When it comes to cameras, there is one factor that I value a lot, durability, and let me tell you, the LC-A+ is a beast; sturdy, compact, easy to operate and dare I say iconic!
It is a camera with a long history, that dates back to the URSS and to the mythic Ленинградское Oптико-Mеханическое Oбъединение, more commonly known in the West as Leningrad Optical Mechanical Association.
The LC-A is inspired by the Cosina CX-2, with some features altered, and was made from 1984 until 1994. After the initial run, the camera was found by a group of Vienna students that tried to relaunch its production. According to an article from BBC, the conversations surrounding said relaunch were supported by St Petersburgh deputy mayor, Vladimir Putin.
Technical Aspects:
Aperture - f2.8 to f16
Shutter Speeds - Automatic - ∞ to 1/500
Focal Length - 32mm
Exposure Area -36x24mm
Film advance - Winder
Focusing - Zone Focusing
Focusing Distance - 0.8m - Infinity
Frame Counter - Auto Frame
Lightmeter - Yes
Viewfinder - Direct optical viewfinder
But enough of history, let's talk photography!
As I said before, this is a tank camera, sturdy as all hell, and from 2019 until 2020, it has been one of my workhorses, thrown in my bag and not cared for all that much; that being said, it never had any issue, even when a bottle of wine broke in my bag, the camera seemed to ignore the wine and worked without problems....maybe a little bit of boozy scent. Nevertheless, it works, and it is still in top tier condition.
Its form factor is also an essential aspect, as it fits easily in any jacket pocket, or if you are wearing man trousers, you can fit in your pocket.
The images it produces are nothing to scoff at; the Minitar 1 32mm f/2.8 lenses are a treat to work with, as not only do they create a beautiful vignetting as well as a great contrast. However, as you can see from some of my examples, it is challenging to take a bad photo!
The focusing method, zone focus, also allows you to create some interesting effects, although not everyone will agree with me.
I really don't know what else to say; I can continue talking about its technical marvels, but it is a camera that has been in production (in its various iterations) ever since the mid-'80s. Apart from a brief pause between 94 and 05, it is still one of Lomography's best sellers.
If you are looking for a zone focused point shoot or a film point and shoot that will not break anytime soon, be sure to grab one!
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