Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Instant Film Camera

Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Instant Film Camera Specifications

The Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Instant Film Camera is more than just a camera—it’s your gateway to capturing memories in a fun, fast, and tangible way, combining playful design with advanced ease-of-use features that make instant photography truly effortless. Designed for anyone who loves spontaneous moments, from teens snapping selfies to families documenting everyday adventures, the Mini 12 offers a seamless twist-and-shoot operation that powers the camera on with a simple turn of the lens, while an additional twist activates the dedicated Close-Up mode, perfect for sharp portraits and detailed shots within 30–50 cm.

Unlike standard instant cameras that often leave users guessing, this model features intelligent automatic exposure and flash control that instantly adapts to lighting conditions, ensuring that every photo is bright, balanced, and full of life whether you’re indoors at a party, outdoors under the sun, or capturing low-light nighttime memories. Equipped with a 60 mm fixed lens at f/12.7 aperture, a variable shutter speed range from 1/2 to 1/250 seconds, and a real-image optical viewfinder with 0.37× magnification, it guarantees reliable framing and sharpness without requiring any photography expertise. The built-in flash, with a recycle time of about seven seconds and an effective range of 0.3 to 2.2 meters, automatically adjusts for both standard and close-up shots, meaning you’ll never miss the perfect exposure no matter the setting.

Adding to its selfie-ready appeal, the INSTAX Mini 12 includes a built-in mirror beside the lens, making self-portraits quick, fun, and well-framed—an essential feature in today’s social-sharing culture. Beyond its user-friendly performance, Fujifilm has designed the Mini 12 with a distinctive inflated, pastel-colored body available in Clay White, Lilac Purple, Mint Green, Blossom Pink, and Pastel Blue, ensuring it’s as stylish as it is practical. Its compact size (104 × 66.6 × 122 mm) and lightweight build (just 306 g without film or batteries) make it the ultimate travel companion, ready to slip into a bag and accompany you to festivals, weddings, road trips, or casual hangouts. Powered by two standard AA batteries, the camera can shoot approximately 100 exposures (or ten packs of INSTAX Mini film) on a single set, with each photo developing fully in about 90 seconds, so your prints come to life right before your eyes.

For added convenience, it includes a film counter and pack confirmation window so you’ll always know when it’s time to reload, while its auto power-off feature saves energy by shutting down after five minutes of inactivity. Unlike many competitors, the Mini 12 also incorporates parallax correction in close-up mode, adjusting the viewfinder to ensure that what you see is truly what you capture—an often-overlooked detail that makes a huge difference in framing accuracy. Backed by Fujifilm’s reputation for quality instant photography, this camera isn’t just about fun; it’s about dependability, precision, and delivering consistently vibrant images that digital filters can’t replicate. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a reliable companion for documenting travel, or a creative tool for events and scrapbooks, the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 stands out as the ultimate choice, blending affordability, user-friendly design, and award-winning aesthetics (recognized by the Red Dot and iF Design Awards) into a product that outshines alternatives in its category. Don’t settle for ordinary smartphone snapshots—choose the INSTAX Mini 12 and transform every fleeting moment into a lasting, tangible keepsake you can share, display, or treasure for years to come.

Features:

Twist-to-Operate Simplicity

The INSTAX Mini 12 has been engineered with user convenience at its core, featuring a twist-to-operate design that eliminates complicated startup processes. A simple twist of the lens barrel powers the camera on, while an additional twist activates the Close-Up mode. This intuitive design ensures that even first-time users can confidently handle the camera without studying lengthy manuals, making it ideal for social gatherings, travel, or quick spontaneous shots. Unlike digital cameras with multiple menus or older instant models with switches and dials, this streamlined system prioritizes speed and simplicity so you never miss a moment.

