Instant Film Shootout (Fujifilm Instax SQ6 & Mini 90, Leica Sofort, Mint InstantFlex TL70)

In anticipation of our in-depth buying guide, our friends in the North have been looking at a handful of the latest instant cameras. Having stocked up with Instax Mini film and cameras from Fujifilm, Leica and Mint, it seemed like a good excuse for a party...
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[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

"Is it another Fuji 90 for twice the price? Absolutely" Damn it Leica, old habits die hard.

[@808islandlife_HI]

Chris, nice to finally see your wife in one of the videos. You guys are doing great at your “new” jobs. Keep up the good work!

[@aag24]

It’d be great to see the bigger formats compared

[@njc2o]

Yeah! I have a refurbished SX-70 from Brooklyn Film Camera that I love. Great glass lens, manual focus, and the film from Polaroid Originals is only getting better

[@alexanderhartmann7950]

Instant German lesson: Sofort means 'instant' or 'now'. *fliesawayorderly*

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Congrats on hitting 100k subs!!! Your second silver play button - pretty amazing!

[@josecolon8143]

Tony & Chelsea Northrup Game Croatia Denmark at 88-89 minute mark I spotted a Canon shooter in the field with his regular equipment on tripod plus with what seemed a Canon mirrorless prototype camera!!! It was black and squared! With a lens that looked like the 24-105

[@GamerNxUSN]

One of the largest photography websites in the world. Youd think the subs would have hit that a while ago. It's certainly a testament to Chris and Jordan's appeal.

[@johnsmith1474]

Idiots.

[@jaxxonjason8664]

I know im asking the wrong place but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost my account password. I appreciate any help you can offer me

[@christopherasher5564]

@Jaxxon Jason instablaster :)

[@BlaPusteblume]

I was like ugh this video is too long but I started to watch it anyway. And you're very charming and I could listen to your reviews a long time. Now I know everything I needed to know. Thank you so much for your great content!

[@LifeofSandra]

For the sq6 in the manual it shows you where to place the little circle in the viewfinder on your subject while in macro mode to get it in frame.

[@thomassch.4110]

I just did a Polaroid tour in Vienna Austria and it was pure fun! Having 8 pictures in 2 h you really were so much more careful of when to pull the trigger 📸

[@gailgranberry238]

Please compare more instant cameras! I’m a 90’s kid so I love instant cameras. I don’t shoot it super often so I the novelty never wears off lol

[@orson347]

I am so glad that Chris and Jordan resurfaced from TCS to DPReview, as without question their reviews are not only informative but entertaining. While I have NO intention of buying an instant camera, I thoroughly enjoyed the review. Keep up the great work!

[@PostColorGear]

wow that conversation you had with your son near the beginning, Chris, really hit me lol back in the day, you had to wait a couple days, or maybe an "hour" if your lucky. So the instant really isnt instant any more unless you want a pic to hold. I dunno why it took me that long realize its not the 80s anymore, but...ya know....lol

[@gepardtilly]

Actually, I do print tons of Instax pictures, but I print them off from my Fuji X100F and XT-2 with the Fuji Sp-2 printer. Each time when I visiting someone, when we have visitors, when we are travelling, we print out a few of the best shots. Also great for weddings! Of course, works also from a smartphone with the Fuji app. I order the film from Aliexpress, in batches of 100, still expensive, but at least it's the latest production batch.

[@WYCAN]

olee22 I haven’t own any of the sp printers yet, but from my personal experience from sq10, the “print” doesn’t have the right analog look on the film. I noticed because sometimes I take photos with large area of mono-colour or mono-colour with gradients , the result is disappointing. That being said, sq10 prints are quite good 95% of the time.

[@bublt4me]

I just bought a OneStep 2 and I've been having an absolute blast. Taking pictures in 90 degree heat gives the film a magenta color.

[@D_S_88]

There's fascination and intrigue that surrounds tangible mediums, and instant film cameras happily share this realm with vinyl records. I doubt this medium will ever die because its just too cool. Digital for convince and analog for those moments that are truly special. Thanks for sharing this video with us Chris.

