Instant cameras used to be a bit of an oddity. If someone was lucky enough to have one, the prints were rationed, with shots carefully chosen. No one wanted to waste the expensive film but, at the same time, the ability to see your photos instantly rather than have to wait for them to be developed was exciting.
Digital photography has eroded some of that magic; we see everything we take instantly. And these days, seeing physical prints of photos at all is unusual, with most of the shots we take marooned somewhere on a cloud server, adding to our carbon footprint.
Fujifilm has still managed to carve out a niche for itself, with instant still, video and even hybrid cameras in the Instax range, designed to fit a range of needs.
More interesting for some people, though, is the range of mini photo printers. Designed to print on the move, they come with rechargeable batteries and are small and light enough to carry around in a bag.
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That makes it perfect for social occasions – parties, weddings, kids’ events – as well as at-home printing. All you need is the film (a little pricey) and a smartphone with relevant Instax app.
The latest addition to the line-up is the Instax Mini Link+, which uses Instax’s credit card sized mini film, similar to the Mini Link 3.
What makes it stand out from the rest? The Mini Link+ is designed for detail, with a mode that is specifically aimed at printing intricate patterns, for example.
That is not all. The design is more utilitarian than others in the Mini Link range. Instead of marshmallow colours and multicoloured lights, the Mini Link+ goes for a more minimalist look. If you were put off by the pale hues of the Mini Link 3, the Mini Link+ is the perfect antidote.
Fujifilm has stuck to what it does best: instant prints, with a few filters and some useful extras.
There are several modes on the printer. Simple Print is the most useful: it does exactly what is says, printing images from your smartphone via the Bluetooth connection. Simply select your print, choose your printer and send it on its way. You can add frames to your prints if you feel they need an extra edge, or choose between two colour profiles: Natural mode if you prefer a more subtle colour palette, or Rich mode for vibrant prints that stand out.
As previously mentioned, the printer’s Design Print setting is designed for finer details, such as text and intricate patterns. Previously, Instax prints often had a fuzzy-around-the-edges look that meant finer details were lost; this setting eliminates that. A quick test print shows that holds up, so if you were yearning for some arty mini prints, you’ll get them.
There is a simulation option that allows you to display images digitally, showing how they will look when they are printed in different situations. It will show photos in a frame, on the back of your smartphone, on a wall shelf or directly on the wall.
You can also print images one after another, up to the remaining number of images in the cartridge. That means no more selecting each print one by one to print, which was tedious if you had more than a couple of photos to print.
Battery life is fine, lasting around 100 prints before needing a charge. A full charge takes up to two hours, but a quick top-up will get you through a party or two.
Good
Solid design that makes the Link+ stand out from the rest of the Instax products. There is less emphasis on gimmicks – Match Test, anyone? – and more on producing solid prints.
The design print setting works well, and although simulation mode will have a limited audience, the ability to set a number of photos to print is a welcome reduction on the tedious box ticking.
Bad
It is only available in one colour – black – unlike other Instax Mini Link printers. Film is pricey, so use it wisely. It is heavier than the Mini Link 3, although not by much.
Everything else
You can print stills from videos, so if your perfect freeze-frame is found inside a moving shot, you can isolate it.
The verdict
Fujifilm’s printer does exactly what it promises, and keeps things simple.
