Should I Get Disposable Cameras for My Wedding?
Disposable cameras are fun and a great way to get your guests involved, but are they are good fit for your wedding?
Weddings have so much potential for creativity and fun! And one of the best ways to make a wedding amazing is to make it interactive. Games, dancing, toasts, even the wedding cake are part of an interactive event. But the wedding photography still remains somewhat exclusive. Sure, you can use your phone, but it’s not really something that you can share with the happy couple. At least, not easily…
This has led a lot of couples to choose disposable cameras for their wedding. Everyone can grab a camera and document the event from their own perspective! In theory, it’s an amazing and fun idea, but we have to ask ourselves - is it a good idea to have disposable cameras at your wedding? Let’s look at the pros and cons of having disposable cameras and figure out if they are the best choice for you!
Wedding Disposable Cameras: The Good
There are so many good reasons to have disposable cameras at your wedding. While this list is not exhaustive, it does give you an idea of how having disposable cameras available for guests at your wedding might be a great idea!
Disposable Cameras are fun!
Cameras are fun, but there’s just something about a disposable camera that brings out the best and sometimes worst (in a good way) in people. Their simplicity means that anyone can pick up a disposable camera and start shooting. Everyone can be a photographer and it can inspire some people to create some really cute and fun poses while making great memories for you and your spouse. Plus, having disposable cameras available just seems to really liven up the reception crowd! The fun factor of a disposable camera is a major pro when considering whether or not to buy disposable cameras for your wedding.
Disposable Cameras are Cheap!
I’ve seen couples try to use instant cameras at their weddings. Fuji Instax and Polaroid cameras can range from $60 to $120 each and then you have to purchase the film which roughly costs between $ and $3 per photo depending on which format you are using. Couples choosing to go with instant cameras at their weddings often discover that people have to wait around to have a turn and they can burn through a lot of film really quickly. Disposable cameras range between $10 and $20 per camera many times (though you can buy them in bulk cheaper) and come with 27 exposures. You’re getting the camera and the film at a fraction of the cost of instant.
Disposable Cameras are Easy to Use!
A shutter button, a flash charge button, and a winding wheel are all that make up a disposable camera. You charge the flash, press the shutter release, and then wind the film to the next stop and that’s it! If you buy regular consumer disposable cameras for your wedding, you’ll find the instructions are even printed right on the camera. If you purchase decorative cameras from Etsy or Amazon, those may be covered up, but the cameras are still ridiculously easy to use!
Disposable Cameras are Super Durable
Let’s be honest, many of your guests are going to be feeling pretty good once the open bar starts pouring at your reception. You wouldn’t want them handing your Instax or Polaroid cameras in that condition. One drop could send your $100 investment right into the trash when the camera breaks. While disposable cameras are cheap, they are surprisingly durable thanks to the extremely simple design and their plastic lens. You can drop them repeatedly and often the only thing that might happen is the flash stops working. Which doesn’t render the camera completely useless, merely limited in its function.
Disposable cameras are easy to buy
Cheap, durable, and they are still EVERYWHERE! Walmart, Target, and many pharmacies still carry disposable cameras. And you can easily purchase them online! Amazon carries them as well as Etsy and many other online retailers. If you’re looking for info on where you can buy a disposable camera, check out THIS ARTICLE.
You can also check out our Disposable Camera Packages for Weddings! We offer disposable camera packages in 5, 10 or even 20 and the price includes developing and digital delivery through an online gallery. All of our wedding disposable camera packages come with brand-new Kodak cameras loaded with the best film for shooting in darker areas like reception halls or at night. Of course, you should still always use your flash!
Wedding Disposable Cameras: The Bad
While there are a lot of pros to having disposable cameras at your wedding, there are a few things you should be aware of. The good news is that being aware of them can make your disposable camera experience much more enjoyable! Here are the things you should watch out for:
Your Guests may get crazy
I recently developed, processed, and scanned disposable camera film for a customer who had used these disposable cameras at a wedding. While there were many many amazing photos of family and friends, one particular individual decided to walk around and take photos of everyone’s crotches. He even snapped photos under the table. It was an entire roll, 27 exposures, of crotch shots. The customer/bride was extremely upset. I doubt any of those photos made it into the wedding album!
There may be a lot of Finger Photos…
Because you are looking through a viewfinder on a disposable camera, you aren’t actually seeing what is coming through the lens. Combine that with the smooth design (no protruding lens) of a disposable camera and you’re going to end up with a lot of people’s fingers drifting into the picture. I process a lot of wedding disposable cameras and I see a lot of fingers in pictures. Well, you can’t really tell it’s a finger, just a skin-colored blurry blob on the right side of the frame. Fortunately, many of the images can be cropped down to get rid of the finger, but sometimes, it just takes up too much of the image.
