All You Need to Know About the Lomo LC-A+ Family

Take a trip down the memory lane and see all the Lomo LC-A+ models that we've had in our line-up, along with some revamped versions of this well-loved Lomography camera.

Lomo LC-A

Film format: 35mm film
Lens: Fixed, Minitar-1 32mm f2.8 Lens
Aperture: f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16
Shutter speed: Automatic, ∞ to 1/500
ISO range: 25-400
Focusing: Zone focusing; 0.8m, 1.5m, 3m to infinity
Film advance: Manual
Film rewind: Manual
Flash: Standard hotshoe
Batteries: 3 x S76 batteries

Lomo LC-A took inspiration from a Japanese compact camera called the Cosina CX-1. General Igor Petrowitsch Kornitzky (right-hand man to the USSR Minister of Defense and Industry) and his comrade Michail Panfilowitsch Panfiloff (Director of the LOMO Russian Arms and Optical factory), gave orders to the LOMO PLC factory in St. Petersburg, Russia to recreate an improved version of the camera. By 1982, the first working sample of the Lomo LC-A was born but it wasn’t until 1984 when mass production began. Soon after, the camera became popular in Communist countries such as Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Cuba.

The now-vintage Lomo LC-A have Russian lettering and film measurements in GOST, which means that it reads “16/32/65/130/250” instead of the ISO/ASA “25/64/100/200” that is commonly used now. Aperture, which range from 2.8 to 16, can also be set manually. The lens is focused by selecting one of four zones (0.8 m, 1.5 m, 3 m or infinity). Older models have visible distance icons in the viewfinder which was later omitted in newer versions.

Further reading:

Today in History: The LOMO LC-A is Born (1984)
The Complete & Concise History of the LOMO LC-A

Lomo LC-A+

Film format: 35mm film
Lens: Fixed, Minitar-1 32mm f 2.8 Lens
Aperture: Automatic, f2.8 to f16
Shutter speed: Automatic, ∞ to 1/500.
ISO range: 100-1600
Focusing: Zone focusing; 0.8m to Infinity
Flash: Standard hotshoe
Film advance: Manual
Film rewind: Manual
Battery: 3x S76 batteries
Other features: Cable release and tripod thread, multiple exposure switch

Retaining the Lomo LC-A’s iconic features such as the Minitar-1 glass lens, zone focusing, and automatic exposure, the improved Lomo LC-A+ gets some creative extras: an MX switch for multiple exposures, improved ISO settings, a cable release enabled button for long exposures, and tripod thread. It is also designed to accommodate accessories such as the Wide-Angle Lens and the LC-A+ Splitzer.

Further reading:

10 Steps to Better Photography with the LC-A+
Neil Gaiman shoots with the LC-A+
The Great LC-A and LC-A+ Masters

Lomo LC-A+ Special Editions

Different skins, same coveted camera features. Throughout the years, Lomography released several limited edition Lomo LC-A+ cameras to make a stand on certain issues and commemorate milestones. How many of these do you own?

Lomo LC-A+ “The Pharaoh” Edition

Here's a Lomo LC-A+ that's fit for a king! This limited edition LC-A is a copper-encrusted masterpiece, produced in only 50 pieces. Inspired by the Egyptian culture, the front design features Horus, depicted as a falcon that symbolizes the eternal God of the Sky, while rear shows goddesses Hathor (personified the principles of joy, feminine love, and motherhood), Nebthet (goddess of magic, mystery, and the underworld), and Nefertari (favorite wife of Pharaoh Rameses II; considered a "force behind the throne" and one of the most influential women of the ancient world).

Lomo LC-A+ “No Nukes” Edition

As part of the Lomo LC-A 25th anniversary, Lomography gathered its creative forces across the world to bring a fresh take on this classic camera. Designed by the Lomography Embassy in Seoul, Korea to protest against nuclear weapons, this LC-A+ special edition was designed with leather skin and the ‘No Nukes’ logo stamping. Only 500 units were produced and each camera was packaged in a wooden box.

Lomo LC-A+ 25th Anniversary Edition

To celebrate the Lomo LC-A's anniversary, this collector's item dressed up for the occasion in textured black leather and a golden 25th anniversary emblem. As a tribute to the camera's roots, the Lomo LC-A+ 25th Anniversary Edition came with a Russia-made Minitar-1 lens and a special wooden box.

Lomo LC-A+ Gold

Wrapped in the finest brown leather and a touch of 24-carat gold, the LC-A+ Gold was engraved with a unique number and a certification sheet to guarantee its authenticity. It was packed in an elegant wooden box with 2 rolls of Lomography 800 Film and the “Lomographiere” hardcover book. Only 130 units of this shiny Lomo LC-A+ was produced.

Lomo LC-A+ White

Designed by Lomography Japan, the elegant Lomo LC-A+ White took inspiration from ‘Karesansui’, a traditional Japanese stone garden. The whirling white waves etched on the camera's luxurious leather form a “25” on the back of the camera to honor the Lomo LC-A's 25th anniversary. The camera package, which was only produced in 1,000 units, included a Lomo L-Case White Edition exclusively for this kit.

Lomo LC-A+ Russia Day Limited Edition

Wrapped in red Italian goat leather and decorated with fertility symbol details, the Lomo LC-A+ Russia Day was packaged in a special velvet box including a special camera strap and Russia Day emblem. Only 2,000 cameras were produced.

