Disposable point and shoot cameras are super popular for their easy use and simplicity, but is it worth buying a reusable camera to capture those spontaneous moments?
Disposable cameras are often a staple at weddings and parties, as they’re so easy and convenient. Once the film has been developed, however, the majority of the point and shoot body goes straight into the bin.
Plastic: Not So Fantastic
The problem with disposable point and shoot cameras is that they are made entirely of plastic, and are single use so they can’t be repurposed. Getting them prepped for a film lab involves gutting the cameras, taking out the film, removing the battery, and throwing the plastic shell in the bin. Unfortunately, most of the contraption goes straight into the bin. We can reuse the batteries, but it’s not a lot of redemption for something that ends up in landfill.
Reusable Options
There are so many cheap, easy to operate reusable options on the market. The Kodak M38 and Ilford Sprite II cameras operate the same as disposables, with the only difference being that you have to load the film yourself (which isn’t hard at all once you’ve done it once or twice)!
Photo credit: The Darkroom
It’s far cheaper in the long run, and can open up the world of film as much as you want it to. You can stick with the classic Kodak Ultramax if you want a widely available film, or you could try your hand at black and white with some Ilford HP5. Reusable cameras can be as simple as you want them to be; but with the added bonus of being more sustainable.
Photo credit: Kodak
Film ISO
The main thing that seems off putting to people coming into film is just how many film stocks there are; it can be incredibly overwhelming! What helps is this infographic that Ilford has made that explains what film is made for each situation. In short, the higher the number (the “ISO”), the more sensitive to light it is. So ISO 100 film is better for taking photos during the day, since it’s not as light sensitive. But, ISO 400 is good for both during the day and at night, especially when used with a flash! Whilst ISO 800 is great for taking photos at night, but is too sensitive to take photos during the day in lots of situations.
Photo credit: Ilford
There are also lots of fantastic reusable, secondhand film cameras on the PhotoCo website!
Learning how to reload reusable film cameras can help keep plastic out of landfill, and is far cheaper in the long run! Happy shooting!