To Flash or Not to Flash
The biggest issue I see with disposable cameras that come back from weddings is that the images are always very very dark. People forget to activate the flash button or fail to understand that it has to be pushed each time you’re about to use the camera in most cases. The dark nature of most reception halls makes the flash absolutely necessary and even then, you have to understand that the flash is only good for so many feet. When indoors at the reception, guests should use the flash every single time! When outdoors and in the shade, there’s a good chance you should still use the flash. For most disposable cameras, the only time that you absolutely do not need the flash is when your subject is standing in very bright daylight. So if you have the opportunity to inform through an announcement or making a sign or whatever, make sure your guests know about using the flash!
Without flash…
With flash…
The Cost of Developing
Many couples come back from their honeymoon and discover a large box filled with all of the disposables they had at their wedding and are often sticker-shocked when they discover the cost of developing! Film processing prices are on the rise to get your film processed and scanned could cost as much as $20 or more per roll. When you have 20 or 30 cameras, that adds up to a lot of money and is a somewhat hidden cost and problematic for many who choose to use disposable cameras.
The good news is that WE PROCESS DISPOSABLE CAMERAS! We can develop, scan, process, and even print your images for you at an extremely reasonable price! We provide special care for our wedding customers and give extra attention to detail and image processing to make sure your images turn out beautifully! For orders of 30 cameras and up we even offer a special bulk discount! Message us to find out more!
Is it a good idea to have disposable cameras at my wedding?
While you have to weigh the pros and cons of wedding disposable cameras and consider your guests and your budget, we think it’s a fantastic idea to use such fun and interactive media at your wedding. Communicate with your guests and assume they have no idea how to use a disposable camera. You can use social media to hype the presence of disposable cameras while using it to inform your guests how to properly use the cameras. And, don’t forget to budget for the cost of developing your disposables. We have a new product offering coming soon that will allow for you to buy a package of cameras AND includes developing/scanning/prints!
Wedding Albums: Are They Really Necessary?
Is it really worth it to get a wedding album? In this post we talk about the pros and cons, including the expense of having a wedding album made!
We live in the golden age of digitalization. So it only makes sense that most of what was physical before are now finding their way to the digital world. This includes wedding photos and albums.
Nowadays, most brides and grooms prefer receiving digital copies of their wedding photos. Not just because these files are more compact and portable than physical albums, but they are also much easier to share and brag about on social media.
So, this begs the question:
Are wedding albums really necessary in 2021 and beyond?
The answer is, well, it depends.
Let’s take a look at a couple of factors that may influence a couple’s decision to get a wedding album for their special day.
Professional- vs Consumer-Grade Wedding Albums
There are two main types of wedding albums available for soon-to-be-married couples — and these are your professional- and consumer-grade wedding albums.
Consumer-grade wedding albums are often made of low-end materials, which is why they aren’t the best option if you’re looking for high-value and high-quality printouts. They often use a default album design for every client and lack personalization options across the board.
If you don’t want your wedding album looking generic and common, working with professional-grade producers is your best option. They offer customizable album designs and layouts that fit the preferences of each client/couple. Additionally, you get to enjoy high-quality images printed on premium materials.
Pricing and Budgeting
One more thing about digital wedding photos that make them so attractive is that they are more cost-effective than traditional printed albums.
Printed albums require a couple to shell out at least $500 to $800 on top of their photographer’s fee, which normally costs around $1000 to $2000, depending on the photographer’s level of expertise.
Some couples may not like the idea of spending a couple of extra hundred dollars for a wedding album. However, others may find a way to fit the costs into their overall budget.
Hard Drive Failure and Physical Backups
Hard drive failures happen every day, and when they do, hundreds even thousands of pieces of data are lost or damaged in the process. You can read dozens of stories on the internet of people wishing they had a physical copy of lost memories they stored on their phone or computer.
Albums can act as a sort of physical backup for precious memories and milestones. Physical printed photos can last more than a lifetime and can be an incredibly “romantic” way of passing down memories to future generations. There’s something about the feeling of paper in your hands that makes you feel more connected to the photos you’re looking at.
You can’t duplicate that feeling by handing your grandchildren a thumb drive.
If you want something you can physically pass down as an heirloom to your grandkids, then a wedding album is a great choice.
Professional Photography
Weddings are already one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life (apart from buying a home and getting a mortgage). Might as well go all out on this area of your wedding budget and hire someone who will make you, your spouse, and your guests all look good in your wedding photos.
While we have nothing against hiring novice or amateur photographers, there is value in hiring a professional to capture the moments of your special day.
A wedding album should be more than just a collection of photos compiled in one book.
