Fujifilm INSTAX Wide 400 Camera - Review and Setup Guide

[@SergevanNeck]

Quick correction, Chris, they're not the only Instax Wide format cameras on the market. Lomography makes the Lomo'Instant Wide in various editions, and they're quite good. They also have more controls such as the ability to switch the flash off, unlimited multiple exposures, and +1/-1 EV exposure compensation.

[@pal2tech]

Oops! You’re absolutely right!! My mistake. I’d actually like to check that one out as well. I’ll pin this one to the top so others can see it. Thanks for letting me know! 👍

[@SergevanNeck]

@kwccoin3115 When you say "not professional enough" and "total waste of time", I hope you're referring to the camera, and not Chris' review of it. I've been a pal2tech follower for years, and while I think Chris' reviews are always entertaining, he can absolutely NOT be accused of not being professional, even when he's reviewing something that is not generally considered a "serious" photography tool. Chris puts countless hours and even more countless dollars into producing this stuff, and his reviews are always conducted in the most thorough and professional manner. I for one appreciated him putting this camera through its paces so I could see for myself whether it's worth buying. As a fine art photographer, I think ALL photography tools can be serious-I have two Instax cameras myself that I use artistically as well as just for fun, not to mention a couple of Holgas. That said, I have no interest in this particular camera because it doesn't offer much in the way of creative control. It's definitely geared toward the point-and-shoot crowd, and as such it has a market, it's just not for me (the Lomo'Instant is more my game for reasons I indicated above). And as someone else here mentioned, I also wish Fuji would make a square or wide version of the mini 99.

[@SergevanNeck]

@@pal2tech I recently bought the Lomo'Instant Square Glass Pigalle edition (I admit it was the color that did it for me). There's tons of reviews out there, most of which claim it's a temperamental beast that wastes a lot of film. The worst reviews, oddly enough, are by professional photographers who normally shoot with expensive digital equipment, or premium film cameras like Hasselblad. Well, it ain't no Hassy, but I was able to get consistently decent prints from it pretty much right away, so I think it's just where you set your expectations, and making sure to take mental note of how it handles exposure. (I think some reviewers never really took it seriously and therefore didn't commit to learning how to operate it.) Once you have that down, it's an amazing creative tool, especially with the splitzer attachment and unlimited multiple exposures. Another cool thing about the Lomo'Instant Square is that it comes with a mini back so you can also shoot Instax mini.

[@lelandfitz1762]

I thought about that, too. Yet, the weird existence of Instax film, Instax cameras and Instant cameras that take Instax film allows for a lot of leeway here LOL One could say that in fact it IS the only Instax Wide camera (made by Instax).

[@rokosoldat9912]

@@pal2tech it got some more creature-comfort gadgets than the Wide 300 (that just got discontinued), but photo quality is a bit worse in some situations depending on brightness/leaks. would recommend reviewing you it in a versus mode against the Wide 400. My 2 cents.

[@vanauxilio1972]

Love this. Very educational. Very easy to understand for audiences who aren’t adept in photography.

[@nerucheung]

I still have the Instax 100 from 1999 from my dad, still works like a champ

[@vtg1800]

I feel back to 1990s, how beautiful this camera for my room ♥

[@Renomartisan]

I can't believe it, it is amazing. I need this camera right away.

[@ParallaxMY]

I probably won't need an Instax camera for my needs, but I still enjoyed this video nonetheless. It's interesting to see people using a piece of tech I never own or use and share their thoughts on the matter. I always learn something new from it. 😊

[@andreabeccarisi1126]

Chris, what about the full review of the gfx 100s ii? We got your appetiser a month or so ago, but we want the main course now 😉

[@Mike0193Azul]

Was hoping it'd have more manual options such as the mini 99. Or even better if it had the features of Lomography and Mint Instax Wide cameras

[@Fluffymagicalbunny]

Looks really cool to me. I will probably pick one up. 😊 I love the look of it. I have the mini evo but want a wide format one. Thanks for the review!

[@godsguided]

7:08 a user in the instax Reddit forum created a 3D printed flash and lens cover that connects to their camera strap clip on the side thought it was the best fix to this problem ❤

[@samipso]

Not always having flash enabled increases the "why are my pictures black" claims. Fuji don't want to deal with that.

[@markaustin614]

Interesting...but how about Fuji0 gets some more X100VIs in the hands of those that want one?

[@dan.allen.digital]

I think you missed one key design change Chris. Fuji moved the viewfinder window from the left side in the Instax wide 300 to the right side on the Instax wide 400. This is a huge negative in my book. The Instax wide 300 is very natural to use for anyone that is used to shooting the x100v or xpro series cameras. I will not be buying the wide 400 but appreciate the nice video you made about it. I am sure this camera will be a good fit for some people.

[@kein4072]

Awesome video like always. What do you think about the fuji autofucs problems that seems became.a huge topic lately?

