I wish Yashica was still around… the ‘real’ Yashica from Japan not H.K.
But they’re not so what’s a Yashica freak to do if you want to review new gear and new film formats? Well you turn to my go to camera makers (for the record; Yashica, Canon, Fujifilm)… Fuji Photo Company as they used to be known. Now just Fujifilm. I do appreciate the Fujica line of cameras and would love to own a Fujicaflex and a Fujicarex! But I wander as I often do.
I’ve had my eye on the line of Instax film cameras from Fujifilm ever since they introduced the Instax film (I might have been a little behind the times here). Anyway, since I’ve almost always have had an instant film camera… Polaroids and the Kodak EK4, I decided to splurge and get the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300. Why? The format. I like wide shots and the Wide 300 gives a nearly 62 x 99mm image in bright color.
The Instax Wide 300… a simple camera… clean lines and has a nice feel to it.
Plenty of places to get a good grip on this camera… the large handle on the camera’s right side is just the right size (for me) to get a grip. With the camera in off, the built in lens shield slides into place. The shutter release button is in a good spot… my only complaint is that it lacks feedback when you push it. Only the actual sound of the shutter firing inside (if you can hear it) lets you know it’s tripped. Of course the picture does pop out immediately on top with the typical motor noise of an instant camera which confirms the shutter was fired. Minor detail.
Lens extended in its fully open position (close-up photography).
Once you get the feel of where the viewfinder is in relationship to your right eye it’s actually very bright and gives a good view of the actual lens image.
The access to the film compartment couldn’t be easier… it opens a full 90 degrees to make loading film quick and easy. The LCD shows basic info… flash on, image number and the plus or minus exposure compensation.
Open back with empty film pack.
Pictures pop out via this slot on top of the camera.
A small sample of the images taken today with the Fuji. Shot at around early afternoon in bright Florida sunlight. The colors are vivid and because the film speed is 800 the sharpness and detail are nice.
Back inside for a studio shot.
It’s a big camera (really big) and has some heft to it. I had more than a few looks as the picture ejects from the top with that familiar instant camera sound. That’s not the standard strap… it’s a little thing and I like to have something wider around my neck.
Bold colors under bright sunlight. An excellent daylight film.
Back to the future with instant film. The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is a hit with me.
The camera is a point and shoot… well OK it does have two settings on the lens… 3 meters to infinity and 3 meters to 0.9. It does have an auxiliary close-up lens that I’ll try out next pack of film. It has a built in flash that worked great for daytime fill ins and you can adjust the exposure plus 1 or minus 1. Takes 4 AA batteries (which I love).
It would be cooler if it sported this logo!
So would I recommend the Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 camera? Yes and Yes! Mine was purchased online for around $86 from B&H and another $10 for two 10 exposure film packs. It was a great deal and it included free shipping. At fifty cents per image you can’t go wrong!
Enjoy!
Thanks for the visit!
Chris and Carol ^.^
Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris 