30-Oct-2015
Tips & Tricks
Dear TL70 supporters,
So many of you have already received the amazing InstantFlex TL70. We would like to give you some tips and tricks on the camera and enhance your overall understanding and experience of the TL70. Let's dive right in!
Before shooting, insert the batteries included in the package. We recommend putting in the middle one and the positive (+) first.
To get started, remove the lens cap by simply push upwards and the lens cap will unlock immediately. Remember to put on the lens cap when finish shooting to protect the lens from scratches.
TL70 is automatically switched on by opening the viewfinder. When you close the viewfinder, it is automatically switched off. When TL70 is idle for 20 minutes, it will go into Sleep Mode also automatically.
Once you have chosen aperture and focused, half press the Red Shutter Button and you can see a green light next to the viewfinder. Green light indicates correct exposure. If it is orange light, that means the scene is too bright or too dark. Adjust the aperture until the green light is on.
After pressing the Red Shutter Button, now press the Black Eject Button. Your photo will come out immediately. If you want to do double/multiple exposure, do not press Black Eject Button after the first shot. Just keep shooting until you finish the exposures, then press Black Eject Button.
Hands On Experience
“ CLASS! ” - Noreen Miun from ThirtySix, Singapore
“ I had a great time shooting with the TL70. The combination of nostalgia and innovation is just perfect. If you love classic design with modern convenience, the Mint TL70 is the camera for you.”
- Take Kayo from BIGHEADTACO, Canada
“ TL70離不開的目光焦點，享受按下快門拍攝的時光。”
- Kafka Lin from 實驗攝 Camera Lab, Taiwan
Check out more photos on Flickr →
https://www.flickr.com/groups/instantflextl70
If you didn't receive your Early Bird camera, please don't hesitate to
contact us.
Thank you for your patiently waiting over the past few months. Enjoy shooting!
Your Team MiNT
24-Sep-2015
Dear TL70 supporters,
Hooray! We have started shipping Early Bird orders since 18-Sep 2015. Some of you may already have received the camera. For those who haven't, don't worry because you will receive a tracking number email soon. Don't forget to register warranty online at
mint-camera.com/tl70/warranty/ once TL70 has arrived.
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to email us and we are more than happy to help! Again we want to thank you for all the support and trust.
Your Team MiNT
30-Aug-2015
Ready?
Production is in the final stage now. In this newsletter we will talk about what is included in the box, possible accessories in the future, online warranty registration, and the most exciting part - confirming shipping details!
Dear TL70 supporters,
Thanks again for staying with us along the journey.
The Packaging
What's inside the box?
Upon opening the beautiful packaging of TL70, you will find:
- 1 x InstantFlex TL70
- 1 x Lens Cap
- 1 x The World of InstantFlex User Guide
- 1 x Online Warranty Guide
- 3 x AA Batteries
Before you start shooting with the amazing TL70, we suggest you to read The World of InstantFlex User Guide first. In this booklet, you will find loads of useful tips as well as secret functions of TL70 (so don't miss out!). We also keep it in pocket size so you can bring it wherever you go.
Possible accessories?
We are currently working on accessories such as lens hood and high quality leather cases. A lens hood will significantly reduce flare in the images while a leather case provides supreme protection. They will be your perfect companions for TL70.
Online Warranty Registration
There is a unique serial number on the back of every TL70. You should easily spot it when the film door is opened. Once registered, you will enjoy a 2-year-worldwide-warranty. To register, visit:
www.mint-camera.com/TL70/warranty (This page will be available when orders are shipped).
Shipping
We will email you (or you can reply directly to this email) to confirm the final shipping address as some of you might have moved. Please confirm with us by 15-September. If you do not need to update the address or contact details, then we will ship to the original address. Orders are shipped via EMS so you will receive a tracking number once available.
Thankfully all the hard work has now paid off.
Again we appreciate your understanding and patience for the past few months.
Your Team MiNT
16-Aug-2015
TL70 Power Upgrades
We know. Sorry for the lonnggggg wait, but we are making absolutely sure that the real camera is better than the prototype.
