Using disposable camera film

[Doug T.]

Hi All!
I have the chance to purchase a lot of disposable cameras. There's 30 of them, loaded with 27exp of 400 speed film for 15 USD. I can't refuse an offer like that, right?
My dilemma is that I don't know how to go about taking the film out for use in one of my other cameras.
I think I read somewhere that you have to basically cover the lens, expose the roll with no light, then take it out for further use.
I just don't know.
Is there anyone out there who's done this, and is it worth the trouble

Help!!
Doug

[mickeyobe]

Doug,

What size is the film?

Make and model of camera?

Mickey

[Just Plain Curt]

I buy plenty of film on eBay, often includes disposeable cameras too but I find they're nicer as glovebox cameras for the car or in your pocket cameras. Never worry about them being lost or stolen and actually the plastic lens is usually at least a capable photo taker. Cheaper to buy film in bulk lots and the film will be in a cartridge. Disposeables have no case around the film so darkness is essential to unload or reload your film, plus you get those lovely fingerprints all over everything.

[Doug T.]

Curt,
I've never tried loading my own film before, but I used to load aerial cameras with 70mm film while I was in the air force. It can't be too much different, so that might be the way to go. I'll look into it.

Mickey,
There's no maker listed, just "made in China". They're leftovers from a wedding and cheap, with flash so there would also be AA batteries to be had. They are 27exp. / 200 speed cameras (not 400 as I posted earlier), and don't say aps on them, so I'm assuming it's regular 35mm loads.

If I go for it, it has to be soon as some one else might get them.
My question remains; should I go for it?

Doug

[mickeyobe]

Doug,

How valuable to you will the pictures you might take be?

Curt's answer seems very sensible.

Mickey

[Doug T.]

You're right, Mickey.
Processing is too expensive to risk it.
I'll either stick with good, fresh film, or start doing my own bulk loading.

Thanks for the help fellas!
Doug

[mickeyobe]

Doug.

I used to bulk load my own B & W film. It is very simple.

I used cassettes that one could open by tapping them on a table.

The newer cassettes are more difficult. Perhaps someone in TCC can advise how it is done.

Mickey

[daveh]

Doug,

35mm cassettes have come in several guises. I do have some from made by Leica which were made to be reusable. The others are much more variable. In general older cassettes were much easier. As Mickey says the newer types are more difficult - as in impossible. The ends are crimped on and while you can get the off you often can not reuse them. I always found the Ilford type of several years back were the easiest. Kodak always seemed more difficult to re-use.

Fingerprints: wear gloves or make sure you hold by the edges. If you can't avoid touching the film surface make sure you only touch the non-emulsion side. Secure the end of the film to the spool with autoclave/decorators/masking tape.

Dave.

[Doug T.]

This is going to be fun ;D

Doug