Professional photographers can work with you in designing your album. They can help you decide on a theme, a color scheme, as well as costumes — if you’re aiming for that vibe and feel.
So, Are Wedding Albums Necessary?
While wedding albums are nice to have, they technically aren’t necessary, especially if you don’t have the extra resources to spend. As we said, wedding albums aren’t the cheapest memorabilia. They cost anywhere between $500 to $800 dollars, and those are just the numbers before adding the editing, layout, and designing fees.
You don’t want your wedding day to be the reason you go into debt, after all.
If you’re only feeling pressured to get a wedding album because it’s the current “trend,” it’s probably best to sit that one out. As long as you have a solid backup plan in place for your wedding photos, you should be fine without a wedding album.
On the flip side, if you have the budget for a professional-grade wedding album that is shot and designed by an expert photographer, then you should definitely consider getting one.
Not only is it a great way to look back on important events and memories, but it also ensures that you have a high-quality backup to pass on to future generations — in case your files get lost in the cloud or your device’s hard drive fails and loses your data.
We hope this article helps you with your decision on whether to get a wedding album or not!
If you’re looking for a Wedding Photographer that will fill your wedding album with absolutely beautiful images, CLICK HERE to see our work and find out more!
by Sophia Young - Sophia Young Content Studio
Are there any Cheap Lightroom Presets that are any Good?
Are you looking for cheap Lightroom presets that can boost your photography game? These affordable presets from Exposure Empire may be exactly what you’re looking for!
When I first started off in photography and was figuring out how to use Lightroom, it was obviously that I needed to get my hands on some good presets to help me speed up my workflow. I scoured the internet but anything I could find that was free, was honestly awful. I wasn’t a very good photographer, but I knew what looked good and what didn’t. So I finally gave up on free Lightroom presets and started to search for cheap or at least affordable Lightroom presets. But at the time, there just weren’t very many of those either! I finally gave up and started working on my own presets. It was a process that took a lot of time and effort. But fortunately, things have changed and there are some decent cheap Lightroom presets out there that you can use to help you give a boost to the look of your photos and speed up your post-processing workflow!
The BEST Affordable Lightroom Preset on the Market
Normally, I would do more of an in-depth discussion, but who’s got the time for that? By pure accident, I came across a set of presets by a company called Exposure Empire and after checking out all that they have to offer, they aren’t bad at all! In fact, they are actually pretty good! And for the price, you just can’t beat what they have to offer. Lots of different styles and packs, lots to choose from and all reasonably priced! For a limited time, they are offering their entire bundle for just $29! That’s right - $29 for an entire bundle of Lightroom Presets that you can use!
So if you’re seriously wanting to take your photography to the next level and speed up your process, you can do it for only $29 with these great presets from Exposure Empire. Click the button below to check out their page and order your bundle today before this offer ends!
Get a Free Disposable Camera!
Enter our September Give Away and you could win an Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro Color Disposable Camera!
It’s time for our September Give-A-Way and this month, we are giving away a FREE DISPOSABLE CAMERA! And it’s not just any old disposable!
The Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro Edition Disposable Camera
I was able to get my hands on two of these hard to find cameras and they were just delivered! I intend to do a photoshoot and review with one and the other will go to one lucky winner along with free processing and scanning. All you have to do is sign up by clicking the button below and enter to win!
While Ilford is world renown for their black and white film, this color film camera with its 1980’s packaging looks like a fun way to play with and experience Ilford’s dive into color disposable cameras. The film inside is rated at ISO 400 so this is definitely a camera you want to use outside with plenty of light. We will be shooting the camera we are keeping for tests in a variety of situations to see how if fares!
Contest Details
The winner will be selected from individuals who have signed up by providing their email address. Winners will be drawn at random on October 1st, 2021 and will be notified by email. The winner will then have to provide shipping information as well as instagram and must agree to be featured/mentioned on Shutter Junkies social media to receive the prize.
Is Lomography 800 Color Negative Film Worth Using?
Is the Lomography 800 Color Negative Film worthy trying out? We shot several rolls in different conditions and talk about the results!
Lomography is the company that actually got me into film photography. I loved the lo-fi and super creative look their cameras and films provided. Back when they were just getting going here in the United States, I was a huge fan and bought Lomography 35mm film almost exclusively for several years before I branched out to the other big brands like Kodak, Ilford, and Fuji.
For the most part, many of their films were just ok and for the price, they just were always as consistent as the big name brands of 35mm film out there. As time went on I found myself using less and less of their film. But during the pandemic, I found myself with a lot of free time and getting bored of my usual film stocks so I decided to order a bunch of Lomography 800 film in 35mm, 120, and 110. 800 ISO film is great because you can shoot indoors, outdoors and everything in between. But does the Lomography 800 film give you consistent and reliable results? Is the Lomography 800 color negative film worth using?