[@AgnostosGnostos]

I like when I take a photo of a friend and directly give him a photo instead of sending it with e-mail. Like many others I shoot hundreds of digital photos during my trips. Of course there is the option of printing every photo but the instant photography is more romantic. Especially for people who remember the film age of photography.

[@ManyDoors777]

I love instafilm! Brings back a lot of memories of when my mom and dad used the Polaroid for everything.

[@UltraClue]

This is such a great review. Thank you so much, I've been looking at getting an instax camera of some kind. This has definitely helped.

[@daviduuwastaken]

The social aspect of instant photography is really the crux of shooting it, so I'm glad you talked so much about that! I feel like I've been seeing a lot of people hate on Instax, and I don't really understand why there's so much animosity or distaste. Being able to take snapshots of your friends at a get together, and being able to put those photos up on a wall or a fridge almost immediately is a great party trick, and it hasn't gotten stale yet (at least in my circle). Polaroid film is another story. It's way more expensive than any Instax format and the results have always been a crapshoot for me. I would much rather shoot Instax Wide and have reliable exposures. Not sure why there are still so many Polaroid fanatics, but hey, different strokes for different folks. Anyway, I'd love to see your thoughts on both Polaroid and Instax Wide! And maybe with some Lomography cameras thrown in the mix too.

[@MattHelps]

The "problem" with analogue photography is the best part. You only share these photos with people that take the time to meet you in person and allow them to appreciate the real thing for themselves. Don't share these images online. Its like taking a photo of a painting in a museum and posting it on FB, its crass... :) good vid thanks.

[@marlinsobbota9846]

Nice bumping into you at Balboa Park in San Diego. I'm the guy who stopped you and told you I enjoyed your videos. I liked this video because when I was young, Polaroid cameras absolutely fascinated me and helped get me hooked on photography. At first, they were strictly black and white and you had to coat the photo with a smelly chemical stick that came with each pack of film. And they were a rather large camera. Enjoyed meeting you and your family!

[@dpreview]

Great to meet you, thanks for saying hello!

[@aimeet9688]

This is so helpful. Thanks for detailing all the annoying things of each.

[@layZ2BPnoy]

GREAT video guys. I've been waiting for an episode about these cameras from you two for a while now and am so happy you finally did. I love "instant" cameras!! I still use my One Step camera that my parents used when I was a child! I wanted to get a more modern one and discovered the Fujifilm Instax SP2 Printer. This was an absolute hit at family/friend social events. This little device does two things that was impossible to do with instant cameras: use lenses with shallower DOF & edit with photoshop/lightroom. However, I realize I missed that magic that film cameras have so now, I'm thinking of getting the Mint Instaflex TL70 v2.0 ... but it's just so darn expensive! I might get it or I might wait until a more polished v3.0 comes out ... if it ever comes out.

[@KyleClements]

To anyone viewing this online: The beauty of the TL70 viewfinder cannot be adequately expressed online; you've got to hold it in your hands and see it for yourself. Since you can see the screen with both eyes, the image seen really pops. Beautiful! Far beyond the jump experienced from going from a crop pentamirror to a full frame pentaprism.

[@jlwilliams]

Kyle Clements So why not go out and buy a used Yashicamat or Minolta Autocord and get the same viewing experience in a camera that's actually well-made and capable of taking high-quality photos?

[@5oulPower]

It’s great that instant film is bringing back the fun and physicality to photography again. There’s a real difference between having actual physical prints and digital files stuck in an electronic screen (which for most regular people may be shared on social media but more often than not end up unprinted, forgotten, then lost.) Though for me personally, I’d still stick with 35mm film and my trusty negs/transparencies, I don’t doubt what Fujifilm is doing with instant film is amazing for photography.

[@KeithKunstmannFilms]

This video was a lot of fun, I'd love to see the larger fomat options!

[@dmapp]

All camera reviews are good as long as they don’t go on too long (you have it right) for more in depth reviews the do review site also has it spot on. We spend too much time watching/wanting when we should be shooting imo.

[@MisterBayan]

I love the way you review things man. I guess in a way you can say...I love you. Whoa.

[@DriveCancelDC]

"What are you talking about? You've got to wait. That's what instant means." Somebody stop this absolute madlad.

