More Lo-Fi Fun: Lomo LC-A

Rose Hill Cemetery, Easter 2010 (expired Fuji 100 Superia, Lomo LC-A)

The pre-cursor to the current lo-fi/toy camera fascination was the rise of Lomography.  A (very deliberately and very skillfully created) little cult of enthusiasm built up around a cheap, plastic-lens, russian knock-off camera, the Lomo LC-A.  The LC-A first came out in the 1980s, but the "lomography" marketing juggernaught really didn't take until the 1990s.  The LC-A is a cheaply made camera - a plastic lens, which tends to create strong vingetting and softness or blurring; and a body that is prone to light leaks and unintentional double-exposures due to poor film winding.  LIke the later-hip Holga, however, the characteristics of the LC-A that would normally be considered drawbacks have become to be thought of as its strengths.

Lakeshore Path, June 2010 (expired Fuji Superia, Lomo LC-A)

The lens tends to create soft, saturated images, with strong vignettes and interesting tonal shifts in the way colors render.

Lake CTA Station, August 2010 (expired Fuji 100 Superia, Lomo LC-A)

The LC-A can actually be most interesting in low light photography.  The camera keeps the shutter open long enough to get a sufficient exposure.  This can result in some interesting blur effects.  This shot really doesn't show it, and I haven't had much luck with that style, but I have seen people produce some very cool night and low light shots with this camera.

Daley Center Fountain, August 2010 (expired Fuji Superia, Lomo LC-A)

Because the LC-A is small, its easy to carry around pretty much everywhere.  I often toss it into the camera bag with whatever main camera I'm taking.  I can't say that I'm ready to buy into the "don't think, just shoot" mentality put forth by the lomo cultists, but it's nice to have options, and the LC-A is a fun addition to any lo-fi camera collection.