AboutDavid Silver Expertise I'm an expert on all types of antique, classic, and contemporary cameras, as well as the general history of photography. Everything from ancient box cameras to modern single-lens-reflex; from simple Kodaks to sophisticated Leica and Nikon; from glass plates and roll film to movie and 35mm. I can identify and appraise them, explain how they work, and offer insights on their restoration and care. I can also provide historical background on vintage cameras and equipment, and guidelines on their purchase and sale.
Experience I've been a professional photographer and a student of the history of photography for nearly 30 years. During that time my collection of vintage cameras and photographic paraphernalia has grown beyond 2000 significant pieces. I've published nearly 70 articles in the field, including 16 in the popular "Buying Classic Cameras" series for PHOTO SHOPPER MAGAZINE from 1995 to 1997, I'm currently a contributing editor for CAMERA SHOPPER MAGAZINE and McKEOWN'S PRICE GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAMERAS, and I've written numerous entries for WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Portions of my collection have been displayed in museums and special exhibits in the past two decades, and many of the items were photographed as illustrations for books. In 1985 I founded the International Photographic Historical Organization (InPHO), which eventually evolved into its intended purpose as the best first resource for information on the history of photography. I'm also a founding member of several e-mail forums dedicated to specialized areas of photography, and I'm the moderator of the Internet Directory of Camera Collectors (IDCC), which remains the largest and most successful such group in the world. For more information about the International Photographic Historical Organization and its many services, please visit its web pages at:
Expert: David Silver Date: 7/10/2007 Subject: Disposable Cameras
Question Hi There!
I am planning a wedding that is a little over a year away, and I want to buy disposable cameras for my guests to use. I see these cameras going on sale from time to time, and would like to purchase them when I see a deal. Are the expiration dates on these cameras set in stone? How long is the shelf life for these cameras? I also see "refurbished" disposables-old cases with new film. Is there a quality risk here if I am purchasing from a reliable store?
Thank you!
Answer
Hello Megan,
Disposable cameras for the guests at your wedding reception is a great idea! The expiration dates are not an issue...simply throw the cameras in your freezer. The film will stay fresh for many years beyond the date. So go ahead and stock up whenever you see a deal. Avoid the refurbished disposables because they do have a failure rate. You're right, new ones seem to go on special all the time, most often at big grovery stores, so there's no reason to go "cheap" with the refurbished ones. Take all the cameras out of the freezer about 48 hours before you need them, and that's more than enough time to bring them back to normal temperature, plus any residual moisture can escape. If you can't freeze them, then you want to stick to cameras with an expiration date that is no more than six months prior to the wedding. The film will actually work for years and years, BUT after about six months the color balance starts to shift. Six months after that, the images become grainy. So try to stay within the six month window. In the freezer, however, the film will remain fresh right up to that magic day. Have a great one!
