“The film with a lens.” That’s how Fujifilm advertised its product, the disposable camera, in 1986. And it really was as basic as a camera could be: in a time when conventional cameras were still complicated for the average person, disposable cameras became a simpler and more accessible alternative. Even today, when everyone carries a digital camera in their pocket, these little devices are still booming, whether for events, for documenting car accidents (you can keep the roll of film with the images, free of photomontage), or as an alternative when going out to explore new places.
In the summer, after my driving practice, I rediscovered them at a nearby photography shop and bought one to inflate for a while on my daily commute home. Between driving practice and my driving course, it was a nice distraction to clear my head.
I found the Kodak Fun Saver at Foto Express, located at Antonio Varas 891, Puerto Montt (across from Fashions Park). Check with photography stores in your city.
And I must say, I loved the results. While you have a limited number of attempts to take photos here, I didn’t really feel that pressure (except for the pressure of using a very “anachronistic” camera for 2018): I just arrived, saw an ideal place or situation, and took a picture. After developing and scanning them, they have a vintage style, as if the photos were taken two decades ago (even though some buildings or logos might suggest otherwise). With a little more time and dedication, I would have focused on photographing specific things and places that haven’t changed much, to get photos that could pass for old. But for a first attempt, it wasn’t bad at all.
The camera had a 27-photo capacity, and all the photos I took came out perfectly, without any noticeable flaws. The ones I uploaded to the internet were a selection of my favorites. Here they are on Flickr for you to see. And maybe you’ll be inspired to try it yourselves. Highly recommended.
