The Smena SL is a viewfinder camera. It was built by Lomo in the Soviet Union in the 70s. The exact year of production can be read from the first two digits of the serial number. The predecessor of the camera is the Smena Rapid. In terms of appearance, the camera is not necessarily a hit. A briquette with a lens actually describes the design quite well.
It is loaded with 35mm film, but this film must not be in a 35mm cartridge, but in an SL cartridge, the Eastern European equivalent of the Agfa Rapid system. For the Smena, you need two of these cartridges. One cartridge contains the film the other is empty. The film is then pushed into the empty cartridge as the photograph is taken. The advantage of this system is the quick loading of the film and the elimination of rewinding.
SL cartridges are no longer manufactured. You can fill them quite easily with normal 35mm film. It’s best to do the development yourself or make sure you bring the cartridge back from the lab.
A 40 mm fixed focal length, Lomo T-43 (triplet) is installed in the Smena. The widest aperture is f/4. Gradually it can be stopped down to f/16. 5 exposure times are available on the Smena SL, 1/250 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, 1/15 s. It also has a bulb mode.
The focus is variably selectable from 1 meter to infinity by turning the lens. For a sharp image, you need to be at least one meter away from the subject. The correct aperture, exposure time and distance must either be estimated or measured with additional accessories, such as a light meter.
Matching weather symbols for exposure time and pictograms for distance should make this process easier. A scale with film speeds is intended to simplify setting the aperture.
The SL operates fully manually and has no exposure meter. It does not require batteries. The film speed dial on the back of the camera is only used to remember the ISO value and otherwise has no effect on exposure.
The Smena SL has a simple viewfinder for looking through, which has no connection to the lens. A flash can be used on the PC flash port and attached to the cold shoe. It can also be attached to a tripod with 1/4 thread.
If you want to save the whole thing with the cartridge but still use a Smena you can also go for the Smena 8M, 35 or Symbol.
Sample photos
The sample photo were taken with ORWO NP 20. The film was developed at 20 degrees in Adox Adonal (1+50) for 12 minutes.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm (SL-Patrone) |
| 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 1/15 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 27,62 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 30 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 27,94 Euro (29.22 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 30,83 Euro (32.47 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 30,25 Euro (32.47 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Smena SL
How do I load film into this camera?
This camera uses special SL cartridges, not standard film canisters. You need two cartridges; one with film and one empty. The film is transferred during shooting. These cartridges are no longer produced, but you can easily refill them.
What kind of lens does the Smena SL have?
It has a fixed 40mm Lomo T-43 triplet lens. The aperture ranges from f/4 to f/16. It's a simple lens, but suitable for basic photography.
Does the camera have a light meter?
No, the Smena SL is fully manual and doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to estimate exposure or use an external light meter.
What kind of focusing does it have?
The focus is adjustable from 1 meter to infinity by turning the lens. You need to be at least one meter away from your subject for a sharp image.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, the Smena SL has a PC flash sync connector and a cold shoe for attaching external flashes. This allows for improved pictures in low-light situations.