The Characteristics of Lomography 800 Film
Lomography 800 film offers a great dynamic range and a nice grain structure to give you a really versatile film stock. I’ve used this film stock in the past, but hadn’t shot any in several years. I was pleasantly surprised once I started looking at the results I was getting. I had previously thought the film to be good but this latest batch of film really surprised me. I shot this film indoors, outdoors, in bright light, in the dark, with a flash and I kept getting really good results. The film does behave differently in the various situations and you really have to play with it and learn how to use it. Kodak Portra 400, another favorite film stock of mine, is very similar, but I have found that I really do not like a lot of the results of Portra, but I do love Lomography 800 in all of its different reactions.
Beyond the very flexible dynamic range and really nice grain structure when shot at box speed, the film produces really nice subdued color tones in softer light and shade. Brighter lights and flashes bring out a little more punch and contrast. Knowing this and becoming familiar with how the film reacts will give you a lot of ability to control how your images turn out.
Lomography 800 Film is Amazing for Portraits
If there’s one area I feel like this film stock excels, its in portraits. I love the look of skin tones with this film! Regardless of your model’s skin color or characteristics, this film renders skin tones beautifully. While I’ve gotten good results shooting land scapes and city scenes with Lomography 800, I just love using it most when I’m working with a model, getting shots that focus on them. Couple this film with a fast lens for some amazing bokeh and the colors really blend nicely. Whether its neutral skin tones or your splashing color on the subject, this film really does an amazing job.
Is Lomography 800 Color Negative Film Worth Using?
Absolutely! Lomography has a lot of good film stocks out there, but if you’re looking for one film to buy, I can’t recommend the Lomography Lomo 800 film enough. You can use it in almost any situation, lighting condition, and with any camera. It gives you a lot of flexibility and control, once you’re familiar with the film. Lomography also makes it in 35mm and 120 so it will fit whatever camera you’re using. Get a few rolls and find out for yourself how awesome this film is!
Click the link below to order Lomography 800 film from Amazon!
New Land Camera Could Bring New Life to Your Old Polaroid
NewLandCamera is working to bring new life to our old Polaroid Land Cameras
Once Fuji Film announced they were stopping production on FP-100C and FP-3000B peel-apart film, I was heartbroken. Not only was one of my favorite instant film formats going away, but so was my ability to use some of my favorite Polaroid Cameras. Exclusively designed for peel-apart film, these cameras instantly became dust magnets once my film reserves ran out.
Polaroid Peel-Apart Film Cameras
The Polaroid Land Cameras have been around for a long time. There were four generations of the folding colorpack film cameras produced. There were 100, 200, 300, and 400 series cameras produced over the years. While we don’t have time to go through the details of these wonderful devices here, we will come back and revisit them in a future post! Theses cameras are bigger, collapsable range finders, very simple to use and as fun as they are simple.
The only issue with continuing to use these camera is that the batteries are no longer produced. A very simple modification with a new small battery pack is an easy fix for that problem however!
We’ve written in the past about the difficulty in getting film for these cameras. You can read about finding peel-apart film (both Fuji FP-100C and OneInstant Film from Supersense) by CLICKING HERE.
But this post isn’t about peel-apart pack film. No peel-apart pack film this is about an entirely different approach to bringing life to those old Polaroid Pack-Film Land Cameras using the new integral film from Polaroid!
What is NewLandCamera?
I was browsing Facebook, wasting time the other day and I came across a post that grabbed my attention. It was nothing more than a picture and a name: NewLandCamera. I couldn’t click fast enough to find out more. It started with just a Facebook page, then I went through their Instagram, and now they’re website is up! NewLandCamera is a company that is focused on the ‘Rebirth of Land Cameras’. My inner fan-boy of the Land Camera leapt with joy. I continued to investigate!
NewLandCamera has designed and is refining a 3D printed device that works with 100-400 series Polaroid Land Cameras and enables them to use Polaroid integral films (I-Type, 600, and SX-70). It appears to be a manual process, meaning that you snap your photo and then have to manually crank the film out. But I’m not upset about this as peel-apart film was also completely manual with having to grab the tabs and pull.
Are you ready to shoot with your Land Camera again? I know I am!
How Can I Find Out More about NewLandCamera?
The easiest way is to head to their website and sign-up for their news letter. They are also actively posting to their social media accounts so make sure you follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
All of the photos here were snagged from their social media and there will definitely be more coming! We will also post any updates that NewLandCamera releases as we eagerly await the release of their adapters!
Where Can I Buy Peel-Apart Film for Polaroid Land Cameras?
Fujifilm officially stopped producing peel-apart film, but can you still purchase it anywhere? This short post will tell you everything you need to know about buy peel-apart instant film today!
