Imagine capturing 180 photos on a single roll of film—sounds like a dream, right? But here's where it gets controversial: one photographer turned this into reality with his custom-built 35mm SLR, dubbed the ‘little stupid camera.’ And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the quantity; it’s about breaking free from the constraints of traditional film photography. Let’s dive into the story of Japhy Riddle, the mastermind behind this quirky invention, and explore how he redefined what’s possible with a roll of film.
On February 14, 2026, Riddle shared the journey of his unconventional creation. His experimentation began with transforming a full-frame 35mm camera into a half-frame setup by masking the film gate with electrical tape and running the film twice with a four-perforation offset. This clever hack doubled his shots from 36 to 72 per roll, though it came with trade-offs: slightly reduced resolution, narrower lens angles, and a trickier loading process. But Riddle wasn’t done yet—he wanted more.
After a failed attempt, he birthed the ‘little stupid camera,’ a name he admits isn’t flattering but somehow stuck. This standard-sized 35mm camera, complete with a handle, features a film gate modified to squeeze five exposures into a single frame. Yes, you read that right—five. That’s 180 shots per roll, a game-changer for anyone looking to experiment without breaking the bank.
Here’s the twist: instead of feeding the film through twice, Riddle devised a backward shooting technique. He advanced the entire roll onto the take-up spool, then rewound it roughly 1/6 of a turn before each shot, marking the rewinder every 60 degrees for precision. This method wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about freedom. ‘The whole point of this camera was to feel free,’ Riddle explains. With photos 1/5 the normal size and cost, it encourages wild creativity without the pressure of perfection.
In 2026, film photography remains a pricey hobby, even with Kodak’s recent price adjustments. Riddle’s invention offers a refreshing alternative, though the letterbox-shaped photos might not be for everyone. After shooting a few rolls, he passed the camera on, leaving a legacy of innovation. Curious to see his work? Check out his Instagram (@japhyriddle).
But here’s the question: Is this a genius hack or a gimmick? Does the trade-off in image quality and format outweigh the benefit of 180 shots per roll? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear if you’d give the ‘little stupid camera’ a try!
