Simple and Easy to Use: Fuji DL-7 Plus

When it comes to basic photography, point and shoot cameras are perfect. This is more of a documentation-style approach than an artistic one, however, the two are not mutually exclusive. Both styles are welcomed by these easy-to-use cameras, and anyone can pick one up and give it a try!

The Fuji DL-7 Plus Point & Shoot Camera

Fujifilm’s Fuji DL-7 Plus point & shoot 35mm is one of the easiest cameras to use ever. The Drop-Load system (which is why it is called DL) is an easy-load system that is absolutely fool-proof. After loading my first ever rolls into an SLR incorrectly, only to find out far too late, it was good to use a system that could support dummies like me.

On top of an easy-load function, it has a sliding lens cover. When it is closed off, the shutter release button locks so you don’t accidentally take a photo. If you’re anything like me, this is a nice feature. A good tip: if there is a lock feature, then use it! There have been too many times when A photo gets away because I accidentally hit the button when I was messing around, or when i dropped a camera, or when shifting it around a bag or on a strap.

Black and white photo of two men sitting and laughing. Taken on B&W Kodak 35mm film. — The groom and one of his groomsmen after the wedding. Shot on Kodak Plus-X 125.

The Fuji DL-7 Plus was the first incredibly basic camera I owned, aside from some disposable cameras on the side. It was also a camera I felt incredibly comfortable putting in the hands of non-camera users. So I did just that: my first time using this camera was for documentation purposes at a bachelor party.

Two men smoking cigars by a smokey fire in black and white. — Smoke capture on film is one of my favorite sights. Shot on Kodak Plus-X 125.

Being the only camera lover in the group, I knew no one was going to know how to use it, but this camera has 2 settings: Flash on/ Flash off. With that being said, clear days in Central Oregon meant that ISO 200 film was going to be an absolute success no matter who had the camera when or where.

Three men sitting on a couch laughing and drinking beverages. — Handed my camera off for this decent photo. Shot on Kodak Gold 200.

The entire camera is plastic, and it has a disposable-camera-style film advance winder, which is familiar enough to those who may not have used anything aside from disposables in the last few decades.

The basic function with a cheap lens made it perfect for documentation, as I was initially aiming for, but some neat photos did sneak in the bunch.

Cactus plants in front of a house in black and white film photography. — Lovely texture on these plants. Shot on Kodak Plus-X 125.

The Basic Functions

After being gifted this camera new in box from 1994, I broke it out in 2020, looked up the basics and started playing. It shoots at a shutter speed of 1/100 seconds and has a fixed aperture of f/8. Since the aperture is fairly closed off, anything roughly 3 feet (1 meter) away from the rangefinder came out focused.

35mm film photo of a man smiling. — Bright flash photo. Shot on Kodak Gold 200.

Being the old school camera that it is, it does not have a DX Code reader, so any film can be used, but I found ISO 100-200 is safest. Any shot outside during the daytime turned out lovely, whether in the sunshine or in overcast conditions. The shots indoors looked great as long as there was a good amount of light or when the flash was on.

Many people recommend anything from ISO 100-400, but I would cap out at 200 since any higher will wash out with the use of the flash. Any photos that might not wash out have to be a decent distance from the photographer, and the flash just isn’t high-quality enough to reach too far.

Two guys sitting on a deck outside in the sun. — The Boys at the Bachelor Party! Shot on Kodak Gold 200.

Compared to Disposables

Anyone who loves getting disposable cameras should consider getting the Fuji DL-7 Plus instead. If you do any amount of quick math, buying this camera and a few rolls of film will become much cheaper very quickly. Additionally, this is hardly bigger than a disposable, the flash is better and easier to use, it uses modern AA batteries, and the overall operation of the camera is pretty much identical to a disposable camera. The best part: The photo quality is always a bit higher, so long as your film is good.

Black and white woman in a dress sitting by a piano looking over her shoulder. — The Bride on her big day. Shot on Kodak Plus-X 125.

Final Remarks

Since it is fully plastic, I firmly believe there are better options out there than this one, but what a great option for starting out! Even more so if you are able to get a deal on it! While not many of them are in circulation, you may be able to find the DL-7 model or other comparable point and shoot cameras reasonably priced well under $50.

A black and white film photo of some trees and fields in the country. — Farm Country. Shot on Kodak Plus-X 125.

Even if there are better cameras, buying used is always a gamble. The simplicity of this camera gives a little more comfort when buying it used because there are fewer things to break. The chances of getting this camera in operating condition when purchasing it used are incredibly high.