Most digital cameras are neither cheaply affordable nor easy to use for a novice photographer. In addition, most photos taken with digital cameras or even smartphones have nothing unique to them. They are all sharp, vibrant and realistic to the eye.

What if I told you there is an alternative? What if I told you there is a way to capture unique grainy photos with a taste of vintage yet on a low cost? Sit tight and let us learn about disposable film cameras in this article.

What Are Disposable Film Cameras

Disposable film cameras are affordable, easy to use gadgets that are meant for one time use. They are made of cheap plastic materials and have a few dials making them easy to use (point and shoot). 

Some disposable film cameras come with ready film roll or the film can be separate from the camera. The film roll has a fixed number of exposures (pictures) which once they are digested, you cannot use the camera anymore. For this reason, disposable film cameras are also known as single-use cameras.

The History Of Disposable Film Cameras

The history of disposable film cameras dates back to the 19th century as photographers were seeking an alternative for their bulky equipment. The disposable camera back then was made up of a glass plate, a paper and a card board. This was a significant improvement  as cameras back then comprised separate parts which were merged to form long bulky cameras.

In 1949, Alfred D. Weir manufactured the first disposable camera,Photo-pac. The ready to use camera came loaded with a 35mm film with only eight exposures at a price of $1.29. By the summer of 1950, the number of exposures had increased to 12 exposures and the price was at $1.49. After exhausting your exposures the film camera would be mailed to Dallas where the film was developed and the prints sent back to the customer.

Fast forward to 1986, Fujifilm developed QuickSnap while Eastman Kodak released Fling in 1987. Kodak’s Fling was using a 110mm film which had a 35mm version in 1988. Eventually Kodak discontinued the 110mm film camera and renamed it Funsaver in 1989.

 Why Disposable Cameras Are Making A Comeback

Disposable film cameras are regaining their popularity especially to youths who are exploring their hobbies. There are various reasons why single-use cameras have increased in popularity recently. Let’s check them out;

• Affordability: Disposable cameras are manufactured using cheap materials such as plastics. This translates to low production cost therefore a lower retail price. Many photography beginners will easily buy disposable film cameras compared to the more expensive digital cameras. 

• User Friendliness: Single-use film cameras are very simple to use as they do not have exposure settings like most cameras. The camera only has the power on button, shutter button, a winding gear and a flashlight switch. All the photographer has to do is point and shoot to a subject.

• Uniqueness: Most photographs taken in modern days almost look alike and people are stage managed to make them look perfect. With a fixed number of exposures in a disposable camera, you will only take photos when the moment is truly valuable. Such genuine photos will not alway be perfect but you cannot stage them either. That makes film cameras unique, not forgetting the grainy look the photos have.

• Portability: Disposable film cameras are tiny and have a light weight. This makes the ideal for travel photography. It will be an added advantage if your disposable camera is waterproof. This means that the camera can be used in all weather conditions and even take underwater images.

How To Take Photos Using Disposable Film Cameras

Taking pictures with disposable film cameras is easy and fun at the same time. Most single-use cameras have instruction stickers at the back which shows a step to step guide on taking photos.

Why most disposable cameras come with loaded film, sometimes you need to load the film yourself. This is done at the back of your camera.

When the film is ready, the next thing you need to do is to roll the winding gear until you hear a click. This means the next exposure is ready for an image.

After getting your disposable camera ready, you have to frame the shot. Remember the camera has a fixed lens so you have to move either closer or further away from the subject to frame your picture.

Sometimes the scene will be dark such as when taking photos inside the house. In such cases you will need to turn the flash. To do so, press and hold on the flash button until the ready light goes on otherwise the flash will not work. When using the flash you should also mind the distance between the camera and the subject. In most cases, a distance of 9ft will not produce hard light on the subject.

Check out this quick guide by Kaitlyn Dizon on how to take pictures using a disposable camera:

How To Develop Film From Disposable Cameras

It is not everyone that has a darkroom in their house. Well, if you do consider yourself to be lucky because developing a film is quite a process. 

To save you the time and energy, there are options to get your film developed by specialists. In the internet era, you can just search for film processors in your town. You can physically go there and take your disposable camera or you can just mail them the camera and they will do the rest.

Processing the film takes anywhere between a week or two. The processing company will then send you the prints and they can also scan your photos for use in social media. It will cost you under $30 to get this package but the price goes lower if you don’t prefer the prints.

Disposable Film Camera FAQs

Before we finish on disposable film cameras, let us answer the most asked questions under this topic;

How many pictures can you take with a disposable film camera?

The outright answer will be 27. That is the standard many manufacturing companies have. However, each disposable film camera has a number exposures indicated somewhere on the body (eg. 36 EXP.)

Should I always use flash on my disposable camera?

You will not always need to use the flash if the scene is bright enough. However if you are taking pictures in a dark room or a heavily shadowed subject, then you should consider turning on the flash.

How long will a disposable film camera last?

The disposable camera itself does not have an expiry. However, if the camera lasts in the shelves for long, the battery will drain. The camera film will also go bad after about 2-3 years. That is why some people store them in refrigerators.