[@gepardtilly]

Did you actually tell, which camera do you recommend from these?

[@LasstUnsSpielen]

I did not expect to see Jordan and Chris drinking so early after switching to DPreview. Very nice to see.

[@BeingWolfy]

The viewfinder on the right works great for me. I'm a left eye shooter. 🤗

[@Mazagrandeman]

MiNT also has a rangefinder version coming out too, the InstantKon RF70, which looks quite interesting tbh. Another one to follow is Instant Magny 35 on Kickstarter, which is an instant film back for old film cameras.

[@artistjoh]

The more interesting option are the Instax printers. They are a huge advantage. Can use phone or Fuji cameras to get better photographs. Can use fast lenses and get shallow depth of field with a good camera. You already have a digital copy for sharing online and you keep costs down by only printing the photos you choose to print. And of course the best reason - you can make multiple copies of photos that everyone wants a copy of. Also not mentioned is the black and white Instax Mini film which produces more detail than the color film.

[@drew8235]

To me it seems like the best way to make use of the fun instant film is with a smart phone printer. You can get crazy and shoot on your camera of choice and then essentially use your phone+printer to get any photo onto the cute little fuji instax photo paper, while still having the digital file. Bit more hassle, but bit better quality too.

[@mikewhiles4635]

Fun - got a 2nd hand Mini 8 this week for just £10...Jordan it is bright pink.... 🍍🍍🍍

[@navewotation]

Absolutely fantastic video and review. Thank you for your honesty and fully thought out ideas!

[@AysKhalig]

Hey! I was so confused about buying leica, instax and etc. before I watched your video. Now I am more confused than I was. Thank you😅😂

[@MichaelLaing71]

You can tell when there is very little being released when Chris and Jordan do videos on instant cameras but to give them credit, they did a very good video on instant cameras and it might be interesting to see the larger formats video. Of course though it personally I would like to see them do a video comparison for all the 85mm/105mm lenses on the market (including the Sigma 105mm when it comes out).

[@macht4turbo]

It is a huge market. Fuji makes a ton on profit with it. More than with any the other photography related products. I know a lot of people, who have instant cameras and all they buy is fuji instax.

[@MichaelLaing71]

I am not saying it isn't but will a lot of people look for reviews of instant film cameras? It does come at a time though when it feels like Sony is the only company releasing anything and I can't see it getting busier any time soon My guess a lot of stuff is being held will be announced at Photokina.

[@macht4turbo]

Well, i am glad not everyone adopts the consumer electronic production cycle to cameras. Well, somwhat they all did, however photokina is coming this september, so the big releases will be sheduled for this, no wonder we don not have big announcements yet.

[@NL0Gwenster]

@Michael : Personally i really liked this video, as I used to have a Mini90 I borrowed for a whole year from a friend, but now had to give it back (ha) - and am thinking which one to get. Do i get the Leica Sofort ? Which i already knew was a rebranded Mini90. Or did would the TL70 be a better choice ? Since i do love how rolleiflex etc. looks like in terms of film shooting. So this video potentially saved me some wasted money on the TL70 as it just sounds too flimsy/finnicky to me in terms of hardware.

[@MichaelLaing71]

I am not suggesting they are wrong for doing the video and as I said it is a very good video but I doubt it would be a video they would make if there were more releases around. All the best and I hope you find the instant camera for you. :)

[@trembichmovingmoments8778]

As you said, Instant film is fun but because it is so expensive I'm very hestitant to use it often. Also even as a german I much prefer the look of the Fuji than the Leica. Good video overall =) Cheers

[@cooolpotato]

Nice comparison. The party looked very fun and I enjoyed listening to your experiences. One thing worth noting that I didn't see mentioned - the Instax mini 90 has bulb mode. I also find it interesting that having the label on the side of the image bothered you when shooting square format film but you seemed to prefer shooting the instax mini in landscape orientation (which would produce the label on the side rather than the bottom). I also think it's worth noting that while the instax mini 90 and sq6 have very similar features, the 90 allows you to use those features in addition to one another. For example; on the 90 you could shoot a double exposure image, on a self timer with the dark exposure preference set. The SQ6 doesn't offer this (as far as I'm aware).

