THE STORY OF HOW SINGLE-USE CAMERAS GREW TO TAKE THE WORLD BY STORM

Disposable cameras feel like they were here and gone in a flash. For many of us, they’re nothing more than fond memories of the 80s and 90s. For some of us, they’re unknown novelties of a time long past. But they’ve existed for quite some time - and they have not yet actually disappeared from existence.

So let’s check out how this original pocket memory machine rose and fell from frame - and fame.

THE BEGINNING

Disposable cameras got their start in the 1980s, right? Wrong! They actually date back much further than you think. A hundred years further, actually. All the way to 1886.

Alexander Pope Whittell invented, patented, and released a “portable photographic apparatus.” Made almost entirely of paper and a dry photo plate, this device was capable of taking a whopping single photo. And to get that one photo developed, you had to cut through the camera box and remove the plate. It sold for 25 cents. Unfortunately, though, his apparatus was not very popular and was manufactured for fewer than five years.

It wasn’t until sixty years later in 1948 that disposable camera technology advanced enough to become a bit more sustainable as a business idea. And it started with two inventors: Frederick Bierhorst and Alfred D. Weir.

Bierhorst of New Orleans created the Picture Box, which he marketed as “The World’s Most Convenient Camera.” Weir of Dallas created the Photo-Pac. Like Bierhorst’s, it held 35mm film and was made of cardboard; but pieces of his were made of plastic, making it a bit more durable. Despite how incredible these pieces were, they were seen more as novelty items, and neither camera survived in the consumer market for too long.

But they did pave the way for other disposables, ones that did manage to hit their stride. Arthur W. Beaurline’s "Imp" in 1951 was made entirely of plastic and offered 12 exposures on 35mm film. Technicolor also took a shot with its Techni-Pak in 1972, which was the first disposable camera to feature variable exposure stops - it included aperture settings for “bright” and “cloudy.”

But it wasn’t until Kodak and Fuji threw their hats into the ring that disposable cameras really became popular.

THE MIDDLE

Once they hit their stride, disposable cameras evolved quickly thanks to companies like Kodak, Fujifilm, and Agfa. These cameras gained new abilities, including built-in flash, higher-quality lenses, and being made of plastic rather than cardboard. Kodak and Fuji actually had the biggest hand in breathing life into disposable cameras.

Fuji created the “Quicksnap” in 1987, a disposable 35mm camera for $10. Kodak responded with “The Fling,” a disposable 110 film camera for $6.95; the camera and film quality were worse, but the price was better. So who won that battle? Fuji. Due to lower sales, Kodak gave in a year later and created their own 35mm version in 1988. It was Fuji’s turn to respond with their "Quicksnap Flash," the first disposable with a flash. Both cameras remained popular for years, easily found in amusement parks, gas stations, and drug stores.

And thanks to their improvements, disposable cameras became popular among many groups of people. Tourists could use them to capture memories without the bulk or heft of other cameras, and there wasn’t much loss if they were stolen. Journalists also used them to quickly document events on the go.

Disposable cameras also grew in popularity among parents and kids. They could be shoved in a pocket or placed in a bookbag, making them ideal for field trips and summer camps. Plus, disposable cameras were an easy investment on a parent’s part for younger kids who were interested in photography. They didn’t cost hundreds of dollars, and they were a great way for kids to test out the basics of taking photos - and since they weren’t designed to last, parents didn’t have to fret over any major loss if they were damaged or lost.

THE END

Smartphones essentially killed the disposable camera age. Digital technology overtook disposable cameras once cellphones with built-in cameras became available. Just like those cameras, smartphones are simple, convenient, and can fit in a pocket - and have the added bonus of being capable of texting.

But not all is lost! In the same way that cassettes and vinyl are making their analog audio comeback, disposable cameras are a trend. Polaroid cameras especially have been trending in a way they haven’t since they first arrived in 1948. And there's a niche of those vintage-lovers and photography artists who still appreciate the tactile experience disposable cameras offer.

Either way, while these cameras themselves are disposable, the memories of them are not. Their simplicity and convenience are a reminder of a different time. Their nostalgia lives on in the hearts of many.

IN SUMMARY

Disposable cameras have quite the story. Their existence dates back over a century. From humble beginnings as a single-use cardboard novelty to the popularized plastic models of recent decades, disposable cameras have a rich history. Despite standing firmly in the digital age, we still have options to purchase and develop film from disposable cameras.

But from the very first one in 1886, they’ve all shared the same purpose: to democratize photography and make taking pictures simple, cheap, and convenient for everyone.

Thanks for reading! Have a great day.