The minute Fuji announced they would be discontinuing FP-100C peel-apart film for older polaroid cameras, then film began to fly off of the shelves. The Fuji made film which sold for around $20 per pack was often sold out at the normal places and prices began to increase as people were trying to buy up as much as they could to use or horde and sell later at a ridiculous profit. But because so many people purchased and held on to sell later, even years down the road it is still possible to find the Fuji film in color and black and white. You can even still occasionally find some very expired Polaroid peel-apart film. You also currently have then option to purchase some of the new One Instant pack film from Supersense.
If you’re looking for some film to shoot, here’s a break down of where you can still find Peel-Apart film for Polaroid cameras and what you can expect to pay as well as what you need to watch out for.
Where Can I Buy Peel-Apart Film for my Polaroid Camera?
ONE INSTANT by Supersense
Supersense is a great little group of creative individuals working hard to keep peel-apart film alive. I love their passion and ingenuity, but product isn’t quite the peel-apart film that we are used to. It requires a lot more care and concern when loading and the results are not as uniform as the mass produced FP-100C or even expired Polaroid film packs. With only one shot per paper pack, you have to be a little more careful when loading and you get less of a run and shoot experience. And at almost $40 for three exposures, ONE INSTANT is not the most affordable option for taking instant photos, but it is at least fresh chemistry and it works! And the guys are Supersense are a really great group of creative individuals, so you should definitely go support their efforts.
You can head on over to Supersense’s website to buy a few packs today if you want to give ONE INSTANT a try. CLICK HERE to go to their site.
You can actually purchase Fuji pack film from Supersense as well. They have the best and most consistent stock. The price is also reasonable considering that the film packs are in good shape. You can shop their store HERE.
Buy Fuji FP-100C on Ebay
eBay has been a good place to find Fuji FP-100C for years. The prices have fluctuated but have mostly settled. You can expect to pay at least $66.00 for a single pack of expired Fuji FP-100C. The newer (aka the later the expiration date) the film, the high the cost. You can also purchase bundles of film packs. When purchasing film from eBay, you want to make sure and find some that has been stored in a refrigerator. The liquid chemicals will dry out over time but keeping them cool keeps them from drying out. Most packs of FP-100C sell in the range of $75-$100 per pack.
Buy Polaroid Peel-Apart Film on eBay
Finding actually usable Polaroid pack film on eBay is quite a challenge. Most of the film out there has expiration dates in the 80’s or 90’s. Pricing starts in the low $20’s but that’s in unknown condition. Polaroid film, even when its expired is amazing as long as the chemicals aren’t dried up. I love it even more than the Fuji pack film.
At this point in time, buying Polaroid film is a gamble, but if you can find some that works, its an amazing experience! I’ve bought several packs on eBay, only to have a few work. But the results were well worth it.
Buy Fuji Peel-Apart Film on Amazon
While there used to be a large selection of Fuji FP-100C film on Amazon, it seems that the supply has mostly dried up. At the time of posting only one listing remains at a cost of $828.00 for 5 packs. Listings only appear occasionally so if you’re interested in picking up some real Fuji FP100C, this is your chance! CLICK HERE to go to the listing and place your order!
Buy Peel-Apart Film on Craigslist
Several people have had some luck finding Fuji film on Craigslist. The chances of finding it on your first look are slim, but if you check consistently you have a better chance of finding some for sale. The film used to be listed quite frequently but again, as supplies are being exhausted, they listings are disappearing.
Buy Peel-Apart Film on FaceBook Marketplace
More and more, packs of Fuji peel apart film are showing up on Facebook marketplace. As this film continues to age, you want to be careful about what you buy, making sure to ask the seller about its storage and history. Since there' aren’t as many protections for buyers on Facebook, Caveat Emptor.
Looking for Peel-Apart Film at Garage Sales
This is even a longer shot than Craigslist, but some people have found some really major scores. This is literally as difficult as looking for a needle in a haystack, but if you find some, its usually cheap!
You Can Still Buy Pull-Apart Film, But…
Your options are definitely limited and what options do exist out there are expensive. If you have the opportunity to pick up a pack of film, its definitely an experience like nothing else polaroid. The manual process of shooting, pulling, waiting, and then peeling, dealing with the sticky chemicals and discovering the beautiful image you’ve capture, its something every instant photographer needs to experience at least once before all of the film is gone!
If you own a Polaroid Land Camera and want to still find a way to use it, New Land Camera is working on an integral film back for Land Cameras. CLICK HERE to read more about the work they are doing!
Don’t forget to check out our other article discussing if Polaroid would be bringing pull-apart film back by clicking HERE!
