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Film photography is great fun. I love it and so do many of my friends. It seems like almost everyone has either a disposable or a reusable film camera in their pockets nowadays. Once an almost-forgotten art form, film photography has experienced a well-deserved resurgence in recent years, and we're all the better for it.
I have used and tested many film cameras in my time. Not all of them are perfect, but that's the fun of film photography, isn't it? There's a charm in its imperfection as you can't see the photos until you get your roll developed. But I also recognize that film rolls can be expensive, and you don't want to waste your money taking out-of-focus, blurry photos. The solution? Getting a camera that never fails to focus, like the Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm.
The Lomo MC-A 35mm is one of the only modern film cameras that features autofocus. Now, don't come at me with, "Autofocus on a film camera? Film is all about manual focusing!" please. You can swap between the two as and when you like, but having autofocus is an undeniably killer feature, and something inexperienced photographers will definitely value. So, if you're on the hunt for a competent film camera, let me show you why the Lomo MC-A 35mm is my top pick.
Say goodbye to blurry photos
The Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm features LiDAR-powered autofocus, and it can be enabled when you switch on the camera. You can choose from autofocus and manual focus when powering on the camera. If this is the first time you're getting a film camera, I'd recommend spending some time experimenting with the manual focus as it can be very rewarding when you get an in-focus shot.
But for when you can't be bothered with manual focusing, you've got fairly reliable autofocus that, in my testing, never once let me down. I found it quick to focus on to my friends and even buildings, and I captured the best photos I've taken on a film camera yet.
Combine the Lomo MC-A 35mm's autofocus with its sharp lens and you've got a winning combination. You get plenty of manual control over the camera's shooting settings too, as you can manually adjust the shutter speed, ISO and aperture. This not only gives you more creative freedom but it helps you hone your photography skills too.
As I said, I love the photos I've taken with the Lomo MC-A 35mm, and you can see a few examples in the gallery above. The images feature bright and vivid colors, and they're packed with detail too. Humans photograph particularly well with the Lomo MC-A 35mm, in my opinion, as the photos of my friends as well as my partner have turned out great.
Handles as beautifully as the photos it takes
When it comes to the build quality of Lomography cameras, it can be best described as hit-or-miss. I've tested many of the brand's instant cameras and more often than not, I've found the build plasticky and fragile. Imagine my surprise when I unboxed the Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm and found out that it's actually built really well. I'd even venture to say that it's Lomography's best-built camera yet.
The Lomo MC-A 35mm's metal body feels substantial to hold, and it's got a good weight to it. It actually feels like you're using one of the best mirrorless cameras, to be honest. The camera weighs 11.2oz and measures 4.9 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches, so it's pocketable and can be carried around easily, making it fantastic for travel snaps. The right-hand side of the camera sports a slightly protruding, textured grip which enables you to easily use it with one hand.
All of the buttons and dials on the Lomo MC-A 35mm are well-placed within easy reach too, and this makes the camera a sheer joy to use. And you know what I love most? The film advance lever has a buttery smooth and satisfying motion that makes advancing film not just easy, but fun too.
The "live, laugh, love" of cameras
Have you ever been to someone's house and they have a cushion cover with a platitude printed on it? Or vinyl decals or neon lights hung in their living room? You know what I'm talking about. "Live, laugh, love" is the most popular of the lot, and you've also got "God bless this mess" and "It's wine o'clock somewhere," as well as "Not all who wander are lost."
Well, I present to you: "Everyone is equal before the lens and behind it." I can't take credit for that because that's what's printed on the Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm's top plate, in cursive writing. The camera comes with a photobook too, with more platitudes, and stickers with quotes like, "We will frame first, frame second" and "The tactile and the imperfect are our heroes" printed on them.
This is why I call the Lomo MC-A 35mm the "live, laugh, love" of cameras. It's a little tacky to me, personally, but some people might like it. I suppose it's a nice touch as it gives the camera some personality, and makes for a great icebreaker or talking point.
Despite the cliché quotes, the Lomo MC-A 35mm is a wonderful camera. Its autofocus is nothing short of powerful and quick, and it makes taking lovely photos just that much easier. Its sharp lens captures vivid colors and shades, making the Lomo MC-A 35mm the only film camera you'll need. It makes film photography more accessible to the general masses.
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