For about a month, I had been searching for the Contax T2, a classic film camera that has gained a cult following among photography enthusiasts. I browsed through every online store, from well-known marketplaces to small second-hand shops specializing in vintage cameras. Despite my best efforts, I still haven’t managed to find one. However, my search led me to something unexpected—disposable cameras, a type of film camera designed for single use.
Before stumbling upon them, I had little knowledge of these cameras. I didn’t know who made them, how they worked, or why people still used them in the age of digital photography. It turns out that big brands like Kodak and Fujifilm continue to produce disposable cameras, keeping a nostalgic form of photography alive.
Disposable cameras are incredibly simple. Unlike digital cameras or even traditional film cameras, you don’t need to worry about adjusting exposure settings, focus, or ISO. You just point and shoot, making them perfect for situations where you want to focus on capturing the moment rather than fiddling with settings. They are lightweight, affordable, and great for travel, parties, or outdoor adventures.
In an era where most of us rely on smartphones with high-quality cameras, the idea of using a single-use film camera might seem unnecessary or even outdated. But there’s something undeniably charming and exciting about shooting with film—the unpredictability, the waiting time before you see the final result, and the joy of holding physical prints.
Growing up, I had a deep fascination with film cameras. I still remember the day my father brought home a Yashica film camera. It became our family’s trusted camera for years, capturing birthdays, vacations, and everyday life. There was a certain magic in the process—loading the film, carefully taking each shot, and then waiting eagerly to get the photos developed.
Years later, when we switched to a Sony Cybershot digital camera, things changed. While digital cameras allowed us to see and delete pictures instantly, something felt missing. That excitement of waiting for prints, the surprise of seeing how they turned out, and even the little imperfections that made each photo unique—all of it was lost in the digital world.
Surprisingly, film photography has been making a comeback, especially among younger generations. Many Gen Z photographers and content creators are embracing film cameras and disposables for their aesthetic appeal. The grainy texture, natural lighting, and raw feel of film images make them stand out in a world dominated by overly edited, ultra-HD smartphone photos.
Another reason for their popularity is the element of patience and mindfulness they bring. With only 27 or 36 exposures in a disposable camera, each shot matters. You think before you click, making each photo more meaningful. In contrast, digital photography has made it too easy to take thousands of pictures, often without truly appreciating the moment.