- Lomography announced the Lomo MC-A in October
- It features an autofocus glass lens and a metal body.
- Available for pre-order and costs $549 / £449 / AU$799
I’ve tested my fair share of Lomography cameras over the years, and it’s fair to say that the film camera maker prioritizes character over outright quality.
From the experimental Sprocket Rocket 35mm panoramic film camera to the toy-like Lomourette build-your-own Konstruktor SLR kit, newness is usually on the menu. However, recently Lomography introduced a different type of film camera found in a new ‘Classic’ range – the Lomo MC-A.
I’ve since had a brief shot of the MC-A, which one of my colleagues at our sister site Digital Camera World is reviewing, and the promotional shots don’t do it justice.
The MC-A has real weight to it, and that’s because it’s a high-quality camera with a glass lens and metal body. My first thought was, ‘Wow, has Lomography finally made a proper 35mm film camera?’
And why not? If any brand has been steadily dedicated to making gear for film photography fans over the last decade, it’s Lomography. But if you’re already familiar with Lomography cameras like I am, you should forget everything you know: the MC-A is a classier offering, Lomo’Instant Wide Glass notwithstanding.
Its price should be a telltale sign, though: the MC-A costs $549 / £449 / AU$799 on Lomography’s website, where it’s available for pre-order in silver or black versions, with shipping starting in January.
A Lomography camera suitable for fans of 35mm film photography
So what features can photographers expect from the Lomo MC-A? I already mentioned the compact metal body, while the lens is a retractable 32mm f/2.8 multi-coated glass optic, complete with autofocus and zone focusing from 0.4m. That retractable lens makes quite a noise when activated – you’ve been warned!
Users have exposure control with options for full auto, aperture priority (f/2.8-16) or manual (there’s a shutter speed range from 1/500 to 20 seconds, plus bulb), while the built-in flash offers creative flash modes, with additional accessories included.
The MC-A takes 35mm film and can take multiple and long exposure images, as well as including a self-timer mode and a tripod mount. Shot count, focus and exposure modes can be displayed on the small top LCD panel.
True, there is no shortage of point-and-shoot cameras similar to the MC-A that shoot 35mm or half-frame film, such as the Pentax 17, Analogue aF-1, and Rollei 35AF, but I’m particularly enamored of the MC-A anyway. Maybe it’s time to get serious about Lomography.
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