I grew quite fond of Lomography when I came to Doha, which is kind of ironic since there are only a few shops which offer film and film processing here. So while the rest of the world is comparing camera pixels, I was busy learning about film. There are different types of film but we will go into that on another post (soon).
To choose your camera, first you have to choose which film you want to use. For a beginner like me, I suggest you go with the 35mm which is the widely popular film format. Besides its size and availability, I was also drawn to the fact that it shoots up to 36 frames. The 120 medium format has only 12 frames and I doubt that you can find a place to process them here in Doha. Most film enthusiasts I know who use 120 films process their own negatives. I should learn how to do that too.
DIANA MINI
I love that this little beauty can shoot up to 72 pictures. You can either shoot the 35mm in square format (you'd get 36 shots) or you could choose to shoot each frame in half-frames and multiply your pictures to two.
It also comes with color filters that you can put in your flash to give your pictures awesome colors.
FISHEYE no.2
Now who doesn't love the fisheye effect? I remember buying a fisheye filter for my digicam years back. The original Fisheye was a huge hit in the lomo world because it captures 170 degrees of the surrounding environment. So when the Fisheye no. 2 came out, they added a standard hot shoe and a viewfinder, it became widely popular.
SUPER SAMPLER
I've always had a fascination with multi-lens cameras and this is my first one. The Super Sampler takes auto-shots in a single click of the button. You can choose from two available shutter speeds: 4 shots in 2 seconds and 4 shots in 0.2 seconds.
It does not need any batteries because it does not have a flash, so I suggest you use a film that can be used for all lighting conditions (800 ISO).
It's also very light-weight and handy, you can literally bring it anywhere.
LA SARDINA
My favorite feature of the La Sardina is its 22mm wide angle lens and the its bulb setting for long exposures (perfect for taking light painting photographs).
Some camera packages come with its own Fritz the Blitz flash, or you can buy it separately.
Where to buy Cameras and Film in Qatar:
- I bought my first two Lomography Cameras (I was only planning to buy one), the Diana Mini and the Fisheye2, from Khalifa Art Center, they used to have a shop in Al Bidda Park but there's an on-going renovation there so they had to close for a while. It is owned by Mr. Khalifa Al Obaidly, a film photography enthusiast, who was so kind to answer my queries regarding film. He also holds workshops on film processing (I haven't been to one yet, but I am planning to).
- Also, there is the Katara Art Center Gift Shop where they sell Lomogrpahy. This is where I bought my Super Sampler and La Sardina.
- I hear the gift shop of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art also carries Lomography, but I haven't been there.
Choosing FILM:
Choosing a CAMERA:
Each Lomography camera has its own unique feature, I'd like to show you some of the features I love about my cameras.I love that this little beauty can shoot up to 72 pictures. You can either shoot the 35mm in square format (you'd get 36 shots) or you could choose to shoot each frame in half-frames and multiply your pictures to two.
It also comes with color filters that you can put in your flash to give your pictures awesome colors.
Now who doesn't love the fisheye effect? I remember buying a fisheye filter for my digicam years back. The original Fisheye was a huge hit in the lomo world because it captures 170 degrees of the surrounding environment. So when the Fisheye no. 2 came out, they added a standard hot shoe and a viewfinder, it became widely popular.
I've always had a fascination with multi-lens cameras and this is my first one. The Super Sampler takes auto-shots in a single click of the button. You can choose from two available shutter speeds: 4 shots in 2 seconds and 4 shots in 0.2 seconds.
It does not need any batteries because it does not have a flash, so I suggest you use a film that can be used for all lighting conditions (800 ISO).
It's also very light-weight and handy, you can literally bring it anywhere.
My favorite feature of the La Sardina is its 22mm wide angle lens and the its bulb setting for long exposures (perfect for taking light painting photographs).
Some camera packages come with its own Fritz the Blitz flash, or you can buy it separately.
That's all for now. I'll post sample photos for each camera soon so you guys can see how fun shooting with film is.
- Monday, April 13, 2015
- 15 Comments
