Instax cameras are fun, easy-to-use instant cameras that takes pictures and prints them out immediately. But sometimes, it can be tricky to figure out how to take a picture of yourself with the Instax.
Only the Instax Mini 11, Instax Mini 40, Instax Mini 70, Instax SQ1, and Instax SQ6 have a built-in Selfie Mode. Other Instax cameras, like the Instax Mini 7s, Mini 8, Mini 9, Mini 11, Instax Wide use a close-up focusing adapter. The Instax Mini 90, SQ20, Mini Evo, and LiPlay can focus close natively or you can use the built-in macro mode for selfies.
Read on to see which cameras have a selfie mode, if they have a built-in selfie mirror, and what the selfie mode does.
Instax Cameras With A Selfie Mode
Not all Instax cameras come with a dedicated selfie mode or a built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera to make taking selfies easier. To read more about how to use Instax cameras with a selfie mode
, see this article.
Instax Camera | Selfie Mirror? | Selfie Mode? |
|---|---|---|
Instax Mini 11 | Yes | Yes. Turn on the the camera and pull the front edge of the lens out to activate and it changes the nearest focus to 11 inches (0.3m) |
Instax Mini 40 | Yes | Yes. Turn on the camera and pull the front edge of the lens out to activate. and it changes the nearest focus to 11 inches (0.3m) |
Instax Mini 70 | Yes | Yes. Turn on the camera and press the dedicated selfie mode button on the back of the camera to activate. You can also use macro mode to focus between 11 – 23.6 inches (30 – 60 cm) from the subject. |
Instax SQ1 | Yes | Yes. This mode allows the camera to focus between 11.8 – 19.6 inches (0.3m to 0.5m) from the subject. Activate it by rotated the dial around the lens of the camera. |
Instax SQ6 | Yes | Yes. This camera has both a selfie mode and macro mode activated by a mode button on the back of the camera to focus between 11 – 23.6 inches (30 – 60 cm) from the subject. |
Instax Cameras Without Dedicated Selfie Mode
These Instax cameras don’t have a dedicated selfie mode but need a close-up adapter, can use their built-in Macro Mode, or can focus close natively. Some of these cameras also have a built-in selfie mirror. To read more about how to use Instax cameras without a selfie mode, see this article.
Instax Camera | Selfie Mirror? | Selfie Mode? |
|---|---|---|
Instax Mini 7s | No, but can get one with an adapter | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, you can purchase a close-up focusing attachment that adds a selfie mirror and changes the nearest focus distance to 15.7 inches (40 cm). |
Instax Mini 8 | No, but can get one with an adapter | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, you can purchase a close-up focusing attachment that adds a selfie mirror and changes the nearest focus distance to 15.7 inches (40 cm). |
Instax Mini 9 | Yes | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, the camera comes with a close-up focusing attachment can be used to change the nearest focus distance to 13.5 inches (35 cm) |
Instax Mini 90 | No | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, you can use Macro Mode to focus between 11 – 23.6 inches (30 – 60 cm) from the subject. |
Instax SQ20 | Yes | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, the camera can focus automatically down to 3.9 inches (10 cm) from the subject to infinity. |
Instax Mini Evo | Yes | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, the camera has automatic focus to focus between 11 – 19.6 inches (30 – 50 cm) and a macro mode that focus down to 3.9 inches (10 cm) to infinity. |
Instax Mini LiPlay | Yes | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, the camera can focus automatically down to 3.9 inches (10 cm) from the subject to infinity. |
Instax Wide 300 | No, but comes with adapter | No dedicated Selfie Mode. However, the camera comes with a close-up focusing adapter that can be used to change the nearest focus distance to 15.7 inches (40 cm) from the subject. |
What Does Selfie Mode Do On Instax?
Several Instax cameras have a setting called “Selfie Mode.” This mode reduces the minimum focusing distance by a few inches (and reduces the flash power on some models like the Instax Mini 11) so you don’t have to hold the camera far away for your selfie to be in focus. A majority of Instax cameras also have a selfie mirror on the front of the camera near the lens to help you compose your selfies.
Without a built-in Selfie Mode, you will need to hold your Instax camera (like the Instax Mini 8) about 2 ft (0.6 m) from your face to make sure the image will be in focus. If your camera has a built-in selfie mode, macro mode (like on the Instax SQ6), or can natively focus down to 3.9 inches or 10 cm (like the Instax Mini LiPlay) then you will need to hold it between 3.9 inch to 23 inches (or 10 cm – 60 cm) away, depending on the camera to make sure you selfie is in focus.
How to Use the Selfie Mode on the Instax 11?
The Instax Mini 11 is an upgrade to the Instax Mini 9. The Instax Mini 11 retains the built-in selfie mirror from the Instax Mini 9 but a built-in selfie mode and an automatic exposure system. Some people prefer the manual exposure system of the Mini 9 but the new automatic exposure system in the Mini 11 makes it much easier to get consistently good results, especially while using selfie mode.
