ILFORD IlfoColor Rapid Retro - Film Review

The Ilford IlfoColor Rapid Retro Edition Single Use Camera is a 35mm color-negative disposable featuring 400 ISO film and 27 exposures. What sets this camera apart is its uniquely “retro” color palette, which differs noticeably from the more traditional tones found in the Kodak FunSaver or the Fuji QuickSnap. IlfoColor has a nostalgic, vintage-inspired rendering that some photographers really enjoy, while others may find it less appealing compared to the standard look of everyday color film. It’s definitely more of an acquired taste, but for those wanting something slightly different – without going as extreme as Lomography films like LomoChrome Purple or Turquoise – this camera offers a fun change of pace.

Like other single use cameras, the IlfoColor Rapid Retro Edition has a fixed exposure for daylight and a fixed-focus plastic lens. It also includes a flash with an on/off switch, which allows you to turn the flash on and keep it on – something especially helpful for beginners or for shooting in anything less than direct sunlight. The flash will only illuminate subjects within roughly 4–9 feet, and this is also the range where the lens is the sharpest. In our experience, this Ilford disposable is not quite as sharp as the Kodak FunSaver or Fuji QuickSnap, making proper distance even more important for clear images.

From our own test roll, we found that the look wasn’t our personal favorite, but that doesn’t tell the full story. Here at The Darkroom, we develop, scan, and print hundreds of disposable cameras every day, including many IlfoColor Rapid Retro Editions, and we’ve seen customers produce very good images with them. With the right subject matter, good light, and proper distance, this camera is capable of delivering great results – especially if you enjoy a more vintage, muted, slightly stylized color look.

Tip: Keep subjects within 4–9 feet for both the sharpest focus and correct flash exposure. Use the flash anytime you’re not in bright sun. Since this camera is slightly softer than the standard Fuji or Kodak disposables, staying within that optimal focus distance makes a big difference.

The IlfoColor Rapid Retro Edition includes 27 exposures and is widely available through Ilford resellers and online retailers. It’s a fun option if you want something a bit different from the usual disposable look, but without fully committing to experimental films.

Why We Recommend It:
Here at The Darkroom, we develop, scan, and print a large number of IlfoColor disposable cameras – and we recycle every camera that comes through our lab. This camera is ideal for photographers who want a unique color style without jumping into the more dramatic, color shifting LomoChrome films. It’s not the sharpest disposable on the market, but it’s capable of great results when used in strong light and within the correct focus range. If you’re looking for a subtle but noticeable twist on standard color film, the IlfoColor Rapid Retro Edition is a creative and fun option to try.