I have Holgas, true lo-fi. They are great for their purpose. I don't know about the LCA120, since I've never seen one in person. I do have an Agfa Isolette II for which I paid less than $600 cla'd. From looking online, I don't see how the LCA120 performs better than a properly functioning Agfa Isolette or equivalent. And for less money. And an Agfa Isolette can be repaired. On the plus for the LCA120 it has auto exposure, which I assume functions well.
I don't see how the LCA120 performs better than a properly functioning Agfa Isolette or equivalent. And for less money. And an Agfa Isolette can be repaired. On the plus for the LCA120 it has auto exposure, which I assume functions well.
If you want a very wide angle, I don't see how the Isolette II could perform better than a properly functioning LC-A 120.
I own both and like both, but I'm not sure I really consider the LC-A 120 lo-fi like the Holga, as its lens and feature set are a bit more advanced.
Although it doesn't technically have a bulb setting, it will automatically do long exposures where necessary. I would prefer manual exposure settings on the LC-A, but the only thing that wide and that portable in medium format would be a lot more expensive. It has its issues, but good balance of features/strengths for the money. I tend to use the LC-A 120 as my secondary camera when travelling.
I haven't seen anything equivalent to an Isolette with a lens shorter than 75 mm, never mind with auto exposure. Yes, the Isolette can be repaired, but the repair is likely to cost more than a well-working Isolette is worth unless you're able to do it yourself. OTOH, you can probably buy two or three good Isolettes, Nettars, Speedex, etc. assorted non-RF 6x6 folders for the price of an LC-A 120 -- and you'd have trouble finding a 38 mm that covers 6x6 as a lens in shutter or lens for a system camera for less than the LC-A 120 camera, complete.
It's in kind of a no-man's-land for me, though. The same lens with two or three aperture choices and a fixed plus B shutter (i.e. the works from a Holga) would have the same utility, for me, and be more reliable and durable (and not dependent on a battery).
Those images are freaking awesome.
I wasn't really familiar with the LC-A before this thread, but these images made me go check it out on Lomo's site. Love the wide perspective on the 6x6 format.
Honestly, I need another 6x6 medium format camera like I need another hole in my head, especially in this time of financial uncertainty.So please don't post anymore great shots.
Jeremy
Delightful, thank you! This is one of those funny decisions. I truly believe the camera is overpriced and cannot justify the $600 (CDN) pricetag. If it were $300 or even $400 I would buy it today. Is my attitude ridiculous? I'm sure I'd enjoy the camera thoroughly, and yet my "principles" will not allow me to buy a camera that seems unfairly priced! I was born foolish and perhaps I've stayed that way!
It looks like I missed it. Thanks very much all the same!There’s one in Oregon listed for auction (theBay) at $375, or best offer.
while waiting for the funds get yourself a diana and its 38mm lens. not bad to begin with. same angle and much fun. not the quality of the lc-a 120, but you can see whether you really need such a wide angle...
That's terrific, thank you. I had no idea the Diana had so wide a lens.
I have Holgas, true lo-fi. They are great for their purpose. I don't know about the LCA120, since I've never seen one in person. I do have an Agfa Isolette II for which I paid less than $600 cla'd. From looking online, I don't see how the LCA120 performs better than a properly functioning Agfa Isolette or equivalent. And for less money. And an Agfa Isolette can be repaired. On the plus for the LCA120 it has auto exposure, which I assume functions well.
If I didn't have reliability concerns I would have gotten one a while ago!
It’s a new camera that comes with a two-year warranty. There is less risk purchasing the LC-A 120 than any of the cameras/lenses you’ve just mentioned.
There aren't many wide angle options in medium format. A relatively exhaustive list is: Hasselblad 500 40mm Distagon, Hasselblad SWC 38mm Biogon, Bronica Zenzanon SQ 40mm, Pentax 6x7 45mm, Kiev 60 45mm and... the Lomo LCA120. Someone please let me know if I've missed any - I don't think I have. Compared to those options, it is higher quality than the Kiev, half the price of the SWC and lighter weight than all of them. If I didn't have reliability concerns I would have gotten one a while ago!
Mamiya 7 has a 43mm lens. A spectacular lens.Someone please let me know if I've missed any
For the same amount of money (<=400€ approx 600CND) you can buy a Fuji GS645W. Admittedly, the 45mm FL is not as wide as the 38mm of the LOMO. Also admittedly, the EBC-Fujinon is simply SHARP. Keep in mind that the novelty of the super-wide might wear off rather soon. Like feeding on pickles.Thus far I cannot begin to think about allowing myself to spend $600 CDN I don't have on this relatively lo-fi camera!
For the same amount of money (<=400€ approx 600CND) you can buy a Fuji GS645W. Admittedly, the 45mm FL is not as wide as the 38mm of the LOMO. Also admittedly, the EBC-Fujinon is simply SHARP. Keep in mind that the novelty of the super-wide might wear off rather soon. Like feeding on pickles.
Excellent point.It’s a new camera that comes with a two-year warranty. There is less risk purchasing the LC-A 120 than any of the cameras/lenses you’ve just mentioned.
Love that pumpkin picture!I think I've shared these photos before, but have since learned to do better scans from color negatives. Not as heavily processed as you might think: Not sure why the pumpkin picture in particular looks so wild, but I like it.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?