Summary
- Fujifilm has added a new Silver edition to the instax mini 99 lineup
- The original Black model was introduced in March 2024
- Its six color effects are produced by LEDs that expose light directly onto the film
- It features a manual vignette switch, Double Exposure and Bulb Mode
- Macro, Landscape, Indoor and Sports modes are also available
- From the Black Model to the New Silver Edition
- Six Color Effects Produced with Real Light
- Five Brightness Levels
- A Manual Vignette Around the Frame
- Double Exposure and Bulb Mode
- Modes for Indoor Scenes, Movement and Close-Ups
- instax mini Film and the instax UP! App
- What We Think
- Frequently Asked Questions
Fujifilm’s premium analog instant camera is now available in a new Silver edition, retaining the physical controls and creative effects that set it apart.
Fujifilm added the Silver edition to the instax mini 99 lineup on July 15, 2026, alongside the original Black model introduced in March 2024. The new option retains the same design and photographic features, with the silver exterior finish representing the main change.
The development is noteworthy because the mini 99 is the most creatively focused analog camera in the instax mini range. Instead of relying on apps and digital filters, it uses physical dials, built-in LEDs and a mechanical vignette system to shape the image before the film develops.
From the Black Model to the New Silver Edition
The instax mini 99 was originally introduced on March 14, 2024, with a matte Black body. It reached the European market in April of the same year with a suggested retail price of €199.99. Fujifilm also announced the instax mini PHOTO SLIDE film, featuring a border inspired by classic photographic slide mounts.
The new Silver edition does not replace the original model but joins it as a second color option. It combines silver surfaces with black controls and details, reinforcing the camera’s retro character.
Fujifilm has not announced any changes to the technical specifications or available functions. The choice between the Black and Silver editions is therefore primarily a matter of appearance.
Six Color Effects Produced with Real Light
The defining feature of the instax mini 99 is its Color Effect Dial, which offers six different color effects. They are not applied digitally: LEDs positioned in the four corners inside the camera expose colored light directly onto the film during the shot.
The available options are Light Leak, Sepia, Soft Magenta, Light Blue, Warm Tone and Faded Green. Light Leak simulates a light-bleed effect using five different patterns, while the other modes alter the visual atmosphere with warm, red, cool blue or faded green tones.
Because the effect is applied directly to analog film, every print remains unique, and the final appearance may vary depending on the shooting conditions.
Five Brightness Levels
A second physical dial allows photographers to adjust image brightness across five levels. The options range from the darkest D- setting to the brightest L+ setting, with intermediate positions for different exposures.
Brightness control can be combined with the color effects, Double Exposure and the camera’s other shooting functions. This allows the photographer to shape the image before pressing the shutter without relying on post-processing.
A Manual Vignette Around the Frame
The instax mini 99 features a Manual Vignette Switch on the lens mechanism. When activated, small blades extend inside the lens and reduce the amount of peripheral light.
The result is a darker border that directs attention toward the center of the photograph. The function is entirely mechanical and is applied at the moment of capture without digital processing.
Fujifilm notes that the intensity and appearance of the effect may vary depending on the lighting conditions.
Double Exposure and Bulb Mode
Double Exposure Mode allows two separate shots to be recorded on the same sheet of film. The user presses the shutter twice, causing the images to overlap in a single analog print.
In Bulb Mode, the shutter remains open while the shutter button is held down, for up to 10 seconds. The function is intended for night photography, light trails and scenes that require a longer exposure.
The camera includes a tripod socket and comes with a detachable Base Grip with Tripod Mount, helping it remain stable during longer exposures.
Modes for Indoor Scenes, Movement and Close-Ups
Indoor Mode is designed for darker interior environments and aims to keep both the subject and background visible.
Sports Mode uses faster shutter operation to reduce blur when photographing moving subjects, while focusing is adjusted by rotating the lens ring.
Macro Mode covers subjects positioned between 30 and 60 centimeters away. Standard Mode is intended for conventional shooting distances, while Landscape Mode focuses on subjects located more than 3 meters from the camera.
A self-timer and several flash controls are also available, including automatic flash, fill-in flash, red-eye reduction and flash cancellation.
instax mini Film and the instax UP! App
The camera uses analog instax mini film. The PHOTO SLIDE edition, introduced alongside the original mini 99, features a design reminiscent of a photographic slide mount and is sold in packs of ten sheets.
Printed photographs can also be scanned using the instax UP! app, allowing users to organize them into digital albums and share them. The app supports scanning even when the photograph is held in the user’s hand or captured from an angle.
More here.
What We Think
The Silver edition does not change how the instax mini 99 operates, but the finish arguably suits its retro design better than any other option. The model’s real appeal remains its physical dials, the LEDs that directly affect the film and the opportunity to experiment without screens or digital filters. It is an instant camera for users who enjoy the process of taking a photograph as much as the final print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Changes with the New instax mini 99 Silver?
The main change is the silver exterior finish. Its creative functions and control layout remain the same as those of the Black edition.
When Was the instax mini 99 Originally Introduced?
The Black instax mini 99 was announced on March 14, 2024, and became available in Europe in April of the same year.
Are the Color Effects Digital?
No. The six effects are created by built-in colored LEDs that expose light directly onto the analog film inside the camera.
Does It Support Double Exposure?
Yes. Double Exposure Mode records two shots on the same sheet of film, allowing the images to overlap.
Can It Be Used for Night Photography?
Yes. Bulb Mode keeps the shutter open for up to 10 seconds, while the tripod mount helps stabilize the camera.