[@edcAdventures.]

Could fuji just make an upgraded version of the mini instax evo

[@utekopka7920]

I really like the painterly look of Fuji instax when shot manually. I have hacked an instax wide 300 for Mamiya Press lenses and also shot this film in a Polaroid 110a. My SX70 Alpha 1 has an exposure compensation and I really like that. But the temperature sensitivity of Polaroid is quite a hassle for me, and I am glad that instax doesn't have this issue.

[@reznoire]

This is pretty trivial, but I'm praying this comes out in more colours

[@GraffitiBlack]

Mines arriving tomorrow morning. Very excited

[@pashidelic]

Amazing video! cant wait to watch your other reviews!

[@pal2tech]

@@pashidelic thank you Pashi! 🙏

[@twoislanders-onetide]

Chris, please help me… I’ve had the Fuji X-T5 for a few months now and still can’t seem to save my custom settings. Is there a solution??? 😩 The ‘save the changes’ & ‘reset the changes’ options are greyed out.

[@AronjAnderson]

Great review Chris, “ it comes in one color GREEEEEEEN”😂

[@I922sParkCir]

It’s weird how much better the previous model (Wide 300) is than this newer model. More controls, and customization. That’s doesn’t make much sense to me. Also, 4 AA batteries, and you can’t use rechargeables!

[@alexdaze_]

Sorry for the offtopic, but I think this is the right place where I can get answers:) I have recently purchased X-S10 and wonder how to access exposure compensation settings in it. Other models have a dedicated dial for it, but X-S10 doesn't. And I guess X-S20 as well. I have tried searching for the answer on KZbin, but no luck. Maybe I checked wrong videos:) Would really appreciate your tips!

[@MrRenvo]

Is it the liplay2 then? because there was a LiPlay before the Evo came out

[@postbreak]

Wow, Instax Wide isn't dead. Can you believe it? I'm still working a 210 (although I have an RF70...).

[@MrRob1426]

Unfortunately this is a downgrade from the 210 other than a timer. I would rather have a little control over the exposure.

[@topbrew42]

Why not a small diffuser that clips over the flash?

[@Lukehot215]

Why! Why do they release a camera with no control on their most expensive film option.

[@lopsan457]

I was hoping for an upgrade, but it seems the 300 is still a better option. And cheaper too..

[@boyokos1]

Hello Chris, first of all a big thank you for your videos! My problem is that every time I use on my X-H2 the magnification to manually focus, the view finder and lcd screen gets at least 2 stops down and it gets very hard to focus! Specially for night scapes! If you have an idea PLEASE let me know. Cheers, Ioannis

[@gregpantelides1355]

Great video, Chris! :-)

[@michaelbell75]

We waited 10 years for a dumbed down, overpriced for what it is, Wide camera. The ancient 210 is a far better camera than this. Should have been a Wide version of the Mini 99. What a waste. Do better Fuji.

[@furstyferret81]

Agreed, I'm gutted as I love wide and 300 keeps having issues turning on!

[@furstyferret81]

Agreed, I'm gutted as I love wide and 300 keeps having issues turning on!

[@TheAndroidGamer367]

I don't think anyone was waiting for the new Instax wide. There isn't much demand Due to people loving the 300. If you dislike the 400 just get a 300 then.

[@TheAndroidGamer367]

​@@furstyferret81 You could try the new 400! Or maybe try to take it to a Photo shop and try to repair it.

[@michaelbell75]

@@TheAndroidGamer367 you obviously don’t pay attention. Go look on any 300 video, tons of people have been begging for an update for years

[@AlexMcDermott]

What focal length do you use to shoot your A roll?

[@jacksoncornbreadmcbride6763]

Hey Pal you're dropping the ball man. Where's our X-T50 review?

[@DirtyPlumbus]

If it was full frame, I might be interested.

[@moot6794]

I oddly like the way it looks, even though it could be mistaken for being 3D-printed.

[@BABA-ws5eo]

I still wish they would let us take a photo with any other fujifilm camera, and plug a wire/usb.... into an instax printer to print out a picture. (all without involving a smartphone/complicated interface.)

[@JapanLifeChronicles]

Me too. It's weird that they don't. I guess it's Fujifilm.

[@marekdrnak5915]

Actually with x series it's possible wirelessly, in menu you just insert serial number of Instax printer and there you go

[@JapanLifeChronicles]

@@marekdrnak5915 not with the x T4 already tried.

[@marekdrnak5915]

So you tried - went to menu Instax and inserted serial number of instax printer and it didn't work? What's wrong with that?

[@BABA-ws5eo]

@@marekdrnak5915 I heard that only works with the older printers. (from the related KZbin vids I've seen). I have not tried it myself.

[@Dark1Masta]

Does it have autofocus?

