Lomography Unveils Upgraded Instant Camera with Glass Lens
Lomography has announced the release of an enhanced version of its Lomo’Instant Wide Camera, featuring a significant upgrade to its lens system. The new model, dubbed the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass, boasts a 90mm multi-coated glass lens, replacing the plastic lens found in its predecessor.
The company is marketing this latest offering as the “sharpest instant camera on earth,” a bold claim in the competitive instant camera market. This release comes as other manufacturers, such as Nons with its SL660 model, continue to innovate in the instant photography space.
Despite the lens upgrade, users should note that the inherent limitations of instant film technology still apply to the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass.
The new model is priced at $279, a significant increase from the $169 price tag of the original plastic lens version, the Lomo’Instant Wide Camera Black Edition. For comparison, Fujifilm’s Instax Wide 400 is available at $149.95. The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass utilizes Fujifilm’s Instax Wide film stock, which retails at $18.99 for 20 exposures.
Measuring 7.3 inches across and weighing approximately two pounds, the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass requires a separate camera strap for convenient carrying. The package includes colored filters for the flash and a Splitzer lens attachment. Notably, the lens cap doubles as a wireless shutter remote, adding versatility to the shooting experience.
The camera’s lens system offers four focus zones, including infinity and close-up options, with a metal focus ring allowing adjustments between preset zones. Users should be aware that the basic optical viewfinder is not connected to the lens, necessitating careful focus adjustments.
In terms of shooting capabilities, the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass provides an automatic mode with shutter speeds ranging from 1/250-second to eight seconds, and aperture options of f/8 or f/22. Additional features include a bulb mode for motion blur effects, a manual f/22 mode for maximizing focus, and basic +/- 1EV exposure compensation.
The camera is powered by four AA batteries, with the option to use rechargeable AA batteries for those considering environmental sustainability.
As instant photography continues to evolve, the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass represents Lomography’s latest effort to push the boundaries of image quality in this nostalgic yet enduring medium.
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