The Impossible I-1 Instant Camera - A Polaroid Film Camera
The Impossible I-1 Instant Film Camera has been out for a few years but its still an amazing device and takes great photos and Polaroid I-Type film is available everywhere!
I have a lot of instant cameras. It honestly is a real problem for me. They are all just so fun and cute! But among the dozens and dozens of modern and vintage instant cameras I own, there’s one instant film camera that is my absolute favorite! Today we are going to be talking about that camera, the positives, negatives, and everything in between!
What is the Impossible I-1 Instant Film Camera
It was the first newly designed Polaroid instant film camera to be released in decades. The Impossible Project had been recreating Polaroid instant film for years when they decided to branch out into camera design. Its solid matte-black finish and really almost minimalist design made it unique in the world of colorful and find vintage instant cameras from polaroid and even the Fuji Instax cameras. The I-1 comes equipped with Bluetooth, an app for your iPhone or iOS device as well as Android, and for the first time in a Polaroid Camera, it comes with an internal, rechargeable battery. The I-1 can use Polaroid 600 film but was designed to use I-Type film, The Impossible Project’s film that came without a battery pack.
The Impossible I-1 has a built in LED flash system which produces a significant amount of light. The flash can be turned off using a switch on the side of the lens. There’s also an exposure adjustment switch on the other side of the lens with a + and - allowing you to make minor adjustments in the exposure level.
The Impossible I-1 Instant Film Camera Specs
Optics
Focal Length - 82-109mm
Aperture - f/10 to 67
Focus Type - Auto & Manual Focus
Minimum Focus Distanc - 1 foot/.3 meters
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed - 1/250 to 30 seconds
Flash
Built-In LED
General
Tripod Mounting Thread - 1/4”-20
Battery Type - Built In
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 4.3 x 5.7 x 4.3” / 10.9 x 14.5 x 10.9cm
Weight - 15.5oz / 439.4g
How Do You Use the Impossible I-1 Camera?
Using this camera is really easy, even if you’re completely new to instant cameras. Most of the cameras functions are automated by default, but can be overridden using the app. Here’s a quick run down on how to use the Impossible I-1 camera.
How do I Load I-Type or 600 Type Film?
Notice the slider switch on the front - also excuse the dirtiness of my I-1! It gets used a lot!
Loading film into the camera is easy. There’s no difference in how you load the film, regardless of what type you are using. I-type and 600 type film load exactly the same way. On the front of the camera is a small slider switch. While holding the camera facing you, slide the switch to the right and then pull down on the front film door. Open your pack of Polaroid I-Type film or 600 Type film and slide the cartridge into the camera, narrow end first. Your film pack will reach a point where it stops sliding easily and appears to almost be in place. Give the pack one more little push, which will force the narrow plastic tab down on the front of the film cartridge. Now simply close the film door. The camera should automatically eject the dark slide. Once the dark slide is ejected, you’re ready to use your camera!
How do I take Pictures with the Impossible I-1 Camera?
You have a couple of options with the I-1 instant film camera. You can just use the camera and snap away, or you can use the app to take photos. Both options work great and mostly depend on what kind of photo you are trying to take.
To use just the camera, you turn the side rotary switch to the solid white circle, which turns the camera on. The LED ring flash will light up and indicate how many images you have left in your pack. From here, you can turn the flash off or on and adjust the exposure by using the switches on either side of the lens.
Once you have everything set, its time to frame up your picture. For me, this is the most frustrating part of using the camera. The viewfinder is a dual element device that requires you to align a smaller circle on the back element with a larger circle on the front element. It works but it just doesn’t feel precise to me. I find myself struggling to get it right sometimes. But it does always give me a pretty accurate image when comparing the picture to what I actually saw through the viewfinder. The viewfinder is held on magnetically so make sure that it is always snuggly in its correct position as it can be knocked off easily.
A screen shot of the Impossible I-1 Camera’s app as it appears on iOS devices.
Using the app to take photos is a little more complicated. The app allows for the following modes:
Remote Trigger
Manual Mode
Self Timer
Double Exposure
Noise Trigger
Light Paint
Color Paint
Additionally there’s a scanner mode that allows you to take a picture of your polaroid with your phone. There’s also a handy link to help you buy a new Polaroid Instant Camera under the “upgrade” button.
A screenshot of the app in manual mode.
Each of these modes is pretty much self-explanatory. I use the remote trigger quite a bit as well as the manual mode. I love the manual mode because it allows to make sure I’m getting the right exposure rather than wasting film. The manual mode uses your phones camera as a light meter and helps you to adjust the settings manually to get the exposure you want. Its very handy!
Double exposure is fun also, as is the light and color paint features. I’ve personally never used the Noise Trigger, but its a nice option to have.
Are There Any Problems with the Impossible I-1 Camera?
