You Wouldn’t Catch Me Dead Without a Disposable Camera — Until I Bought This Game-Changer


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If you know me, you know I wouldn’t be caught dead without one of the best disposable cameras. For the past couple of years, there’s been a disposable somewhere on my body. My jacket pocket contains my tote bag, my jeans, my hands — you name it. As someone that’s deeply invested in keeping film photography alive, disposable cameras offer a smaller, more carefree way to snap 35mm film photos when I don’t want to bring a larger, more expensive camera on the go.

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However, film photography and especially disposable cameras can be a burden. Over the last few years, film prices have risen astronomically. Digitial Camera World now offers digital camera world dishes as of January 10, 2023. Kodak prices have soared up to 40% This is just the month.

Not to mention, if you don’t know how to develop film yourself, taking your film to a local development shop will cost you even more money. I’ve come to realize that although the ease of disposable cameras is something I’ve come to love dearly, it’s also become quite an expensive habit when comparing side by side with already expensive 35mm film. Although it might be only a few dollars, you get my point. Film is very expensive in 2023.

Disposable cameras also aren’t necessarily the best for the environment. Sure, any development center will recycle your disposable camera for you, says Napa Recycling & Waste Services, but no waste is better than waste, period. Aside from ease and aesthetics, I’ve begun to question why I’m even shooting with disposable cameras in the first place. That’s until I discovered a “disposable camera” unlike any other I’ve shot with before, the Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera. But what makes this “disposable camera” so unique compared to other disposables? Why in the world am i using quotation marks? Check out my full review to learn everything you need.

Buy: Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera $23.69 (orig. $38.99) 39% OFF

Pros

  • Great quality

  • Reusable

  • Lightweight

  • Affordable

  • Simple to carry

Cons

  • Battery dies quickly

  • Not disposable

What is the Kodak M35 different?

Well, for starters, this disposable camera isn’t disposable at all. Yes, that’s why I used quotation marks earlier. Though it isn’t disposable, I still treat it like a disposable camera. It has that cheap, lightweight feel and costs around the same price as any other disposable camera, so you don’t have to feel bad if you accidentally lose or damage it. This camera’s non-disposable function helps people save money and reduce the amount of trash they produce when they are shooting.

This camera can be reloaded, so you can load your film by yourself. It can be daunting to load film for the first times. We recommend that you watch the YouTube tutorial below before loading your Kodak 355. In comparison to those unaware, you typically don’t load disposable cameras. These cameras almost always come preloaded loaded with film.

The Kodak M35 is just like any disposable camera. It comes with a separate lens and viewfinder. That means that what you see in the viewfinder isn’t exactly what you’re getting because the lens taking the photo is slightly underneath.

The M35 is available in many cute colors unlike other disposable cameras. The M35 is a far more versatile disposable camera than Kodak and Fujifilm, which have only one look. Here, you can opt for green, purple, blue — you name it.

This camera is a disposable camera, so the battery life was a problem I had with it. This camera takes AAA batteries that aren’t included and die fast. The batteries died fast enough that I thought my camera had failed. I’m the type of person that can go more than a few weeks with the same disposable camera, only taking it out of my pocket when I find it necessary. This camera makes it more difficult. While on the same roll of film and a fresh battery, the camera battery died on me when I needed it most at a drag show seeing the Victoria Elizabeth Black from The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. The camera’s battery only activates the flash. Still, it’s important to note that you should be using flash with this camera (and any other disposable camera) 99% of the time if you’re not in direct sunlight.

Needless to say, I was heartbroken that I couldn’t get a stellar shot on this disposable. I now keep AAA batteries on me at all times, so this doesn’t happen again.

Buy: Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera $23.69 (orig. $38.99) 39% OFF

Shooting with the Kodak M35

Except for the battery-related problems I had, the Kodak M35 is just like any disposable camera. It has a flash you switch on and off on the front of the camera when needed; just make sure to keep it off when you’re not using it. It produces excellent images with exceptional saturation, which I am always looking for in disposable cameras.

You can use any type of 35mm film that you want because the Kodak M35 refillable. Yes, you can use any brand. To find your favorite, you can always stick a different roll in.

Here are some images I took with my Kodak M35. All of these images were taken using the Kodak 355. Kodak Portra 400 35mm film and were all developed at Analogue Films in London, UK. This is important because film types and film development shops can affect the outcome of each roll. Your images may look different from mine.

Buy: Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera $23.69 (orig. $38.99) 39% OFF

Verdict: Should you buy the Kodak M35

If you’re the kind of person that’s constantly found shooting with a disposable camera, I vote that yes, you should purchase the Kodak M35. It’s functional, affordable, lightweight, and will save you money when shooting 35mm film on a disposable camera alternative.

I am not sure if you are using a disposable camera if you don’t. While I agree that every photographer should be photographing film, even in a disposable format for their passion, I am unsure if this camera is designed for the average person. Why? That battery life is the only reason. Before owning this camera, I did not have AAA batteries lying around as I do now, nor did I carry them on me “just in case.” It might become a bit of a hassle for someone who wants to take their disposable camera out once in a blue moon simply because I believe they might have to switch to a new battery each time they use it.

You have complete control over the outcome. The camera offers many perks and the best part is its affordability. If you’re looking into shooting more film, the Kodak M35 is an excellent way to start without feeling the need to break the bank. Give it a whirl and see if it’s for you; just remember, film is sold separately!

Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera

Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera

Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera

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