Instax Camera

Fujifilm Announces Instax Mini Evo Cinema (leaves more questions than answers…)

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

***Edit/Update: Apparently, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema can indeed print Instax prints. It wasn’t stated or shown in the announcement, but you can see it clearly in this promotional video.***

Fujifilm just announced the Instax Evo Cinema camera, which will be released in Japan on January 30th. I assume that it will become available worldwide at some point, but that information isn’t included in the announcement. In fact, a lot was left out. Let’s talk about it.

I guess first thing’s first: I don’t write a lot about Instax on this blog, despite it being a bigger business than X and GFX combined. I do mention it here-and-there. Dan Allen‘s fascinating project shooting Instax film on a 100+ year old camera was one of my favorite Instax-related articles. The Instax camera that Fujifilm just announced is quite interesting, so I thought it worthwhile to write about.

The Instax Mini Evo Cinema is a digital camera, and not film (I’m pretty sure of this, but it wasn’t explicitly stated in the announcement). This isn’t the first all-digital Instax—there’s the weird Instax Pal; the Fujifilm X half, which is half X-series and half Instax, could also be considered one, but Fujifilm classifies it as X-series and not Instax. Although not mentioned in the announcement, the Mini Evo Cinema has a vertically-mounted sensor, which makes it the second camera to have one (the X half being the other).

According to Matthew Allard, the Mini Evo Cinema has a 5MP 1/5″ sensor and a 28mm full-frame-equivalent f/2 lens. Since the entirety of the sensor is not used, it apparently becomes 35mm full-frame equivalent. I believe it is the same sensor and lens from the Instax Mini Evo. The maximum resolution for video is 2.5K (1080 x 1440), but I don’t expect the IQ will look good on a large screen TV—it’s probably more intended for social media (Reels and TikTok) than anything else. Of the 5mp sensor, 4.9mp are used for still images, which is plenty of resolution for Instax Mini prints and Instagram, but not much else. You do need an Instax Mini printer to make Instax prints, as the camera itself cannot make them (from what I can tell).

So, this new camera is essentially an Instax Mini Evo, but with a vertically-mounted sensor, and in a shape inspired by the Fujica Single-8 8mm camera from the 1960’s. While it is for both stills and video, the Instax Mini Evo Cinema is a video-centric camera, and the first video-centric Instax. One interesting limitation is that clips cannot exceed 15 seconds; using the new app that’s specifically for this camera, individual clips can be combined into one larger clip that is limited to 30 seconds.

Back in November I speculated that a “Film Era Dial” would be coming to the X-series (probably the next X-Pro); however, it was later reported as coming to an Instax camera instead. Well, the Mini Evo Cinema is that camera. It has an Eras Dial, which allows you to select a decade that you want the picture or video aesthetic to resemble, anywhere from the 1930’s to the 2020’s. I’m not sure exactly what each era will look like, but overall I like the general concept. I think it’s cool. Interestingly enough, Fujifilm says, “Audio is also processed with the Eras Dial effects, adding distinctive sound characteristics, while certain effects even play nostalgic sounds—such as the whir of film reels—during shooting, creating an immersive experience that feels like stepping back in time.” Unfortunately, no video examples were included in the announcement.

The reason why this camera is coming to Japan only (at least initially) is, in my opinion, due to the massive success of the X half in that country. Outside of Japan, the X half has done alright for the most part, but in Japan it’s been a major hit, and was the 5th best-selling digital camera in the country in 2025, outselling even the X100VI. The Instax Mini Evo Cinema is likely to be another sales success in Japan, while worldwide it might be received less enthusiastically. Letting it become trendy in Japan first might help it when it’s later released elsewhere.

Fujifilm didn’t specify the MSRP. My guess is that it will be around $250-$300, maybe a little less. It seems like a camera that could be a lot of fun, just as long as expectations aren’t too high. I think younger people, like Gen Z and Gen A, will be especially interested in it. An Instax-less Instax video camera with a vertically-mounted sensor was not anything I expected to wake up to this morning, but it makes a lot of sense as a fun toy. It would make an excellent birthday or Christmas gift for the kids, so I’m pretty excited for this one, although it’s unlikely that I’ll ever use one myself.

