The Lomographic movement started in 1991 after a group of Austrian artists discovered the Lomo Kompakt Automat – a compact-sized Russian camera renowned for its unique effects, such as light leaks and richly saturated colours. A dedicated fan base quickly sprouted and the Lomo community suddenly turned into a global cult phenomenon. Those artists went on to help revive the camera’s factory as it was about to collapse amidst Russia’s then foundering economy. The company they created has since gone from strength to strength, adding to their selection of 35mm and 120mm film cameras with quirky creations from around the world, as well as dead stock Polaroid cameras. The latest addition to the Lomo family is La Sardina, a line of four, brightly coloured cameras that look like converted sardine cans, perhaps inspired by someone using an old fish can as a pinhole camera at one point in time. Each camera comes with differing functions, take 35mm film and are equipped with a wide-angle lens, distance settings, multiple exposure capabilities, and a rewind dial – just about all you need for some photo fun this summer. Choose either the ‘El Capitan’, or ‘Fischers Fritze’ which come with a powerful Blitz flash, or the ‘Sea Pride’ and ‘Marathon’, which do not. Simply set your desired power and distance and shoot away. Here’s how. CDN$ 59.00-$99.00. Available at the Lomography Store. 536 Queen Street West.