[@JiiruKoga]

I've been using my Instax SQ6 now for a year and in a way I like it more than my Fujifilm xt-3

[@maxifuentealba3438]

Which you prefer? Sq6 or mini 90?

[@JiiruKoga]

@@maxifuentealba3438 I personally like the square films on SQ6 more than the skinny mini films on Mini 90. The mini films are way cheaper so I know that's a plus for younger people. One huge plus for SQ6 is 10 sec self timer which I love and use often. Mini 90 doesn't have that.

[@acidsnow5915]

what a great comparison! i myself own a sofort and really enjoy it

[@pdnguyen]

I agree with your comments of the SQ6 in regards to the parallax issue!! A part of someone’s head is always cut off whenever I try to take photos with my SQ6 😭 but I also love the square format. Sighhh

[@JacobCarlson]

That tripod hole on the Mini 90 is actually on the bottom 😂 It just seems like the side because the design on the front is "sideways" The hole is opposite where the film is ejected.

[@amelsfr]

love this video! you should do a comparison of bigger formats, both fuji wide film (not only with fuji cameras, but also Lomo wide) and Polaroids (600, sx70, spectra)...perhaps I would squeeze into it the new Fuji Square at least as size comparison with the others. There's also plenty of "instant" photo printer that you can compare...Or you cound do more videos about these different formats and perform more comparisons... so, there's a big potential for a bunch of videos with instant photography guys! please do it!

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Have a Mini 90 and like it. Also got a used Polaroid OneStep2. And a gifted used SX-70. Shot 225 50th high school reunion (semi drunken) party pics with the Mini 90 - film was on sale at BestBuy. Most folks didn’t know what to do with the prints! And they were of the original instant picture generation. Everyone else shot phone pics. I sprayed everyone there with the Fuji. Seems like only 2 of the folks saved their pics to scan.

[@ajcelmer]

As always - fantastic. I would love a video on the larger formats!

[@Mrperezident1]

Great review! I am using the refurbished polaroid 600 camera;s. Really nice design, pretty awesome quality as well!

[@deim]

Yes, do a video on bigger sizes. Please include the peel apart FP100C with the print and the negative. That would be fun. Me and my girlfriend are still using polaroid land cameras when we go on a trip. I think many photographers today have no idea how that works and maybe fuji would decide to keep producing the film.

[@NL0Gwenster]

That'd be useless as the FP100C is no longer in production by Fuji and supplies are dry. I just discovered FP-100C October 2017 when a friend had a lancamera from his grandpa and i used it. It was AMAZING. But that was literally the last batch of film i managed to find for it, and that was in Belgium (I`m based in Netherlands, Amsterdam) - Went to Tokyo a few months ago, and Tokyo is typically a place you can get anything, camera related. Not FP-100C though. Sure you can go to Ebay, but if you do find it on Ebay/etc. It`ll be marked up so high that you`re literally paying 10$ per shot

[@PedroantunesPhotographer]

I'm in Europe and I'm still buying it in store. :)

[@NL0Gwenster]

You're lucky then :-) But the majority of the world isn't. I`d buy as much of it as you can before you have to resort to super expensive scalpers on Ebay etc.

[@deim]

I think that if fuji notices the demand, they can produce more. I'm sure the machines are still there. :) But the fact is most people don't even know what peel apart is and that they can buy great looking cameras for 50€.

[@Ruylopez778]

Sadly, it seems Fuji are only interested in instax and x series cameras. I heard they actually stopped making FP100C a long time ago [2012?], and just sold leftover stock. Impossible project tried to buy up the equipment from Fuji, but I think they couldn't reach an agreement. The scale that they produced the film in originally it was just not viable to continue with. Fuji jack up the price then complain about dropping demand.

[@derbagger22]

Hi! The future here. I'm about to get an Instax Mini Evo hybrid.

[@Tomcat4701]

I can already see the amount of comments reminding us what the D in DPReview stands for...

[@jamesbamford9696]

Wow this was heaps useful, thanks! Hope you do another one.

[@k.tanaka8979]

Thanks very much for this review, guys! I’m an old instant film shooter from way back and still shoot some SX70 and Land (folding) camera stuff. But I’ve not used any of the Fuji cameras. This was very informative. p.s. Love your work. It’s the best video reviews/ previews on the Internet. Really.