Dear TL70 supporters,
A few updates before you can get the TL70 in your hands. This update will explain why we insist on making the real camera better than the prototype. While waiting for a few manufacturing issues to be solved, our team has decided to throw in a few upgrades which would not affect the schedule (and hope you will forgive us for the delay).
Additional Upgrades to your TL70
1. Light Sensor Upgrade (FREE!)
The new light sensor is dramatically improved. Photo current responses to a wider dynamic range of 3 lux to 70000 lux. The previous version was 10 lux to 55000 lux only. The wider range will cover more lighting conditions and provide more accurate readings. Because of the better light sensor, the exposure will be much more accurate.
This is a very important and necessary upgrade.
[ This is the spectral response of InstantFlex TL70 which is close to the eye response of human.
]
2. Surface Finishing Upgrade (FREE!)
The surface finishing of TL70 camera has also been upgraded. We added a two-layer silver painting and varnishing to make it look and feel more like the kind of chrome on an SX-70 Alpha 1. Better yet, the surface is covered by matt and frosted coating. lt feels ever better than the glossy handle.
We want to be 117% sure you enjoy touching, shooting and showing off your TL70.
[ Added a two-layer painting and varnishing on the silver surface to make it look better than before. Ready for installation.
]
Talking about upgrades...
Yes, you can upgrade your SX-70 to SLR670:
If you want to upgrade your SX-70 to SLR670, please send us an email to
info@mint-camera.com with a picture of your SX-70. You will receive a quotation based on the model and condition of your SX-70.
Your Team MiNT
Please stay tuned for the next update by the end of this month. lt will come with the shipping schedule and details. We are still working very hard to get it done, and thank you again for your continuous patience, support and love.
24-Jul-2015
Pre-order update: Meanwhile on the Production Floor
Dear TL70 supporters,
Here we are again with the latest report from the factory and tips for you to get ready before getting your hands on the TL70 camera. To make sure you receive the best quality camera, every single part (326 parts in total!) needs to be inspected. This step is very important. After then, we can proceed to the final assembly. We estimate it would take about 1 month to produce the Early Bird batch. Of course, our Partners and Early Birds will be the very first to receive and test and try the camera. Now first, please check out the following tutorial to make sure you know how to make good use of your TL70.
Quick User Guide
(click to enlarge)
Meanwhile on the Production Floor...
Now let me take you on a tour of our factory to sneak a peek the production process of InstantFlex TL70. Absolutely fresh photos:
[ Testing the film processing unit
]
[ Testing the lens and plastic parts
]
[ A specially designed circuit board to test the circuit board
]
[ Testing the shutter unit and chrome plated parts
]
[ Our production team is working day and night to monitor the production. We maintain a strict eye on all our factories, performing random checks, to ensure everything is up to standard.
]
Overwhelmed by the encouragement of hundreds of instant lovers, we are glad to have received many many emails and messages with support and love! Thank you for all the warm support.
We want to say
THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts to all of you who appreciates this crazy idea, and helped us conquer every impossible step. Please expect the next update within 2 weeks for the latest status of production.
Your Team MiNT
03-Jul-2015
Pre-order update: Behind the production
Dear TL70 friends,
Your passion and our effort for InstantFlex TL70 finally led to a happy ending, which in fact is another beginning: we reached our target and all early bird editions have been sold out before July in a rush. Breathlessly we are truly moved by you all, a group of crazy, never stop believing in instant photographers in the 21st century. Your pre-order and endless support was essential for everything we did.
Production of TL70 is the first priority ahead of everything to us right now. Our whole team is working day and night at the factory pushing the production. However,
Many people have asked us:
(1) What's the current status of the production?
The first stage of assembly for motherboard is running smoothly. We thought that would be the most difficult part. The good news: we tackled this obstacle successfully. But we are still facing some challenges. Shawn, our Chief Industrial Designer, is fine-tuning the touch and tactile impression of open and close of the viewfinder. Over 100 kinds of elastic springs brought for testing the elasticity and finding the only Mr Right. We are trying our best to make sure that you could enjoy the best user-experience of every little part in TL70.
