Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is one of the classy portable cameras to document lovely memories. However, you may fail to enjoy using yours if it develops problems.
If this is the case, don’t worry. In this article, I’ve compiled some frequent issues and how you can fix them.
Top 6 Reasons Your Instax Mini 11 Isn’t Working
Below are six reasons why your Instax Mini 11 may be malfunctioning. These are the most common reasons I’ve experienced after a year plus of using my Mini 11.
#1 Battery Issues
Here is one sign you should look for. The most common minor issue is when Instax Mini 11 cameras stop working. Often, the battery is dead or dying. Either way, you may need to replace them.
The Instax Mini 11 models are built to take an average of 100 photos with quality dual batteries.
One way to monitor battery life is the number of film rolls used. With ten packs of film, you can get about 100 individual shots.
Finding new batteries is the right time when you’ve almost exhausted the film packs. However, Fujifilm doesn’t recommend any random combinations.
Instead, only pairs of alkaline batteries of the same brand are advised. For the Instax Mini 11 camera, a CR2 lithium battery comes with your purchase.
While replacing your batteries, ensure they’re well placed in their compartments to work correctly.
You can also use rechargeable AA batteries. They’re eco-friendly and save you the stress of constant visits to the store.
Important: When all lights blink, put new ones with the lens extended. Conversely, replace batteries when the lens is retracted if the red lamp is on. Push the lens barrel backward to put off your camera.
#2 My Instax Mini 11 Won’t Take Pictures
Your Instax camera may fail to take pictures at some point. When this happens, the camera may print a blank photo paper. Once you notice this, the most probable issue is the film. Here’s a helpful guide on how to put film in the Instax Mini 11.
It can be that the film is bad or faulty in the first place. Or, you might have opened the back cover or film ejection slot, exposing it. Check either of these to know which is the problem.
After you’ve closed the back cover, here is what to do next. Try taking another shot to see if the printer prints an actual photograph this time. If it does, great!
However, the remaining film may be damaged if it doesn’t stop printing blank sheets. Change the stale film pack immediately to a new one.
When you buy a new film pack, check for its expiration date. Other times, your picture may come out as dark or too bright with colors that aren’t sharp. An expired camera film may be why you’re experiencing these issues.
Lastly, the camera won’t take pictures if the batteries run low.
#3 Instax Mini 11 Blinking or Flashing Orange Light
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 camera may blink or flash its mode indicator lights. Either of these can be because of the batteries. However, changing the battery may amount to no better result.
If fresh batteries don’t stop the lamp flashes, you can do away with the old film cartridge. In return, insert a new one with loaded film rolls.
Nevertheless, neither new batteries nor film packs may work. You’ll need to take your camera to a professional for repair when this happens.
Don’t try to fix yourself, especially if you’re not a repair guru. Otherwise, you’ll be doing more harm than intended good.
You’ll notice red or orange lighting pointers if the batteries die:
- Instax Mini 11 Blinking Orange Light – All lights on your Instax mini 11 will flash orange. This is an indicator of almost drained batteries.
- Instax Mini 11 Red Flashing Light – A blinking red light beside the viewfinder implies batteries are already dead.
- Flashing Orange Light After Battery Replacement – This can mean you’re using non-alkaline batteries.
Again, non-stop orange flashes can require your camera to be serviced. Likewise, the film cartridge may be empty, or the film is jammed in the ejection slot.
Read next: How To Turn Off Flash On Instax Mini 11? The Surprising Truth
#4 Instax Mini 11 Not Turning On
Your Mini 11 camera not turning on might be because you didn’t exert enough pressure while pressing the power button. If you did, your finger likely didn’t last enough seconds to activate the process.
Locate the power button to turn on your Instax Mini 11 camera. It’s on top of the camera. Press and hold for a few seconds to start it up.
Another reason is the batteries. If they’re old, they won’t respond. Try replacing them first of all. If they’re drained, consider charging them. If not, change to a fully charged backup pair.
Batteries may not be appropriately placed for polarity. Check the battery chamber to confirm placements and make suitable adjustments. Latch the battery chamber afterward.
You may drop your camera by mistake. If the impact is much, there is a good chance that it’ll malfunction. Failure to come on after multiple attempts is the ultimate cost of that.