Automatic Exposure for Perfectly Balanced Shots

One of the biggest frustrations with instant film photography is inconsistent exposure, but the INSTAX Mini 12 solves this with built-in automatic exposure control. The camera intelligently evaluates the available light and adjusts shutter speed and flash output accordingly. This means you don’t have to fiddle with settings or worry about washed-out photos in bright daylight or underexposed images indoors. Whether you’re shooting at a birthday party, in a dimly lit restaurant, or outside in natural sunlight, the Mini 12 ensures consistently bright and vibrant results, giving beginners and casual users the confidence to shoot without hesitation.

Intelligent Flash System with Wide Range

The INSTAX Mini 12 is equipped with a built-in flash that automatically adapts to your surroundings. With an effective range of 0.3 to 2.2 meters and a recycle time of just seven seconds, the flash ensures that subjects remain well lit without overwhelming the shot. In Close-Up mode, the flash adjusts seamlessly to prevent harsh lighting, resulting in natural-looking portraits and close-range photos. Since the flash fires automatically when needed, you can focus solely on composition while the camera guarantees that your images are correctly illuminated, whether indoors or outdoors.

Close-Up Mode with Parallax Correction

For portraits, product shots, or any subject within 30 to 50 cm, the INSTAX Mini 12 offers a dedicated Close-Up mode. What sets it apart from other entry-level instant cameras is the built-in parallax correction, which adjusts the viewfinder to align more accurately with the lens when shooting up close. This significantly improves framing precision, eliminating the common issue of cut-off heads or misaligned compositions seen in other instant models. With this feature, the Mini 12 becomes a dependable tool for selfies, crafts, food photography, and any creative project that benefits from accurate close-up imaging.

Built-in Selfie Mirror for Easy Framing

Selfie lovers will appreciate the thoughtfully integrated mirror located right beside the lens. Unlike digital screens that only preview shots, this physical mirror gives you a reliable way to compose self-portraits before pressing the shutter. When combined with the Close-Up mode and automatic flash control, the mirror ensures selfies are sharp, well-lit, and correctly framed. This makes the INSTAX Mini 12 an essential companion for parties, group photos, or solo adventures, where capturing a great selfie quickly is a top priority.

Compact and Lightweight Design

Measuring just 104 × 66.6 × 122 mm and weighing only 306 g without film or batteries, the INSTAX Mini 12 is both compact and lightweight. This portability makes it an excellent option for on-the-go photographers who want a fun, creative way to capture memories without being weighed down by heavy gear. The camera easily fits into a small bag or backpack, making it perfect for vacations, festivals, or daily outings. Its portability ensures you always have it within reach whenever inspiration strikes.

Stylish Pastel Color Options

In addition to functionality, the INSTAX Mini 12 stands out visually with its range of trendy pastel color finishes. Available in Clay White, Mint Green, Blossom Pink, Lilac Purple, and Pastel Blue, the design has an inflated, rounded look that’s fun and approachable. Fujifilm’s attention to aesthetics makes the Mini 12 not only a photography tool but also a fashion accessory. Recognized with design awards such as the Red Dot and iF Design Awards, its playful appearance is just as much a reason to own it as its performance.

Reliable Power with Long Battery Life

Powered by two standard AA batteries, the INSTAX Mini 12 is convenient and cost-effective. On a single set, it can shoot approximately 100 exposures, or about 10 packs of INSTAX Mini film. This makes it dependable for longer trips or events without needing frequent battery changes. Since AA batteries are readily available worldwide, users won’t have to worry about finding specialized chargers or proprietary battery packs, making the Mini 12 more practical compared to some competitors.

Fast Print Development in 90 Seconds

Part of the fun of instant photography is watching the photo appear in front of your eyes, and the INSTAX Mini 12 delivers fully developed prints in about 90 seconds. This fast development time adds excitement to the shooting process, letting users share tangible prints almost immediately. Unlike digital photos that often get buried in phone galleries, instant prints encourage sharing, gifting, or displaying on the spot, making every capture more meaningful and memorable.

