Creators who are passionate about photography share the stories behind their cameras. The camera one treasures often reflects one’s outlook on life and personal values. In this installment, we meet 穂（スイ）, who uses the Kodak Ultra Sport Waterproof Disposable Camera.
Film photography has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with a growing number of people deliberately choosing film to document their travels and everyday lives. Yet beside the sea, a river, or a swimming pool, the risk of getting a cherished camera wet often means giving up on taking photographs altogether.
This is where the waterproof Kodak Ultra Sport Waterproof Disposable Camera comes into its own. It offers perspectives unique to the water’s edge while embracing the serendipity inherent to film. Through 穂（スイ）’s perspective, we explore what makes this camera so compelling.
Kodak Ultra Sport Waterproof Disposable Camera: Key Specifications
The Kodak Ultra Sport Waterproof Disposable Camera is a waterproof, single-use film camera designed for use around water and in the outdoors. Preloaded with 35mm film, it offers 27 exposures. Its impact-resistant body is waterproof to a depth of approximately 15 meters. Loaded with ISO 800 film, it produces vivid color and the characteristically soft rendering of film, even in bright outdoor conditions.
The Anticipation That It Might Not Turn Out
Because the film camera I normally use is not waterproof, there have been times when I have had to forgo taking photographs during activities at the sea, by a river, or in a swimming pool. That was what led me to use the Kodak Ultra Sport Waterproof Disposable Camera.
It is a waterproof camera that preserves film’s distinctive softness while allowing you to photograph freely around water. Although there is reassurance in knowing that it will not break when wet, there is still the uncertainty of not knowing whether the photograph has actually turned out. That very suspense, however, is part of the camera’s appeal.
Alongside photographs I took with it, I will introduce the qualities and appeal of this camera—an ideal companion for the coming summer and one that is especially enjoyable around water.
Photographing by Instinct
Its waterproof construction allows you to venture into places where you might hesitate to take an everyday camera. You can photograph from just above the water’s surface or stand at the shoreline without worrying about getting the camera wet, naturally encouraging a bolder, more instinctive approach.
Photo by 穂（スイ）
Rather than meticulously composing each frame, you capture the atmosphere and momentum of the moment as they are. It is a camera that makes the very act of releasing the shutter while playing by the water a pleasure.
Photographs Only Possible Underwater
Although this camera can be used underwater, looking through the viewfinder beneath the surface is not easy. Framing therefore relies almost entirely on instinct. In a swimming pool on a sunny day or in a crystal-clear sea, light filters through the water and lends the resulting photographs an ephemeral quality.
Photo by 穂（スイ）
The ability to preserve perspectives we do not ordinarily see is another quality unique to this camera.
Photographs Like Paintings
Because the camera has no focusing controls, you cannot know what is in focus until the film is developed. At times, the background becomes heavily blurred, giving the photograph an almost painterly appearance. Kodak’s signature warm color palette is another of its attractions.
Photo by 穂（スイ）
Blue seas and skies appear more vivid, while skin tones are rendered with softness.
It is a camera that lets you enjoy the fascination of film photography, including the limitations of not always being able to make precisely the photograph you intended.
An Introduction to Film Photography
Although this camera is best known for its waterproof performance, its operational simplicity is equally appealing. In essence, all you need to do is release the shutter, making film photography accessible and enjoyable without any specialist knowledge.
Photo by 穂（スイ）
Easy to bring along for activities at the sea or swimming pool, it is also an ideal camera for anyone looking to begin exploring film photography.
