7 Reusable Camera Hacks To Get More From Your Shots

Reusable film cameras make a great choice for holidays, weddings, trips and beyond, but you might be missing out on some easy hacks to help level up your photography.

Traditional point and shoot cameras aren't overly expensive, and they're a much more sustainable option than disposable cameras.

Despite the 'point and shoot' nature of some reusable cameras, don't let this put you off when trying to advance your skills. We've put together 7 hacks to try next time you're shooting to help you get more from your shots.

7 Reusable Camera Hacks To Get More From Your Shots

1. Double Exposure Magic

This creative trick is one worth experimenting with!

After taking a shot, don’t advance the film. Instead, leave it in the same position and snap another picture. The result? Both images will blend, creating a dreamy, layered composition.

Play around with contrasting scenes, like a portrait overlaid with a landscape, for an intriguing visual effect.

You can also choose to rewind your film and shoot over it again to create a double exposure, but you'll need to retrieve the film leader first before reloading it into your camera. Most film processing labs can help with this if you're unsure how to do it yourself.

Just keep in mind that this technique is experimental, results can be really creative and surprising, but there's always a chance it might not work perfectly. That's part of the fun!

2. Colour Filters from Household Items

Want to add a color tint to your photos? Grab some transparent coloured plastic or cellophane (even translucent sweet wrappers will work!) and tape it over the lens. If you want to invest, you can pick up different lens filters for cameras in all sorts of colours.

You can experiment with different hues and intensities, giving your photos a surreal, vintage vibe.

Red, blue, and yellow filters tend to create the most dramatic results, so mix and match! You can even purchase Kodak camera lens filters for their M35 and M38 cameras.

3. Accidental Light Leaks Can Be Creative!

Accidental light leaks can actually lead to some surprisingly creative results. These leaks happen when film is exposed to light before it’s processed, whether by accident or on purpose.

Opening the back of the camera briefly and then closing it again can cause a small light leak or even a sudden burst across the frame. It's important to note that if left open too long, the film will be completely fogged.

Light leaks are often unintentional, but they can tell an interesting story. You might see red streaks or faded washes of light, especially if your camera is slightly damaged and letting in light. If you’re trying it on purpose though, you’ll need to be quick!

4. Film Souping for Distorted Results

For an ultra-creative effect, soak your film in liquids before or after shooting. Popular liquids include salt water, lemon juice, or even wine!

This causes chemical reactions that can distort the colors and textures of your final images. Let the film soak for a few hours, then dry it thoroughly before loading it into the camera. This is a less than conventional way to shoot, but a must try if you're looking to add a unique twist to your shots.

Be prepared for unpredictable, psychedelic results. When you send it for souped film processing, don't forget to let the lab know what you soaked the film in!

5. Flash Trickery: Block It Partially

The flash on some reusable cameras can be harsh, but you can soften or manipulate it by covering part of the flash with your hand or a small piece of tape.

This trick can create interesting light and shadow effects, especially for nighttime or indoor photography.

Experiment with blocking different sections of the flash for a more controlled lighting effect.

Kodak M38 Reusable Film Camera

6. DIY Split Lens for Cool Refractions

Create a DIY split lens by taping a small, clear object—such as a glass bead or water droplet—over part of the lens.

This hack will refract the light in unique ways, adding a dreamy, prism-like effect to your photos.

You can experiment with multiple objects for different kinds of distortion, making your images look surreal and artistic.

7.Homemade Redscale Film

Feeling even more adventurous? You can also make your own redscale film at home to use in your camera.

This involves taking the film out of its canister and re-spooling it backwards so that the light hits the emulsion through the base layer, creating that distinctive red/orange hue.

To do this, you'll need access to a darkroom or a fully blacked-out space, as the film must be handled in complete darkness.

This guide from 35hunter is a great step-by-step walkthrough if you’re keen to give it a go: Redscale Film: How to Make and Shoot Your Own.

Reusable film cameras offer a lot more than meets the eye. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can unlock a world of unique effects that rival more sophisticated photography tools.

Once you're done shooting, get your film developed with us for a quick, and quality turnaround, happy shooting!