Lomo'Instant Wide First impressions: dop

Diana, better known in the community as dop, had the rare opportunity of testing a Lomo’Instant Wide prototype. She recalls her experience in this brief interview.

Please introduce yourself to the Lomo Community.

Like my LomoHome already points out, the cult 1960s medium format camera bears my name (yes, my name is Diana); our paths finally crossed when I started working at Lomography HQ in Vienna. It was then when I rediscovered the pleasure of shooting film. Now I struggle to find storage space for my ever growing collection of LomoLab envelopes.

What was your first impression of the Lomo’Instant Wide?

I had the pleasure to try out one of the first prototypes and was amazed by the quality of the pictures already in that very early stage of product development – super sharp images and nicely saturated colors.

Please tell us about your experience shooting with it. Did you encounter any challenges?

Working with early prototypes has its challenges and the first cameras are always a bit “moody” so to say, but it is super nice to see how the product develops to its final stage where it becomes the camera you always dreamt of. The final camera is super easy to use! Just with the close-up lens attachment you have to be very precise and really measure your distance when shooting close-ups at 10cm.

Please tell us about the photos you took.

I shot with the Lomo’Instant Wide on different occasions, but I had the best time during two of the shoots we organized with the Vienna HQ team when we started working on the sample pictures. The first shoot was on the Donaukanal and we had a rather cool theme, shooting with graffiti in the background and just being… well… cool (and my little brother joined us for the shooting, he is the guy in the Superman T-Shirt). The second shooting was done in the inner city and we asked our “in-house models” to dress up nicely and made it a bit classier; it was a warm sunny day and we treated ourselves to some delicious ice-cream in the shooting breaks.

Which one is your favorite? Why?

I think the cool basketball girl is my favorite. I just love the way she poses, the way she’s dressed, the colorful graffiti in the background and how everything fits together into a cool composition fit for a fashion magazine. But maybe that’s just me being too proud of this picture… you have to admit though, it is a good one!

What is your favorite feature of the Lomo’Instant Wide?

I actually have two favorite features. One is the automatic exposure – I don’t need to think much about settings, just press the shutter release and the camera works its magic for a perfect exposure – and the other one is the remote control lens cap – now I can be on all the pictures with my friends!

For what photo opportunities would you recommend it?

The possibilities are many, from professional studio photography to funny party instants. But I prefer using the Lomo’Instant Wide at different events and sharing the pictures with my subjects – their reaction to an instant picture is just priceless.

What advice would you give to someone who will be using it for the first time?

If you are generally not familiar with the more advanced settings like bulb, MX or fixed shutter speed just use the camera on A mode, choose the correct distance to subject and snap a few shots. If you think the picture is too bright or too dark, you can use the +/-1 button to brighten or darken the shot by 1 stop (exposure compensation). For flash photos add a color gel over the flash and see how this transforms your pictures, bathing them in different colors (especially great for party pictures). After you got a bit the hang of the camera, turn the flash off, set the camera to B and experiment with some simple long exposures before moving on to things like light painting. Finally it is time to take some multiple exposures – when using the flash add different color gels for each shot and enjoy a multicolored, multiply exposed picture once you decide it’s time to eject the film (works especially good in darker environments).

If you already know your way around cameras, then you will instantly know how to use the Lomo’Instant Wide – it is really super easy – load the camera and choose your first subject. Just remember you are using an 800ISO film meaning it is more sensitive to light, so you might have to tweak the exposure compensation button once in a while e.g. if you are on a beach or if you wish to play with multiple exposures on a bright, sunny day.

Exclusive Pre-Order Edition

As a special pre-order offering, we’ve made a very limited amount of the Lomo’Instant Wide Portobello Edition exclusively available from Lomography. Once stock runs out, there won’t be any left! Pre-order today to call this very special edition your own!

The Lomo’Instant Wide is being produced in small batches, one edition at a time, which means pre-orders will be available on a first come, first served basis. For everyone who pre-orders, we will be throwing in a couple of fantastic freebies — a Lomo’Instant Wide Strap and a pack of 4 color gels! Pre-order yours now to get these great bonuses and secure your place in line to receive yours before the holidays! Delivery for the first batch is estimated to begin with Black and White Editions in early December 2015*.

Pre-Order Now or visit the Lomo'Instant Wide Microsite

Please Note: The planned delivery date is not a guarantee and should only be viewed as estimation. However, we always do our best to ensure delivery as soon as possible. Additionally, Piggy Points and other discounts cannot be applied to Lomo’Instant Wide pre-order purchases.

written by jillytanrad on 2015-10-23 #gear #review #lomo-instant-wide