So what’s the inspiration behind this camera? Well, in 2007 Russia was challenged with a demographic problem. Birth rates were falling and the government decided to give out money and prizes to couples who would produce a baby by September 12! The Lomo LC-A+ Russia Day is our tribute to this special occasion, launched with two totally unique competitions: Apply For a Dream Date and Show Us Some Love.

Visit the Lomo LC-A+ Russia Day microsite to see all the activities launched alongside the camera.

Lomo LC-A+ Silver Lake

Originally available to Japan and South Korea, the Lomo LC-A+ Silverlake was produced for the worldwide market in only 1,000 pieces. Adorned in genuine brown leather, this collectible comes with a beautiful wooden box and a certificate to guarantee its authenticity.

Lomo LC-A+ 20 Years of Lomography Edition

What's a better way to celebrate two decades of fun and experimental photography than with a limited edition Lomo LC-A+? As a tribute to the camera that started it all, Lomography switched the classic black finish with an electric blue stamped leather boasting a crocodile pattern, giving the Lomo LC-A+ 20 Years of Lomography Edition a distinctive avant-garde look. The rear panel also features a colorful emblem that represents all facets of Lomography. There were only 1,000 pieces of this camera, each with their own serial number and certificate of authenticity.

Lomo LC-A+ Russian Lens

Film format: 35mm film
Lens: Fixed, Russia-made Minitar-1 32mm f 2.8 Lens
Aperture: Automatic, f2.8 to f16
Shutter speed: Automatic, ∞ to 1/500.
ISO range: 100-1600
Focusing: Zone focusing; 0.8m to Infinity
Flash: Standard hotshoe
Film advance: Manual
Film rewind: Manual
Battery: 3x S76 batteries
Other features: Cable release and tripod thread, multiple exposure switch

All the updated features of the Lomo LC-A+ coupled with the Minitar-1 lens manufactured from Russia, the Lomo LC-A+ Russian Lens definitely suits those who wants to achieve the striking color rendition and contrast the original LC-A was well-known for.

Further reading:

LomoAmigo Reuben Wu Shoots with the Lomo LC-A+ RL

Lomo LC-A+ Instant

Film format: instant film (with the LC-A Instant Back+ which takes Fujifilm Instax Mini films), 35mm film (with the LC-A+ Back)
Lens: Fixed, Minitar-1 32mm f 2.8 Lens
Aperture: Automatic, f2.8 to f16
Shutter speed: Automatic, ∞ to 1/500.
ISO range: 100-1600
Focusing: Zone focusing; 0.8m to Infinity
Flash: Standard hotshoe
Film advance: Manual
Film rewind: Manual
Battery: 3x S76 batteries
Other features: Cable release and tripod thread, multiple exposure switch

The Lomo LC-A+ Instant Camera allows the option to shoot classic 35mm photos or instant snapshots, simply by switching up the LC-A Instant Back+ with the classic LC-A+ Back. Shooting instants is easy and convenient, because it uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film, which is commonly available in most camera and film shops.

This camera produces instant shots with the LC-A+’s famous effects – deep colors and saturation, eye-popping details, vignettes, and the overall analogue look.

Lomo LC-Wide

Film format: 35mm film
Exposure area: 36 x 24mm, 24 x 24mm (square format), 17 x 24mm (half frame format)
Lens: Fixed, Minigon 17mm f 4.5 Ultra-Wide Angle lens
Aperture: Automatic, f 4.5 to f 16
Shutter speed: Automatic, ∞ to 1/500.
ISO range: 100-1600
Focusing: Zone focusing; 0.4m to infinity
Flash: Standard hotshoe
Film advance: Manual
Film rewind: Manual
Battery: 3x S76 batteries
Other features: Cable release and tripod thread, multiple exposure switch

Lomo LC-Wide brings the saturated colors, shadowy vignettes, and breathtaking contrast of the Lomo LC-A+ to a wider territory. This versatile camera comes with a 17mm MinigonUltra-Wide Angle lens and can shoot in three formats--full, square, and half frame--on 35mm film!

Visit the Lomo LC-Wide microsite to find out more about this wide-eyed wonder.

Further reading:

LomoAmigo Alison Scarpulla Shoots With The LC-Wide
Lomo LC-Wide Lover: Elijah Wood
Get Creative with Overlapping Images with the LOMO LC-Wide!

Lomo LC-A 120

Film format: 120 film
Lens: Fixed, 38mm f/4.5 Minigon XL multi-coated glass (21mm equivalent)
Aperture: Automatic, f 4.5 to f 16
Shutter speed: Automatic, ∞ to 1/500.
ISO range: 100-1600
Focusing: Zone focusing; 0.6m, 1m, 2.5m, infinity
Flash: Standard hotshoe
Film advance: Manual
Film rewind: Manual
Battery: 3x S76 batteries
Other features: Cable release and tripod thread, multiple exposure switch

As a member of the LC-A family, the Lomo LC-A 120 is capable of taking photographs with glowing colors, distinct vignettes and fine contrasts. With its jam-packed features like zone-focusing, multiple exposure switch, bulb mode, cable release, and tripod thread (Just like the good old Lomo LC-A+!), this shooter embodies Lomography's "Don't Think, Just Shoot" attitude in medium format film.

Visit the Lomo LC-A 120 microsite to find out more about this camera.

Further reading:

Stephen Dowling Takes the LC-A 120 to Malta
Traveling Through Different Continents with Pei Ketron and her Lomo LC-A 120
LC-A 120 LomoAmigo: Michael Sullivan

Swing by the Lomo LC-A+ microsite for more information about the Lomo LC-A+ family or head to our online shop to cop your own Lomo LC-A+, LC-Wide or LC-A 120!

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