Lomography La Sardina hands-on
The Lomography La Sardina is the latest camera to join the lineup from the analogue specialist, and is shaped like a sardine tin. Yes, a sardine tin. We were invited long to Lomo HQ for a sneaky peek at the new model. Along with comically distinctive styling, the La Sardina also sports a super-wide 22mm lens, along with a flash that sports three different settings - a first for a Lomo camera. Unlike the Lomo Diana version, the new camera's flash can be set to low for close-ups, and also includes medium and high settings for mid-range and long-range shooting, with the top setting being a lot more powerful than anything currently offered by the manufacturer.The camera's protruding lens can be twisted into the camera body so that it sticks out less, making it more compact, although you'll need to pull it back out again before shooting. There are four versions available. Two of the models include a flash (Fischers Fritze and El Capitan), priced at £89, while the models without a flash (Sea Pride and Marathon) have an affordable price tag of just £49 each.The La Sardina uses conventional 35mm film and produces normal full frame shots, albeit with a wide-angle so that you can pack as much into each shot as possible. What's more, as there are no unusual formats involved, you should be able to get your pictures developed at most high street processing shops. The new model also sports a 1:8 aperture, along with a focussing range of 0.6m - infinity. Along with a standard tripod socket, the camera also comes with a shutter release cable, while the flash is kitted out with yellow, red and blue removable filters for adding some colour to your shots. Despite clearly taking most of its design cues from sardine tins, the odd shape is actually based on old 1930s snapper made by the Irwin Corporation, known as the Kandor Candid. Without the flash, the new camera is pretty compact, and feels very comfortable in the hand although the flash certainly adds some extra bulk and weight. However, the ability to be able to wind the lens in slightly is a nice touch to make it just a little more compact. It's hard not to be won over by the quirky nautical theme, but the camera also represents an affordable point and shoot wide-angle option for beginners, while the tweakable flash is also something of a boon and should mean no more overlit, washed-out close-ups. Stay tuned for a full review.
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