Also, the time required to fix glitches is more than we expected. Counting the factors of labor holidays and human resources in the factory for our camera, it will need much more time to evolve. All to guarantee that you are going to receive the camera in best condition.
Deeper insights will be provided in the coming updates. So stay on track and get to know how your TL70 is made! We promise that early birds will be the first in the whole universe to get and be amazed by this camera. Thanks for staying together with us on this new instant planet.
and one more question:
(2) What can I do if I missed the Early Bird at MiNT?
You can still place an order of the second batch of TL70
Standard Edition and you will receive it one month after early birds.
or contact our resellers!
You are able to get your TL70 at our resellers right after the early birds batch shipped out. So check the nearest stores to you
here. Contact them and they will more than happy to reserve one for you! Act before it's too late!
Your Team MiNT
20-Jun-2015
Pre-order update: Sample Photos by InstantFlex TL70
More more more sample photos...
The daytime portrait ✓
We love how TL70 presents the smooooth human skin, perfect for portraits. Of course, you can try to take snapshots with the children in the park like we did. (But make sure you act fast, or else they will run away.)
The nighttime painting ✓
Just tried the special heart shape bokeh and got an idea. How about taking a double exposure and combining your girlfriend with the heart shape? It will be a nice one to try on Valentines day. Simply press the shutter button twice, then press the film eject button. DONE! Also, have fun with light painting with slow shutter (B mode) on TL70.
We promise we will squeeze more time in our busy production schedule for taking test shots for you all. :) Enjoy more photos on gallery.
A look inside the viewfinder
1:1 Instant Preview
We love twin lens cameras because they're classic, graceful, flamboyant, and of course, because the viewfinder is gorgeous. TL70 happens to be the only analogue instant camera with a 1:1 preview screen. The size of the object in your viewfinder will be the same as your picture.
Keeping the classic square viewfinder
Inspired by the Rolleiflex TLR, we kept the classic square viewfinder in TL70. After trying a rectangular viewfinder to fit the shape of the picture, it turned out to be an eyesore. Composition grids do the trick best instead.
Grids, check. Magnifier, check.
What fun would it be if a twin lens camera doesn't have a magnifier? Of course you get one with your TL70.
Attention: Early Birds
Lucky Early Birds who have already ordered: Just wait for the postman. We will keep you updated on the status.
Early-Birds-to-be: Act now! Only 60 units left. Don't let them fly away. Become part of the twin lens family and enjoy the spotlight on you. 5% off for existing VIP members.
Reinventing the timeless classic camera
InstantFlex TL70 is here, finally.
It feels like a mission to land on the moon, working out every detail with your full support. The anticipation is overwhelming, but... the wait is over. TL70 is available for pre-order now.
InstantFlex TL70 camera is a twin lens reflex instant camera invented by MiNT. This meticulously designed timeless camera produces high quality images optimized for use with mini instant film. You will be amazed with the wide range of apertures from f/5.6 to f/22, the closest focusing distance at 48cm and the built-in electric flash with automatic light emission control. It allows you to take pictures in all lighting conditions! So what are you waiting for? Get this ideal companion for your instant journey!
InstantFlex TL70 Story
Begin with a brilliant idea and never-seen-before concept
We gathered the brightest designers and engineers we could find. With 5 years of experience in antique cameras and a couple of engineering geniuses, this new timeless camera is invented. Countless sketches, designs and prototypes have been made to improve the functions and appearance of the camera. It can't just look good and feel good, it also has to work well. It has to be powerful yet very easy to handle. To design a novel camera like TL70, it required experts in so many different fields: mechanical, electronics, optics, product design, manufacturing, all working closely to weave the best user experience for you. After 749 days of research and hard work, we are proud and confident with TL70. *Special thanks to Doc Florian Kaps, founder of The Impossible Project, for giving us advice.
