Real Feels And Cute Doodles: ChamJam collabs with Hands On Film for a disposable camera cover makeover

Charmaine Ng, also known by her moniker ChamJam, an inspiring Singapore illustrator who’s worked her magic on our own Jan/Feb 2025 cover issue, is now collaborating with Hands On Film, a popular spot in the vibrant area of Bugis for film photography enthusiasts. The result? A charming hand-drawn disposable camera cover. And it's literally the cutest thing ever. It's got a slogan “Let's collect memories” on it, and it's sprinkled with these nature and dream-like vibes.

There’s something distinctly nostalgic about this collaboration between ChamJam and Hands On Film—the appreciation for film photography amidst the rise in digital photography that ties back to those who appreciate the aesthetic and artistic qualities that film photography provides. “I think it’s the comfort that nostalgia brings, which is why I often explore this theme in my art,” the 26-year-old illustrator shared in our last interview with her.

For this collaboration, Hands On Film reached out to the illustrator in hopes to capture those special moments on an upcycled disposable camera cover. She tells FEMALE: “I was really excited to be part of the project; it was something new for me to explore as an illustrator. Once I saw their retro brand visuals, I felt even more drawn to it, since that kind of aesthetic is something I personally find inspiring.”

For the concept, ChamJam ties it back to a drawing date she had with some of her artist friends. “We were on a drawing date, and one of them brought her camera along to take some photos. It was a hot day, and I remember she was wearing a cap, a backpack, and had her camera strapped across her shoulder. Later on, I sketched a cat and styled its outfit based on what she was wearing! The photos she took that day became a nice memory for all of us, and that’s what sparked the concept.”

She’s also quick to clarify that she was inspired by the colours and graphic style of vintage Tamagotchis (yes, those handheld digital pets) and old-school stationery packaging, which often feature bright colours and bold graphics. “The use of bold primary colours in the cat design definitely adds to that nostalgic feeling too.”

Right now, film's not dead. It's just having its main character moment. With grainy, retro shots accompanied with the #filmisnotdead hashtag, we’re seeing over 25 million posts that’s inspired us to pick up that disposable camera or digicam and start shooting again.

“I’ve shot with film before; I tried it while I was in Japan and really enjoyed it!,” she says. “It felt very easygoing and fun to use, and it has made me want to shoot on film more often, especially when I’m out with friends,”

How much should a roll of film cost?

A roll of 35mm is still made and is one of the most popular film formats you can find in the market today. One roll of 35mm costs S$15 at Hands On Film website. 

How do I know which film roll to buy?

For low-light or indoor shooting, use a higher ISO film (like 400 or 800) to get properly exposed photos. When shooting outdoors on a sunny day, a lower ISO film (such as 100 or 200) is better.

What is the lifespan of a roll of film?

The lifespan of a roll of film depends on several factors, including whether it's unexposed, exposed but undeveloped, and how it's stored.