The Smena-18 is a viewfinder camera. It was built by LOMO PLC in the 80s. It is basically a Lomo LC-A, but without the automatic of the legendary 35mm camera. Not much is known about the camera from the former USSR.
The lens of the camera cannot be changed. 32 mm is the focal length of the lens. The maximum aperture is f/2.8. The focus of the lens has to be adjusted manually. There is no autofocus system. Unfortunately, there is no help for measuring the distance to the subject. Therefore, you have to estimate the distance by eye.
The Smena-18 does not have a meter for proper exposure. The exposure time is set with a wheel on the front of the camera. The 35 mm camera has a bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter is open for a variable time. The use of an external flash is possible via the hot shoe.
Films for the Smena-18
What kind of films are needed for the Smena-18? The camera is designed for sticky film. This type of film is still in production and can be processed by most photo labs without any problems.
Possible films for the Smena-18 are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color images and Kodak TRI-X 400 for black and white images. Both films are well suited for the camera. The color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most labs.
The negatives of the Smena-18 have a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. Thus, at least 36 images will fit on a 36 frame 35mm film. Of course, the number depends somewhat on how well you put the film in the camera and how many frames you use. The film has to be rewound manually by the photographer.
The Smena-18 can be mounted on a tripod.
