Lomography is fast becoming one of the most popular hobbies today. Amateurs armed with Lomo cameras are quickly able to take professional shots and, in some cases, they can even make a living from it, too!
What’s In A Lomo Camera?
Before you go shopping for a Lomo camera, it’s important to understand what exactly you’ll be getting from it. The word “Lomo” is actually a name for cameras made by a Russian firm. The name, however, may also used by other firms as long as they’re authorized to do so. For photography enthusiasts, Lomo is considered to be synonymous with exquisitely clear lenses.
Lomo cameras were originally produced for “spying”. Nowadays, however, they’re more often used for taking professional-looking photographs you can sell…or use to impress your friends and loved ones.
How to Choose the Right Lomo Camera for You
Now that you’ve an idea of what you can get from Lomo cameras, here are a few tips to help you choose the ideal model for your needs.
It Doesn’t Always Have to Be an Authentic Lomo
If you’re a complete novice then it’s better if you start out with something affordable but with the same features that authentic or genuine Lomo cameras have. These beginner cameras, such as the Lomo Action Sampler, are excellent for taking practice shots; even if you do end up taking your experiments too far, you can easily afford to replace it.
Cameras of this type usually come with a plastic and not the best quality at that. They also aren’t battery-powered, the light occasionally leaks, and the viewfinder doesn’t come with lens. But the best thing about cameras is that you won’t have to worry about electronic elements when you’re taking pictures.
Do You Deserve an Authentic Lomo?
After a period of time, you’ll notice your aim improving. When it has then it’s time for you to get yourself a “real” Lomo camera.
These cameras are a bit pricy but the increase in its price tag is worth it. They come with better features when you compare it to your practice Lomo camera.
When shopping for authentic Lomo cameras, one thing you should watch out for is the shipping costs. If you are purchasing one online from a Russian website, do make sure you ask for an English translation for their purchase or service contract. If not, you might just be shocked by the price that will show up on your credit card bill.
Paul Smith’s Fisheye No.2 Lomo camera is a subtle mixture of two things: The 180-degree bug-eye lens creates distorted images that are even more arty than your usual Lomograph. Plus to the dwindling number of wet-chemistry photography fans (including myself) Lomography is something of a fashion-statement all of its own.... The camera has bulb setting for long exposures, a multiple-exposure setting, built-in flash and a hotshoe, and is dressed up in trademark Paul Smith stripes. And it’s limited edition, so it’s going for a fashionably high $US150.
Very helpful. I will definitely bear this in mind when i can afford my next camera. Extremely well written, so I take if you are also a writer as well as photographer.
I love lomo! I have a fisheye with flash, a supersampler, a pinhole blender, a splitcam (which doesn't work) and a horizon kompakt. I'm
Not the most accomplished photographer, so the ‘shoot from the hip’ mentality suits me down to the ground :)
Haven't played with Lomo but I have to say that the camera is drool-worthy looking all on its own. I noticed Urban Outfitters has started selling high(ish) end "toy" cameras starting around $100. I admit to looking more than once. =)
Wow it gets better every time. guess what goes on a lot of Christmas lists. thanks for sharing. @Autumn Eden.. when you say toy camera you are not looking for a gift for your son??? $100.00 dollars I could efford. oh now I looked back up and saw that you put toy In " ". so that answered my question.
@autumnseden - don't buy them from urban. you can find them in many places, although the prices have come up considerably in the last few years (at least it seems that way). @bruni - toy camera is really a term used to just describe a really crappy plastic camera. Tons were made in the last 50 years. Some of them are tons of fun, because the results are less than predictable. And often times they can be bought cheap. But be aware that you may find some that no longer have film available for. Although there are ways around it. @indiannie_jones - don't confuse toy cameras with the Lomo branding, which is an insane marketing blitz used to get people to buy there cameras so they can feel like a real "artist."
Jaydee is right. The Lomo name was co-opted, which is fine. Toy cameras are alot of fun.
Mine favorite is still the holga, I'm not concerned with its condition, its reliable, and as Jaydee points out, once you become comfortable with it, its easy to use.
@crappysailor Oh I know. They are over-priced there because everything there is so kitschy but it is still fun to look. I won't spend money on one right now anyway just because I am still saving towards my DSLR. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy the fun results I get with my iPhone which is also unpredictable depending on the apps I use. =)
@autumnseden - looking is a guilty pleasure of mine. I look even knowing whats there. I just like the visual gratification coupled with actually touching the camera, as opposed to just researching online :P
Your Iphone photos are beautiful. Love following them.
It is funny I have 3 cameras to shoot 120 film with: Holga, Twin-Lens and 645n
I still reach for my Holga time and again. I really like it for times when I know there will be tons of people at a place with 'real' cameras and I want something different.
I am really impressed with how good that LOMO of yours looks... might need to trade in the ugly toy.
@autumnseden if you think the results are unpredictable on the app... you should try on the actual camera!
Man have they really up the game on these now... There is the Zenit 412LS SLR Camera... it takes M42 lens... I don't know why I'd trade my spotie in for it... but still!! It meters too! (I guess that is how it is better than my spotie!)
I've got a Lomo LC-A+ that I picked up about 10 years ago. It's a fun little camera, but I haven't used it in years. I usually cross processed anything I shot through it. I should try shooting with it again.
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Not the most accomplished photographer, so the ‘shoot from the hip’ mentality suits me down to the ground :)
@Autumn Eden.. when you say toy camera you are not looking for a gift for your son??? $100.00 dollars I could efford. oh now I looked back up and saw that you put toy In " ". so that answered my question.
@bruni - toy camera is really a term used to just describe a really crappy plastic camera. Tons were made in the last 50 years. Some of them are tons of fun, because the results are less than predictable. And often times they can be bought cheap. But be aware that you may find some that no longer have film available for. Although there are ways around it.
@indiannie_jones - don't confuse toy cameras with the Lomo branding, which is an insane marketing blitz used to get people to buy there cameras so they can feel like a real "artist."
Jaydee is right. The Lomo name was co-opted, which is fine. Toy cameras are alot of fun.
Mine favorite is still the holga, I'm not concerned with its condition, its reliable, and as Jaydee points out, once you become comfortable with it, its easy to use.
Well written.
Your Iphone photos are beautiful. Love following them.
I still reach for my Holga time and again. I really like it for times when I know there will be tons of people at a place with 'real' cameras and I want something different.
I am really impressed with how good that LOMO of yours looks... might need to trade in the ugly toy.
@autumnseden if you think the results are unpredictable on the app... you should try on the actual camera!
@gavincci : Thanks for sharing this jaydee, very informative : )