In terms of looks, the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic has already won – you can’t get much more retro. But is the camera also convincing in terms of image quality? And do all the available modes make sense? And above all: is the slightly higher price justified?
In Short:
- Ingenious retro design for camera enthusiasts
- High-powered flash that can be switched off
- Party, child and landscape mode
- Long time exposure or double exposure mode
- Macro recordings
- Extendable 35 mm lens
- Image size: 2.4 x 1.8 Inches (height x width)
- Film: Instax Mini
- Price: from approx. 110,- $
The Instax Mini 90 as a design highlight
Optically, only a few instant cameras can hold a candle to the Instax Mini 90. With its retro design, the camera from Fujifilms Instax camera series is reminiscent of classics in the history of photography such as the Canon AE-1, and many will only recognize it as a instant camera at second glance. At the same time, the Mini 90 with dimensions of 3.6 x 4.4 x 2 inches is extraordinarily compact for a Polaroid camera. Due to its construction, the “smaller” image format of 2.4 x 1.8 inches portrait is the result.
Operating elements
A design highlight of Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 90 is how one select the shooting modes. This is done by turning the lens, or more specifically, a wheel surrounding the lens. This looks cool and is also extremely practical to use. The on/off switch is located on the front, an LCD monitor is located on the back and the shutter release button is located on the top right. Controls for macro, self-timer, flash and brightness control are located next to the LCD display on the back. The viewfinder is traditionally located on the upper left (from the rear). An “improvised” selfie mirror is located on the top of the power switch.
Due to its compactness, the Fujifilm Mini 90 is a pleasant companion, and thanks to the included carrying strap it is easy to handle.
The Instax Mini 90 features
In addition to the cool design, this instant camera is particularly impressive because of the large number of practical modes. Compared to other models, the Mini 90 goes one step further, with the right shooting mode for every moment. The control wheel on the lens also makes the selection very easy. The modes at a glance:
Partymode
This mode is particularly suitable for shooting in darker rooms. The flash is automatically adjusted to the reduced light, so the subject and background are equally bright. This is a great way to show off people and location.
Landscapemode
From a distance of just ten feet, it is worth selecting the landscape mode. The objects in the lens are thus uniformly sharp.
The child mode for “fast” subjects
Contrary to its name, this shooting mode of the Instax Mini 90 is not only suitable for children. Whenever you’re dealing with a moving subject, the faster shutter speed means that even faster movements are caught in sharp focus. A shortcoming of many instant cameras is thus eliminated.
Double exposure mode for creative people
Like the Instax SQ 6, the Mini 90 has a double exposure mode. The highlight: two images are merged into one. This creates truly unique images with no limits to creativity. The operation is simple: in the selected double exposure mode simply shoot two shots in a row and the work of art is finished.
The macro mode for detail lovers
The Instax Mini 90 has a macro mode for shooting at a distance of 1 to 2 feet. Whether close-up nature shots or foodpics, the object of desire is perfectly captured in this mode. To avoid a too dark image and make the colors look rich, Fujifilm recommends combining the macro mode with the L mode of brightness control.
Brightness settings
To influence the mood of the images, the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic has four different brightness modes.
- Normal
- Dark (D): especially for outdoor shots, this mode produces atmospheric, darker images
- Bright (L): slightly overexposed images, for softer Instagram-style skin tones
- Very Bright (L+): exaggerated brightness for artistically tinged images
The long exposure mode as a special feature
This mode is not found on comparable models: with the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic’s long exposure mode, night-time shots of impressive quality are possible even without flash. The trick: as long as the shutter release button remains pressed, the exposure is made. (max. 10 seconds). With the use of a tripod, fantastic shots in low light conditions are possible. The mode also allows artistic experiments with the shutter speed. A special feature among instant cameras.
Self-timer
Of course, the Instax Mini 90 instant camera also has a self-timer. The timer is set to 10 seconds, if desired two pictures can be taken in succession.
Further details and tech specs
The included lithium-ion battery provides power for up to 100 shots and is charged via a charger that is also included. A tripod thread is available, as well as a practical carrying strap. An electronic image counter informs about the remaining images.
Tech specs of the Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic from Fujifilm:
- Image size: 2.4 x 1.8 Inches portrait
- Film: Fujifilm Instant Color Film “Instax Mini”
- Tripod thread
- Carrying strap
- Viewfinder: Real viewfinder, 0.37x, with aiming point and parallax compensation for macro mode
- Focusing: Servo 3 range switching: Macro mode 1 – 2 Inches, Normal mode: 2 – 9.8 feet, Landscape mode: 9.8 ft- ∞
- Exposure control: Automatic, continuous sensitivity adjustment (ISO 800/27°): LV 5.0 – 15.5 Exposure compensation (brighter/darker control) +/- 2/3 EV
- Film ejection: left side, automatic
- Flash: Built-in electronic flash, auto mode (intelligent flash for brighter backgrounds), fill-flash mode, flash OFF mode, red-eye reduction mode, 0.2 – 6.5 s recharge time (with fully charged battery)
- LCD display: exposure counter (number of unexposed pictures), shooting mode (party, children, landscape, double exposure, long time) macro, brighter/darker control, flash control, self-timer (1-picture / 2-picture series)
- Power: Lithium ion battery, NP45A
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 4.4 x 2 inches
- Weight (without battery, strap, film): 10.4 oz
Quelle: https://www.fujifilm.com/products/instant_photo/cameras/instax_mini_90/#specifications
Conclusion
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic instant camera’s retro design alone makes it difficult to stay objective. Luckily, the camera really convinces in (almost) all respects. The image quality is excellent, the modes leave nothing to be desired and the operation is intuitive. Small shortcomings are: the self mirror is better solved in other models and the display is a little disappointing for this class.
The Instax Mini 90 is the ideal Instant Camera for quality-conscious photographers and experimental instant photo enthusiasts.
Tip: if you insist on the square image format (aspect ratio 1:1), you should take a look at the Fuji Instax SQ 6 or the Polaroid OneStep2!
VIDEO: Lauren takes a closer look at the mini 90
