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How to Make a Psycheldelic Camera

How to Make a Psycheldelic Camera
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Do you ever see a pile of Kodak Instamatic cameras collecting dust at the thrift store? They always seem to be in surplus. Maybe it's because people think they're a little too special to throw away, but assume 126 film is the way of the floppy disk. Well, I bought one (Instamatic X-25) and thought I would mess around with it. After a little bit of work, I was able to rig it for use with common 135 35mm film and got some really cool results.
 
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So here are the things you'll need:
1 Kodak Instamatic camera (any model will do)
1 old disposable/one time use camera
1 pair of cutters or dikes
1 roll of black electrical tape
1 roll of 135 35mm film 100-200 speed
1 roll of clear tape
super glue
sanding paper

The name of the game here is making a camera work with film for which it was not intended. If you take the 135 film and try to install it in the instamatic you can get an idea of what has to happen to make the magic. You'll notice that the window is too big for the film, the camera has no way of winding the film, and there is no way for the camera to mark the individual frames. The second problem is the only one we're concerned with as the other two are going to make your photos interesting. Embrace the flaws.

First, take the disposable camera, assuming that you've used all the film, and break it apart. Don't worry, the roll of film inside is in its cannister so it won't ruin. At the top right will be a large gear. This is the winder. Yank it out of there because this is what you'll need to adapt the 35mm film to the instamatic. Also, while you're at it, take the roller that probably fell out. You can use that in the instamatic to roll the new film.
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22 comments
Mar 4, 2010. 9:37 PMsjoobbani says:
 can't find the camera anywhere! tips?
Mar 11, 2010. 9:32 PMkittywitty says:
I actually have one for sale on etsy but I dunno if it work, but u could try etsy.com  - its for handmade stuff, but there is a fantastic vintage stuff.... I know they have the same cameras from original owners - although I cannot phantom how one of these simple cameras can break aside from dropping it on top of a roller coaster.
Sep 29, 2011. 11:43 AMbrassclams says:
Sorry,

It's cannot FATHOM, not phantom. (Of course, maybe you intended phantom due to some personal agenda!
Sep 30, 2011. 1:15 PMkittywitty says:
Thank you Brassclams,

I can only say that I have been spoiled by the gammar police on word processors - shifting the responsiblity - at least I am not texting the comments. It irks me that I read advertisement billboards while on the road, and am ignorant to what the abreviations mean.
Sep 30, 2011. 2:27 PMbrassclams says:
That's ok. I guess my excuse is tthat I wanted you to get your msg across and not be misunderstood.
May 25, 2011. 9:18 PMvelojym says:
http://www.frugalphotographer.com/cat126.htm
You can still get the film, but it ain't gonna be around very long. I think the website talks about reloading the 126 cartridges with more commonly available film, though. I grew up with an Instamatic, and drove my parents nuts with it.

An idea I had thunking around in my head: How about someone (with a lot more chops than I have) mounting a digital sensor on the film plane of a 126 cartridge? The electronics, I would think, could be mounted in the now-empty spool ends. Sure, it wouldn't have a display screen, but just for novelty and art use, I don't think having to wait to upload the images would be necessarily a bad thing... heck, it'd kinda bring you closer to the old days when you had to wait to see how your shots turned out.
Aug 29, 2011. 2:06 PMrcarr6 says:
I had the exact same idea, except with 110. Ive done the 35 mm film in a 126 cartridge, and the results are pretty interesting. I'm actually going to attempt to do the digital thing in a few days. I'll post back here how it works
Apr 6, 2010. 11:58 PMdixyee says:
 i don't understand this part....... i need clearer explanation
Jan 20, 2009. 9:54 PMel_wombato says:
Cool trick, and I'm so looking forward to trying it - I just scored an Instamatic X35F at a thrift store for $0.10! Original groovy box, even. I like the crazy overlaps/multiple exposures, but if you actually want separate images you can fully cover the lens (like with your pant leg) and shot 5-6 pictures. Since 126 has only one perforation per image you have to shoot several times to advance 35mm a full frame.
Feb 19, 2010. 5:32 AMbeehard44 says:
BINGO lol

Jan 6, 2010. 1:59 PMkatmckee says:
I liked the inventive way you adapted the unusable camera to be usable and experimental, cool.  I like the unpredictableness of the photos too.
Nov 9, 2009. 12:32 PMssgdpw says:
Great block of instruction...the process of finding new ways to utilize old things is beautiful...thanks for sharing...;)...
Oct 11, 2009. 5:43 PMiectyx3c says:
This is very good.
I like how you can use the camera to get cool experimental images.
My Retro Instamatic i'ble is completely different. It tells how to reload old 126 cartridges with 35 mm film.
I will have to try your clever method.
Sep 29, 2009. 12:47 PMsees says:
just got one today, so stoked to try this thank you very much
Dec 18, 2008. 9:44 AMJack of Most Trades says:
Cool! I have an Instamatic "Reflex" (yeah, a SLR that took Instamatic cartridges) That I'd love to see what it can do.
Dec 14, 2008. 3:34 PMThe Bottomless Paddling Pool says:
Sweet! I'm gonna do this. Looks like fun!
Dec 12, 2008. 4:43 PMLuminousObject says:
Cool. Maybe you could prank the "ghost hunters" with this. Although, a ghost of yourself might make them think that you're pranking them. Which you are. Anyway, I'll have to try this sometime.
Dec 11, 2008. 1:06 PMjimihendrix4753 says:
By the way, will an instamatic 400 work? This is the link. Thanks in advance. Instamatic 400
Dec 11, 2008. 1:07 PMcrapflinger says:
"It will be a good idea when you get the camera loaded to tape all the cracks as well." DON'T TAPE THE CRACKS! small light leaks make for GREAT picture effects....
Dec 11, 2008. 12:59 PMjimihendrix4753 says:
That's crazy.

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