Shooting Fujifilm Instax with a 108-year-old Kodak camera

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Photo by Dan Allen.

The below article is by Dan Allen. You might recall that Dan invented the Kentmere Pan 400 Film Simulation Recipe (and more coming soon), and had a helping hand in the Vintage Bronze, Ilford FP4 Plus 125, and Ektachrome E100 Recipes.

What I love about Dan’s project is that it repurposes beautiful antique cameras with modern instant film, and even incorporates Fujifilm’s X-series. It’s a poetic melting pot of old and new to create fascinating art that is simultaneously vintage and modern.

I know that you are going to appreciate this post, and perhaps even be inspired to try it for yourself. Thank you, Dan, for sharing your project with us—it is such an honor to publish this story!

Take it away, Dan!

Photo by Dan Allen.

I grew up in the golden age of film photography. I was a kid during the 1980’s, and lived in Rochester, New York—the home of Kodak. Film photography and cameras were interwoven into the very fabric of our local culture. Everyone in our city had at least one or two family members that worked for the big yellow box. At its peak, Kodak employed more than 60,000 people locally. We were the center of the photographic universe. What could possibly go wrong?

Enter Fujifilm.

In the 1980’s, Fuji became a direct competitor to Kodak in the U.S. film market. They slowly cut into Kodak’s market share, and in my eyes as a kid, they were the enemy. It was a mortal sin to even think about shooting a roll of Fuji’s film. Given the title of this post, I think you can see where I am going with this.

My interest in creative photography started as a young kid and continued through high school, where I first learned how to develop film and make a print in the darkroom. Cameras took a backseat as I focused on college, then a career in engineering, and started a family. Basically, photography stopped after graduating high school. Fast forward to Covid-19 lockdowns, which is when I discovered Ritchie’s Fuji X Weekly website. I was enamored with his Kodachrome 64 Film Simulation Recipe. I couldn’t believe those Kodak looking pictures were produced on a modern (yet retro looking) Fujifilm digital camera. It made all of those photographic childhood memories come rushing back. Soon after, I bought my first Fujifilm: an X-T3.

Photos by Dan Allen.

I quickly became a Fuji X Weekly film sim junkie, trying out each possible combination my camera could handle. The Kodak-based recipes were my favorite, though. At some point, I realized it was possible for Kodak and Fujifilm to be in the same room together!

In 2022, I decided to pick up the only working film camera I owned, a Canon Rebel with a nifty-fifty. I shot a roll of Kodak Ultramax and brought it to the local film lab. The circle of photography was now complete—I was right back where I left off, and it felt like home. From this point forward, I adopted a mixed photographic workflow, often carrying one film camera and one Fujifilm digital. I liked the convenience of Ritchie’s “no edit” Recipes, but I also enjoyed the unique challenges inherent to the analog film photography I grew up with. It was truly the best of both worlds.

As most photographers do, I caught a bad case of Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S.). I started buying vintage film cameras from thrift stores and yard sales. The older Kodak cameras from the early 1900s really caught my eye, especially the ones that were made right here in Rochester.

Twenty or so film cameras later, I stumbled across a 1916 Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic for $40. This was known as the “Soldier’s Kodak” during World War I, and was marketed to troops going overseas to document their trip. It really was a pocketable camera, not much bigger than a deck of playing cards. It was the Fujifilm X70 of the early 1900’s!

Photo by Dan Allen.

The Vest Pocket Autographic takes 127 roll film, which Kokak introduced in 1912 and manufactured until 1995. The negative size is roughly 44mm x 66mm, and is quite a bit bigger than a 24mm x 36mm negative from a full-frame 35mm camera. When the Vest Pocket arrived I gave it a good cleaning, and was able to get the shutter to fire. It has speeds of 1/25 and 1/50, and an apertures marked with 1, 2, 3, and 4—these aperture values equate to f/11, f/16, f/22, and f/32. It has a unique design, as the lens is mounted behind the shutter and aperture. This protected the lens from scratches; the optics on mine were in great shape. Everything on the camera appeared to be fully functional. All I needed now was some 127 film!

