In early 2024 Lomography launched a completely new and quite adavanced 110 film camera, the LomoMatic 110.
110
film was introduced by Kodak in 1972. The film sits in a cartridge,
like Kodak's earlier 126 film, but is much smaller. A frame is 13mm ×
17mm, has one perforation per image to control film advance and 24
frames per cartridge (12 were also available). The film is protected by
a backing paper like 120 film. The frame number is visible through a
window at the back of the cartridge. The basic film is ordinary 16mm
film which was already on the market, so it could be processed in
existing machines. The small picture size made very small, pocketable
cameras possible.
Kodak introduced with its 110 film a line of Kodak Pocket Instamatic
cameras which were followed by cameras from other manufacturers. Most
cameras were cheap point-and-shoot, but very sophisticated models were
also made. Small digital cameras made 110 film obsolete. Bit by bit
manufacturers stopped making 110 format film, Fujifilm in 2009. So it
seemed to be over.
In 2012 (and 2019) Lomography made a large batch of 110 film and they
launched some simple and cheap 110 cameras. They were followed by other
firms. This revived the market. As the old cameras are about 50 years
old and the top models about 40, there was room for a new advanced 110
camera. Lomography did it.
The
camera was launched in March 2024, the LomoMatic 110. It has automatic
exposure and quite some features of the best models of the old series.
The model presented is the top model with metal trim. It isn't cheap,
but the old top models weren't cheaper in the old days. Its main features are:
23mm F2.8 Minitar CX multicoated glass lens, 2 apertures 5.6 and 2.8 (night mode), 4 zone focussing, 0.8 m, 1.5 m, 3 m, inf. Electronic shutter, 30s-1/250s, up to 30s in B mode Size 110x45x35 (+25 for the flash), Weight 182 gr. with chain, battery and flash 100, 200 and 400
ISO, manual coding, multi exposure, electronic flash available
The box.
The
whole set, camera, flash, chain, cartridge to store developped film strips, papers, a booklet, but no
instructions, the "manual" is only a card with a QR code.
Camera closed and chain.
Bottom. No tripod socket.
Camera front open. Distance slider, lens and viewer. Top
view. Shutter release, B mode button and ISO button. The camera switches on when extended.
Camera
back. Finder window, back door lock, film type and number window. To the right: battery chamber, takes one CR2 battery.
Seen from below. Night/day slider (aperture), multi exposure slider.
Camera with electronic flash attached.
Rear
view. The flash has no batteries and connects automatically to the
camera, no settings necessary. Just switch it on an wait for the
"ready" lamp to light.
Camera
and flash. The flash is very small. You can insert colour filters into
the small slit on the top of the flash which then taints the flash
picture.
There are 2 flash settings which should correspond to the aperture day/night setting. Ready light on.
Film chamber.
This
camera is very easy to use, silde it open and it's ready. You have only to set
focus and then frame, which is easy via the bright finder. There is an electronic flash
available, but the camera deals well with available light. After taking
a picture, you have to close the camera for film advance and shutter
cocking (push-pull advance, very handy). Putting
a film is easy as well,
you drop the film into the compartment, advance to the first frame and
that's it. A night mode, a B shutter mode and a multi exposure setting
give you some room for creative photos. One would wish a tripod and a
cable release socket, as the camera has good night photo possibilities.
It's
a very good point and shoot camera
with very good picture quality, a good quality
finish in a small and pocketable body. This camera feels quite
solid. The picture
results were overall well exposed under
any circumstances. I would wish a distance indicator in the viewer as
some of the old cameras had (there were even some rangefinder models).
If you make a short distance photo and forget to set back the slider,
the next photos are ruined and film is not cheap. In my opinion the
chain length isn't good. It's too long to carry it around your wrist
and too short to put it around your neck.
The flash is (too) small and badly orientated. So it's only for short
distances, but as said, the camera deals well with available light.
The
camera isn't cheap, but it's a new, full featured camera in a good
quality finishing. Just for comparison: the price tag of an Agfamatic
6008 was DM 389.- in 1977 which was half a month's salary in those days.
Some
gereral words about Lomography and their service: There is a 2-year
warranty, at least in Europe. My personal experience with their service
is very good. As most of their cameras are made of (cheap) plastic,
there is no repair, they just exchange your defective camera. You have
to send it in to their Vienna office at your expenses, which is not cheap
if you are not based in Austria, but they try to compensate by adding
film or so to the return. You absolutely need a proof of purchase,
there was heavy abuse by fraudulent customers they told me. So if you
buy second hand or your camera is gift, be sure to put your hands on
the proof of purchase. After the 2-years warranty period it's over.
They will try to help for the expensive not-so-plastic cameras like the
LC series, but for the rest there is no repair. Keep this in mind for
the prices you pay for older gear.
