MiNT TL70 Instax Mini Camera in 2020, Two Year Review: 3,000 Shots Later

[@DixonLu]

For those looking at this camera, the cons: 1) More expensive than the cheap plastic Fujifilm cameras. The premium is for the lens and metal construction. 2) Exposure consistency takes time to master (watch Robert's various videos). 3) The focus magnifying glass could be easier to get to. Currently awkward. 4) There is no shutter release cable for using this in bulb mode. 5) Not easy to use in landscape orientation.

[@bakasahara1213]

Tbh the price of one of this really is cheaper than a lot of new lenses (without the body), with no digital tlr (I understand digital tlr makes 0 sense), this is actually a very good way to get a different experience.

[@Smaug1]

It DOES look like fun, but four hunge for an Instax Mini camera is a bit hard to swallow. The extra several hundred dollars could buy a LOT of Instax film for an Instax Wide, for example...

[@AimShootDevelop]

I love how you say that you use it to promote business, I don’t think people realize the power a photo can really leave a lasting impression on someone! Good video on a great camera!

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video. I love the TL70. It's a great way to make a connection.

[@villagranvicent]

Waiting for a proper Instax square version of this.

[@monmioamio]

👌🏻Great video. Don’t have the TL70 but have the #RF70. Gary and his team are great. ✌🏻

[@RobertHamm]

How cool. Yeah, Team MiNT is pretty great.

[@ManuelBianchiBooks]

Hey, good to hear you're actually alive. Hope you or your friends and relatives aren't suffering from Covid-19. Are there any news on the Nubox project?

[@johnnygrenda8365]

Absolutely love your videos on this camera. Whereabouts did you get that camera strap for it?

[@RobertHamm]

Thanks. I made it.

[@johnnygrenda8365]

@@RobertHamm Wow. Great job. I'd happily buy one. It really finishes the look of the camera well.

[@RobertHamm]

Just go to home Depot and pick up some black and white tan or brown Paracord and braid one. Maybe 10 bucks and you can braid 100 ' of them 😂

[@PilotPhteven]

I did get one today secondhand for cheap! (only 155 bucks) can't wait to try it out. it is the "first generation" though. But I will do the 2.0 viewfinder upgrade on it. Also got 2-3 old polaroid camera's. they won't be my main camera, but I do love the idea of having it as an extra camera or enjoy the challenge of the instant format.

[@kingdavidcoffee]

Hi Robert, Here's my question. After viewing your videos of this camera and speaking with Mint directly I'm wondering if you feel it's worth it to buy the Rollei version? It has a different and brighter viewfinder plus enhanced quality control by Rollie. Mint offers it directly also. At the price point it's not a big deal to pay an extra $78 if there is a distinct advantage. What are your thoughts? I greatly appreciate the time and effort you have put in the last couple of years with several videos of this camera. Be well and stay safe. Oh, one more question. Did you try the monochrome film? I love monochrome but I don't see any value packs around.

[@RobertHamm]

Hey, thanks for your comment. I appreciate the interaction. Please share the video with others if you found it helpful. About the upgrades from the MiNT TL70 2.0... I can't say for sure because I don't have one myself, nor do I know anyone that does. However, I do believe that Rollei was providing the production- or at least aiding in the production via their camera making experience- in order to bolster the Rollei version. I have no official information about this, but I seem to remember hearing something like this when the project was first announced. Concerning the brighter viewfinder... can't confirm that either. The 2.0 version of Mint's camera is really bright. Also, in regards to the lens, a possible redesign; maybe. The lens on both of my units is very sharp. I checked Rollei's website and they are doing everything they can to not talk about the MiNT TL70 2.0- probably because they are almost if not completely identical. Otherwise, I would think they would discuss that their camera is built upon the TL70 platform but just upgraded. Because they don't do that, it leads me to think they are very similar. From my quick glance at Rollei's website (to better answer your question, and through searching my memories of the project when it began, I feel that whatever upgrades are present are actually more in the mind than the substance. If you are asking me which is better, I would suggest you purchase the 2.0 from Mint. If my only reason was their "free film for life" program, then that would be enough. It's not my only reason, though. The people at Mint camera- Gary, Jo, Tracey, Ming... they are wonderful people. I can't tell you enough about them. There are like, 18 people that make the magic at Mint Camera happen, and I would suggest that you support them. They are going to be with you through it all. If you are worried about the construction, don't be. They will fix whatever needs fixing. Most of their products have multi-year warranties. The first camera I got from them did have a film eject issue. They fixed it right away because that's who they are as a company, not because I was reviewing their camera. I've taken 3k+ shots with the new one they sent me two years ago and it's still going strong. So, the decision is up to you. I would reach out to Gary at Mint camera on Instagram and say hi. Also, if you decide to get the camera, and you feel my thoughts have been helpful, please use the Amazon links in the description to grab your camera and film. It will be very helpful to me and I would appreciate it. Let me know which you decide to get. I'd like to know how your instant TLR journey turns out. Cheers! MiNT TL70 My Favorite Instax Mini Camera: amzn.to/2SQxbIJ Instax MINI 60 sheet Value Pack: amzn.to/3fyK8Ra

[@kingdavidcoffee]

Have you tried monochrome instax and are you aware of any good multi pack deals? I only see one or 2 pack deals online and it’s more than the color film. Thanks again.

