LIFESTYLE // Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera

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!