No camera is perfect, so definitely yes. After several years of use, I really only have two complaints about this camera. The first is the viewfinder, as I’ve already said it can easily be knocked off or the elements won’t extend all the way when you release them. It is a little difficult to use sometimes as well. But the biggest issues I’ve found is the internal battery. Every time I pick up this camera to use it, the battery is dead. Now this is probably completely my fault, but its just a pain to remember to put it on the charger ahead of time. I understand why Impossible designed the camera this way, but I can also see why Polaroid originally put the battery packs inside the film cartridges. If you just make sure and put this camera on the charger ahead of time, you’ll never have an issue!
If you’re having problems getting your images to come out, make sure you check our post about troubleshooting your Polaroid Film by CLICKING HERE.
A Few Impossible I-1 Camera Tips
Low-Light is not this camera’s friend - us it in places with lots of light!
Every time you power up the camera, the LED’s on the flash tell you how many exposures you have left in your pack of film
Double check your viewfinder to make sure it is on snuggly and that the elements are both in their full upright positions.
Charge your battery often!!!
Can I still buy an Impossible I-1 Instant Film Camera?
Yes! But finding one can be a bit tricky. They are available on Amazon for $199 in new condition. They are also available on Ebay for various prices ranging from $179 to over $250. You can find them in used condition in a lot of different places from Facebook Marketplace to Craigslist. These cameras haven’t been produced in several years so finding new cameras is only going to get more difficult as time goes on. But this is a great camera to have and has been extremely reliable and offers quite a bit of control over the image when shooting in manual mode with the app!
Where can I buy film for the Impossible I-1 Instant Camera?
It is actually available at a lot of different places! You can head on over to the Polaroid Website and by film directly from them! Or, check out my earlier blog post about “Where Can I Buy Polaroid Film” to find a shop near your or to order film online!
And when you get ready to put all of those amazing photos you’ve taken in to an album, read all about The Best Photo Album for Your Polaroids Here!
Is Kodak Gold 200 a Good Film for Beginners?
Kodak Gold 200 is an amazing film for beginners to use in daylight situations!
When you’re just getting started with film, it is really hard to know what film is best to start with. Film is hard to find in local stores and there aren’t a lot of film photographers around so finding individuals to talk with and compare notes with is almost impossible. There are resources out there on the web but most are really technical and not really friendly for a new film photographer.
In this article, I’m going to try to keep things simple and talk about one specific film, Kodak Gold 200 35mm and answer the question:
Is Kodak Gold 200 a Good Film for Beginners?
To get the point, absolutely! And mainly because of its affordability in comparison to its quality. Kodak Gold 200 has a definite look to it. While you can coax some very beautiful images out of it, it has a point-and-shoot quality kind of feel to it. It’s grain can be a little course in low light situations, but it can be a really nice effect.
The film is rated at ISO 200, so it works best in bright daylight. It has a decent enough latitude to work in the shade and even indoors with a flash. The film really struggles and the images begin to fall apart in low light scenes with out a flash.
Where Can I Buy Kodak Gold 200?
Kodak Gold used to be available in pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, but it isn’t carried their any longer. Walmart and BestBuy have dropped it also. You can still purchase Kodak Ultramax at some of those stores, but Kodak Gold 200 has gotten really hard to find.
We carry Kodak Gold 200 in our online store and you can purchase it HERE. You can also find it readily available on Amazon by click HERE. Beyond that, you can keep an eye out in stores because it has a tendency to pop up from time to time!
Ideal for Bright Daylight: With an ISO 200 rating, Kodak Gold 200 performs best in well-lit, outdoor conditions, delivering vibrant colors and fine grain.
Versatile for Various Lighting Conditions:
Performs well in daylight and outdoors
Performs ok shaded areas or indoors with a flash.
In low-light settings without a flash, images may have increased grain and reduced clarity.
Affordable and Beginner-Friendly:
Combines affordability with quality, making it accessible for beginners to experiment without high costs.
Its warm tones and natural color reproduction are particularly appealing for novice photographers.
Availability:
Previously common in local retail stores, but now more accessible online through various retailers.
Recommended for Beginners:
Kodak Gold 200 is user-friendly, cost-effective, and produces high-quality results, making it a great starting point for those new to film photography.
What's Wrong with My Polaroid Film?
Troubleshooting your Polaroid film can be frustrating! This easy guide will give you an idea of where to start!
Last Updated: April 2, 2024
The coloring is just so far off on this frame.
You got finally got your Polaroid camera and film and you’re excited about finally getting to take some photos. You get your model (your cat, dog, mom, dad, friends, whoever) posed just right and click the shutter release and hear that oh-so-pleasing motor noise as the first frame is eject. You wait patiently as the image slowly appears. Its kinda faint and has some weird coloring, got some smears but those are hopefully fading, but there’s an image there. You wait some more… And some more, for what feels like forever. When finally you figure the image is done. But as you behold your first polaroid image, the excitement melts into disappointment.