The selfie mode on the Instax Mini 11 is very easy to use. See this guide for how to set up your Instax Mini 11 for the first time and when you have done that, follow these steps to take a selfie using the selfie mode:
- Turn on the camera by pressing the button next to the lens on the front of the camera. The lens will extend the camera is turned on.
- Once the lens has extended, located the words “Selfie Mode” written on the top of the lens barrel with a small triangle.
- Pull the edge of the lens away until you see the “Selfie On” mark on the lens barrel.
- Make sure you hold the camera securely with both hands and your face is 11 – 23.6 inches (30 – 60 cm) away from the camera lens.
- Use the Built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera, located next to the lens, to compose your shot.
- Press the round shutter button on the front of the camera next to the flash and under the viewfinder. The camera will automatically take the picture.
The Instax Mini 11 also has an upgraded “Automatic Exposure” function from the Instax Mini 9 which detects the setting and level of light right before the shutter button is pressed. This allows you to get well lit and correctly focused selfies now matter the environment!
The Selfie Mode on the Instax Mini 11 can also be used as a macro mode for to get close to small subject like a bug or flower. When using the camera this way remember to frame your subject a little up and to the right from the circle in the viewfinder to get your subject centered in your frame (see the graphic for more information).
How to Use the Selfie Mode on the Instax Mini 40?
The Instax Mini 40 is popular for its compact and retro eye-catching design as well as its affordable price. Just like the Mini 11, the Instax Mini 40 also has a dedicated selfie mode and built-in selfie mirror.
Follow these steps to take a selfie using the selfie mode:
- Turn on the camera by pressing the narrow button next to the lens on the front of the camera. The lens will extend the camera is turned on.
- Once the lens has extended, located the words “Selfie Mode” written on the top of the lens barrel with a small triangle.
- Pull the edge of the lens away until you see the “Selfie On” mark on the lens barrel.
- Make sure you hold the camera securely with both hands and your face is 11 – 19.6 inches (30 – 50 cm) away from the camera lens.
- Use the built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera, located next to the lens, to compose your shot.
- Press the round shutter button on the front of the camera next to the flash and underneath the viewfinder. The camera will automatically take the picture.
On the Instax Mini 40, just like the Instax Mini 11, the Selfie Mode can also be used as a macro mode for to get close to small subject like a bug or flower. When using the camera this way remember to frame your subject a little up and to the right from the circle in the viewfinder to get your subject centered in your frame (see the graphic for more information).
How do I turn off selfie mode on my Instax Mini 40?
To turn off the selfie mode on the Instax Mini 40, push the edge of the lens back into the camera. If you push the lens all the way back into the camera, it will turn the camera off completely.
How to Take Selfies on the Instax Mini 70?
The Instax Mini 70 is different from some other mini cameras in how to use the selfie mode. This camera has a dedicated selfie mode button on the back of the camera along with a Hi Key mode and a 10 second self-timer. Essentially, the Selfie Mode on the Instax Mini 70 allows the lens to change its focus range to 15.7 – 19.6 inches (40 – 50 cm) from it’s normal focusing distance of 23 – 118 inches (0.6m to 3m) and landscape mode of 118 inches to infinity (3m to infinity).
Follow these steps to take a selfie with the Instax Mini 90 using the built-in selfie mode:
- Turn on the camera by pressing the round power button on the back of the camera between the small LCD display and viewfinder. When the power button is pressed the lens will extend. Keep your hands away from the lens when it extends or it will malfunction.
- Once the lens has extended, located the selfie mode button the back of the camera as the far left button and next to the self-timer button and press it.
- Make sure you hold the camera securely with both hands and your face is 15.7 – 19.6 inches (40 – 50 cm) away from the camera lens.
- Use the built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera, located next to the lens, to compose your shot.
- Press the round shutter button on the front of the camera next to the flash and underneath the viewfinder. The camera will automatically take the picture.
To get out of selfie mode on the Instax Mini 70, press the MODE button or selfie button to return to normal / auto mode.
How to Take Selfies on the Instax Square SQ1?
The Instax Square SQ1 uses Instax square film rather than the Instax Mini film and is a great camera if you love taking selfies. The Instax Square SQ1 has a built-in selfie mirror and a dedicated selfie mode activated by rotating the dial around the lens to turn the camera on and again to turn the selfie mode on.
The selfie mode is similar to any Macro mode you’ll find on other Fujifilm cameras, and it’s not only excellent for self-portraits but also for any close-up photos. When entering this mode, you will notice the lens extending a little bit so the camera can focus between 15.7 – 19.6 inches (40 – 50 cm).
Follow these steps to take a selfie with the Instax SQ1 using the built-in selfie mode:
- Turn on the camera by turning the dial around the lens to the right if the camera lens is facing you. When the dial is rotated the lens will extend out. Keep your hands away from the lens when it extends or it will malfunction.
