for 100 prints. You can purchase 24 AA Duracell batteries for around $17 on Amazon.com. Fujifilm, who makes the Instax cameras, recommends using alkaline batteries only or you may have less than desirable results.
Where to buy Instax Mini 9?
While you can find new and used Instax Mini 9 cameras on many websites from several stores. The best deals and the best selections are on Amazon.com. For example, on Amazon.com you can find the Instax Mini 9 in Ice Blue with 60 sheets of film, a carrying case, 2 AA batteries, and a photo album for around $129.
What are the settings on the Instax Mini 9?
The settings for the Instax Mini 9 are for changing how bright the images are by adjusting how much lights gets into the camera. The camera indicates what setting should be used with an LED and the white bump on the dial should be turned to match this setting: The settings are as follows:
- House = Indoors or Night (aperture of f12.7)
- Cloud = Cloudy or Shade (aperture of f16)
- Sun with some light rays = Sunny or Slightly Cloudy (aperture of f22)
- Sun with many light rays = Sunny and Bright (aperture of f32)
- Hi-Key mode (Note that the Hi-Mode does not have an LED indicator light)
Can Instax Mini 9 save pictures?
No, since this is an analogue camera that just takes images and creates instant prints, the cameras doesn’t not save images. The best way to preserve your Instax pictures is to scan them or take a picture of them with your smartphone. If you are looking for an Instax Mini camera that does save images, check out the highly rated Instax Mini Evo and Instax LiPlay or find more information about the two instant cameras in this article.
Can you turn the flash off on Instax Mini 9?
Unfortunately, the flash cannot be turned off on the Instax Mini 9. However, the strength of the flash changes with the setting you choose.
However, since the flash can’t be turned off I recommend blocking the light with a single sheet of tissue paper (like Kleenex) to lower the strength of the light and produce a more pleasing light. You can also put something opaque in front of the flash to block the light completely like a couple pieces of black electrical tape or duct tape. Keep in mind, if you do this you are lowering the amount of light the cameras is expecting so will need to compensate by choosing a brighter exposure settings on the front of the camera, for example, the House = Indoors or Night (aperture of f12.7) or Hi-Key settings.
Is the Instax Mini 9 waterproof?
No, this the Instax Mini 9 is not waterproof. The camera is not built to withstand water and would ruin the internal electronics like the camera flash and battery compartment. Water would also ruin the film inside the camera, so steer clear of water when using any Instax camera including the Instax Mini 9.
Can Instax Mini 9 save pictures?
No, there is no memory card for the Instax Mini 9 to save pictures on and just takes images and create instant prints. If you are looking for an Instax Mini camera that does save images, check out the highly rated Instax Mini Evo and Instax LiPlay or find more information about the two instant cameras in this article.
What film does Instax Mini 9 use?
The Instax Mini 9 camera uses Instax Mini instant film, which is the most affordable size of instant film especially when bought in bulk (it can equal around $.63 a sheet of film).
Is Instax Mini 9 or Mini 11 better?
The Instax Mini 11 is superior to the Instax Mini 9 in several ways since it has features like automatic exposure, glass lens elements for better quality images, variable flash and shutter speeds for better images in more situations, and a built-in selfie mode to help you focus closer rather a fiddly lens attachment. The Instax Mini 11 also has improved ergonomics while being slightly lighter and slimmer than the Mini 9. All which makes the Instax Mini 11 easier to use than the Instax Mini 9. However, you may prefer the manual exposure and Hi-Key mode the Instax Mini offers over the Instax Mini 11.
Which one is better Instax Mini 8 or 9?
While both the Instax Mini 8 and 9 are very similar, the Instax Mini 9 is an upgrade to the Mini 8 since it includes a selfie-mirror on the lens and includes a close-focusing adapter that attaches to the camera and allows the Mini 9 to focus 9 inches (22.86cm) closer than than the Mini 8.
How do I get the best pictures with my Instax Mini 9?
