The Smena Symbol (Смена Символ) is a viewfinder camera for 35mm film. It was built by Lomo in St. Petersburg from the early 1970s until the 1990s. More than 4,000,000 units were built during this period.
From the design, it could be seen as a box with a lens on it. So it can only be called a beauty to a certain extent.
There are several versions of the Smena Symbol, but they differ only slightly in appearance. For example, it was exported to other countries under the name “Cosmic Symbol”. In Germany, the 35mm camera from Foto Quelle was also available as “Revue 135 Symbol”.
The Smena Symbol is loaded with normal 35mm film. The Symbol is equipped with a Lomo T-43 (Triplet-43) 40 mm fixed focal length. The maximum aperture of the lens is f/4 and it can be stopped down to f/16. Focusing is manual from 1 meter to infinity. A 35.5 mm filter can be attached to the camera.
The possible exposure times go from 1/15 second to 1/250 second. In addition, there is the Bulb mode, where light falls on the film as long as the shutter button is pressed. The Smena Symbol doesn’t have a light meter; instead, small pictograms are supposed to help with exposure metering.
There is no connection for a cable release or a self-timer. Instead, a flash can be used via hot shoe. In terms of price, the camera was priced at 20 rubles in 1986.
The difference with the Smena 8M is that the 8M has a connector for a cable release and instead of a hot shoe, there is a PC flash connector.
Films for the Smena Symbol
According to the manual, the Smena Symbol is designed for 35mm films. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed. For color images there is about the Kodak Gold 200*. One option for black and white images is the AgfaPhoto APX 100*.
The color film is designed for development in the C-41 process. The C-41 films are offered by most photo labs. For example, some of the large drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to /15 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 52,42 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 25 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 50,86 Euro (54.12 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 50,23 Euro (54.12 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 59,06 Euro (63.86 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Smena Symbol
What kind of film does this simple camera use?
The Smena Symbol uses standard 35mm film, both color and black and white. These are readily available and easy to develop at most photo labs.
How do I focus the lens on this boxy camera?
Focusing is manual, ranging from 1 meter to infinity. You'll need to adjust the lens yourself. There is no autofocus.
Does this vintage camera have a built-in light meter?
No, the Smena Symbol doesn't have a built-in light meter. It relies on small pictograms to guide you on exposure settings.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can use a flash with the Smena Symbol. It has a hot shoe for attaching external flashes.
What are the shutter speeds available on this Lomo camera?
The shutter speeds range from 1/15th of a second to 1/250th of a second. It also features a bulb mode for long exposures.