• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Instant Camera Blog

  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • News
  • Camera Reviews
  • Comparisons
  • Accessory Reviews
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Q&A
  • Pinterest
how to use close up selfie lens instax mini 9-again

Using the Close-Up Selfie Lens on the Instax Mini 9

August 5, 2017 By Heather 10 Comments

Unlike the Instax Mini 8, the Instax Mini 9 actually comes with its own close-up that you can use to take close-up shots (as the name suggests) or self portraits.

Whereas the closest focus distance of the Instax Mini 9 on its own is 60cm, the close-up lens lets you focus anywhere between 35 and 50cm. It isn’t a macro solution by any means but it certainly gives you a little more flexibility in terms of what you can photograph!

Attaching the Close-up Lens

Attaching the close-up lens is pretty simple.

Looking at the front of the lens unit, you’ll notice two small gaps on the right and left sides of the lens cover.

using selfie lens instax mini
Gaps on the left…
using selfie lens instax mini
…and right sides of the lens.

With the close-up lens turned the right way up, slide it into the right gap first, push down and let it click into place.

using selfie lens instax mini
Slide it into the right gap…
using selfie lens instax mini
…and let it click into place.

To remove it, press the right side of the close-up lens and lift it up.

using selfie lens instax mini
Press the right side of the lens…
using selfie lens instax mini
…and lift it up.

Try to be as gentle as possible when attaching and removing the lens to avoid damaging the lens unit!


Taking Selfies

To take a self portrait (or selfie) with the Instax Mini 9 and the close-up lens, hold the camera at arms’ length and check the composition by using the small mirror beside the lens. The last step is to press the shutter button!

fuji instax mini 9 review-3

Keep in mind that selfies work best when they include one or two people. Because the film isn’t very big, you won’t be able to fit large groups into your image.


Taking Close-Up Shots

Taking close-up shots is just as straightforward as taking selfies – just make sure to stay within the required range of 35 – 50cm at all times, as shots taken any further or closer will be blurry.

Also try to photograph subjects that can fill the frame at the required distance. You’ll be wasting precious film by trying to photograph very small subjects such as butterflies or tiny flowers because the lens can’t get close enough.


Beware of Parallax

Because the viewfinder is in a slightly different position to the lens, the image you see through the viewfinder isn’t exactly the same as the image the lens sees. This is called parallax in photography.

While the effects aren’t really noticeable at a long distance, you may find that your composition is slightly off at closer focus distances.

The best way to beat parallax is to position the ‘O’ mark in the viewfinder on the upper right of the centre of the subject as seen in the example below. It takes some trial and error but you quickly get used to it.

parallax instax mini 9


Are you an Instax Mini 8 owner?

Never fear – you can always buy a close-up lens separately from Fujifilm or a third party company!

What’s nice is that the close-up lenses you can find for the Instax Mini 8 usually feature their own mirror because the camera doesn’t come with one.

Do you often use the close-up lens on your Instax camera?


You might also enjoy the following articles:

  • Instax Mini 9 Review
  • My favourite Instax Mini 9 accessories

Filed Under: Tips & Tricks Tagged With: close-up lens, instax mini 9

Previous Post: « How to Load Instax Mini 9 Film – A step-by-step guide
Next Post: The Key Differences Between the Instax Mini 9 and Mini 8 »

Primary Sidebar

My name is Heather and I love using instant film cameras! On this website, you’ll find reviews, comparisons between models, galleries, tips & tricks and much more. Find out more about me here!

InstantCameraBlog

Recent Posts

  • Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 vs Mini 11 – The 5 Main Differences
  • Fujifilm Instax Tips & Tricks and Questions Answered
  • Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay vs Square SQ20 – The 10 Main Differences
  • Fujifilm announces the Instax Mini LiPlay: Price, specs, release date
  • The Best Instax Mini Cameras of 2018

Footer


© Heather Broster/Mathieu Gasquet and MirrorLessons, 2017-2021.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Heather Broster/Mathieu Gasquet and Instant Camera Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Heather Broster is participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Heather Broster is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.

Heather Broster and Mathieu Gasquet are also participants in the following affiliate programs: B&H Photo Affiliate Program and Ebay Partner Network.

To read more information, please visit our Disclaimer page. Thank you!