Our MYLONDON camera tested against three other single-use film cameras
- Paul Ryan
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 20
The MYLONDON project has used Fujifilm QuickSnap cameras since 2013 and we were interested to know how it compared to other cameras available here in London.
We have stuck with the film single-use cameras for several reasons. The cameras are inexpensive compared to digital cameras (or smart phones) and allow us to freely distribute them to many people at one time. We don't have to worry if they go missing or are not returned. Having said that, most of the cameras are returned and this year 95% of them came back to be processed.
We used digital photos to create a calendar in 2021 because it was the middle of the Covid pandemic and we couldn't distribute the single-use cameras. However, we found that only the most motivated participants took part. When we use the basic single-use cameras we can find new participants who are not as confident in photography - often someone who has no confidence but is encouraged to join the project will do well and gain confidence, often joining our photography mentoring group where we teach people how to use digital cameras.
Having a limit of 27 shots, which can't be deleted or even seen at the time of taking the photo, puts everyone on a level playing field in this project. Participants have explained how they can forget about their problems and focus and plan what they are going to take.
With a digital camera it's easy for someone to shoot a lot of photos without taking too much effort and then sort through them later. While this is one way of doing things, the number of shots restriction of the single-use film camera create more excitement and challenge.
We decided to test the Fujifilm QuickSnap 35mm single-use camera against three other brands, just to check on how other film cameras compared. After the 2025 MYLONDON calendar was sent to the printers last year we used one of the unused Fujifilm QuickSnap cameras given to us by Fujifilm UK and bought three more from Ilford, Kodak and Ali Express.
Wayne Chin, one of our MYLONDON photographers, took the photos between Embankment Station, Greenwich and around London Bridge Station.
We met in a cafe next to Embankment Station where Wayne prepared the cameras for use. The Fujifilm QuickSnap camera had 27 shots, as did the Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid, whereas the Kodak FunSaver had 39 shots. Despite the Ali Express camera saying it was 24 online, there were only 18 and it was black and white film in a recycled film cartridge.
Below are some of the photos taken in our trial of the cameras. As mentioned, Ali Express was unexpectedly in black and white and the poor quality lens resulted in terrible photos.
We decided that the results from the Fujifilm QuickSnap were excellent but in some cases the Kodak ones were warmer. The Ilford photos also compared well to Fujifilm.
The future of us doing the MYLONDON project with single-use cameras is never certain, due to changes in the economy and technology, but we are sticking to it for the time being.