#5 No Flash
Do you need to light up your portable camera? The automatic flash is one distinguishing feature of the Instax Mini camera lineup.
Disabling this function is impossible since it’s one of the default settings. So even with direct sunlight, the flash still fires whenever you take new shots.
Hence if your camera doesn’t flash, there is something wrong. Connect with a Fujifilm customer care service to relay the complaint.
#6 Instax Film Not Developing
This is a typical film issue. The film works when exposed to an image projected to it from the camera’s lens. However, this process occurs when the shutter is opened within milliseconds.
If the photo turns out to be too white, this is due to too much light exposure. It may also be that the film itself has been flashed. On the other hand, the shutter is defective if a picture comes out standard and others are dark.
Instant film is susceptible to light. Therefore, the film must remain in complete darkness until it’s pushed out from the camera to print quality pictures.
If the film develops a blank, I recommend checking the shutter to ensure it functions correctly.
Instax Mini 11 Not Working With New Batteries – 5 Common Causes
There could be several reasons why your Instax Mini 11 is not working even with new batteries. Here are some potential causes and troubleshooting steps:
- Battery orientation: Ensure the batteries are installed correctly, following the indicated polarity markings (+ and -) inside the battery compartment.
- Battery type: Ensure you use the recommended battery type for your Instax Mini 11. The camera typically requires two AA (LR6) alkaline batteries. Rechargeable or low-quality batteries may not provide enough power.
- Battery contacts: Inspect the battery contacts inside the camera’s battery compartment for any signs of dirt, corrosion, or damage. Clean them gently with a dry cloth or cotton swab if necessary.
- Faulty batteries: The new batteries may need to be fixed or drained. Try using a different set of new batteries to see if that resolves the issue.
- Camera malfunction: If the problem persists even after trying the steps above, there might be a hardware or software issue with the camera itself. In this case, you should contact Fujifilm customer support or take the camera to an authorized service center for further diagnosis and repair.
Remember that the camera might not work in extreme temperature conditions, so make sure you’re operating it within the recommended temperature range (5°C to 40°C / 41°F to 104°F).
Instax Mini 11 Not Working FAQs
If all else fails, I recommend resetting your Instax Mini 11 following this handy guide!
How do I get my Instax Mini 11 to work?
First, you should identify what is wrong to get your camera to work normally. If the problem is that it won’t come on, you may need to replace the batteries. For poor-quality photos, check the shutter to confirm if it’s working well.
Moreover, a damaged film might make your picture not print. Get a new film and a new film cartridge (if necessary) to rectify this. If the issue is complex, you should visit a professional to help fix your camera.
Why is my Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 not working?
There are several reasons why your Instax camera won’t work. First, dead or dying batteries are frequent reasons for dysfunction. However, if fresh batteries don’t do the magic, you can look further for more likely problems.
For bad photo printing and continuous flashes, try changing the film. Old or expired films are the reasons behind this. If your film slot is exposed, close it to produce good-quality images.
If the flash has stopped, you’ll need to meet an expert for repair since it is an automatic feature. Also, make sure your Fujifilm camera doesn’t fall to keep it properly functioning.
What does the flashing light mean on Instax Mini 11?
There are different mode indicator lights on the Instax Mini 11. They alert you about some possible problems. For example, a red-light flash tells you that you must replace your AA batteries, mainly if they are dead.
Similarly, a rapid and continuous orange flash means your batteries run low. Hence you need to plug them into a power source to recharge or change them completely.
If the orange flash doesn’t stop, you have perhaps installed non-compatible batteries. The most probable scenario is non-alkaline batteries. In addition, this can mean there is no film in your cartridge or the film isn’t installed correctly.
How long does the Instax Mini 11 last?
The durability of your Fujifilm camera depends on the level of usage. According to reviews, on average, it lasts for over five years. Although, some accessories may have a shorter life span.
For example, the film can last up to 1.5 years before you change and get a new one. I recommend correctly replacing and disposing of the CR2 batteries when they expire.
To make your camera last longer, be careful with its use. After use, please keep it in a cool and dry place. In addition, it would be best to clean it regularly to keep it fresh.