4 Beginner-Friendly Medium Format Cameras from Lomography

A common myth among film circles is that 35 mm format is easier and friendlier for newbies compared to the 120. The larger the format, the more intimidating it seems for most beginners. But, this doesn't always have to be the case. See, here in Lomography, we do our best to make the film experience as easy and fun! If you're feeling a little braver and ready to take your film work to the next level, try loading up your next roll of film on a Lomography medium format camera while still getting the best details and high resolution.

Credits: lomography, fruchtzwerg_hh, gheinz & frenchyfyl

Lomo LC-A 120: Compact and Reliable

The 35 mm format is widely used because of this main reason: it's compact. The Lomo LC-A 120 is the closest and most familiar medium format camera you can find if you're coming from your 35 mm experience. Most medium format cameras are bulky and large, and for this reason, using this format can be a little overwhelming; but the LC-A 120 only comes in 4.3 in. x 2.5 in. x 5.3 in, which is just slightly bigger than compact 35 mm cameras. Using the LC-A 120 almost feels as intuitive as your trusty 35 mm camera. It's also automatic and has easy focusing, which gives the medium format beginner more quality assurance.

Credits: kneehigh85, fruchtzwerg_hh & nickpage

Become at Ease Using the Diana F+ Camera

Worried that you might end up with 'imperfections' for your first roll of 120 film? Fear not, for the Diana F camera easily makes these quirks as desirable analogue aesthetics. Thanks to its natural soft-focusing and vignetting, the medium format experience with the Diana becomes more easygoing and accommodating for beginners. This camera also offers a pinhole function, letting you explore the experimental side of film even more in luscious square format.

Credits: fruchtzwerg_hh, kathi-la, pangmark & johbeil

Get Crafty with the LomoMod No. 1

The 120 format can be daunting due to the majorly serious approach of most photographers -- but it doesn't have always to be this way. Have fun, play around, experiment! And just because you're new to something doesn't mean you can't afford to be a little more ambitious! As they always say, hands-on experience is always the best teacher. Let the LomoMod No. 1 guide your 120 film journey from start to finish. This DIY camera is not only meant to be a customizable DIY medium format camera, but it also features the Sutton Liquid-Filled Lens for you to play with.

Credits: meister_pez, stratski, kcb7-11 & lomography

Lubitel 166+ for Quality of Life

This twin-lens reflex medium format camera has a subtle way of standing out from the rest with its sleek and classic build, recreated from the Russian classic. From the get-go, the Lomo Lubitel 166+ is a camera that anyone would covet.

Its one of the most valuable film cameras to own for photographers of any skill level. One of its major features that truly makes it a precious addition to your collection is its Lubikin 35 mm kit, which allows you to use the camera to switch modes from 120 to 35 mm. This 2-in-1 feature alone already makes a convincing case of owning one, but the camera also boasts versatility with its varying apertures and shutter speeds for the manually creative. And honestly? We've yet to see any bad 120 shot with the Lubitel.

Credits: fruchtzwerg_hh, sakisaki01234, annalisa-gaeta87 & bloomchen

Already picked out your next Lomography medium format camera? Don't forget to check out a couple of our fine 120 films and add them to your cart!

written by cielsan on 2022-01-30

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