Hey Washington, What's The Lifespan On A Disposable Camera?

How long are those disposable cameras good for?

You know the type of cameras I'm talking about? The ones that you could buy in a five-pack for weddings or quick vacations.

What we used all the time before cameras on phones were so amazing!

Well, I ask that question about the lifespan of a disposable camera because I have a mystery.

THE BACKSTORY OF A MYSTERY CAMERA (BEFORE DEVELOPING)

Cleaning out my garage, de-junking, and debating about having a yard sale, I found a disposable camera.

I showed it to my wife, asking if it was hers, and it wasn't.

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My wife, being the smart one, read the bottom of the camera and stated how the camera may not be good after 2002.

We were holding at least a 22-year-old disposable camera!

I dropped it off at our local Photo Haus and waited for two days.

tsm/Timmy!

Then I forgot. After roughly 22 years of this camera, we might as well wait another week, right?

WHAT WAS ON THE CAMERA?

I warned my wife, with me not knowing what was on it, that I could not be held responsible for anything on it that was taken 10 or so years before I met her.

She agreed, and we opened the envelope at the same time.

Nothing fun or scandalous, but sweet memories nonetheless.

Memories that aren't mine.

tsm/Timmy - Elizabeth Wu

The camera is from a lady I used to date.

It was filled with photos of her nephew as a toddler, her sister, her grandparents, and even a picture of the guy she dated before me.

HOW LONG WILL A DISPOSABLE CAMERA LAST?

I'm not precisely sure when the photos were taken. I reached out to my friend, she believes the pictures were taken in 2001, especially since the toddler in the pictures is turning 24!

According to Shutter Junkies Retrograde Photography, most disposable cameras will expire two years after the manufacturer's date.

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Google chimed in that it really depends on the conditions in which the film is kept. Away from heat and humidity, the film can last up to 3 years, and there have been reports of up to 10 years after expiration.

I'd like to report that, for the most part, the pics came out better than I expected, 23 years later!

Any success finding and developing old film? If you have a good, juicy, or fun story (or failure) Tap the App and let us know!

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