To get the best pictures from your Instax Mini 9, follow these tips:
- Keep the camera pointed in the center of your subject while adjusting your brightness setting on the camera
- Make sure not to cover up the two small holes next to the camera flash or the image will not be very bright
- Instax film needs light to look the best, so one practice to get good images with the Instax Mini 9 is to choose the darker brightness setting than the camera suggests because the camera will get more light since this will give you a larger aperture. For example, choosing the Indoors or Night ( looks like a house and has an aperture of f12.7) when the camera indicates the Cloudy or Shade (looks like a cloud and has an aperture of f16) setting or choosing the Hi-Key setting.
- Make sure to not cover up the flash with your hand while taking an image or there won’t be enough light on the subject or the image won’t be bright enough
- Remember the effective flash range for the camera is between 1.9 – 8.8ft (0.6m – 2.7 m) so in a dark environment make sure your subject is at least 8.8ft (2.7m) from the camera or the subject won’t be bright enough. If the subject is closer than 8.8 ft than the subject will appear overly bright and washed out
- If there is not enough light, use the Hi-Key setting on the camera by rotating the lens dial to that setting.
- The subject should be at least 22.7 (0.6m) away from the camera or the subject won’t be in focus
- The subject should be between 13.7 and 19.6 inches (35cm – 50cm) from the camera while using the close-up lens adapter or the subject won’t be in focus.
- When using the close-up lens adapter remember there will be a small discrepancy between what the viewfinder sees and what will be on the film. This is called parallax error and is easily adjusted for by moving your subject slightly off center to the right in your viewfinder of the camera.
- Make sure that batteries are installed before loading your film pack into the camera
- Avoid direct light when loading film into your camera and close the film cover immediately after loading film to avoid exposing the film to light prematurely and ruining your film
- When rotating the camera to shoot horizontally be careful not to cover the two small holes next to the flash on the front of the camera or the film will be darker than intended
How do I take good pictures with my Instax Mini 9?
To take good pictures with the Instax Mini 9, follow these steps.
Before you begin, make sure there is film in the camera by checking the film counter window on the back of the camera. If it says anything other than “0” then there is film in the camera.
- Turn on the camera by pressing the large button next to the camera lens on the front of the camera. You should hear the small whine of the flash charging and the flash charging light next to the viewfinder on the back of the camera will flash. When the flash charging light is solid and not flashing anymore the camera is ready to take a picture. (NOTE: the camera will not take an image until the flash has charged and ready).
- Point your camera at your subject and without moving it adjust the white bump on dial around the lens to the brightness setting indicated by the camera on top of the lens by rotating it left or right. Best practice for instax cameras is to choose a darker brightness setting that is one step down (or using the Hi-Key setting) than the camera indicates to get more light into the camera for a better looking image. For example, choosing the “House” icon when the camera indicates the “Cloud” or the “Hi-Key” setting when the camera indicates the “house” icon.
- Press the shutter button located below the viewfinder on the front of the camera to take an image
- The film will eject from the camera and the film counter window will go down by one. Wait until the film has fully ejected before pulling it the rest of the way out of the camera. The film will fully developing around 90 seconds (keep the film facedown in direct sun for optimum results
- To turn off the camera after taking an image, press the extended lens back into the camera until it clicks.
Does the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 have a timer?
No, the Instax Mini 9 does not have a self-timer. Here is a list of some of the Instax cameras that do have a self-timer and how long it is:
- Instax Mini 70 (10 second timer)
- Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic (10 second timer)
- Instax LiPlay (2 – 10 second timer)
- Instax Mini 50S (10 second timer)
- Instax Mini EVO (2 – 10 second timer)
- Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 (10 second timer)
See this article for more information about which instax cameras have a self timer and how long they are.
How to load film in Instax Mini 9?
Follow these steps to put film into a Instax Mini 9 instant camera:
- First, make sure there isn’t any film currently in the camera or you will exposure your film and ruin it. Do this by looking a the small window to the left of the viewfinder. If it is yellow, then there is film inside your camera.
- Also, make sure the film counter on the bottom right of the camera is at 0, which means all the film has been shot.
