News

The Return of the QuickSnap Waterproof

Bill ManningApril 23, 2021

In Q1 2018, Fujifilm announced it would discontinue its product offerings of the Superia 800 and 1600 XTRA (36-exposure). Roughly a year later, in 2019, Fujifilm followed up by announcing it would discontinue the QuickSnap Waterproof Camera. The film community raised its fists in the air in protest. It would seem the only remaining consumer film products Fujifilm would offer are its medium speed film (Superia 400) from now on.

However, earlier this year, Fujifilm quietly re-released the QuickSnap Waterproof camera, and it is now shipping to authorized dealers. In communication with Fujifilm:

Due to rising popularity, FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to reintroduce the QuickSnap Waterproof 800 35mm on-time-use camera (QuickSnap Waterproof) in the U.S., which has already begun shipping to our authorized dealers.
FUJIFILM, N.A. CORP

QuickSnap Waterproof Specs:

QuickSnap Waterproof 800 35mm Disposable Camera
Film: Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 800 (ISO800/30°) 135 – 27 exp.
Lens: 32mm f/10, fixed-focus lens
Shutter Speed: 1/125 secs.
Exposure Conditions: Outdoors or sunny or slightly overcast days
Water Resistance: Depth up to 10 meters (35 feet)
Size: 73 (H) x 133 (W) x 42 (D) mm
Weight: 170g

“Pre-loaded with Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 800 35mm film. This all-weather camera is ready for any adventure. The oversized shutter button makes it easy to carry. It’s ideal for shooting outdoors in wet and snowy conditions and operates up to 35 feet underwater!”

Based on the specifications, this camera is marketed as a sports/action camera and underwater camera. Additionally, based on the response from Fujifilm, this looks to be a complete return of a new product and not a continuation of old inventory.

Recycling

In addition to purchasing the QuickSnap Waterproof, Fujifilm also states that you may request the option to recycle your OTUC (One-Time-Use Camera) on their product page. Follow the step below:

Call 1.888.676.3719
Request a 5 box recycle kit, material number 600004821.
The recycling kits will be provided at no charge.
Pack cameras into a recycling box with Fujifilm’s account number on the shipping label.
Ship one-time-use cameras in the recycling box to:
FUJIFILM/Burton Center
2605 Highway 72/221 E
- Greenwood, SC 29649

Studio C-41 has purchased a QuickSnap Waterproof and will evaluate further. Stay tuned for a more in-depth review!

Editor’s opinion:

Now, here’s the part I find interesting. In the earlier years, it seemed Fujifilm was killing off their films. Now that we see the return of this QuickSnap, I’m excited because I believe this is a hint of what’s to come. This QuickSnap Waterproof will have the far-dead Superia X-TRA 800 film. This film has been discontinued well for nearly 2-years now. So it leaves us to wonder, has Fujifilm finally recognized that film photography is here to stay and that they’re quietly bringing back these emulsions?

While I’m excited, I remain cautiously optimistic. While Kodak UltraMax 800 has been LONG dead as a dedicated roll of film, it can still be found in their version of waterproof OTUC (One-Time-Use Camera), the Kodak MAX Water & Sport. It leaves me to wonder if Fujifilm will follow suit with Kodak and the beloved Superia 800 will only live in the QuickSnap Water Proof or if the film will venture back out into the world as the first standalone film that Fujifilm truly brought back from the dead.