[@RobertHamm]

Yes. I have used it. It works great. I don't buy it often because I have never seen it in a value pack. So I don't buy it very often. If it were sold in a value pack, I would use it a lot more. Cheers.

[@shewearsfunnyhat]

I had the same question. I am just getting into photography. I enjoy taking photos with my phone. I fell in love with the look of the TLR when I was in high school a little over 20 years ago. I like instant film because it gives almost immediate feedback.

[@sindbadsailor7868]

Hey it’s really nice video... i never use TLR camera like that before... so if it produces always vertical orientation format when we’re using normally? So how do you create horizontal orientation format when using this camera?

[@Ni5ei]

You don't. The original design of this type of camera was meant to take square pictures. Someone had this idea to take a classic camera design and slap an Instax inside but since the size won't allow to fit an Instax Square inside they went with Mini. I can't take this format seriously. It's just too small and only suitable for "fun pictures". I wish Fuji would come up with some better hardware for the Instax Wide format but since Mini is so popular amongst kids and sales are great they seem to neglect the more serious format. Too bad.

[@brandonwilliams2799]

Is this the same as the rolleiflex instant kamera?

[@RobertHamm]

The short answer is yes. The long answer is still yes, but MiNT was first. The project started as a Mint camera using equipment owned by Ricoh and that turned out to be a huge positive. That's where th Rolleiflex branding comes into the picture, and updated Bright View viewfinder on the Mint Branded model. They are virtually identical when comparing the Mint V2 and Rolleiflex.

[@david_krause]

Hi, are you feeling about the tl70 in 2022? thanks

[@RobertHamm]

I love it. I would like to see an all manual model. It would be nice if a firmware was released to accomplish that OR update the meter, but it's still a great camera. There aren't really any challengers in this space. It has a learning curve, but once you get it, that's it. I love this camera. I also like the SX70. Between the two, I would get the SF70 because I like the square format and fully manual controls. But it's twice the price. So . There is that. Cheers.

[@RogerHyam]

How are you doing the landscape images? Surely not with the TL70!

[@RobertHamm]

Yes, absolutely. Just turn the camera sideways. It's tough, but it works.

[@albertogiavani75]

I cant stop buying cameras lol On my wishlist I only got the Minolta 110 slr and then Tl70, nons slr.

[@RobertHamm]

Two wonderful cameras. Good luck.

[@iralestari1038]

I want to buy an instax camera but I 'm still confusing. Would you recommend me an instax camera? I want to buy instax mini 90 but tl70 looks great too.

[@Ibibiogal]

I think it depends on what you want to shoot with it. I got the mini 90 for £30 on FB market place, a great place to find them as many people buy them for weddings and never use them again! The TL70 is very manual so not great for capturing quick shots/fleeting moments until you get used to the system. Get a mini 90. It's a great camera. See if you like it/instax, then upgrade if you still feel you want more control. My RF70 just arrived as I was typing this so now I'm off to gush over it. Hope that helped.

[@iralestari1038]

@@Ibibiogal Thank you ❣

[@davyckwong7561]

Can I use this without nd filters for outdoor photography? Thanks

[@RobertHamm]

Yes. Just set a smaller aperture if you notice your images are too bright. Generally, you will be around f16 or 22 outdoors with this camera.

[@davyckwong7561]

@@RobertHamm thanks for the reply Robert! Actually do you recommend this camera? You know this is a bit pricey than other instant camera , or the Lomo automat is good enough?

[@RobertHamm]

Yes, it is my favorite Instax mini film camera. Before you buy it, make sure to watch my roll review and master the meter videos. That will tell you everything you need to know to make a decision to buy. Cheers.

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

The Mini format is the only deal breaker to me, otherwise it would be amazing

[@RobertHamm]

I ysed to think so, and I woudl love one of these in Instax square.... but... I have been enjoying the polaroid go, and it's even smaller. Kind of cool if you ask me. I like them both. Cheers.

[@stuarttrenholm865]

No nu camera