[@nikkipedro]

Loved the video, Chris/Jordan. I thought I wasn't interested in film anymore but I found myself lusting after the Mint. Very cool. The larger format instant camera comparison would be interesting. Thanks.

[@funtrain23]

I would love to see more videos about instant film cameras, be it old models and new higher end products, as well as the best way to turn them into digital. Maybe do more videos on film cameras, as well. Thanks! Love your works!

[@DustinBKerensky97]

I thought we hit "peak hipster" with the Leica instant camera but I'd never seen the Mint Instaflex TL70 before. Can you imagine being at a party, somebody says "Let me take a quick Polaroid of everybody!" and they whip out this thing? I guarantee anybody who owns one only listens to vinyl and spends all the time they're not taking pics with the Instaflex lecturing you about the superiority of Analog sound, and the differences of various hops in craft beers they buy from a guy "out of state".

[@kian8382]

nice to see the little Chris there, is he doing photography like his father?

[@WYCAN]

I’ll tell everyone the most frustrating (and stupid) design oversight about the sq6. This probably didn’t occur to reviewers because they were using it at an indoor party. You cannot adjust the focus range with exposure compensation i.e. if you are outside during the day and needs to do landscape mode -1, well, tough sh*t. Or if you are doing macro in the shade and needs to boost the exposure to +1, you can’t. On s90 the controls for exposure compensation is independent of focus range. On sq6 they all belong to the mode on the top row, and you can only select one at a time. How did I find out? Well I was shooting some calla lilies in my backyard after I got my sq6 and wanted to try the macro mode. Callac lilies are pure white with a yellow center and my first shot is obviously overexposed. When I try to adjust it, I basically froze dumbstruck for a few seconds after realizing the stupidity. Ps. I own mini s90, wide 300, sq10, lomo’instant square, and the sq6 so I know what I am talking about.

[@penchiselcamera]

Can’t wait for the Ektachrome video.

[@MartinCHorowitz]

I got my 10 yr old cousin a Digital camera with built in printer, she loves it, only prints what she wants and her mom can transfer pics to her phone to post online. A lot less wastage than the analog camera.

[@juanmelgar152]

You just saved me lots of money. Thank you

[@mkelveallday]

So which one should I buy?

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

A tiki party in Alberta... now I've seen it all! ;) Those Fuji cameras are sexy...

[@MyJeanf]

Great video guys still enjoying the Chris and Jordan videos

[@Rationalific]

I looked up the Polaroid SLR-670 series (shown at the end of the video). I thought the website was a parody page. It has a breakthrough technology called "Time Machine". _"Time Machine allows you to adjust the shutter speed of your SLR670m and SLR670-S manually. It's a never-seen-before technological breakthrough with 16 different manual magic settings including B mode."_ The breakthrough "magic" technology of the future known as "Time Machine" is a regular camera set on "S" mode with a Bulb setting... "S"MH.

[@teleaddict23]

I’m sure that my instant photos from the 80s look better than the ones we get today. Kodak used to make some great instant cameras until Polaroid sued them. I still think the best format today is Instant wide, despite the camera being a brick.

[@Ranblv]

congrats on 100k subs. as for camera with cellphone connection to something like sony rx-100 online is much more instant to me than film/insta

[@dangernba]

I still din't get the point with this weird cameras. Digital photography is marvelous.

[@GoA7250]

You want instant with flexible creativity.. Go the Diana F+ with instaback and deluxe kit that allows 35mm, 120 and install film. Come with 135mm, 75mm, 35mm wide and 28mm fisheye lens with f 8,11,16 and f150 pinhole with speed 1/100th and Bulb cable release and centre tripod mount... wining..

[@xmlthegreat]

Just tell us which has the most manual controls. That would be my first pick. The next most important factor would be the lens to me. I've been looking at Instax for some time now, and this video was helpful. I'll wait for that article before buying anything though.

[@GiantParfait]

11:35 so glad I'm not the only one bothered by where the label/space is haha

[@monodistortion]

Great review! I'd like to see your opinion on the Mint RF-70 too. Expensive, but the only serious camera for instant photographers being made now.

