A Quick Guide to Lomography Medium Format Cameras

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Whether you’re new to film photography or a long time 35 mm shooter eager to branch out and explore the unique beauty that 120 film has to offer, we’ve got you covered with this simple guide to our medium format cameras. Let’s jump in!

Credits: klive0420

Diana F+

Arguably our most recognisable and iconic medium format offering is the Diana F+ Camera & Flash.

Many photographers are drawn to the Diana F+ for its unique aesthetics. The soft focus, heavy vignetting and occasional light-leaks are characteristics that first attracted photographers several decades ago. The Diana has its origins in the streets of Kowloon, Hong Kong, way back in the 60s, but it has come a long way since then. So well loved is this camera that Lomography now offers the Diana in other formats, including 35 mm film with the Diana Mini, 110 film with the Diana Baby 110 and Instant film with the Diana Instant Square.

However, the Diana F+ medium format camera is the undisputed “OG” and remains unchanged in the ways that matter most. Generations of Lomographers have fallen in love with the Diana’s soft charm and dreamy renderings of reality. These qualities combined with a modest price tag make it no surprise the Diana F+ remains the most popular of Lomography’s medium format options. The newest Diana F+ also comes equipped with an attachable flash to make sure shooters don’t miss a moment of the action!

Credits: abelishka, dylanoverhouse, neufotomacher, urbantristesse, noesoto, pjama114, moda_daniela & paulineruhlsaur

Lomo LC-A 120

A twist on the classic 35 mm camera that started it all, the Lomo LC-A 120 takes everything that photographers love about the Lomo LC-A+ and repackages it into a medium format gem of a camera. The Lomo LC-A 120 gives you that signature look that so many love, but this time in a charming 6x6 square format.

Something that often makes people hesitant to try medium format is the size and weight of the cameras, which can make them inconvenient and cumbersome. But despite the upscaling of film size, the Lomo LC-A 120 version remains compact and incredibly lightweight. This camera makes it easy to shoot 120 film while still following that all important golden rule - take your camera everywhere you go.

For anyone who is familiar with the 35 mm model, the functions remain mostly unchanged, making it intuitive and simple to use for newbies and aficionados alike. It has a zone focusing system and five available aperture settings. This gives you a nice amount of control over your photography, without getting so complicated to distract you from the moment.

Credits: gheinz, deedee_photog, frenchyfyl, moda_daniela, chappelow & milchtrinken

Lomo Lubitel 166+

There’s something special about twin lens reflex cameras, from the unique way they operate, to the distinctive images they produce (the angle of a photo taken from a waist level TLR is unmistakable.) Even the way these cameras look will turn the heads of strangers and invite attention wherever you go.

But aside from looking so damn cool, the Lomo Lubitel is also a very practical camera. Like the other cameras on this list it is incredibly lightweight and simple to use. This makes it perfect for anyone who wants to get acquainted with a TLR for the first time and own a camera with a classic look that still has a few Lomographic tricks up its sleeve.

The Lomo Lubitel is also compatible with 35 mm film which essentially gives you two cameras in one by conveniently allowing you to switch between 120 and 35 mm whenever you like!

Credits: susielomovitz, mafiosa, blackcoffeeandtantrum, bloomchen, weidong & fruchtzwerg_hh

LomoMod No.1

Finally we have the LomoMod No.1, a truly Lomographic invention for the experimental photographer.

This DIY cardboard contraption allows you to truly get to grips with the inner workings of analogue photography as you discover the joy of constructing your very own medium format camera. Building the LomoMod No.1 is simple, with easy to follow instructions and well designed components, and using the camera afterwards is even easier.

The most intriguing feature of this camera is its experimental lens, which can be filled with any liquid to give your photos truly bizarre and wonderful effects.

Credits: lomography, jb93, ofchanceandchoice, stratski & kcb7-11

Which medium format camera is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

written by alexgray on 2023-02-17 #gear #medium-format #120-film #diana-f #lomo-lc-a-120 #lomo-lubitel-166 #lomomod-no-1

Mentioned Product

Lomography Diana F+

Lomography Diana F+

Take timeless and dramatic photos on 120 film with the Diana F+. Create stunning soft-focused images and customize it with sweet lenses or even an instant back for additional effects and flexibility.

3 Comments

  1. corto_maltese
    corto_maltese ·

    That Lubitel looks very nice, but it's been out of stock for quite a while...

  2. hervinsyah
    hervinsyah ·

    @neufotomacher great diana f+ bw photo 👍

  3. johnmaven
    johnmaven ·

    Cool article. Love the photos.

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