“Did I do something wrong?” is always your first thought.
“Maybe its the camera?”
“Maybe its the film? Is my film bad?”
What’s Wrong with My Polaroid Pictures?
There are a lot of things that could go wrong during the process, so don’t feel bad if your first images aren’t coming out right. Here’s a quick reference guide of things you can do to help make sure you get the best possible images when using Polaroid Film.
1. Don’t Let Any Light Hit the Polaroid When it Ejects from the Camera
Most of the newer cameras come with a frog tongue already installed in the slow where the film is ejected for this very purpose. The old Polaroid films were not as sensitive to light as the modern film is. Beginning with the Impossible Project and then Polaroid Originals and now back to Polaroid, all of the modern film suffers from a very serious light sensitivity issue. I didn’t learn this was an issue for quite some time back in the Impossible Project days and so a lot of my images were ruined from light exposure early in the developing process.
The best way to protect your film is to immediately get it out of any light, even if its still under the frog tongue. I make a practice to have a dark bag or keep the film box handy and as soon as the images are ejected, I put them directly in the dark somewhere and don’t look at them until they are completely developed.
If you’re using an older camera, like a Polaroid SX-70, you can purchase a frog tongue for your camera and its very easy to install. I have one for my SX-70 and it has saved me a lot of heartache with the developing process.
2. Temperature Control is so Very Important for Polaroid Film
Unused film exposed to heat and cold will cause a drastic color cast in your final image. Developed film will have either a yellowish or purple hue. Its definitely noticeable and once exposed to drastic temps, the film will not develop correctly.
Polaroid film also needs a stable temperature to develop correctly. If it’s cold out, stick the film in a pocket close to your body to keep it warm. If its warm out, get the frame somewhere cool as quickly as you can. Polaroid produces what is a fair weather film and using it in any harsh conditions means that you must give the film special care.
It was a blistering hot day in August when I snapped this photo. The heat and exposure to light took a toll on this image.
3. Avoid Purchasing Older Polaroid Film Packs
As Polaroid film ages, it doesn’t always seem to produce as good of results. Many of the film packs actually have their manufacture day stamped subtly somewhere on the box. Look for it and try to get the newest, freshest packs you can get.
Also, Polaroid does continually make small shifts and adjustments to their film. The new films generally offer the best results. While you can buy Polaroid film from local retailers like Target, Walmart, BestBuy, and others, I have found that ordering it directly from Polaroid gets me the freshest film packs.
4. Keep Your Rollers Clean
In the beginning, it was very common for the chemical pods in the films to leak out a little. Often the rollers of your camera would have dried chemical build up on there after a few photos and that will cause the rollers to struggle to spread the chemical evenly across the exposed film. A Q-Tip and a little Isopropyl Alcohol will clean those rollers right up!
5. I’ve got Blue Streaks on my Polaroid Film
This issue first showed up after then name changed from The Impossible Project to Polaroid Originals. The blue streak issue has mostly gone away with the newest of films, but it occasionally still shows up. Especially in older films. Unfortunately, there isn’t really anything you can do for the blue streak issue. They can sometimes add to the look but more than likely they’ll just mess up your image. This phenomenon has a specific name, Opacification Failure.
6. My Polaroid is Blurry
It was entirely too dark and my subject was entirely too close!
More than likely, its motion blur from a long shutter speed tryin get film exposed properly. If you’re images are turning out blurry, then you can move to an area with better lighting, or add/turn on the flash on your camera.
It could also be an issue of you being too close to the camera. All cameras/lenses have a minimum focal range. The minimal focus range for most Polaroid Instant Cameras is about an arm’s length. Anything close just won’t focus.
7. My Polaroid is Too Dark
This image is very underexposed AND suffers from some roller issues.
The image is under exposed. Polaroids require a decent amount of light. Daylight or a flash are almost always required to get a proper exposure. Try turning your flash on, using a reflector to move some light around, or move your subject to a location where there is plenty of light.
Polaroid 600 and I-Type film work a little bit better in darker situations than the SX-70 Polaroid film does. Polaroid SX-70 film requires ridiculous amounts of light to expose correctly!
Other Polaroid Trouble Shooting Resources
If these tips don’t help you get the best photographs ever, then head on over to the Polaroid trouble-shooting page HERE. There are a lot of resources there to help you figure out what exactly might be going on with your film.
I’ve got a few other resource posts on Polaroid Film - take a look at those post by clicking the links below:
Is Polaroid Bringing Back Peel-Apart Film?
This image from Comicon of BMO actually turned out pretty good!