[@TioCzarnemi1234russo]

Wow, i guess im the only kid from 2000's that want this cameras.

[@seanimal3]

Do the larger formats as well

[@ljdelacrux]

Great video! I've got the SQ6 and I do agree on the parallax issue and I'm tryna get more practice with it. Looking forward to the next video!

[@rjsvids]

pro Tip, macro Mod in every instant cameras will be paralax , even the most expensive ones, so its better to shot without the viewfinder, way better results

[@MichaelRicci]

I have been wanting an instant camera for a while but want a comparison of larger formats like Instax wide

[@greysuit17]

Dig this video! Love instant film more vids like this would be great.

[@olivergoldvalente]

Do another! love this format

[@MrBilliam]

I'd love to see a compare and contrast to the instant printers...which give you the flexibility to print AND post.

[@juhanyman1802]

I've been tempted to buy one of these just for fun, but man it really is expensive to take photographs with these things.. fuji instant mini film costs 15 euros per 10 pieces here

[@Arcsecant]

I'm waiting till the Instax video camera comes out.

[@trekofjoy]

Do a larger format review! Also, try a Key Lime Pie Martini for a different twist on a tropical beverage.

[@jpkosoltrakul]

I guess the SQ-6 has that stupid placed shutter button, because it meant to be a selfie camera. It has a tiny mirror on the side of the lens for framing yourself. Then use your thumb to press the stupid shutter button.

[@nickslens]

I've been using the Polaroid Snap for a while. I like it and it definitely has some advantages.

[@xmlthegreat]

Nick D. Johanson it's not true analogue though. Instax is actually analogue. And that's what I'm interested in.

[@nickslens]

Nope it's definitely different. But it's perfect for me.

[@YTCGFIS]

The Sofort is Leica designed and has a LEICA LENS! You can see it right in your own image examples, closer to tack sharp and better color rendition.. Sheesh you canucks. Still a good video man.

[@OutlawFarmersRC]

Should of reviewed the new Instax square printer and seen how good phone camera compares. what a missed opportunity!

[@scoopdecoop]

great review, love these cameras but hate the small photo they produce. I bought a 2nd hand polaroid but it never focuses and am looking for something better. would love to see the larger formats compared

[@jesusfreaklol1]

please do the larger formats im having the hardest time choosing between the sq6 and the wide 300

[@DeepakKumar-yy4bl]

Instant camera with wide aperture lens could be popular as low light photos will come out better exposed without much flash. Nobody is going to mind shallow depth of field.

[@xXxLax4LifexXx]

So helpful

[@PlamenPanchevStudios]

I'd love to see the larger formats! #Thanks!

[@RobertHalvarsson]

Great vid!

[@funtrain23]

I think you can use instant film on old medium format cameras, which is a great genre. Maybe you can do a show or two on them. If you're going to shoot film, might as well be medium format, right? I think you're touching on the realm of Lomography here, which is another fun areas to get into. Using instant film to create interesting effects is another thing to explore. The fun is almost endless?

[@JJJ-yn2il]

really nice and fun review. thx.

[@mohre5911]

I bought the TL70 a year ago. Love the camera, but struggling with the same issues you've mentioned. I'll be in Hong Kong next April and thinking about visiting the Mint shop to buy the SLR670 s classic. It would be awesome if you could also make a review of this camera ....for example compared to the sx70 etc. Thank you 😊

[@gailgranberry238]

If you could compare instant film printers too, that’d be awesome!

[@danahclerissefajardo-togad7578]

Thanks for this great review. Was planning to buy sq6, but then I changed my mind. Better to buy printer so I can choose the best shot to print. ❤️

[@GeneWaddle]

Just like all forms of film photography, I didn't like it when it was the only thing there was and don't care for it now. One thing that hasn't changed about instant photography is the high cost. I'll stick with my digital. 🙂

[@bodkinsbestphotography]

Could you guys review the Tamron G2 150-600 at some point? That'd be great.

[@kenwheelersconscience4113]

Did you think the Instax was less buggy than the XH-1?

[@taylorgilmore9427]

Great video you guys