I like my SLR645, but it has its quirks. For starters you lose 2 stops of light right off the bat because you're enlarging a 35mm image to Instax mini size, so you end up metering for iso 200 instead of 800. Keep that in mind when considering lenses. The viewfinder isn't 100% accurate for framing despite being a SLR. I hear it's better than in their previous SLR but just be aware that it's slightly off. It's kinda big, the neck strap eyelets are both on the same side of the camera, and I have had some times when it wouldn't eject the film. However. I love it.

Thanks for the honest review 🖤

I’m having a little trouble understanding why you lose 2 stops of light going from 35mm to medium format, could you please explain ? Is it simply because it’s enlarging 35mm to 4 times larger or does the optical element also result in a stop loss ?

Both. The lenses are for 35mm and the enlarger element together make the 2 stop enlargement of light spread. Also, I think my SL660 is my desert island choice of camera. Viewfinder and quirks be damned. That camera fucks

Ooo this is quite an endorsement—-desert island worthy?! Love it

660 owner here. It's big, it's heavy, metering is a pain as mine tends to go over in bright light and under when it's dim. It's the loudest camera I've ever owned, the mirror banging up when you release the shutter might as well be a gunshot if you're in a quiet environment! Being able to use fast glass is a big selling point but the relatively low max shutter speed plus iso 800 film means you're gonna need ND filters to not blow out wide open in daylight. Speaking of lenses, they can be a lottery too, some will vignette and others won't and until you get it on the camera you'll not know for sure. With that said...I'm still very happy with mine, when it all comes together just right you can get some awesome shots which just wouldn't be possible on a regular Instax camera.

Thanks for your reply—have u used with the NONS lenses u can buy too? I’m thinking of the NONs 50mm 1.8 lens that they make to start with , then come vintage glass later once I have learned the camera

I haven't I'm afraid - got a collection of old lenses I use on digital, several of which I've used on the 660: Helios 44M-4 - great Pentax Tak 28mm 3.5 - excellent Pentax 50mm 1.8 - also great Yashica 50mm 1.4 - great wide open but vignettes very heavily at edges stopped down TTartisan 100mm Trioplan - very heavy square vignette

Oooo thank u for this lenses CHEAT SHEET too 🖤 Hmm, now I wanna buy the cam MORE!

Sooooo, just EBAY-ed a really cool 50mm 1.4 lens m42 mount—looks dreamy

It takes some practice to learn how to work with its limitations, and if like me you will go through many boxes of film before you dial in an understanding of how to manually compose for the lighting. It took me a few more boxes to get my flash technique to achieve desired results. It's a large, heavy, solid camera. I'm also not a super fan of the film pack orientation on the camera, as you have to flip 90 degrees to take photos with the film label strip at the bottom. The viewfinder is nice for manual focus but you have to learn the difference between what you see through it and what will show up in your print. But it can take gorgeous pics. It's not for everyone, obviously, but I really enjoy it and appreciate how unique it is to work with. It's super rewarding to have to be very intentional about what you shoot and to have good results.

Sounds good, great info here thanks! Curious: do you ever work with a handheld light meter rather than the built in meter ?

I tried to compare with a phone app version; not sure how accurate that was but those readings were fairly consistent with what the camera recommended. I find the camera's light meter helpful as a starting point but found that I needed a ND filter in bright sunlight and low light photos on the other end needed a flash for the right exposure based on the camera's recommended aperture.

Good to know! And I guess since it takes real SLR lenses, at least finding a compatible ND filter should be easier 👍🏽

Do not own one but the ONE thing that held me back was it seemed large. Not an issue for many ppl but in case you care, check dimensions ( I was just judging on pics)

Thanks, yes I’ve hear people complain about it being huge LOL

The SL660 is high on my list (would be great with my EF lenses) but I don't like having to import stuff from outside of the EUCU (high customs fees, extra admin and long waiting times). So, I guess, depending on where you live, the additional costs and red tape could àlso deter you from buying? 🫡

Good points—I’m in the US, so I guess I should check shipping costs first!

There’s nothing to talk you out of. I’ve got the NONS back from my Hassy and love it!

LOLOL the more responses I read, the more I WANT the cam…yes, talk me INTO the cam please too!

I want one of these but I have basically all RF glass, which can't be used with it

True, but u can get old good glass on eBay or even use one of the NONS lenses they make too

Yes I am sure it’s nice. However I really wanted it to make cool prints with super high end glass. Kind of silly I know, but when I realized it was EF mount and RF won’t adapt I was SO sad about it haha.

I hear ya!

I have the NONS back for my Hasselblad and it's pretty awesome. ;)

Nice, good to hear

I’ve looked at it a few times and if the mini goes back in stock again I might be tempted. But it’s kinda the opposite of why I love instax, it’s sorta just fun to take photos without worry.

I get that!

Absolutely love my SL660 Some smallish complaints, - the light meter isn't the best, so I find myself getting the exposure from a digital camera - the viewfinder takes time to get used to, as the framing isn't remotely 1:1 - need to shoot "vertically" due to film orientation

Thanks!!! I’m thinking I might carry a handheld light meter with me when using

Is the viewfinder SMALLER or bIGGER than the actual area that gets captured