Award-Winning Build Quality

Beyond its usability and design, the INSTAX Mini 12 has received recognition from global design organizations, winning both the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award. These accolades highlight Fujifilm’s dedication to combining form and function in a camera that’s not only easy to use but also visually appealing and robust enough for everyday use. Customers purchasing the Mini 12 can feel reassured that they’re investing in a product that has been validated by industry experts for its excellence in design and usability.

• Casual Everyday Photography – Capture fun, spontaneous moments with friends, family, or pets.
• Selfies & Group Photos – Use the built-in selfie mirror and close-up mode for well-framed portraits.
• Travel & Adventure – Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry for vacations, road trips, and outdoor activities.
• Parties & Social Gatherings – Instantly print photos to share as keepsakes at birthdays, weddings, and celebrations.
• Creative Scrapbooking & Journaling – Add instant prints to journals, diaries, and craft projects for a personal touch.
• Gifting & Memorabilia – Hand out printed photos as souvenirs to friends, guests, or clients at events.
• Event Photography – Ideal for weddings, baby showers, graduations, and corporate events where guests can leave with tangible memories.
• DIY Projects & Décor – Create wall collages, photo garlands, or mood boards with instant prints.
• Educational Use – Teachers and students can use it for visual projects, field trips, or documenting classroom activities.
• Photography Practice for Beginners – Learn the basics of composition and framing without technical distractions.

Pros

• Simple twist-to-operate design makes it beginner-friendly
• Automatic exposure and flash control for consistently bright prints
• Close-Up Mode with parallax correction improves framing accuracy
• Built-in selfie mirror for easy self-portraits
• Compact and lightweight body, easy to carry anywhere
• Fun, stylish pastel color options to suit different personalities
• Affordable entry point into instant film photography
• Long battery life (approx. 100 shots on two AA batteries)
• Quick print development in about 90 seconds
• Award-winning design recognized by Red Dot and iF Design Awards

Cons

• No manual exposure, aperture, or shutter control for advanced users
• Built-in flash cannot be turned off, limiting flexibility in bright light
• No self-timer function for group shots without a photographer
• No tripod mount or remote shutter option for stabilized shooting
• Fixed focus lens limits creative depth-of-field options
• Image quality can sometimes be inconsistent in extremely bright conditions
• Uses disposable AA batteries instead of rechargeable options
• No advanced shooting modes like double exposure or bulb mode
• Optical viewfinder prone to slight framing errors outside close-up mode
• Requires purchasing film packs regularly, adding to ongoing costs

Discover the Essential Features of the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Instant Film Camera

• Supports INSTAX MINI Instant Film
• Fujinon 60mm Lens with Selfie Mirror
• Bright Images with Automatic Exposure
• Perfect for Close-Up Shots
• Optical Viewfinder
• Two AA Batteries

• Product Name Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Instant Film Camera
• Product Type Instant film camera (point-and-shoot)
• Film Format INSTAX mini instant film (10 shots/pack)
• Image Area 62 × 46 mm (on 86 × 54 mm credit-card-size film)
• Lens 60 mm fixed, 2 elements in 2 groups
• Maximum Aperture f/12.7 (fixed)
• Focusing Fixed focus; Standard: ~0.5 m to ∞, Close-Up Mode: 0.3–0.5 m
• Close-Up Mode Twist to engage; 30–50 cm focus range with parallax correction
• Viewfinder Real-image optical finder, approx. 0.37× magnification
• Parallax Correction Automatic correction in Close-Up Mode for improved framing
• Selfie Aid Built-in selfie mirror adjacent to the lens
• Shutter Speed Automatic, approx. 1/2 s to 1/250 s (scene-dependent)
• Exposure Control Fully automatic (camera measures ambient light)
• Flash Built-in, automatic firing and output control
• Flash Range Approx. 0.3 m to 2.2 m
• Flash Recycle Time Approx. 7 seconds (typical)
• Print Development Time Approx. 90 seconds to fully develop (temperature-dependent)
• Film Handling Film counter and film pack confirmation window
• Power 2 × AA (LR6) alkaline batteries
• Battery Life Approx. 100 exposures (about 10 film packs) per set of batteries
• Auto Power-Off Powers down after approx. 5 minutes of inactivity
• Operation Twist-to-power ON/OFF; twist further for Close-Up Mode
• Dimensions (H × D × W) 104 × 66.6 × 122 mm
• Weight Approx. 306 g (without batteries, strap, and film)
• Body Colors Clay White, Lilac Purple, Mint Green, Blossom Pink, Pastel Blue
• Included Items Camera body, wrist strap, instruction manual; trial AA batteries (region-dependent); interchangeable shutter button caps (region-dependent); bundled film only where specified by retailer
• Companion App Optional INSTAX UP! app for scanning, organizing, and sharing prints
• Design Recognition Red Dot Design Award and iF Design Award (model line distinction)

