Fujifilm officially launches the Instax Mini 40, a retro-styled instant camera, along with new Contact Sheet film
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
UPDATE: The Instax Mini 40 has been officially announced, featuring a retro design that captures hipster chic, along with new 'Contact Sheet' Instax Mini film that's an homage to classic film photography.
The Instax Mini 40 is identical in specs to the Instax Mini 11, and is described by Fujifilm as "the Instax series’ new entry-model". Like the Mini 11 it features an Auto Exposure function (that effectively drags the shutter for more ambient illumination rather than black backgrounds) and Selfie Mode, for close focusing when shooting close-up shots and self-portraits.
ORIGINAL STORY (06 April): The Instax Mini 40 has been leaked ahead of its official announcement… by Fujifilm itself. The new camera is set to be revealed tomorrow, but Fujifilm accidentally posted the specs and images on its website ahead of schedule.
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Teased on social media since the start of April with the #mini40 hashtag, the Instax Mini 40 is the latest in Fujifilm's indefatigable line of instant film cameras, which is dominated by the Instax brand.
The Instax Mini 40 follows in the footsteps of the Instax Mini 11, released in 2020, and seems functionally identical to its predecessor: it has the same 60mm f/12.7 lens, the same close-up / selfie shooting enabled via a pull-out Selfie Mode on the lens (enabling focus between 0.3-0.5 meters), the same 1/2 to 1/250 sec shutter speed, and of course it accepts the same Instax Mini film.
Where the Mini 40 literally appears to differ is in its exterior design, with an attractive and textured leatherette grip around the body, along with silver embellishments to add a stylish look.
In addition, the new camera is smaller than the Mini 11 at just 104 × 121 × 65mm (compared to the 11's 107.6 × 121.2 × 67.3mm) though it weighs in about 16% heavier at 330g (versus the 293g).
Here are the full specs taken from the Fujifilm website before it was pulled down (courtesy of Fuji Rumors):
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(Image credit: Fujifilm / Fuji Rumors)
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
(Image credit: Fujifilm / Fuji Rumors)
(Image credit: Fujifilm / Fuji Rumors)
(Image credit: Fujifilm / Fuji Rumors)
(Image credit: Fujifilm / Fuji Rumors)
(Image credit: Fujifilm)
Film – Fujifilm Instax Mini instant film
Photo Picture Size – 2.4 inch × 1.8 inch (62 mm × 46 mm)
Lens – 2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm,1:12.7
Viewfinder – Real image finder, 0.37×,with target spot
Shooting Range – 11.8 inch (0.3 m) and beyond (use selfie mode for 11.8 inch (0.3 m) to 19.7 inch (0.5 m))
Shutter – Programmed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/250 sec. slow synchro for low light
Exposure Control – Automatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800)
Film Ejection – Automatic
Film Developing Time – Approx. 90 seconds (varies depending on the ambient temperature)
Flash – Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment), recycle time: 6.5 seconds or less (when using new batteries),effective flash range: 11.8 inch (0.3 m) to 8.9 ft (2.7 m)
Power Supply – Two AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6),capacity: approx. 10 Instax Mini filmpacks of 10 exposures each * Manganese batteries cannot be used.
Auto Power Off Time – After 5 minutes
Other – Includes film counter and film pack confirmation window
Dimensions – 4.09 inch × 4.76 inch × 2.56 inch (104 mm × 121 mm × 65 mm)
Weight – 330 g (without batteries, strap, and film)
As well as the new camera, Fujifilm also leaked a new type of instant film: Instax Mini Contact Sheet, which makes your prints look even more filmic thanks to the contact sheet-inspired orange text.
As soon as we have pricing and release information for both the Instax Mini 40 and the Instax Mini Contact Sheet film, we'll update this story.
James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.
