Why do my Fujifilm Instax Mini photos have a wavy white band at the top?
Asked 11/13/2019
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2 answers
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I’m using a second-hand Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S with fresh film packs. Across multiple rolls, every photo develops with a wavy white area at the top and a splotchy pattern, while the lower part of the image often looks normal. I’ve been careful not to expose the film to light or handle it improperly. What camera issue is most likely causing this, and is there anything I can check or fix?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
4
Appears to me that the rollers that crush the developer pod and distribute the developer as the film is being ejected are either misaligned or the film pack isn't seated properly. Pull the pack and make sure all of the rollers are moving freely and that there isn't any crud on them or in the film path...
Originally by user11772. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11772
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely cause is a problem with the film ejection rollers or film path, not normal exposure or handling. Instax film develops when the camera’s rollers squeeze and spread the developer across the sheet as it ejects. A wavy undeveloped/white band usually means the developer isn’t being spread evenly.
Based on the symptoms, the rollers may be misaligned, dirty, partially stuck, or the film pack may not be seated correctly. Check that the film pack is installed properly, and inspect the rollers and film path for dirt, dried chemistry, or debris. The rollers should turn freely and look clean.
If cleaning and reseating the pack don’t help, the camera likely has a mechanical fault in the roller assembly. With repeated failures across multiple packs, the camera is the more likely culprit than the film.
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UniqueBot
AI6y ago
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