Recall the original desire to photography
InstantFlex TL70 camera, inspired by the great ideas of Polaroid SX-70 and Rolleiflex Twin Lens Reflex camera, fulfilling the needs of the modern-day users. It uses mini format instant film which is the most common instant film and widely available. We hope to keep the legend alive and meanwhile let all of you to enjoy the throb brought by the camera.
InstantFlex TL70 Production
Evolution of the design
For months our team has been studying thousands of research papers and essays on camera design, constructing every tiny part of the camera; searching for the most stable and high quality electronic components; testing for accurate exposure in 500 different situations; getting through the whole mechanism and code on the circuit board; improving the images result step by step. All of this to ensure you the best user experience. The whole process is painstaking but everything is worth it. We want you to receive an incredibly amazing camera.
Vignette? Distortion? Not any more!
So you probably heard about the vignette problem in the initial TL70 prototype. Well, the actual product we are shipping has minimal vignette and distortion. A picture is worth a thousand words. Let us show you some pictures taken with the original prototype:
In the above photos you see the edges are fading away. Some people like to call it vignette.
Well, we finally solved the problem with aspherical lenses, where you usually only find in high-end digital cameras.
This is the first photo taken with the real thing:
A little bit underexposed, but the vignette and distortion has disappeared. Everybody in the office was celebrating when we saw this photo developing in our hands. Here're some more photos taken on the same day.
Photos of our colleagues:
No vignette, no distortion. And believe it or not, you can even shoot out-of-focus photos (yikes!)
Plain old double exposure...
And again, all the lines are straight and the image is clear.
Power of the lens
We can't even recall how many different lens designs we tried. Honestly, not one design met our expectation at first. But a miracle happened. The magic of aspherical lenses saved us from having a beautiful camera with lo-fi images. What's more, a magnesium fluoride optical coating is applied to the front element. This anti-glare coating lets you get the most from your images. You have to try it. Get one just to experience the cinematic viewfinder!
Pre-order now!
Finally, InstantFlex TL70 is here for you to pre-order.
Just one simple step to get this legend to your hands. Select the item and check out via PayPal. If you're lucky enough to be an
Early Bird, you can be the very first astronaut to step on this TL70 planet, enjoy the unforgettable experience and spotlight on you. Don't worry if you missed the train, you can still be in the first batch by clicking
Standard Edition, just one month after the early birds. Thanks for the immense support from you all, we can't make it happen without you.
5% off for existing VIP members
Whoever's bought a SLR670 / SLR670m / SX-70 from us before is by default already a MiNT VIP. Your email is already in our system so when you checkout with the same email, you'll get a 5% discount.
Limited number of TL70s are open for pre-order. Please don't hesitate to buy it now!
We bet that you will totally fall in love with this amazing camera. Rewrite the history of photography with us together. Join 15,000 instant lovers following MiNT on Facebook to discuss the TL70
here. We will reply one by one. Buy now and spread the word!
Risks and challenges
Huge thanks to all of you from the bottom of our analog hearts. Thank you for never stopping to support MiNT and instant photography. However, every production carries risks. The most common risks are the potential delays in components and manufacturing.
Components
Sometimes it may take longer than usual for components to arrive. All orders for components have been placed a month ago. Fingers crossed.
Manufacturing
Delays in manufacturing are expected and accounted for. We never know when the next machine breakdown will occur or when the factory strike will end. So a clear production timeline with the factory and enough buffer time is important. We are counting on the same factories that helped us make the two generations of MiNT Flash Bars, Lens Set, Time Machine, and SLR670m. By the time you're reading this, production has already started.
The exact shipping date may vary. But no worries, you will always be sitting in the first row to get the latest update. We will keep you informed closely with newsletters every 2 weeks. You can always find us here, on
Facebook, or
Email.
We're always here for you.
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Any questions? Join 15,000 instant lovers following MiNT on Facebook to discuss the TL70 here. We will reply one by one. Buy now and spread the word!