The La Sardina Grand Cru is a 35mm camera. The Grand Cru is a special edition of the La Sardina. It was presented in November 2012 on the occasion of Lomography’s 20th anniversary.
The Grand Cru is part of the Champagne Edition along with the Premier Cru, Cuvée Prestige and Brut. The large surfaces of the camera have been finished with real cork. The rest of the parts has been painted in champagne.
Grand Cru is a term used in winemaking. In Champagne, neither wineries nor vineyards are classified, but the wine-growing communities. The price that the winegrowers obtain for their champagne grapes formed the basis for a scale from 80% to 100%. The communes whose grapes reached the maximum price of 100% are entitled to use the Grand Cru designation.
The Grand Cru comes with the Fritz the Blitz flash in the matching color. The flash is powered by a CR 123A battery (eBay / Amazon*). In terms of functionality, it is identical to any other La Sardina version.
Films for the La Sardina
According to the instruction manual, the La Sardina uses 35mm film. Films of this format are still readily available today and are also still being developed. Possible films for the 35mm camera from Lomography are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for colour pictures and the AgfaPhoto APX 100* for black and white pictures. In addition to the well-known manufacturers, small brands such as Rollei, Adox or Foma also offer suitable films for this format.
The colour film is designed for development in the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. The black and white film is processed in a black and white developer. This type of development is also possible at home in a home lab. Of course, C-41 film can also be developed at home. However, this process is somewhat more complicated and is more sensitive in terms of temperature.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Rotary knob |
| Picture format | 24 x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 22 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 60 cm / 1.968 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | 1/100 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Connection only suitable for Fritz the Blitz |
| Flash sync speed | 1/100 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | China |
FAQ about the La Sardina Grand Cru
What kind of film does this Lomography camera use?
The La Sardina Grand Cru uses standard 35mm film. These are readily available and easy to develop, either at a lab or at home. Both color and black and white films work.
Is the flash included with the camera?
Yes, the La Sardina Grand Cru comes with a matching Fritz the Blitz flash. It's powered by a CR123A battery.
How is the camera finished?
The large areas of the camera are finished with real cork, and the rest is painted in champagne colours. It's a special edition with a unique look.
What makes this camera special?
It's a special edition, part of the 'Champagne Edition', released to celebrate Lomography's 20th anniversary. The design and materials give it a luxurious feel.
Is this a simple camera to use?
Yes, this camera is easy to use. Functionally it's identical to other La Sardina models. It's a great choice for beginners