What Happened When I Shot Film Underwater with a $50 Camera
There’s something truly captivating about shooting on film — the grain, the element of surprise, and the unique way it captures light compared to digital. So when I found a $50 underwater film camera, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. No fancy equipment, no waterproof casing, just me, a roll of film, and the water.
First Impressions
Holding the camera brought an instant rush of nostalgia — it was lightweight, plastic, almost toy-like. I didn’t have high expectations, which only made the whole experience more thrilling. Would it even survive underwater? Would any photos develop at all?
Shooting Underwater
The biggest challenge? It was me, not the camera. Underwater, time slows down — movements become deliberate, breathing is controlled, and framing shots becomes a guessing game, especially when the viewfinder fogged over. But I learned to embrace the imperfections, focusing less on perfect clarity and more on capturing the essence of being beneath the surface.
What I Learned
For only $50, this humble camera offered something my high-end digital gear often lacks: genuine surprise. Each frame was a mystery until the film was developed, making the results feel incredibly rewarding and personal.
The Results
When I finally saw the developed photos, I was amazed. The images weren’t razor-sharp like a GoPro, but that wasn’t the point. The imperfections made them beautiful:
Dreamy colors — shades of blue melting into deep teals, with light beams becoming soft, hazy streaks.
Organic textures — grain and blur creating an almost painterly quality.
Unexpected magic — a shot of a fish looked like it belonged on a vintage postcard.
These photos didn’t just document a moment; they felt like art.
Closing Thought
Sometimes the most meaningful creative tools aren’t the newest or clearest ones — they’re the ones that remind us why we fell in love with photography in the first place. That $50 underwater film camera won’t replace my digital setup, but it gave me a fresh perspective and a new way to see the world. And that’s truly priceless.
Have you ever experimented with vintage or analogue gear that challenged your usual style? Share your story — I’d love to hear how unexpected tools have reshaped your creative approach!