- To load film in the camera, open the film door of the instax camera by pull down on the notch on the film door and pulling the film door away from the camera. Be careful to hold the film camera by the body and not the film door as it could break.
- Place your new film pack (without the protective foil) with the yellow mark on the film pack lined up to the yellow mark on the camera
- Close the film door until you hear a click
- Turn on the camera by pressing the large button on the front of the camera near the lens. After you press the button the lens should extend from the camera
- Press the shutter button on the camera to eject the black sheet from the camera. When this is done the film counter window on the back of the camera will change from “S” to “10”, indicating the film is ready to shoot and there is 10 sheets of film in the camera
NOTE: After the black sheet is ejected from the camera, do not open the back of the camera until the film counter window on the back of the camera reads “0”, or you will ruin the film that is in the camera.
How to remove film in Instax Mini 9?
Follow these steps to remove film from your Instax Mini 9:
- First, make sure there isn’t any film currently in the Mini 9 camera or you will exposure your film and ruin it. Do this by looking a the small window to the left of the viewfinder. If it is yellow, then there is film inside your camera.
- Also, make sure the film counter on the bottom right on back of the Mini 9 is at “0”, which means all the film has been shot and it safe to open the film door without ruining your film.
- Open the film door of the camera by pulling down on the notch on the film door and pulling the film door away from the camera. Be careful to hold the Mini 9 by the body and not the film door as it could break.
- Hold your used film pack on the two large notches with your forefinger and thumb and pull it straight out of the camera.
Troubleshooting The Instax Mini 9
Why are the lights flashing on my INSTAX Mini 9?
There are two reasons why the lights on flashing on your Mini Instax Mini 9 – the batteries are low or there is a problem with how the film was loaded.
Batteries Are Low
If the batteries are low, the red light next to the viewfinder on the back of the camera lights up. If all the lights blink on the camera, you may need to replace the batteries while the lens is extended and while the camera is turned on.
Film Not Loaded Correctly
If the LED lights on the camera lens flashes then the film pack is faulty or the film pack was not loaded into the camera correctly. In most cases it is because the film pack was improperly loaded into the camera. To check, look into the film window on the back of the camera next to the viewfinder and see if there are two yellow marks, if you only see one then the film is loaded upside down and needs to be turned around. Unfortunately, when you do this you will either ruin your film pack or you may just only ruin a couple sheets but you won’t know until you shoot your images so you will need to remove the film pack in the camera and replace it with new film, being careful to match up the yellow marks on the film pack and the camera correctly.
If you decided to use the same film from the camera, go to a dark room out of direct sunlight and remove the film pack, rotate the film pack to line up the yellow marks on it and the camera correctly, and reload it back into the camera.
How to Reset The Instax Mini 9
To stop the lights flashing, you may need to reset the Instax Mini 9. To do this, remove the batteries and wait a few minutes before re-inserting the batteries again. It would also be a good idea to replace the 2 AA batteries with fresh ones at this point.
How do I make my Instax Mini 9 pictures brighter?
Try one of these tips to make your Instax Mini 9 brighter:
- Take the image in an environment where this is enough light like a bright room or outside during a sunny day
- Make sure your fingers are not in the way of the flash on the front of the camera when taking an image
- Make sure your fingers are not in the way of two holes above the lens on the front of the camera when adjusting your brightness setting
- Make sure to keep the camera pointed at the center of your subject when taking an image and rotating the dial of the brightness settings on your camera
- Use the Hi-Key mode of your brightness settings on the top of the lens dial when the LED indicator is on the “house / indoors”
- Use the next darker setting of the brightness settings indicated by the LED lights on lens of your camera. The settings indicate the size of the aperture on the camera
Why is my Instax Mini 9 printing blurry?
If your Instax Mini 9 photos are printing blurry there are usually three reasons – you are too close to your subject, your subject is moving too fast for the camera, or you don’t have enough light.
