Fujifilm Instax Mini 12

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera User Manual

Model: Instax Mini 12

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera. This manual provides essential information for the safe and correct use of your camera. Please read it thoroughly before use and keep it in a safe place for future reference. The Instax Mini 12 is designed for capturing and printing instant photos with ease, featuring automatic exposure and a dedicated close-up mode.

2. What's in the Box

Verify that all the following items are included in your package:

  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Body
  • Hand Strap
  • AA Batteries (x2)
  • User Manual (this document)
Front view of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 camera in purple

Image: Front view of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 camera, showcasing its lens, flash, and power button.

3. Setup

3.1 Inserting Batteries

  1. Open the battery compartment cover located on the side of the camera.
  2. Insert two AA batteries, ensuring the correct positive (+) and negative (-) orientation as indicated inside the compartment.
  3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

3.2 Loading Instax Mini Film

  1. Open the film compartment cover on the back of the camera.
  2. Align the yellow mark on the film pack with the yellow mark on the camera's film compartment.
  3. Insert the film pack straight into the compartment. Do not press down on the two rectangular holes on the back of the film pack.
  4. Close the film compartment cover. The film counter will display 'S' (Start) and then '10' after the dark slide is ejected.
  5. Press the shutter button once to eject the black protective film (dark slide). The film counter will then show '9'.

Important: Never open the film compartment cover once film is loaded until all 10 exposures have been used, as this will expose the remaining film and render it unusable.

Back view of the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 camera showing the film compartment door

Image: Rear view of the Instax Mini 12 camera, highlighting the film compartment door and viewfinder.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Powering On/Off

  • To Power On: Twist the lens ring clockwise from the 'OFF' position to the 'ON' position. The lens will extend.
  • To Power Off: Twist the lens ring counter-clockwise back to the 'OFF' position. The lens will retract.
Diagram showing how to twist the lens ring to power on and activate close-up mode on the Instax Mini 12

Image: Visual guide demonstrating the lens twist mechanism for powering on the camera and switching to close-up mode.

4.2 Taking Photos

  1. Turn the camera on by twisting the lens ring to 'ON'.
  2. Frame your shot using the viewfinder.
  3. Press the shutter button firmly. The photo will automatically eject from the top of the camera.
  4. Allow the photo to develop for approximately 90 seconds (development time varies with temperature). Do not shake or bend the print during development.

4.3 Selfie Mode / Close-Up Shooting

  • To activate Selfie/Close-Up mode, twist the lens ring further clockwise past 'ON' until it clicks into the 'CLOSE-UP' position. The lens will extend slightly more.
  • Use the small mirror next to the lens to compose your selfies.
  • For close-up shots of objects, ensure the subject is between 30 cm and 50 cm from the lens.
Close-up view of the Instax Mini 12 camera showing the selfie mirror and close-up mode indicator

Image: Detail of the Instax Mini 12 camera, highlighting the integrated selfie mirror for accurate framing in close-up mode.

4.4 Automatic Exposure

The Instax Mini 12 features automatic exposure control. The camera automatically detects the brightness of the environment and adjusts the shutter speed and flash output accordingly. This ensures optimal brightness for your photos in various lighting conditions, from bright outdoors to dim indoor settings.

Image illustrating the automatic exposure feature of the Instax Mini 12, showing a well-exposed instant print

Image: Representation of the Instax Mini 12's automatic exposure capability, producing clear and bright prints.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning the Camera

  • Wipe the camera body with a soft, dry cloth.
  • For stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap, then wipe dry.
  • Clean the lens and viewfinder with a lens cleaning cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.

5.2 Storage

  • Store the camera in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
  • Remove batteries if the camera will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
  • Keep film packs in their original packaging and store them in a cool, dry place.

6. Troubleshooting

  • Camera does not power on: Check if batteries are inserted correctly and are not depleted. Replace with new AA batteries if necessary.
  • Film does not eject: Ensure film is loaded correctly. If the film counter shows 'S' or '0', load a new film pack. If the dark slide did not eject, press the shutter button again.
  • Photos are too dark/light: The Instax Mini 12 has automatic exposure. Ensure the flash is not obstructed and that you are within the recommended shooting distance (0.3m to infinity, 0.3m to 0.5m for close-up mode).
  • Blank prints: This usually indicates the film pack was exposed to light (e.g., film compartment opened mid-pack) or the film is expired.
  • Film counter not working: Re-insert the film pack. If the issue persists, contact customer support.

7. Specifications

FeatureSpecification
FilmFujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film
Picture Size62 mm x 46 mm
Lens2 components, 2 elements, f = 60 mm, 1:12.7
ViewfinderReal image finder, 0.37x, with target spot and parallax correction for close-up mode
Shooting Range0.3 m and beyond (0.3 m to 0.5 m in close-up mode)
ShutterProgrammed electronic shutter 1/2 to 1/250 sec. Slow synchro for low light
Exposure ControlAutomatic, Lv 5.0 to 14.5 (ISO 800)
Film EjectionAutomatic
FlashConstant firing flash (automatic light adjustment), recycle time: 6.5 seconds or less (when using new batteries), effective flash range: 0.3 to 2.2 m
Power SupplyTwo AA-size alkaline batteries (LR6), capacity: approx. 10 Instax Mini film packs (100 exposures)
Auto Power Off TimeAfter 5 minutes
Dimensions107.6 mm × 122 mm × 67.3 mm
Weight291 g (without batteries, strap, and film)

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Limited Warranty Information

This Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 camera comes with a limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your product packaging or visit the official Fujifilm website for detailed terms and conditions, including warranty period and coverage.

8.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting not covered in this manual, or warranty claims, please contact Fujifilm customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the Fujifilm official website or on the product packaging.

Online Support: www.fujifilm.com

© 2026 Fujifilm Corporation. All rights reserved. Instax and Instax Mini are trademarks of Fujifilm Corporation.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Ask a question about this manual

Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.

After a successful submission, we securely hash the supplied account or form email before sending it to Microsoft Advertising for conversion attribution. Privacy details.