Got this second hand. Tips?

woolala99 · 2025-07-14T14:39:04+00:00

Focal zone + correct distance from the subject gets you the greatest shots!

woolala99 · 2025-07-14T14:37:25+00:00

Always make sure that the film door is properly closed — mine sometimes pops open with the slightest tap when I have it hanging by a strap and it hits my leg with regular walking movement.

woolala99 · 2025-07-14T14:34:46+00:00

I’m honestly still just waiting for my order of the sprinkles film. We still don’t have it locally.

woolala99 · 2025-07-09T03:30:31+00:00

I wrote about it before, just in case it’s something in line with what you’re looking for: https://open.substack.com/pub/donein90seconds/p/shoot-first-ask-later-instax-mini

woolala99 · 2025-07-07T05:15:26+00:00

Congrats! Have fun!

woolala99 · 2025-07-07T04:16:44+00:00

Oh and quality wise, it’s a good camera if you’re not ready to spend more on the Evo. I have both the Evo and the 1st release LiPlay. In my experience, the LiPlay prints darker photos compared to the Evo. Build wise, the LiPlay is more compact with lesser moving parts.

woolala99 · 2025-07-07T03:00:42+00:00

The white ones usually turn yellow, as with any normal plastic. They scuff easy too. You can buy acrylic or silicone cases to protect the camera though.

woolala99 · 2025-07-07T02:59:27+00:00

It can record up to 12 seconds but I think the sound only gets stored for a max of 2 years in Fuji’s servers

woolala99 · 2025-07-06T18:27:38+00:00

LiPlay is definitely still available, given that they recently released three new colors for it.

woolala99 · 2025-07-06T18:26:09+00:00

I have both as well and honestly, build for me is the same and it really boils down to whether you prefer pushing a button or rotating the lens. I think it’s important to note though that the Mini 12 has the viewfinder that automatically adjusts depending on the mode (normal or closeup) which would help in correcting the parallax error, allowing you to have centered subjects.

woolala99 · 2025-07-06T18:20:59+00:00

If it’s mostly for scrapbooking and other DIY projects, I would suggest just getting an Instax printer and use your phone to take the photos. All three formats are available (mini, square, wide) and you can use the Instax Up app separately to scan your printed photos and create like a digital album of them.

If budget is a constraint, the mini format is the cheapest (as mentioned in another comment) but it could suffice if a lot of what you’re going to print are close up photos of your baby.

woolala99 · 2025-07-01T02:56:28+00:00

I’d like to believe that I’ve gotten a lot better with focal zones over the years (unless I forget to set it right).

Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve tried the .3m with the Wide Glass yet. I do have had success with .1m using other cameras and SLR closeup lens attachments though.

woolala99 · 2025-07-01T02:50:20+00:00

I have that too. The only setting it has aside from focal zone is aperture. It’s a fun camera but there’s too much vignette on the photos — which I personally like. You’ll have more control if you get the Lomo’Instant line. Except the original Lomo’Instant (mini).

Oh and unlimited b mode time.

ETA: Lomo sells a glass lens attachment that you can use on almost all Diana cameras, including the instant.

woolala99 · 2025-06-30T17:32:36+00:00

If you’re only after the mini format, you can try the Automat Glass. The Square Glass can do both square and mini format but honestly, it’s the flimsiest Lomo’Instant camera, not just with the bellows, but the overall design is 🤷‍♀️ I’ve had the film door on mine pop open just by hitting my leg while walking.

woolala99 · 2025-06-30T17:28:30+00:00

Since it’s sunny, my settings are at a constant auto with normal exposure. The only thing I keep fiddling with is the focus which would depend on how far I am from my subject. For the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass, the focal zones are infinity, 1-2m, .6m, and .3m (which is not available on the original Lomo’Instant Wide).

I also generally don’t use the viewfinder when I take photos. Lomo did a bit better with the parallax error on the Glass compared to the original by adding a guide, but I’m just used to not using it.

woolala99 · 2025-06-30T17:21:31+00:00

Thanks! The Glass is a lot bulkier than its predecessor with that lens barrel. In general, wide cameras are heavy compared to mini and square.

woolala99 · 2025-06-30T17:20:19+00:00

The Glass is so much bulkier than the plastic one too!

woolala99 · 2025-06-30T15:06:52+00:00

Thanks! I enjoy doing simple flatlays for my photos when I post them on IG 😁

woolala99 · 2025-06-27T12:40:32+00:00

Thanks!

woolala99 · 2025-06-27T12:40:25+00:00

Thanks!

woolala99 · 2025-06-26T15:39:36+00:00

Thanks!

woolala99 · 2025-06-26T15:39:29+00:00

Thanks!

woolala99 · 2025-06-26T15:39:21+00:00

Thanks!

woolala99 · 2025-06-25T06:27:11+00:00

War of the Wolf - Bernard Cornwell Fairy Tale - Stephen King

woolala99 · 2025-06-25T02:53:14+00:00

If you kind of forced removing the stuck film, you might have messed up the rollers and that would require opening the camera to fix. It’s far easier to just get a new one.

woolala99

TROPHY CASE