There are a few places that make 127 film by cutting down modern 120 film. I was able to find ReraPan 400 in 127 size from B&H Photo and placed an order. While I was waiting for the 127 film to be delivered, I happened to look at a few Fuji Instax Mini prints sitting on my desk. I thought, Hey, that looks like it would fit perfectly inside the Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic! Sure enough, it was almost a perfect match at 46mm x 62mm. The light bulbs were going off in my head. Could I really shoot Fujifilm Instax film in a 108 year old Kodak camera? Spoiler alert. YES!

I went outside and made my first test shot and it turned out great. The exposure was spot on, and the image looked to be in focus. Somehow this kid from the 1980’s that grew up in Kodakville had resurrected an 108-year-old World War I Kodak camera using modern Fujifilm Instax film. I wonder what George Eastman would think of this combination?

I bet you are wondering… can I shoot Instax in my grandpa’s old camera? Keep reading and I will detail the technical process below.

Photos by Dan Allen.

I must warn you, though: if you continue reading, you may find yourself going down a photographic rabbit hole from which there is no returning. The fact is that you can shoot Instax film in almost any vintage camera, so long as it fits in the back, and the camera doesn’t have a focal plane shutter that moves near where the film is (think Canon AE-1). I’m afraid that you may damage the shutter if the Instax print were to come in contact with any moving part of the camera; however, most rangefinder, folding, and TLR style cameras with a leaf shutter inside the lens should work fine.

This process requires two things: a film changing dark bag that you can buy for $30 or less, and an analog Fujifilm Instax camera, such as the Instax Mini 12 or similar model. Here is a general outline of how it works:

  • Test fit a sheet of Instax Mini, Square, or Wide film in your vintage film camera to see which size works best. Instax Mini is the size that fits into the Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic.
  • Load a fresh pack of film into your analog Instax camera. Note: any of the Instax cameras that have a “digital” image component like the Mini Evo will not work.
  • Fire the shutter to eject the dark slide from the Instax film pack.
  • Place both the vintage camera and analog Instax camera into the film changing dark bag, and zip it shut so it’s light tight. Don’t forget to remove any smart watches that could possibly light up and expose the film.
  • Stick your hands inside the film changing dark bag and open the back cover of the Instax camera. Be very careful to avoid turning on the Instax camera by accident. Some of them have lights which could expose the film.
  • Remove the Instax film cartridge pack. Slide one sheet out, then put the cartridge back in the Instax camera and close the back door.
  • Open the vintage film camera and insert the single Instax sheet and align it where the film would normally get exposed. Remember, Instax film exposes from the back not the front, so you have to face the dark back of the Instax sheet towards what you want to photograph. If the Instax sheet is loose or has a big size difference, you may need to tape it in place, or make a mask out of construction paper so that you can tape the Instax sheet to it. You do not want the Instax sheet sliding around inside the camera.
  • Close up the vintage film camera and remove it from the film changing dark bag.

Instax film has an ISO speed of 800. When you expose your picture, you will need to take a light meter reading. If you don’t have a light meter, you can use an app on your smartphone, or even use your Fujifilm camera with the ISO dial set to 800. Once you get your light meter reading, if the shutter speed is faster than the maximum shutter speed of your camera, you may need to use an ND filter to reduce the light. When I used the Vest Pocket Autographic camera, I needed to hold a 3 stop ND filter over the lens in bright sun.

Photos by Dan Allen.

Once you have exposed your Instax sheet:

  • Put the vintage camera and Instax camera back in the film changing dark bag and zip it up so it is light tight again.
  • Remove the Instax sheet from your film camera and set it aside.
  • Open the back of the Instax camera and remove the film cartridge.
  • Insert the exposed Instax sheet into the film cartridge, then put the cartridge back into the Instax camera and close the back door. For this to work, you must put the exposed frame back into the film cartridge, and it must be in the same way that it was removed, and as the first sheet.
  • Remove both cameras from the dark bag.
  • Fire the shutter on the Instax camera with your hand or something else dark to cover the lens. Instax film starts the development process when it is ejected from the camera.

The first time I tried this, I wasted a few frames of Instax film on purpose by pulling out the cartridge in daylight when I had about three shots left. This let me practice the entire procedure in the light where I could see what I was doing. It is not difficult to do, but remember: once it is inside the film changing dark bag, you will be doing the entire process by feel only, so it is best to practice several times with some ruined sheets in daylight, until you get the hang of it.

