Instax Mini 9 Film Not Coming Out? – (Easy Fix!)

Everything works, but you have problems with your Instax Mini 9 film not coming out. The good news is we can fix it quickly!

Having an Instax Mini 9 sure is a fun way to change things up. However, having it malfunction is not the most welcome news when planning to shoot an entire roll of film on your vacation.

Is there anything you can do to fix the issue? Absolutely!

If you believe the problem is the batteries, replace them. Then, clean the film compartment with an air blower and a soft-bristled brush. There are many other ways to fix your Instax Mini 9 film problem.

Before we discuss further, see below for potential causes.  

Top Reasons Why Is My Instax Mini 9 Film Not Coming Out

You’re taking photos with your Instax Mini 9 when the film won’t come out.

Maybe the batteries are dead and need to be replaced. Or, the film in the camera is jammed. 

If you find yourself in any of these situations, it may be due to the following reasons:

• Weak or corroded batteries causing power issues with your Instax Mini 9
• There’s a blockage on your camera’s film ejection slot
• The film you’re using is damaged or bent and can get stuck in the camera
• You’ve loaded an expired film pack into your camera
• The film cartridge is not properly loaded on the camera
• There’s a mechanical malfunction with your camera, particularly the film roller

Now, let’s move on to the solutions.

We created a step-by-step guide for each method. 

Full Fix Steps on Film Not Coming Out Of Instax Mini 9 Issue

The Instax Mini 9 film not coming out is a common problem with instant film cameras.

The good news is you don’t need technical skills and knowledge to fix it. Unless you have a bad camera, there’s no need to see a specialist or visit a repair center.

Before proceeding to the troubleshooting steps, here are some tips on avoiding the film ejection issue. 

• Close or turn off your Instax Mini 9 camera when not in use.
• Make sure your camera is fully charged.
• Clean the contacts in the camera to remove possible oxidation and corrosion. 

If you’re still having trouble, follow one of the suggestions below.

Solution #1: Check The Batteries on Your Camera and Replace Them

The most common reason the Instax Mini 9 film won’t come out is drained batteries.

The camera requires two AA alkaline batteries to power the shutter, flash, and film ejection mechanism. If your camera is low on batteries, it may not function properly.  

Here’s what you need to do to replace them.

1. Switch off your camera and remove the film pack.
2. Slide down the battery compartment cover to open it. 
3. Remove the old batteries and insert new ones. 
4. Align the polarity correctly.
5. Close the battery compartment cover and turn on the camera.  

Note: You need a new set of batteries when you see a flashing or solid red light to the left of the viewfinder or if all the brightness indicator lights on the front of the camera flash.

Solution #2: Make Sure The Film Pack You Loaded is Not Damaged

If your Instax Mini 9 film is not ejecting, it could be due to a damaged or expired film pack. The pack contains 10 sheets of film and a dark slide that protects them from light.

If the pack has cracks, tears, or leaks, the film may not be properly exposed or ejected. If the film has exceeded its expiration date, there is a chance that it will develop incorrectly.

So, check the film pack before taking photos and use a new one if necessary. 

1. Turn off your camera and open the back cover of your camera.
2. Remove the film pack and inspect it for signs of damage. 
3. Check the film’s expiration date and make sure it’s not yet expired.
4. Get a new one if the film pack you loaded is damaged or expired. 
5. Load the film pack the correct way.

Pro Tip: You know you properly loaded the film into your Instax Mini 9 when you see a large yellow mark in the film window. 

Solution #3: Clean The Film Ejection Slot on Your Camera

If there are no issues with the battery and the film pack, check the film ejection slot on your camera for dirt and blockages.

The film ejection slot is where the film comes out after you take a picture. Any dust, dirt, or debris in the slot may prevent the film from coming out smoothly or at all. 

Keeping the film ejection slot clean is a good idea. Here’s how you should do it:

1. Turn off the camera and remove the film pack. 
2. Open the back cover and locate the film ejection slot. 
3. Gently wipe off dust, dirt, or debris with a soft cloth or cotton swab. 
4. Do not use water or solvents to clean the slot, as they may damage your camera.

Pro Tip: Invest in a simple lens cleaning kit with a blower brush and lens cleaning cloth.   

Solution #4: Match the Film Counter to the Remaining Shots Left

If the film counter does not match the remaining shots in the film pack, it may cause confusion or malfunction when ejecting the film.

The film counter is that small window on the back of your camera that shows the number of shots left. The film counter may get stuck or misaligned and show an incorrect number.

In this case, you must manually match it to the remaining shots left. 

1. Turn off the camera and open the back cover. 
2. Remove the film pack and count how many shots are left. 
3. Reinsert the film pack and close the back cover.
4. Turn on the camera again.
5. Press the shutter button repeatedly until the film counter matches.

Note: The film counter will reset if you open the back of the camera while a film is loaded. 

Solution #5: Change the Exposure Mode of Your Instax Mini 9

If the exposure mode of your Instax Mini 9 is not set correctly, your camera film may not come out and eject as well.

The exposure mode determines the amount of light that enters the camera and affects the brightness of your photos.

You need to choose an exposure mode that matches the lighting conditions of your environment to avoid underexposing or overexposing your pictures. 

Here’s how to change the exposure mode of your Instax Mini 9:

1. Turn on your Instax Mini 9 camera
2. Check the brightness indicator around the lens barrel. 
3. Adjust the brightness to match the mode lit up by the indicator.
4. If none of the modes are lit up, turn the camera on and off again.

Note: Each mode corresponds to an aperture value. The higher the value, the smaller the aperture, which means less light hits the film. 

Solution #6: Flush Out Software and Mechanical Glitches by Resetting

If none of the above solutions work, reset your Instax Mini 9 camera to resolve software and mechanical glitches. Performing a reset will b and help fix temporary issues. 

Here’s how to do it:

1. Turn off your camera and remove the film pack. 
2. Open the battery compartment and remove the batteries.
3. Leave the camera with no batteries for a few minutes. 
4. Insert new batteries and film pack. 
5. Test if the film ejects. 

Note: The bugs and errors that affect your Instax Mini 9 camera’s film ejection can be due to low battery, faulty film pack, or improper use. 

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to get the film out of your Instax Mini 9 every time you take a shot.

If none of these solutions work, you can suspect hardware malfunction or damage to your camera.

Contact Fujifilm customer support and explore ways to repair or even replace it.

Bottom Line:

Is your Instax Mini 9 film not coming out? Knowing the different causes and actual fixes can help you find the right step to take. You can now enjoy using your Instax and be confident that the film won’t get stuck and ruin your shots.

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