- Once the lens has extended, rotate the lens in the same direction again to turn on the dedicated selfie mode.
- Make sure you hold the camera securely with both hands and your face is 15.7 – 19.6 inches (40 – 50 cm) away from the camera lens.
- Use the built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera, located next to the lens, to compose your shot.
- Press the round shutter button on the front of the camera next to the flash and underneath the viewfinder. The camera will automatically take the picture.
To turn off selfie mode on the Instax SQ1, rotate the dial around lens to the right if the camera lens is pointed toward you and rotate it again to turn the camera off.
How to Take Selfies on the Instax Square SQ6?
The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is one of the few Instax cameras that shoots the 3 x 3 inch Instax square-style film, which are great for selfies. The camera has auto-exposure control with a high output flash that allows for adjustments in light exposure, and has a double exposure, macro, and a dedicated selfie mode, among other shooting modes. The camera is also one of the few instax cameras with a 10 second self-timer and built-in tripod mount.
Follow these steps to take a selfie with the Instax SQ6 using the built-in selfie mode:
- Turn on the Instax SQ6 by sliding the power switch on the top of the camera to the “ON” position. When the camera is turned on the lens will extent. Keep your hands away from the lens when it extends or it will malfunction.
- Once the lens has extended, locate the three buttons on the back of the camera on the left-hand side. Press the mode button one time to activate the selfie mode. You will see the light next to the selfie icon light up to show you the mode is set.
- Make sure you hold the camera securely with both hands and your face is 15.7 – 19.6 inches (40 – 50 cm) away from the camera lens.
- Use the built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera, located next to the lens, to compose your shot.
- Press the round shutter button on the front of the camera next to the flash and underneath the viewfinder. The camera will automatically take the picture.
To take a selfie without the flash, press the flash suppression button the back of the camera (the middle button of the three vertical buttons on the back of the camera.
To turn off selfie mode on the Instax SQ6, press the mode button again to change modes or until the light next to “Auto” lights up to return the camera to normal.
How to Take Selfies on the Instax Mini Evo?
The Instax Mini Evo is one of the most recently introduced cameras, released in November 2021. The camera has a dedicated selfie mode and a built-in selfie mirror and uses Instax Mini film. The Instax Mini Evo has an overall vintage design, multiple image filter / effects and shooting modes, and is a hybrid digital and analogue camera because it can take and print images as well as connect to your smartphone to print images from your phone. The camera also has a 2 or 10 second self timer but no tripod socket.
Follow these steps to take a selfie with the Instax Mini Evo using the built-in selfie mode:
- Turn on the camera by rotating the power switch on the front of the camera to the “ON” position. When the camera is turned on the lens will extent. Keep your hands away from the lens when it extends or it will malfunction.
- Once the camera is on and the lens has extended, make sure you hold the camera securely with both hands and your face is 11 – 19.6 inches (30 – 50 cm) away from the camera lens.
- Use the built-in selfie mirror on the front of the camera, located next to the lens, to compose your shot.
- Press the round shutter button on the front of the camera above the selfie mirror and underneath the flash. The camera will automatically take the picture.
It is important to note that the film won’t eject from the camera until the lever on the top of the camera is rotated around and the camera doesn’t have a optical viewfinder to compose images.
The Instax Mini Evo is also one of the few instant cameras that you can turn off the flash, store images onto a SD card, and connect to your smartphone for more advanced features.
Tips for Taking Selfies with Instax Cameras:
How Do You Use the Instax Selfie Mode?
If your Instax camera has a selfie mode, taking and composing selfie are very easy. All you need to do is to turn on the mode depending on your model of camera, get the correct angle by putting your face in the middle to minimize distortion, and press the shutter button.
For cameras like the Instax Mini 11 and Instax Mini 40 that have a built in selfie mode all you need to do pull the edge of the lens out manually. Once you do this you will see the indication “Selfie On,” showing you that you successfully entered the mode. You can also use the built-in selfie mirror to turn compose your shot. To turn it off you just need to put the edge of the lens back into the lens barrel until the “Selfie On” is covered.
How do I get my Instax Mini out of selfie mode?
Depending on what Instax camera you own, to get your camera out of selfie mode you may have to either:
- Press the edge of the lens back into the camera lens until the words “Selfie On” on the top of the lens barrel like with the Instax Mini 11, and Mini 40.
- Press the MODE button the back of your camera or turn off the camera and back on to return on the normal / automatic mode like with the Instax Mini 70, Mini Evo, and Mini LiPlay.
Final Thoughts
The dedicated Selfie mode on Instax cameras make it much easier to take selfies with an instant camera. Some Fujifilm Instax cameras have a dedicated selfie mode (like the Instax Mini 11 or Instax SQ1) while others can focus close enough with needing a dedicated selfie mode (Instax Mini Evo), or has an macro mode that functions the same as a selfie mode (Instax Mini LiPlay) For more information about how to take a selfie with an Instax camera, see this article.
