Man Discovers 50-year Old Film Roll Inside Camera, Decides to Develop the Photos

What were the odds of buying an old camera for parts and stumbling upon a half-century-old film? Were these photos still recoverable after all those decades?

To his surprise, the photographer that bought a camera on eBay learned that these things were possible. As he opened the camera to inspect it and get the lens he needed, he discovered an old film inside.

Was This Camera’s Lens in Good Condition?

Wondering if it was ever used, the man decided to develop the photos and see for himself. He had no idea his curiosity would lead him to a journey to find the people from those images.

Half a Century Mystery

“I’m sure you’ve read somewhere a classical story about a successful recovery of a decades-old exposed but undeveloped photographic negative roll-film found inside a similarly old camera brought from a flea market?” wrote Alex Galmeanu, the Romanian photographer that became famous around the world after posting his story on his personal blog.

Replacing the Lens

In an interview with BBC, Alex explained the reason behind buying the BALDA BALDIX camera: “I bought the camera for around £30 on eBay as I just needed the lens from that model.

But when I opened the package I noticed there was still an undeveloped film inside.”

What Could There Be On The Film?

Although it all began with a simple purchase online, Alex was now intrigued that this camera from the ‘60s was now holding an old film that was never developed. What could it be on that roll?