Why Is The Red Light Flashing On My Instax Mini 9? 5 Reasons 

It’s happened to a lot of us: We’re out taking pictures when all of a sudden, our Instax camera stops working for no obvious reason. Maybe the lights on the brightness dial start flashing, or the red light next to the camera won’t turn off. 

Most of the time, we don’t know why is the red light flashing. The Instax Mini 9 won’t turn on, won’t take a picture, the pictures it prints are all white or black, and the camera lights blink. If you take a picture and it turns out white or black, it could be because the right exposure mode wasn’t chosen or the sensors were covered. 

When the Mini 9’s lights blink, it could mean that the flash is charging or that the batteries need to be changed. So those are the two most usual problems with the Instax Mini 9 camera.

5 Most Common Reasons for Red Light Flashing

If you like taking pictures immediately, the Instax Mini 9 is a great choice. But, just like with any camera, you might have trouble taking pictures. Many beginners do not know what the red light on my instax mini 9 means. 

Here are six of the most common problems related to why is the red light flashing. Give it a read:

1- You’re Too Near Your Subject

If any of your photographs are blurry, you may be too near to the subject.

The minimum focus distance of the Instax Mini 9 is 60cm (or between 50 cm and 35cm with the included close-up lens affixed), so if you get closer than that, the lens will not be able to focus adequately. 

This is especially essential to remember if you enjoy capturing portraits or semi-macro photographs.

2- Batteries Installed In An Incorrect Position

If red light flashing on instax mini 9 continues to display even after you have replaced the batteries, you must have inserted them incorrectly. In the case of any battery-powered device, it is crucial to observe the polarity markings.

That means you must read the engraved symbols on the battery compartment before inserting the batteries into the camera. Positive (+) and negative (-) indicators are printed on both extremities of the compartment.

Now, to properly position the batteries, please follow the steps below:

• Take the batteries out.
• If one end of the battery compartment has a plus sign (+), position the battery’s pointed end on that end.
• Again, if the opposite side of the battery compartment displays a Negative (-) symbol, position the flat end of the battery on that end.
• After placing the batteries according to the polarity indicator, seal the camera’s cover and switch it on. Hopefully, there are no more glowing red lights, and you can now take pictures.

3- Expired Or Nonworking Batteries

When the red light blinks for at least 20 seconds, it indicates that the camera’s batteries are dead. Two AA batteries are capable of approximately 100 rounds on average. 

However, occasionally we neglect the total number and continue to use the batteries after 100 shots.

Now, batteries eventually die, and when you switch on the camera, the red light near the viewfinder blinks. Moreover, it is possible why is the red light flashing. Additionally, it indicates that the battery is about to expire or has died.

In such situations, replacing the batteries will resolve the issue. Simply remove the battery compartment cover and replace the old batteries with fresh AA alkaline batteries.

4- Damaged Or Incorrectly Loaded Films

The camera isn’t always to blame; sometimes, it’s the film.

You might buy a bad or broken package of film by accident, but most problems are caused by loading or handling methods that aren’t done right. 

To know why is the red light flashing, follow this:

• First, don’t press the square holes on the back of the film or put it in full sunlight when you load it.
• Second, don’t open the back of the camera until all ten shots have been used. If you do this, the frames you still have will be exposed and turn white.
• Lastly, when you put in a new film pack, make sure the yellow marks on the film line up with the yellow marks on the camera.

5- The Camera Was Either Dropped Or Hit

There is a high probability that the camera will malfunction if it is dropped. If all the lights on the lens adjustment dial continue to flicker or if the red lamp by the viewfinder does not turn off after inserting a fresh set of AA batteries, the camera is malfunctioning.

The optic element is the component of the body that is most likely to sustain injury. You may observe that the lens unit does not extend or retract smoothly due to dislodged plastic parts or that the black lens cover does not open. 

Additionally, you may observe red light issues and your images are out of focus until it is fixed.

To avoid causing damage to the camera, be as delicate as possible when pressing the lens unit back into the body, and always wear a wrist or neck strap to prevent dropping it.

The Bottom Line

In short, to know why is the red light flashing, check the power and memory card first. If they are not the problem, clean the lens and sensor and update the software.

Still, the issues, contact the company. They have a customer service team that can help you with any problems you’re having with your camera. If your camera needs to be fixed, they can also help you find approved service shops.

If the problem isn’t fixed by the steps above, contact Fujifilm for help. They can figure out what’s wrong over the phone or suggest a repair service if that’s what’s needed.

FAQs

How do I activate the Instax Mini 9 camera?

The operation of the Instax Mini 9 is incredibly simple. First, activate the camera by tapping the parallel button on the lens. Then, set up the dial to the desired position and press the shutter button to take pictures.

What Can Be Done If Your Instax Mini 9 Picture Turns Out White?

The most likely reason your Instax Mini 9 shots are all white is that you set the brightness to the wrong level. Even though an orange light around the lens barrel on the front of the instant camera suggests the best setting based on its surroundings, you may not have chosen the best one.