LIFESTYLE // Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera

Saturday 11 June 2016

Hello!
Recently I treated myself to an Instax mini 8 camera as a reward for doing well in my Masters thesis. I got it in time for PMB (see post here) and I am well and truly in love. It's a completely frivolous spend but, for me at least, it is completely worth it.



The Instax Mini 8 retails at around £60 with 10 shots. I got mine from Argos which was the cheapest I could find. When you buy one, make sure it comes with film because the cameras are commonly sold on their own and then you need to fork out for film too. The film is expensive and if you find a camera which is seriously cheap, make sure it is actually better value for money before you buy.

The camera is really simple to use. It takes just 2 AA batteries (which come included - yay!) and a pack of 10 shots at a time. Once you turn it on, the light sensor tells you which brightness setting to use and then you simply look through the viewfinder and shoot. I found that the brightness predictions have been pretty good so far. I forgot to tell someone to change the brightness and I got a seriously over exposed photo but that's all part of the fun right?


My favourite part about the camera is seeing the film shoot out of the top of the camera and the shock on the face of whoever is taking the photo. You literally see the photo develop in front of your eyes and I love that. It's nostalgic. It's not an essential item that you need in your life. However, it is fun, takes adorable photos and gives you a physical memory without 10 filters digitally added to your photo.


Sure, your photos may not be perfect. You may look like an elephant, be blinking, be mid sentence but it doesn't really matter. You really need to just get on board with the imperfections and take the photo for what it is - a snapshot in time - literally. I actually found that I look better in the intax shots than I do in a photo taken on my phone. They just always seem to take a nice photo.

I've just got a few tips for you to take away. There are so many posts on Instax cameras online and youtube videos a plenty but just in case you don't want to search:

1. Buy film in bulk. It costs about £10 for 10 shots, £15 for 20 and £30 for 50. I actually bought my camera from Argos, spent over £50 so got a £5 off voucher and then used that to buy film so I actually paid £10 for 20 shots #bargain.

2. Check the brightness setting. It's so easy to forget but it really does make a difference. I learned this the hard way.

3. Get a case. I haven't got one yet and my camera is already dirty and it's bugging me like crazy. I need to get my isopropylalcohol out to clean it already!

4. The viewfinder is not just above the lens but to the left. If you want to get a more central photo, turn your camera slightly right(?) and tilt it up a smidge. You might have a little more luck.

5. You can physically turn the camera to get portrait and landscape photos. People just don't get it apparently! I had to physically turn the camera and give it back to a couple of people as they didn't think about turning it to get a landscape photo. I think the camera was designed for portraits but that doesn't mean it's all they do!

Sure, there are upgrades on this camera which give better quality and larger photos. However, if you want something cheap(ish) and cheerful which looks adorable on your shelf I think the mini 8 is wondeful. It's so easy to use and the photos look super cute. Sure, film is pricey but I personally feel that it is worth it and that is all that matters!

Have you got an Instax camera? Do you have any tips? Let me know!

17 comments :

  1. I have wanted one of these for years!

    ReplyDelete
  2. My cousin has this Instax Mini and I think it's adorable! I'm really tempted to get myself one too.
    Rebecca | Notes From September
    Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have wanted one for so long and am so glad I finally have one! If you've got a special occasion it might be time to treat yourself!

      :)

      Delete
  3. I love love these little cameras. They do the best keepsake photos! I have a really old one at home that I can't find film for anywhere, really fancy a new one! x

    Tamz | http://www.throughneweyesx.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should treat yourself to a new one! If you've got a reason to get one why not?

      :)

      Delete
  4. I have always wanted an instax mini camera, I love the polaroids that it comes out with. I used to have the Polaroid 600 type camera which was my favourite when I was younger. You managed to get it for a really good deal too :) xx

    Yasmina | The July Journal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's just so adorable! It's a novelty but I like it.

      :)

      Delete
  5. I have this exact camera and I absolutely love it, these tips are fab! x
    britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have one (in baby blue) and I LOVE IT. Haven't used it for a while, but I do love the pictures I've got with friends, using it. I'm pulling some butt ugly faces and look like a thumb in them, but I don't care because the pictures hold memories!

    Meg | Elmpetra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! The pictures aren't perfect but they hold a memory much more than an instagram photo.

      :)

      Delete
  7. Congrats for doing well in your Masters thesis, I think this is the perfect treat to reward yourself with ;)
    I have my own instax polaroid camera but I'm currently out of film and I always forget to buy more. Maybe I'll make it my project for next weekend!

    X

    Anjelique

    http://anjelique.com.au | snapchat: anjeliquetv

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks lovely! I thought so too ;)
      You should do it - amazon and argos have it for the same price right now!

      :)

      Delete
  8. aww i've only just got a little instax (mine is the instax mini 70) but i'm so in love! It's one of those things though that I ALWAYS forget about when I'm carrying it about... like I'm busy getting camera shots and iphone ones instead! You've definitely inspired me to take mine out and about more!

    Hannah xx
    Raspberry Kitsch | UK Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm only using it for travel and special occasions but it's so perfect!

      :)

      Delete
  9. Ahhhh what a cute camera! They really do capture great moments :)

    hannatalks

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for commenting! I appreciate every single one of them and will get back to them as soon as I can :)