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On June 18, 2024, Instax unveiled its latest “Wide” format model, the Instax Wide 400.
This new instant camera features improved functionality over its predecessor, the Instax Wide 300.
The Wide 400 marks the revival of the Instax Wide range, which hadn’t seen a new model in nine years when the Instax Wide 300 was released.
This article explores the new Instax Wide 400 and all its features in detail.
Table of contents
Instax Wide 400, a new addition to the Instax Wide range
This new Instax Wide model takes up some of the features of its predecessor. It retains the wide format, with film measuring 86 x 108 mm and image size 62 x 99 mm.
The Instax Wide 400 is also equipped with a 95 mm lens (equivalent to 33 mm in full format) with f/14 aperture and a simple optical formula consisting of 2 elements divided into 2 groups.
New design and new features
The new Instax Wide 400 is much larger and more imposing than any of Instax’s other instant cameras. It measures approximately 162 x 98 x 123 mm, weighing in at 616 g.
Overall, it remains quite similar to its predecessor. The controls and various elements are virtually identical. However, the new housing has a more linear, modern design.
Another new feature in the Wide 400 ‘s design is the addition of a strap equipped with two small wedges for adjusting the camera’s angle of inclination. This can be very useful when you place your Instax on a table without a support to stabilize the camera.
Intuitive self-timer and improved exposure
The Instax Wide 400 features a self-timer dial that allows users to set a delay. It offers four timer durations ranging from 4 to 10 seconds. It also features five small LEDs and emits a sound to indicate when the self-timer has started.
This new instant camera also boasts an automatic exposure function which, according to Fujifilm, delivers sharper images than the Wide 300.
The camera automatically detects the ambient light level when the shutter button is pressed, and adjusts shutter speed and flash power accordingly.
Landscape and close-up modes
The Instax Wide 400 features two focus modes that can be selected using the lens ring. As with many Instax models, this ring is also used to turn the camera on and off.
The camera is equipped with three modes: Normal Mode, Landscape Mode, and a third mode that can be called “Close-up”.
Normal Mode is intended for general photography. In Landscape Mode, you can take photos from a distance of 3.0 meters or more.
Close-up mode, on the other hand, is made possible by a close-up lens included with the Instax Wide 400, enabling you to capture subjects from a distance of between 40 and 50 cm without blurring or focusing problems. This close-up lens is also equipped with a built-in mirror for selfies.
In Close-up mode, the optical viewfinder features parallax correction, for more precise framing of close-up subjects.
Is the Instax Wide 400 really worth it?
With its new body, Instax is slightly modernizing its Instax Wide range. Although quite similar to its predecessor, the Instax Wide 300, the new features bring a breath of modernity to Instax Wide format fans. Notably with the self-timer, the three different modes and the two small wedges allowing the camera to be tilted.
The Wide 400 still lacks the functionality of the new Mini 99. Also recently released, this body in the Mini range offers numerous creative options such as a vignetting option, color effects and different exposure modes.
Price and availability
The new Instax Wide 400 is only available in green. The case will be available from July 12, 2024 at a price of €149.99. It is currently available for pre-order at 50.8 Shop.
