Which films should I load into the Lomo LC-A+ / Lomo LC-A as a beginner? Are there also cheap films for the beginning?
First, any 35mm film (also called 35mm film) can be loaded into Lomography’s Lomo LC-A+. The following recommendations can therefore be applied to most other 35mm cameras.
For the beginning I would recommend not to use too expensive films. When you start with analogue photography, mistakes are likely to occur and then it is good not to waste too much money.
When choosing a film I always start by asking myself some questions, this makes the choice easier.
Black and white or color?
Which motives do I want to photograph, some films are better suited for landscapes or portraits, for example?
What kind of light do I have at my disposal, e.g. do I shoot in sunshine, cloudy skies or indoors?
Do I want to use a flash?
Once you have answered these questions, you have already narrowed down your choice. Of course you can ask yourself more questions, but for the beginning these simple questions are enough.
In contrast to the Holga 135 or Diana Mini, the LC-A+ is equipped with a powerful lens. With the light meter, which also sets the appropriate exposure time, it is possible to take pictures with not so sensitive films under unfavourable lighting conditions. Nevertheless I would recommend to adjust the film or the film speed to the corresponding light conditions.
I have made good experience with ISO 100-200 in sunshine, ISO 200-400 on cloudy days and ISO 800-1600 indoors.
If now the question arises what the film speed is and what these values mean. Here is a short answer, the film speed is the sensitivity of the film for light. A small value indicates a low sensitivity, which means that one needs more light for a correctly exposed image, thus one has to make a longer exposure or open the aperture further. A high value indicates a higher sensitivity and you need less light for a correctly exposed picture.
Now we come to some concrete film suggestions. You can leave your recommendations in the comments.
Kodak Color Plus 200
The Kodak Color Plus 200 is a color film. It has a sensitivity of ISO 200 and is well suited for everyday use. The snapshot film not only delivers solid results, but is also available for small money.
Ilford XP2 Super
The Ilford 400 XP2 Super is a black and white film. The special feature of the film is that, like the color films, it is developed in the C-41 process and can be easily handed in at the drugstore around the corner.
Fujifilm Velvia 100
The Lomo LC-A is known for images with crisp colors and strong contrasts, images that differ from what you get with a normal digital camera. Most of this is achieved by cross developing a slide film. This means that the slide film is developed in the C-41 process and not in the E6 development process intended for it.
Unfortunately, there is not much choice nowadays. A possible slide film for the Lomo camera is the Fujifilm Velvia 100.
Fomapan 100
The Fomapan 100 is a “real” black and white film. Unlike the Ilford XP2 it has to be processed in a black and white developer. Especially if you already develop it yourself, this film is a good choice.
The Fomapan 100 impresses with classic black and white images, is compatible with many black and white developers and is cheap.