For a good month or so, I had been looking for the Contax T2 film camera and had dug through every online shop offering classic cameras, including second-hand stores. Although I still haven’t managed to get my hands on the Contax T2 yet, my search for film cameras recently introduced me to disposable cameras, a type of film camera designed for single use. Honestly, before that, I hadn’t heard of disposable cameras, nor did I know who made them. I later found out that a couple of companies make disposable cameras, including Kodak and Fujifilm.
I am not sure how young consumers, who are only exposed to smartphones, would react to disposable cameras, but while growing up, I had a lot of fun using film cameras. I still vividly remember the time when my father bought a Yashica, and it became our family camera for years, only being replaced by a Sony Cybershot years later.
There’s a certain charm in using film cameras, taking photos, and waiting days to get the result. Many would call it nostalgia, and maybe they are partially right, but I see film cameras as more than just a way to relive a golden period of our lives by revisiting experiences we enjoyed as kids. For me, though, film photography is not about the slick interface or instant gratification we get with smartphone photography; rather, it’s about having a good time, stepping back into a simpler world, and finding fun experiences.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to film photography, I delve into the world of disposable cameras—what they are, how to choose the right one, and the advantages and disadvantages before you get your first disposable camera.
An entry into film cameras for beginners
Kodak Fun Saver is loaded with KODAK 800 speed, 27 exposure film. (Image credit: Kodak)
Getting straight into the world of film cameras, especially for a beginner, can be overwhelming. Film photography has a storied history, with hundreds of companies at one point making film cameras (I am a big fan of classic cameras from Japan, though my heart still craves a Leica, but it’s the price that’s stopping me from getting one). It’s like a rabbit hole—the more you search for film cameras, the more confused you get. Frankly, you need to know the basics before you dive into film cameras. However, disposable cameras make it easy to get into film photography without the extra complication. They are essentially single-use cameras, pre-loaded with film, designed for one-time use. So, unlike traditional cameras, these come with a fixed roll of film. When all the shots are used up, there is no reloading; the whole camera is to be sent back to be developed (more on that later). You may be thinking that disposable cameras have reintroduced film photography. Actually, they have been around since the ’80s and have always catered to casual photographers and tourists, especially kids, thanks to their simplicity and easy-to-use operation.
Straightforward to operate
Perhaps the whole premise of using a disposable film camera centers around simplicity. Take pictures with the click of a button and carry the camera in your pocket. A disposable camera—simply put—is a single-use camera. It has a plastic body and lens with fixed focus and fixed aperture settings, a built-in flash, and a limited number of exposures. Since the film is already loaded, simply use the viewfinder to compose your photo. Just point and shoot. There is no learning curve, and you don’t need prior experience to use a disposable camera, which makes it easy to enter the world of film photography. Once you have taken all the available photos, you can take the camera to a local film developer. You can ask them for printed photos or digital versions.
How to Use a Disposable Camera: A step-by-step guide
Disposable cameras are a type of film camera designed to be single use. (Image credit: Kodak)
Now that you know the basics of a disposable camera and how it functions, here’s a guide on how to use it.
Story continues below this ad
Getting the camera ready: Most disposable cameras are ready to go from the time you open the box. The film is pre-loaded, so you don’t have to search finding the film.
Take a picture: Look through the viewfinder and take a picture. Keep in mind that these cameras come with a fixed-focus lens, so subjects closer to the camera will be in focus. Press the shutter button to take the picture.
Using the flash: Some disposable cameras have a built-in flash, while others don’t. Although there is nothing wrong with using a flash, you should be careful when taking shots of buildings or mountains. It is recommended to avoid using it when something in front of you has a reflective surface, as that will cause the flash to bounce back at the camera, leading to flare or completely overexposing your photo.
Know when the film is advancing: You will hear a whirring sound after each shot, which means the camera is automatically moving the film along the roll.
Story continues below this ad
Keep an eye on when the roll is finished: Don’t forget to check the exposure meter. A disposable camera lasts as long as the film in it. Once you reach the maximum number of exposures (which varies between 24 or 36), the film roll is finished. Some cameras have the feature to automatically wind the roll, while others need to be manually wound.
Go for a good disposable camera
Disposable cameras come with a fixed film roll.
I wouldn’t recommend picking a disposable camera just by going online and getting one—not at all. There are several factors you should keep in mind before selecting a disposable camera:
Film type: The majority of disposable cameras support colour film, but some options also feature black and white film. However, if you are going with a disposable camera pre-loaded with colour film, pay attention to the ISO. A higher ISO (800) is better for low light, while a lower ISO (400) offers better details in bright conditions.
Lens quality: Don’t expect disposable cameras to have high-quality lenses, but there are always options with better lenses. A decent lens can vastly improve sharpness and reduce distortion. So keep that in mind.
Story continues below this ad
Plenty of affordable disposable cameras to choose from
Lighting is key, as is the way you compose shots.
I was absolutely surprised to find out that a disposable camera costs under Rs 6000, depending on the brand and model. The affordability makes it easy to pick up a disposable camera. In fact, the Kodak FunSaver costs Rs 3433, making it the most affordable disposable camera on the market. In the US, for example, disposable cameras cost even less, around $20.
Although there are many brands that sell disposable cameras on the market, I have zeroed in on three options after careful consideration, taking into account all the factors, including price points.
Kodak Fun Saver: This camera is so small and light, and it looks like a totally fun device. It’s loaded with Kodak 800 Colour Negative Film and comes with a flash. It produces great results and performs well in low light.
Fujifilm QuickSnap: Small in size and easy to use, the Fujifilm QuickSnap uses finer grain 400 ISO film, which means it needs the flash for lower-lit scenes, unlike the 800 ISO cameras. The QuickSnap is best used in open daylight with no flash or in low light with flash. It’s a great option for capturing landscapes.
Story continues below this ad
Ilford XP2 Super Single Use: This camera uses XP2 film, which has a very fine grain, great contrast, and beautiful tones. It’s a great camera for someone who is into nature landscapes and cityscapes.
Film vs. Digital
I often ask, ‘Who cares about film cameras?’ And I always tell them that photography needs to be viewed through an artistic lens. Not only is film technically superior, but it delivers better colours and sharper pictures without losing the highlights. And yes, there are no shooting delays either. With film, press the button and you are done. Perhaps that’s why seasoned photographers still, even to this day, prefer using film cameras.
Why use a disposable camera? It’s about simplicity
It’s easy to understand why disposable cameras exist even today, and it all comes down to three things: simplicity, nostalgia, and experiencing photography the way it should be. The charm of using film cameras is all about conceding to the imperfection. However, there are certain disadvantages to disposable cameras that are glaringly visible. Unlike traditional film cameras, which can be reused and last longer—probably a lifetime if maintained well—disposable cameras are designed for single use. This means there is a higher chance of them ending up in landfills, although many brands have proper recycling programs to dispose of disposable cameras. Still, they are less eco-friendly than reusable digital and film cameras. Additionally, even though the cost of owning a disposable camera is low, film photography—particularly film development at labs—can add up significantly.
Frequently asked questions
Can disposable cameras be reused?
Disposable cameras are lightweight, compact, and inexpensive as well. (Image credit: Fujifilm)
No, disposable cameras are meant to be used once and discarded. However, some of them are designed to be easily disassembled and reloaded with new film. That said, it’s not a straightforward process, and sometimes the dismantling process costs more than simply getting a new disposable camera. Disposable Camera?
Story continues below this ad
How much does it cost to develop a camera film?
The cost depends on where you live and how much the service provider charges for printing and delivery. However, on average, the cost of developing the film can range between Rs 300 and Rs 500 in India.
