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 the freedom to experiment without breaking the bank. Bold statement alert: In 2026, film photography remains a pricey passion, but Japhy Riddle’s invention challenges that norm, offering a quirky yet ingenious solution.
Japhy Riddle, no stranger to pushing boundaries, previously transformed a full-frame 35mm camera into a half-frame setup using nothing but electrical tape and creativity. This hack doubled his shots from 36 to 72 per roll, albeit with narrower angles and slightly lower resolution. But Riddle wasn’t done. After a failed experiment, he birthed the ‘little stupid camera,’ a name he admits isn’t flattering but somehow stuck.
This camera, a standard 35mm with a handle attached, features a film gate modified to squeeze five photos per frame—yes, you read that right. Instead of the usual half-frame approach, Riddle devised a technique where he shoots ‘backwards.’ He advances the entire roll onto the take-up spool, then rewinds it in precise 60-degree increments, marked on the rewinder for accuracy. The result? A staggering 180 shots per roll, each roughly 1/5 the size and cost of a standard frame.
Here’s the kicker: Riddle’s goal wasn’t just to maximize shots but to liberate photographers from the pressure of ‘making every picture count.’ With smaller, cheaper frames, he encourages wild experimentation—a refreshing take in an era where film costs still sting, despite Kodak’s recent price adjustments.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Are letterbox-shaped photos worth the trade-off? Riddle admits the format is quirky, but for him, it’s about freedom. After shooting a few rolls, he even gifted the camera to someone else, proving this project was never about perfection—it was about possibility.
Thought-provoking question for you: In a world where digital dominates, does Riddle’s ‘little stupid camera’ represent a nostalgic gimmick or a bold step toward making film photography accessible again? Let us know in the comments!
For more of Riddle’s boundary-pushing work, check out his Instagram (@japhyriddle). And remember, while PetaPixel articles may include affiliate links, the inspiration here is 100% free.
Image credits: Japhy Riddle
