Fujifilm’s New Instax Mini 99 is a camera that caters to those who have a love for manual controls and creative effects. While it may not be the sharpest Instax camera on the market, it certainly stands out as one of the most analog and capable options available. Priced at $200, it exceeds the entry-level point-and-shoot Instax cameras in terms of features and functionalities.
When it comes to its design, the Mini 99 follows the retro-camera aesthetic that Fujifilm’s Instax line is known for. Unlike the silver and black color combination of the Mini 90, the 99 comes in a sleek all-black design. While Fujifilm has not made an official statement about the 99 replacing the 90, the similarities between the two models suggest that the Mini 90 may soon be phased out of the market.
The lens of the Mini 99 is the same as the Mini 90, featuring a 60-mm plastic lens. This lens offers a field of view similar to a 35-mm lens in a 35-mm format, or roughly 1x to 2x on your iPhone. The fixed shutter speed of f/12.7 means that you will generally need to rely on the flash for most shots, unless you are shooting in bright outdoor conditions. However, unlike other Instax models, the Mini 99 allows you to turn off the flash, giving you more control over the lighting in well-lit situations.
One of the most exciting additions to the Mini 99 is the manual focus options, which is a first for the Instax line. While it doesn’t offer true manual focus with a dial on the lens, it does provide three zones of focus: close up (0.3 to 0.6 meters), midrange (0.6 to 3 meters), and infinity (3 meters to infinity). Although this may not be as precise as a true manual focus, it still offers more control than most Instax cameras. It’s important to note that the aperture of f/12.7 results in a wide plane of focus, even with the focus zone controls. This means that achieving bokeh (out-of-focus regions in a photo) is limited, primarily to portrait shots with the closest focus setting.
In terms of focus consistency, I found the manual focus of the Mini 99 to be a bit underwhelming and less dramatic than expected. However, considering the limitations of the fixed aperture, it is still a notable improvement from other Instax cameras that offer only fixed focus. The Mini 99 also includes parallax correction in the viewfinder, ensuring that what you see in the frame closely matches the final photo.
In addition to its manual controls and focus options, the Mini 99 offers a range of creative effects. It comes with a selection of color effects that allow you to add a unique touch to your photos. Furthermore, it even includes the ability to simulate light leaks, reminiscent of vintage thrift store cameras. These added features further enhance the creative capabilities of the Mini 99, making it an attractive choice for those looking to experiment with different effects and styles.
While the Mini 99 comes with its fair share of advantages, it’s important to consider its higher price point compared to entry-level Instax cameras. At $200, it may be a significant investment for some photographers. However, the manual controls, creative effects, and improved focus options justify the higher cost, providing users with a camera that offers more versatility and control over their instant photos.
In conclusion, Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 99 is undoubtedly a camera that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate manual controls and creative effects. Despite not being the sharpest Instax camera, it offers a level of analog charm and versatility that sets it apart. With its emphasis on manual control, focus options, and additional creative effects, the Mini 99 opens up a world of possibilities for users seeking to explore their creativity and capture unique instant photos.
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