Reloading Kodak's Disposable Camera With Film

Kodak's single use, throw away camera can be reloaded with film. This lets you try out different types of film and maybe even save some money. This project outlines how film can be removed from the Kodak 'single use' camera and reloaded with a roll of 36, black and white film.

Kodak 27 shot disposable camera

Black and white film

Toothpick

Black tape

Small screwdriver

larger screwdriver

I enjoyed taking photos with the kodak flash disposable camera. It fitted nicely into my pocket and having a flash allowed some indoor photos to be taken. Taken in good light the photos turned out well, while in low light the need to use the flash became apparent.

To remove the film from a Kodak disposable camera, pry open the tab at the camera's bottom. Initially, I hesitated, but it appears that winding the film after taking a photo actually rewinds it into its canister. I used a jeweler's screwdriver to pry it open, though any appropriate tool should work.

After removing the film, I took it to a photo developing shop for development and scanning. Subsequently, I plan to have some of the photos printed out at a local office supplies store.

The method I used to reload film into the disposable camera came from watch this YouTube clip Check it out!

Here how the back was removed:

• Remove the plastic covering.
• With a small screwdriver unclip both ends.
• Carefully, unclip the small top clip.
• Remove the cover from the battery.

Once the cover has been removed, you're ready to load the new film, but exercise caution due to the capacitor inside the camera, which could give you a shock if touched. This won't be an issue as long as you don't attempt to completely dismantle the camera.

Reset the counter wheel by turning in until the arrows appear in the 'bubble window'. As the roll of film to be reloaded is 36 shoots once the dial has counted down to 0 it will start counting down for 27 again for the last shots on a roll of 36.

You will see the ratchet wheel which you rotate with your thumb after taking a photo - practice releasing the ratchet using a toothpick.

Take the new film out of its packaging and cut the end so it will fit into the take up spool. Tread it into the spool and place the spool and film canister into the camera.

Ensure the film is lying flat, then while holding it down, clip the cover back on. Replace the battery cover and the film cover tab. It may take a few attempts.

Unlike most film cameras where you rewind the film after taking all your shots, with a disposable camera, the film is wound out before taking photos, and as you take them, it is wound back into its original canister.

This is accomplished by inserting the toothpick into a hole at the top of the camera to disengage the ratchet from the thumb turning wheel (ensure it turns backwards freely). Then, using a larger screwdriver, wind the film onto the take-up spool.

Cover the area where the two halves meet with black tape to prevent any light leaks.

After shooting the reloaded roll of film, remove it and take it to a camera development shop for processing.

I reloaded the kodak disposable camera with some 400 iso Blank and White film. I developed and scanned the film at home. I am still working out the best way to scan negatives so there is room for improvement. Once scanned I printed out some of the images at my local office supply store.