Review: Kodak FunSaver
Disposable film cameras have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, especially for anyone chasing a simple, lo-fi analogue film experience.
One of the most popular (and highly rated) options is the flash-equipped Kodak FunSaver, preloaded with either 27 or 39 exposures of ISO 800 Kodak 35mm colour film.
With a soft spot for “toy” cameras, I had to give it a try — here’s how it went.
The tech
The FunSaver is a single-use 35mm film camera housed in a lightweight plastic shell. Its lens is roughly 30–32mm with an f/10–f/11 aperture. It has a basic viewfinder, a plastic thumb dial to advance the film, and a simple button to trigger the AA battery-powered flash. Inside was a 27-exposure ISO 800 colour film (though exact stock details aren’t specified).
Focus runs from about 4 feet to infinity (roughly 1 metre+), and the flash is effective up to 3–4 metres. Shutter speed is fixed around 1/100–1/140 sec.
In use
With just a film winder and flash button, there’s very little complexity to the FunSaver. While it’s marketed as a fail-proof point-and-shoot, experienced photographers may measure “failure” differently.
For best results, be mindful of the exposure constraints and focus limitations. The camera shines when used for what it is — a simplistic, fun little tool — rather than expecting SLR-quality results.
Low-light shots work best only if you’re close and use the flash. Sharpness drops outside the 1–4 metre range, so framing slightly wider than your intended subject is wise. Keep the camera steady and fingers clear of the lens, and don’t rely fully on the viewfinder.
The results
I didn’t expect much — perhaps a few hipster-style “flashbacks” to the cheap, cheerless film snaps of the ’70s.
Out of 28 exposures (possibly more), about half were imperfectly decent, a couple were genuinely good, and the rest were less successful. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the retro, slightly flawed charm of the images I did get.
Features ★★ 1/2
As anticipated, the FunSaver is basic but functional.
Experience ★★★ 1/2
If you embrace it for what it is, it’s actually a lot of fun to shoot.
Value for money ★★★★
Considering the cost of Kodak colour film, the camera is reasonably priced — especially if you experiment with reloading it yourself.
The wrap-up
The FunSaver delivers imperfect fun. Its results are pretty hit or miss, and you’ll only learn its quirks and limits through experience. There are plenty of online guides on reloading the camera, which is a great way to extend its life and tackle the recycling dilemma.
Would I buy another? Probably, but not any time soon. For a regular lo-fi film experience, a cheap reusable or second-hand camera might make more sense.