Too Close To Subject
The camera has a range of focus that you need to keep your subject in inorder for the the subject to be in focus. The subject should be at least 22.7 (0.6m) away from the camera normally and be between 13.7 and 19.6 inches (35cm – 50cm) from the camera when using the close-up lens adapter. If the subject is outside of these distances then the subject will appear blurry.
Subject Moving Too Fast
The Instax Mini 9 has a fixed shutter speed of 1/60. This means if the subject is moving too quickly, than the subject will be out of focus and blurry.
Not Have Enough Light
All cameras needs enough light to get a good image, including the Instax Mini 9. The Instax Mini 9 has a very small aperture of f12.7 (at the largest), which means the camera needs more light than normal to make a good image. The flash on the camera fires all the time so there should be plenty of light but sometimes it can hard to judge. Make sure the Instax Mini 9 camera has enough light by using the appropriate brightness setting indicated by the camera (or the Hi-Key mode) and remember not to block the flash when taking an image.
Why are all the lights flashing or blinking on my Instax Mini 9?
There are two reasons why all of the lights on your camera may be flashing:
- The batteries are dead and need to be replaced
- There is a problem with how the film was loaded in the camera
Batteries Are Low
If the batteries are low, the red light next to the viewfinder on the back of the camera lights up. If all the lights blink on the camera, you may need to replace the batteries while the lens is extended and while the camera is turned on.
Film Improperly Loaded
If the LED lights on the camera lens flashes then the film pack is faulty or the film pack was not loaded into the camera correctly. In most cases it is because the film pack was improperly loaded into the camera. To check, look into the film window on the back of the camera next to the viewfinder and see if there are two yellow marks, if you only see one then the film is loaded upside down and needs to be turned around. Unfortunately, when you do this you will either ruin your film pack or you may just only ruin a couple sheets but you won’t know until you shoot your images so you will need to remove the film pack in the camera and replace it with new film, being careful to match up the yellow marks on the film pack and the camera correctly.
Can Instax Mini 9 do double exposure?
Yes, the Instax Mini 9 can do a double exposure but it is not built to do so like the the Instax Mini 90, the SQ6, SQ20, Instax Mini EVO, and Instax LiPlay hybrid instant cameras and specific Polaroid cameras. While the steps for doing an double exposure on the Instax Mini 9 are easy to do, you are using the camera in a way it is not intended and you may end up wasting film by exposing it to light before it is used. Follow the instructions found on InstaxWorld.com to do a double exposure in your Instax Mini 9.
What does S mean on instax mini 9?
The “S” in the small window on the back of the camera near the bottom of the Mini 9 camera lets you know the film has been loaded into the camera. Once you turn on the camera and press the shutter, the black film sheet will eject, the “S” in the film counter window will change to “10”. After the black sheet is ejected from the camera the film door shouldn’t be opened or the film in the camera will be ruined. If your camera still has the “s” in the film counter window after loading it with film, you may need to put in new batteries or power on the camera to eject the black film slide from the film pack inside the camera.
How do I stop my Instax Mini 9 from being overexposed?
There are several reasons why your Instax Mini 9 images are overexposed:
- Make sure that your finger or the strap does not cover the flash light sensor or AE light sensor located at two holes on the front of the front of the camera near the lens when taking an image. Doing this might make the camera think it needs more light than necessary and overexpose the image.
- Make sure to use close focusing adapter on the Instax Mini 9 when photographing something close up to 13.7 inches (35 cm)
- You may need to reset your camera by removing the batteries from the camera and inserting them back in the camera.
Can I turn the flash off on my Instax Mini 9?
No, you cannot turn the flash off with the Instax Mini 9, but you can limit the flash by placing tissue paper over the flash or blocking it pletely by placing black electrical tape over top of the flash lamp while being careful not to obstruct the two light sensor and Flash light sensor holes on the front of the camera.
Where to Fix Instax Mini 9 ?
To get your Instax Mini 9 fixed you will need to mail your camera to a Fujifilm repair center in the US to either New York, NY or Edison, NJ for an evaluation. See this website for more information about what you will need and how to do this.