[@gd70]

Ok. With this release now we can finally say with confidence that yes, Fujifilm wants to kill the wide Instax format. 🤦‍♂️

[@GoodonSwitch]

Can that be used by my 21 month old son? 😅

[@JapanLifeChronicles]

I don't get why is it so much larger than the Polaroid from 30 years ago. The film is about the same size. 😅

[@josecolon8143]

It’s going to sell like bakery morning bread!

[@jcar4522]

But that thing can Focus?

[@marekdrnak5915]

It looks like 2 level fixed focus lens. 3rd level with additional lens for selfie.

[@jimfielder]

I’m sure someone will come up with a 3d printed flash cover soon.

[@martinpolivka9497]

The battery management is terrible, it absolutely refuses to work with rechargeable NiMh batteries. You might get 10-20 shots and then it won't power up anymore, even if the batteries are still good for a lot more. Fuji basically forces you to use non-rechargeable AA, completely ignoring any enviromental concerns. How Japanese of them! 😢

[@AnthonyKongSYD]

lol. you are branching into comedy! 😆

[@madfinntech]

So, you haven't seen one of his old videos where he pulled out the bleach from under the table? That was funny!

[@acquiredtoast]

Reminds me of Mamiya 7

[@VezVezar]

reminds of fujica gw690

[@REMY.C.]

The flash is a bump, I guess a 3d printing genius will offer us a flash cap.

[@alinabekh]

Це могла б бути шикарна камера. Але я бачу, що прибрали корисні функції по світлу, додали таймер і змінили дизайн

[@Bkbkbc9394]

It definitely does not worth for the wait They should've made EVO WIDE I don't understand why they delay it while there is such a demand of people. Furthermore the design is ugly, I will go for Lomo Instant Wide.

[@marekdrnak5915]

Why to buy this big and ugly camera, when you may have just smaller instax printer connected to your Fujifilm camera or mobile phone? And question - can this camera also work as instax printer? I mean to connect to that with phone having an app installed and print or with another Fujifilm camera. if it works lika this, then I would understand to buy this as instant printer with ability to take pictures too.

[@furstyferret81]

Why shoot film when you can use your phone and edit it to look like film, instax isn't for you...

[@TungstenOvergaard]

This product is at the level of the Instax Pal. I don’t understand Fuji…

[@robertgrenader858]

The descendants of Edwin H. Land are now thinking, "why didn't we think of this?"

[@jonnyboy8000]

Yet again, Fuji treats the instax wide buyer as a fool not one to buy in fact if they gave me one free, I’d kick it to the curb. 25 years of being instax wide buyer. I can truly say Fuji you are missing a great big section of people who want what you have in the mini 99 but in a bigger format, when is this going to sync into your brains? You spend millions on R&D and you produce something that is worse than the original 25 years ago, sorry you ain’t getting my money

[@meyou58]

Nope!

[@lelandfitz1762]

The attachment lens should've been built in. No evolution on the lens or built at all. Fuji is lazy. That's basically a facelift only. Not complaining about Instax overall, just begs the question why this is marketed as a "new" camera when it basically has less features and a little different design.

[@settispaghetti2273]

Cheaper to produce, easier to use. Im getting one asap. I'm never going to match a flagship phone with my instant camera hobby, so why try? Experimentation with cheap tools is more fun than learning how to maximize the use out of sophisticated hardware. imho, ur take is perfectly valid.

[@lelandfitz1762]

@@settispaghetti2273 I'm all with you here. I have an Instax Mini myself and I shoot film. Taking pictures by itself is largly a waste of time and money. So those who preach digital only kinda lie to themselves, because why get all that expensive gear, when a phone or old point and shoot would suffice? Just to get my point across if it might have been mistaken: The things I critize are parts of the camera that simply weren't made better for this model. Parts that have been incorporated in other Instax format cameras. Twist the lens once more and you got Macro, thats on my Mini 99. Why make a "new" model if basically all you do is a facelift of the design and taking away of exposure compensation and optional flash? With the new light meter and forced flash Instax wants to guarantee acceptable pictures every time. That's a way to more sophisticated hardware and software. This model is totally stripped down to even more ease of use. So I just think it's a missed opportunity to also make the macro lens inside the lens. Fuji makes over 60% of their revenue with Instax. I'm just a little dissapointed with how little care they put into their strongest asset.

[@kaziqmaziq6703]

C R A P but funny :)

[@furstyferret81]

Dont buy this get the 300, unless your really bothered by the looks of it. Poor effort Fuji! 👎🏻

[@mavieskizz]

Thanks for the review. The camera design is terrible and the material looks cheap. It's hard to believe that Fuji will produce this camera. It would be better if they stopped producing while they still had the chance.

[@cristiabc1310]

In era of digital cams this is more a gimick camera from the past with all the disadvantages of an analogue one. Just waste of earth ressources.

[@pdp11]

You are a waste of resources.