How to Reuse Disposable Cameras

Have you ever shot with a disposable camera?

They’re small enough to slip into your pocket, and the flash isn’t too strong—so even if you shoot people on the street, it doesn’t make anyone uncomfortable. For example, this photo was taken with one.

You might have seen plastic lenses for digital cameras that make your photos look like they were shot on a disposable camera.

But actually, there’s a way to reuse a real disposable camera. In this edition, I’ll show you exactly how to reload film and use it again.

🔨 Tools You’ll Need to Reuse a Disposable Camera

Here’s what you’ll need to reload a disposable camera :

• A plastic card (like a credit card)

• A flathead screwdriver

• A utility knife

The plastic card is key—it helps you safely open the disposable camera without breaking it.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reload Film in a Disposable Camera

Step 1: Cut through the sticker along the edge of the body

Most disposable cameras—whether Kodak or Fuji—are made of two parts: a front and back body.

They usually have a single sticker that wraps across both halves. To open it, carefully cut through the sticker with a utility knife.
If you’re fine with keeping the camera as a simple plastic body, you can just peel off the entire sticker instead.

Step 2: Insert a plastic card into the gap along the edge

There are small plastic clips holding the two halves together.

Slide your plastic card into the gap along the edge and gently push—it should pop open naturally. Do this on both sides, and you’ll be able to separate the body.

You might think a screwdriver would work too, but since those clips are also plastic,
a metal tool could easily break them. That’s why using a slightly flexible card is safer.

Step 3: Load new film into your disposable camera

Remove the used film and insert a fresh roll.

Start with the film canister, pull out the leader, and fit it into the take-up spool.

Make sure the spool’s teeth grab the sprocket holes properly. Wind the film a little by hand to create tension before closing the camera.

Step 4: Close the camera while keeping tension on the film

Once the film is loaded, hold the bottom part of the camera as you close it.
If you don’t keep that pressure, the film might loosen and slip off the spool.
Use your thumb to hold it in place while snapping the body shut.

Step 5: Wind the film using a flathead screwdriver

After closing the camera, use a flathead screwdriver to wind the film. (Keep your thumb pressed on the bottom part to maintain tension when you insert the screwdriver.)

There’s a small slot at the bottom of the take-up spool where you can insert it and start turning. You’ll hear a clicking sound as you wind—don’t worry, that’s normal.

If you don’t hear any clicks, the film isn’t loaded correctly, so reopen it and try again while keeping tension on the spool.

When the clicking stops and you can’t turn the screwdriver anymore, your disposable camera is ready to shoot!

Sample Shots Taken with the Reused Disposable Camera

For this test, I loaded MARIX 800T film and shot a Halloween party last weekend.

Since it was inside a dark club, the backgrounds came out a bit underexposed,
but the overall look has that unique plastic-lens charm you can only get from a disposable camera.

The best part is—you can experiment with different ISO films or even try black-and-white film. In places like clubs, where carrying a big camera might draw attention, a disposable camera is the perfect choice.

Also, the flash is reusable if you replace the battery, so even though it’s called “disposable,” it’s actually an eco-friendly reusable camera.
If that sounds fun, give it a try!

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