Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2: portable printer for smartphone
Fujifilm has released the Instax Mini Link 2, a new generation of portable Bluetooth printers. The devices are designed specifically for printing pictures taken on a smartphone. Externally, the gadget is very similar to its predecessor Mini Link, released three years earlier. The new product has received several additional functions. For example, an LED appeared on the body, the purpose of which and other capabilities of the gadget will be discussed below.
What is Instax Mini Link 2
If you don’t yet know what kind of device this is, now we’ll tell you briefly. This is a portable printer designed to print photos from your smartphone using the free Mini Link mobile app, available on both Android and iOS.
The compact printer can also be used with the Fujifilm X-S10 mirrorless camera . To date, it is the only one capable of working with Instax Mini Link 2. But in the future, Fujifilm will expand the range of supported devices.
The print speed of one photo is 15 seconds. A black slide comes out, develops within 90 seconds, and a colorful image appears on it.
Design and construction of Instax Mini Link 2
As already mentioned, the second generation portable printer is very similar to its predecessor. It also has a ribbed body with the Instax logo in the middle. The gadget is offered in three colors: white , pink, dark blue .
The device turned out to be very compact in size – 125x36x92 mm with a weight of only 210 grams. You can easily put it even in a small purse or jacket pocket. The central logo is also a power button and a button for pairing with smartphones. It lights up in different colors, indicating the state of the gadget.
On the side of the case there is a micro USB connector for charging the built-in battery. It is hidden under the lid. The printer can print up to 100 pictures on one battery charge. A full charge requires no more than 120 minutes.
Instead of a micro USB connector, it would be more convenient to use Type-C. Source.
Instead of a micro USB connector, it would be more convenient to use Type-C. Source: techadvisor.com
There is a small lock on the back of the case. If you slide it, the lid will open to load a new film block. Everything is simple and clear – even a beginner who has never used such gadgets can figure it out. After inserting the film, you just need to snap the lid and you can start printing. One cartridge is enough to create ten photo cards.
When replacing a cartridge, you won’t confuse anything – everything is intuitive. Source.
Photo print quality
Mini Link 2 produces good quality prints, albeit small in size – 62×46 mm. This non-standard size can be explained very simply – the manufacturer uses a different measurement system and the original prints are 3×2 inches.
The portable printer pleasantly surprises with the quality of the prints. Source.
The pictures are clear, the colors are bright and contrasting. Black and white prints look impressive too. The result is excellent for such a portable device. In the application itself, the user has access to various interesting functions and additional settings.
Features of the Instax Mini Link app
It is available for free in the official Google Play and App Store . In the application, the user will find various frames, stickers and filters. You can draw on photos with your finger, crop pictures, adjust brightness, add any text and create collages. You can even print stills from videos shot on your smartphone.
The application has many functions that will diversify boring everyday shots. Source.
The application is constantly updated. For example, seasonal frames appear in it – on the eve of Halloween, New Year and other holidays.
Also in Instax Mini Link 2 , unlike its predecessor, there is a choice between two printing modes:
Instax Rich – makes the colors in the photo more saturated.
Instax Natural – colors look natural.
Instax Rich mode on the left and Instax Natural on the right. Source.
Mysterious light bulb
The light on the body of the portable printer is responsible for the Instax Air function. It allows you to “paint with light.” It works very simply, but very interesting. You need to launch the application on your smartphone with the front camera turned on and pick up the printer. By pressing a button on its body, you need to start drawing some shapes or writing letters in space with a light bulb. The drawn outline will be displayed on the smartphone screen. A similar effect can be achieved using a flashlight and a camera with a long exposure.
The Instax Air feature allows you to draw a heart or add petals to the frame. Source: gizmodo.com.au
In the application, the user selects drawing tools: marker, spray, soap bubbles, glitter. All these effects can be obtained in the built-in editor by moving your finger across the smartphone screen. But drawing with a printer flashlight is more interesting, and most importantly, much more fun.
In addition, this entire process can be saved in short video format. The application will automatically generate a QR code through which you can access this fun video. If you wish, you can place it directly on the same photo before printing.
Shooting from the side
A printer paired with a smartphone can be used as a remote control to control shooting from afar. If you press the power logo button, the camera will take a photo. You can also zoom in and out by tilting the printer forward or backward.
These functions expand your shooting capabilities. For example, without the help of passers-by you will be able to take a photo yourself or with friends. It is enough to fix the phone somewhere, enter the frame and press the power button on the printer while holding it in your hand.