I think the most important thing about the new Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 is the fact that it’s not really a camera for you — but instead, it’s about all the smiles that you’re going to put on faces. If you really want the best quality with a wide-format Instax camera, nothing is going to beat the MiNT Instantkon RF70. But if you’re just looking to have fun with Instax’s largest format and see lots of smiles on the people around you, then consider this camera.
Before I go on, you probably are wondering why I’m framing this camera this way. That’s because whenever I use an Instant Film camera that I know I wouldn’t buy, I can’t help but think of all the smiles I put on peoples’ faces.
Consider the fact that the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 came out almost a decade ago. Photographers like Notches have modified the camera to shoot with different lenses. Photographer Mike Rollerson has also used it for more serious portrait work. These mods help photographers take fuller advantage of what the camera can do. And I’m sure we’re going to see similar from the analog community soon. The camera only comes in one color which I like to call Sage. But sometimes, special editions come out with this series.
Fujifilm sent us a Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 to keep, and typically, we either end up giving them away, donating them, or keeping them in a small stable of Instant film cameras we use. This one, truly, is an incredibly plastic and analog experience. There’s a part of me that can’t help but hear the photographers who came before me that would berate that statement. However, the truth is that everyone looks better on Instax with plastic lenses. Instax is more focused on the romance of the moment — and with that said, it’s impossible for people to look bad with it.
But most of the time, when you’re shooting indoors, the camera will absolutely use a flash. The images remind me of photographs from the early 90s. Specifically, they look like disposable camera prints from that era. These are characterized by hard, direct flash along with a softer plastic lens. More importantly, so much of the scene is in focus.
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 has a few controls. To turn the camera on, you turn the lens. Then you figure out what focusing distance you want to shoot at. Those distances are at the side of the lens. All you have to do then is point, shoot, and admire. Sometimes it won’t fire a flash even though we really think it should. That can result in badly exposed images.
Ergonomically speaking, there isn’t much to the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400. It’s big — and it has to be. It’s also quite plasticky, but some folks might really like that. For this guy who’s tested a million cameras, there’s nothing really tugging at my soul.
If you’re from that time period, think about your parents bringing out a disposable camera to photograph you and your siblings during Christmas time as you open up the gifts. Or to photograph everyone at a party.
Honestly, I like that look. But it requires you to also have a close connection to everyone around you. They need to be comfortable in front of the camera, or you need to make them alright with it.
So why get the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400? Get it if you’re in love with the idea of those big 3×4 prints from the 90s being done in an instant.
We’re giving the Fujifilm Instax Wide 400 4/5 stars. Want one? Check it out on Amazon.