What's Included in the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 Instant Film Camera

• Fuji INSTAX Mini 12 Instant Film Camera (Blossom Pink, Clay White, Lilac Purple, Mint Green, or Pastel Blue)
• 2 x AA Battery
• Limited Warranty on the Mini 12

What film does the Fujifilm INSTAX Mini 12 use?

The INSTAX Mini 12 uses Fujifilm INSTAX mini instant film (credit-card size, 86 × 54 mm) with an image area of approximately 62 × 46 mm. Each cartridge contains 10 shots.

How do I turn the camera on and access Close-Up Mode?

Twist the lens barrel once to power the camera on. Twist a second time to engage Close-Up Mode (30–50 cm focus range) with parallax-corrected framing for tighter, more accurate compositions.

Is exposure automatic, and can I change settings manually?

Exposure is fully automatic. The camera meters the scene and sets shutter speed and flash output for you. There are no manual controls for shutter, aperture, or ISO.

What are the shutter speeds on the INSTAX Mini 12?

The camera automatically varies shutter speed from approximately 1/2 s to 1/250 s depending on lighting conditions. You don’t need to set this yourself.

Can I switch the flash off?

No. The built-in flash is automatic and cannot be disabled. It adjusts output for both standard shooting and Close-Up Mode to help avoid under/overexposure.

How long do prints take to develop?

Prints typically become fully developed in about 90 seconds. Avoid bending, flexing, or shaking the film during development and keep it shielded from extreme temperatures.

What batteries does it use and how long do they last?

The camera uses 2 × AA (LR6) alkaline batteries. A fresh set typically yields around 100 shots (about 10 film packs), depending on temperature and flash usage.

Does the Mini 12 have a selfie mirror or timer?

Yes to the mirror—there’s a small reflective mirror next to the lens to help frame selfies. There is no built-in self-timer.

Is there a tripod socket or remote release?

No. The INSTAX Mini 12 does not include a tripod thread or remote/cable release. For steadier shots, brace the camera against a stable surface when possible.

Can I print photos from my phone with this camera?

No. The Mini 12 is a purely analog instant camera. To print phone photos on INSTAX mini film, use an INSTAX mini smartphone printer (sold separately).

What’s different between the Mini 12 and the Mini 11?

The Mini 12 refines ergonomics and operation with a twist-to-operate lens, improved Close-Up Mode with parallax correction, and updated design/colors while keeping the same easy, automatic shooting ethos.

How should I store INSTAX film?

Keep unopened film in a cool, dry place and use before the expiration date. After shooting, store developed prints away from direct sunlight, high heat, and humidity to minimize fading.

What accessories come in the box?

Typical box contents include the camera, a wrist strap, and a user manual. AA batteries and film may be included depending on the retailer or regional bundle.

Does the camera imprint dates or support double exposures?

No. The Mini 12 does not imprint date/time on prints and does not support multiple/double exposure modes.

Is there an app for the Mini 12?

While the camera itself is fully analog, you can use the optional INSTAX UP! app to scan, organize, and share your INSTAX prints digitally after shooting.

Any tips for better low-light photos?

Stand within the flash range (about 0.3–2.2 m), hold the camera steady during exposure, and use Close-Up Mode for near subjects. Avoid backlighting strong light sources directly behind your subject.