The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90, with its sophisticated blend of retro charm and advanced features, is a top choice for instant photography enthusiasts around the world. Equipped with a 60mm focal length lens, an aperture of f/12.7, and a zone focus system with a minimum focus distance of 11.8″ / 30 cm, it delivers beautifully vivid instant photos. But like any piece of technology, there may be times when the Instax Mini 90 does not perform as anticipated.
From battery issues to exposure irregularities or flash malfunctions, users may encounter a range of problems. It’s crucial to remember that the Instax Mini 90 operates on a rechargeable NP-45A battery – a detail that can play a significant role in ensuring its proper functioning.
With its built-in flash, which operates in an automatic mode, the camera ensures excellent image quality even in low light conditions. Additionally, the adjustable exposure compensation from -0.7 to 1 EV allows for added flexibility and creativity in your shots. When these features experience issues, the camera’s performance can be considerably impacted.
In this guide, we will explore the common problems that may arise with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 and offer viable solutions to get your camera back up and running.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Not Working: Issues and Solutions
Now we’ll be discussing frequent issues that users encounter with their Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 cameras and how to fix them.
1. Incorrect Battery Placement and Battery Life.
We’re starting with a common but easily avoidable mistake: incorrect battery placement. When you insert the rechargeable battery into your Instax Mini 90 correctly, a light on the camera will illuminate as soon as you power it on. This light is essential for proper camera operation. If you find that the light is not turning on or is blinking, it’s time to double-check your battery. A blinking light usually indicates that the battery is too weak, and it’s time to recharge it.
Remember always to pay close attention to the orientation of the battery when inserting it, as this can make all the difference in getting your camera to work correctly.
2. Corrosion On The Battery Holder End Plates.
An often overlooked cause of Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 malfunctions is corrosion on the battery holder end plates. This issue can prevent your camera from functioning properly, and it’s important to understand how it happens and how to address it.
Corrosion occurs when the metal end plates of the battery holder come into contact with moisture or other corrosive substances, which can cause the metal to degrade over time. As the corrosion worsens, it can interfere with the electrical connections between the rechargeable battery and the camera, reducing or cutting off the flow of power. This, in turn, can lead to your Instax Mini 90 not working or functioning inconsistently.
To avoid this problem, it’s essential to keep your camera and its battery compartment clean and dry. If you notice any signs of corrosion on the battery holder end plates, gently clean them with a soft cloth or cotton swab dampened with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. Allow the end plates to dry completely before reinserting the batteries and closing the battery compartment.
3. Using Incorrect Batteries Can Lead To Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Not Working.
A significant factor that can result in your Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 not working is the use of incorrect batteries. The Instax Mini 90 is specifically designed to operate with the NP-45A rechargeable battery from the same brand. Using batteries that don’t meet this specification can result in suboptimal performance or even complete failure of the device.
Batteries other than the NP-45A, or other rechargeable models, may not provide the consistent power required for the proper functioning of your Instax Mini 90. These include zinc-carbon batteries or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, which typically have lower voltage outputs and a shorter lifespan compared to the recommended rechargeable NP-45A.
Using incorrect batteries in your camera can lead to various issues, such as inconsistent flash performance, slower shutter speeds, or even a complete inability to power on the camera. To ensure the best performance and reliability, always use the recommended NP-45A rechargeable battery from the same brand in your Instax Mini 90.
4. Physical Damage To Your Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Can Lead To Its Not Working.
Physical damage to your Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 can also lead to the camera not working as it should. Accidents happen, and your camera may have experienced a fall or an impact with a hard surface. It can affect some of its internal components. As a result, the camera might malfunction or fail to turn on altogether.
If you suspect that your Instax Mini 90 has been damaged, one thing you can try is to perform a soft reset. To do this, turn the camera on, remove the battery, and then reinsert it. This may help to reset the camera’s internal systems and potentially resolve any minor issues caused by the impact.
However, keep in mind that this method may not fix more severe damage or issues with the camera’s internal components. If your Instax Mini 90 still doesn’t work after attempting the reset, it’s best to contact Fujifilm customer support or visit an authorized repair center to have your camera professionally assessed and repaired.
5. Water Damage and Humidity Can Be A Cause Of Your Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Not Working.
Water damage and high humidity can also lead to your Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 not working as intended. Like most electronic devices, the Instax Mini 90 can’t withstand water exposure or prolonged exposure to high levels of humidity. These conditions can cause internal components to corrode, short-circuit, or malfunction, ultimately preventing the camera from functioning properly.
To prevent water damage or humidity-related issues, it’s important to always keep your Instax Mini 90 in a dry and protected environment. Avoid using the camera in rainy or excessively humid conditions. And if your camera does get wet, immediately turn it off and remove the batteries. Allow the camera to dry completely before attempting to use it again.
If you suspect that your camera has been exposed to water or high humidity and it’s not working. It’s best to consult Fujifilm customer support or an authorized repair centre for further assistance. Attempting to fix the camera on your own may void the warranty or cause additional damage.
Now, we will look into some additional issues which you might face with FujiFilm Instax Mini 90 along with their solutions.
Some Other Issues With FujiFilm Instax Mini 90 and Their Solutions
1. Forgetting to Eject the “Dark Slide”
The most common issue that many Instax Mini 90 users face is forgetting to eject the “dark slide.” The dark slide is a black plastic cover that protects the film from being exposed to light when you first load a new film cartridge into the camera. If you don’t remove it properly, your first photo will be ruined.
To avoid this mistake, make sure to follow these steps when loading a new film pack into your camera:
- Locate the yellow dots on the film pack and the camera.
- Align the yellow dots on the film pack with those on the camera, and insert the pack gently.
- Turn on the camera by opening the lens.
- Press the shutter button to eject the dark slide.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that the first photo you take with your new film pack won’t be wasted.
2. Accidentally Touching the Lens
The second common issue that Instax Mini 90 users may encounter is accidentally touching the lens while taking pictures. Touching the lens excessively can cause the camera’s light to turn off, making it impossible to take a photo. Even a slight touch can negatively impact your photos by creating dark edges at the top and bottom.
An example of this can be seen in a photo where the lens was deliberately touched while taking the picture. The resulting image has noticeable black bars along the top and bottom edges. To avoid this issue, be cautious when handling your camera and make a conscious effort not to touch the lens while taking photos.
3. Taking Selfie Without Using “Selfie Mode”
Another common issue that users face is taking Macro Mode shots without using the built-in function. The camera’s default setting is not designed for very close range, which can result in blurry or out-of-focus images. To capture sharp close-up shots, you’ll need to enable the selfie function.
Activating the function is easy. Simply pull out the lens of your Instax Mini 90, and the camera will adjust its focus for close-range photography. By using this feature, you can ensure that your close-up photos will come out clear and well-focused.
4. Not Turning Macro Mode Off
The next common mistake is the opposite of the previous one: leaving the Macro Mode on while taking regular photos. If you’re capturing images of landscapes or subjects far away, you don’t want the macro function enabled, as it can result in out-of-focus pictures.
This issue often arises when users take a selfie, activate the selfie function by pulling out the lens, and then forget to deactivate it when switching to a different type of shot. To turn off the macro function, simply power off the camera and then turn it back on. The lens will automatically retract, and the camera will return to its default focus settings.
5. Taking Photos in Low-Light Conditions
Instax cameras, particularly models like the Mini 90, are designed with several features to enhance picture quality in dim environments. While these cameras may initially seem challenging to use in low-light, understanding their capacities can help yield better results. The Mini 90, for instance, is equipped with a built-in flash and an innovative ‘party mode’.
This mode optimizes shutter speed to balance foreground and background exposure in lower light conditions. While these features may not overcome all low-light limitations, they significantly enhance image quality under such circumstances. Therefore, if you find your pictures appearing underexposed in dimly lit areas, it’s advisable to experiment with these features or introduce additional light sources when possible.
6. Taking Photos In Excessively Bright Conditions
Another common mistake users make with their Instax Mini 90 is taking photos in excessively bright conditions. While it may seem counterintuitive, because more light typically results in better photos, Instax cameras can struggle to handle too much light. This issue affects most Instax camera models due to the film’s sensitivity at ISO 800.
The Instax Mini 90 has a relatively fixed aperture and a maximum shutter speed of 1/400 of a second, which limits its ability to handle very bright situations. In comparison, modern smartphones like iPhones have much higher maximum shutter speeds (around 1/16,000 of a second), allowing them to handle a wide range of lighting conditions.
To avoid washed-out images, it’s best to avoid taking photos with your Instax Mini 90 when it’s too bright outside. However, if you’re determined to capture a shot in bright conditions, you can try an experimental approach by using sunglasses to cover the lens and reduce the amount of light entering the camera.
7. Opening The Film Door Before All The Film Has Been Used Up
Other common mistake that users make with their Instax Mini 90 is opening the film door before all the film has been used up. If you accidentally open the film door and see that there are still sheets of film inside, don’t panic! While the top sheet of film will certainly be wasted, the remaining sheets might still be usable.
The front sheet of the film acts as a shield, protecting the sheets behind it from exposure to light. So, if there is more than one sheet left in the cartridge, the chances are that the other sheets are still okay to use.
8. Neglecting To Pay Attention To The Film Counter
The final common mistake that users make with their Instax Mini 90 is neglecting to pay attention to the film counter. When you load a new pack of film, the counter will display 10, indicating the number of shots available. With each photo taken, the counter will decrease by one until it reaches zero.
To avoid disappointment, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the film counter. You wouldn’t want to gather your friends for a perfect photo opportunity, only to discover that you’re out of the film when you press the shutter button and nothing comes out.
As we wrap up this blog post on common Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 issues and solutions, our aim has been to provide you with the knowledge and guidance needed to enjoy your instant photography experience to the fullest. We hope that you were able to find the solution if your Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is not working. By being aware of these potential pitfalls and knowing how to avoid them, you’ll be well on your way to capturing beautiful memories with your Instax Mini 90 camera!