Photos by Dan Allen.

If you made it this far, you are officially a camera nerd. Now go out and shoot some Instax film in a vintage camera! Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram with questions at @dan.allen.photo. I use my Fujifilm X-T5 with a Fujinon 30mm Macro lens to digitally “scan” the Instax prints, which really makes it all come full circle.

A special thanks to Ritchie at Fuji X Weekly for inspiring me to get my first Fujifilm camera, and introducing me to the amazing Film Simulation Recipe community.

P.S. This Instax film process works with homemade pinhole cameras too!

The Joy of Instant Film — A Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Review

Posted on by Ritchie Roesch

Back when I was a kid, my family had a Polaroid camera, which we often used to capture memorable moments. Christmas, birthdays, and vacations were all made permanent on instant film. My dad had a 35mm SLR that he used sometimes, but when you look through the old picture books from my adolescence, a large percentage of the photos are Polaroids. My childhood was captured on instant film.

There’s magic in instant film photography. The camera would spit out a print, which started out completely white and would slowly reveal an image. Maybe you’d shake it, hoping to speed up the process. Back when I was young most things weren’t “instant” like today, so having a tangible picture in mere moments was a seemingly impossible novelty. The cameras were easy to use—even a child could capture pictures, and my brother, sister and I were occasionally granted permission to be photographers. The legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams published a book on instant film photography. It didn’t matter if you were a complete novice or experienced pro, the magic of instant film photography was for everyone.

Polaroid is no longer the king of instant film. Fujifilm, with their Instax line of cameras and film, is number one. Introduced in 1998, Instax was an immediate hit, but like Polaroid, it was greatly affected by the emerging digital camera technology, and sales began to decline sharply after 2002. Polaroid jumped ship in 2008 (they’ve since returned), but Fujifilm continued the Instax brand, and in 2009 sales began trending up. Today, Instax is Fujifilm’s top selling photography product by a large margin.

My oldest daughter, Joy, was gifted a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 camera for Christmas five years ago, and she loves to photograph with it! The Mini 8 was introduced by Fujifilm in 2012, so it’s by no means a new camera, but, since it was a popular model, nearly a decade later you can still find it sometimes brand-new. I asked Joy to write a couple paragraphs about this camera and Instax photography to include in this review.

“I like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8,” Joy began, “because of the many possibilities that come with the camera! I love the pastel blue color of my Instax. To capture a picture, there is a button near the lens that must be pushed first, which pops the lens forward and powers the camera on. There’s a ring around the lens that controls the brightness of the picture. Choose between Indoors, Cloudy, Cloudy and Sunny mixed, Sunny, and Hi-Key. Press the circle shaped button and a picture comes out the side of the camera. My Instax Mini 8 is amazing!”

“Taking pictures with my Instax is super exciting! I like to photograph plants, cities and my family. There are two trails near where I live that are my favorite places for pictures. The Instax Mini 8 has a flash that cannot be turned off, so sometimes my pictures will come out too bright. It takes a little practice to capture good pictures with this camera. I have four different colored filters that attach to the lens, and I can change the color of the photos with these filters. I have taken pictures with different films. The film loads into the back of the camera, and it’s easy to change. I love the awesome pictures I capture with my Instax Mini 8!”

There are three different Instax sizes. Mini measures 2.1″ x 3.4″ with a 1.8″ x 2.4″ image. Square measures 2.8″ x 3.4″ with a 2.4″ x 2.4″ image. Wide measures 4.3″ x 3.4″ with a 3.9″ x 2.4″ image. No surprise, Mini is the smallest, and most lo-fi. Image quality isn’t especially great, but that’s a part of the charm. The instant-film magic is what makes the Instax Mini a fascinating camera.

The biggest cost with Instax is the film. It adds up quickly. You can save a little by buying in bulk, but it’s still not cheap. There’s a real cost with each picture, but you get a tangible photograph, which is uncommon anymore. Holding a physical image is also a part of the instant film magic. More importantly, Instax is fun, and there certainly is a childlike joy photographing with the Mini 8 camera.

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Film B&H
Fujifilm Instax Cameras B&H

Below are some of Joy’s Instax photographs captured with her Mini 8 camera: