This Camera Is My Secret Weapon for Summer
Welcome to the Esquire Endorsement. Heavily researched. Thoroughly vetted. These picks are the best way to spend your hard-earned cash.
We’re living in an age where nostalgia is king. Your favorite clothes are vintage, your prized possession is your vinyl record collection, and a film camera is much more desirable than your iPhone photography. It’s all about going retro—but 35mm Co’s Reloader Reusable Film Camera is bringing retro vibes into the future.
Kiss your disposable cameras goodbye. Your stuffy film cameras, too. The perfect in-between is here, and it’s about time you make it your most trustworthy summer companion. For your vacations, for your barbecues, for your beach days and your formal events, this reusable film camera is a happy medium between a disposable and a point-and-shoot. It’s how you’re going to get high-quality, 35mm film photos with ease and affordability. Say hello to the best thing you’ll buy this summer.
Why go for a reusable film camera, when you can just go down to your local drugstore and snag a disposable camera instead? Well, there are two reasons: A reusable camera is better for the environment, and better for your wallet.
If you didn’t know, disposable cameras are really bad for the environment. They’re made up of mostly non-recyclable plastics that end up in landfills, and from there, contribute to methane emissions and plastic pollution. Tell me—is your night-out shot worth polluting the air? Is it?? Didn’t think so. The beauty of the 35mm Co Reloader is that it’s way more environmentally friendly, because it’s reusable. You don’t use your roll of film and throw the entire camera away when it’s finished (honestly, who even thought of that system?). You use your roll of film, pop another one in, and use it again.
Let’s also keep in mind that your average drugstore disposable camera runs between $20 and $30. If you’re planning on getting more shots at any point in the future, or if you’re buying multiple cameras for an event like a wedding or birthday, that adds up quick. Three or four disposable cameras buys you one Reloader that you can use way more than just three or four times. The only cost comes from buying film (which can range on Amazon to about $20 for an eight-pack!) and getting it developed, the latter of which you’d have to tack onto the price of a disposable camera, too. Just buy the pricier pick once, and use it forever.
Much of the appeal of going for a disposable camera is how damn simple it is to use. I have good news for you: The 35mm Co Reloader is just as easy and efficient. It’s designed for beginners, so even if you don’t have film camera prowess and a deep history with point-and-shoots, you can navigate the Reloader with ease.
Essentially, this camera uses the same film as a classic point-and-shoot would, but it’s just easier to deal with. You get the same quality photos at a much simpler cost. It’s as easy as winding up the film, turning on the flash, and snapping your photo—same as any disposable camera—but with the added task of loading and unloading your film, which the Reloader makes very intuitive. The vegan leather wrist strap keeps it secure when you’re on the go, and adds an elevated feel. The camera is also designed to focus automatically, so you don’t have to play around with any settings or functions; it’s all built-in for you.
The Reloader doesn’t come with film, so you can purchase any 35mm film that you prefer separately—this gives you more freedom than a pre-loaded disposable camera would. Shoot black and white, or in color, or with a tonal hue; the choice is yours.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty specs of this camera. Basically—it’s designed to get you a damn good photo, each and every time.
Aside from the built-in flash, this camera is packed with performance features that give your photos a high-quality look and feel. This isn’t the disposable camera that you drop off to get developed, only to receive blurry, over-exposed photos a week later. The Reloader requires one AAA battery as its power source, and has a 1/120S shutter speed and 31mm f/9 lens—in other words, it’s designed so all your shots look good.
What’s more is that the camera is sturdy, too. Why opt for this one instead of one of the many other reusable film cameras on the market? It’s simple—the Reloader, despite being small and lightweight, is tough. You can throw it in your bag, bring it to the beach, whatever. It comes in a handful of bright, fun colors for you to choose from. It’s simple to use, and, unlike more expensive reusable film cameras, it gives you the best results at only a fraction of the price.
Photographed by Florence Sullivan
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