Have you come across a disposable camera or are thinking of buying a new one? While it might have been a while since you’ve last seen one, you can follow these simple steps to learn how to use a disposable camera today.
We’ll go through the following actions today:
Winding the Film on a disposable camera
Unlike digital cameras or snapping pics on your cell phone, disposable cameras have one extra step before taking a photo: advancing the film. If you try to take a pic on a disposable camera before advancing the film, it won’t work.
At the back of the disposable camera, on the top right corner, you will see a horizontal wheel, called a thumb wheel. Use your thumb to scroll this wheel to the right until it doesn’t go any further. With this motion, you have advanced the film through the camera and are now ready for your close-up.
Using the Flash On a disposable camera
If it is dark when you plan to take your picture, remember to turn on the flash. Otherwise, you will end up with an entire developed scroll of underexposed black photos.
The flash button is usually located at the front of the camera to the right of the lens. It works as a slide and, usually, you can slide the button up to turn the flash on or back down to turn the flash off.
When you turn the flash on, you may hear a slightly high-pitched sound. This is the flash charging. Wait 2-5 seconds until this sound stops before taking a photo. Keep in mind that some disposable cameras have a red button that will light up when flash is in use, while other cameras reset to “flash off “after each photo.
Remember not to use flash if you’re in a bright and well-lit place, or you will develop a roll of all-white overexposed photos. Flash also works best if you are taking a picture of something 8-36 feet in front of you.
Framing the Shot on a disposable camera
Now, remember, a disposable camera is an old-school piece of equipment. You will need to physically bring the camera up to your face and look through the viewfinder located in the middle of the backside of the camera.
Simply put your preferred eye right up to the viewfinder and look through it at your subject. It helps to squint or fully close your other eye to see better.
Now that the technical bit is out of the way, it’s time to get creative. Play with different angles and views to frame your subject in an emotive way. Subjects can be people, animals, landscapes, or architecture – really anything you deem interesting.
A basic photography composition is the Rule of Thirds, which applies to both horizontal and vertical pictures. Imagine the frame spliced in nine even squares of 3 X 3. Now, place the subject at the intersection of any of these lines.
As a tip, don’t point the camera directly into or away from the sun or other light sources. Instead, let the light hit your subject at an angle and play with it to capture the magic of the moment.
Shooting a masterpiece with a disposable camera
Once you have your artistic vision in the viewfinder, it’s time to shoot your masterpiece. To do that, hold the camera steadily with both hands then press down on the button on the top right of the camera with your right index finger. Hold it until you hear a click, and then release. Voilà – you have captured your first disposable camera image!
Wind the Film Until There Is No More
After your first photograph, you must advance the film again to take the next photo. You will need to advance the film between each picture by turning the thumb wheel to the right until it can’t go any further.
Some disposable cameras have a number indicator on the top to show how many photos you have left. If not, you will know when there is no more film because the thumb wheel will just keep turning and turning with no end in sight, meaning you aren’t able to take any more pictures.
Develop Your Film
When there is no more film left on your disposable camera, it is time to develop your film.
You can do this anywhere that has a photo development lab, such as drug stores like CVS or Walgreens or local photo stores. You can also mail your film to a photo lab if you have no brick-and-mortar location nearby.
Depending on the store, you can get your photos back in anywhere from one hour to a few days. This will typically cost you between $8 and $20.
Find out how to get your disposable camera pictures onto your phone here.
How Many Pictures Does a Disposable Camera Take?
The standard disposable camera has 27 pictures, but some disposable cameras can take up to 36 pictures.
Where to Buy Polaroid Film?
You can buy Polaroid film at your local camera store or photo lab, any electronic store like Best Buy, and any big-name stores like Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. You can also order polaroid film online from polaroid.com or websites like Amazon.
Some people even sell unused Polaroid film through second-hand stores or markets, like eBay. Do keep in mind that Polaroid film can expire, so be sure to buy film that has been produced within the last year for the best results.
In Summary
Disposable cameras are unique tools that give your images a classic, grainy quality that can’t be replicated by a digital camera or a camera phone. If you already have one, simply advance the film, turn on the flash, use the viewfinder, snap your photo, and develop your film.
The limited number of frames makes each picture precious and adds creative restraints to the photographer, as well as an air of suspense when waiting to see your masterpiece.
Now you know how to use a disposable camera, what are you waiting for?