The La Sardina – Marathon was introduced in 2011 with the La Sardina – Fischers Fritze, La Sardina – El Capitan and La Sardina – Sea Pride by Lomography. On the back of the green La Sardina is a design of a steamboat. The lens cap is adorned with a life ring. A poster, a book of photos (“Seeing the world through a sardine cam”), color filters for the flash are included in the package of the camera.
Lomography has since discontinued production of the Marathon and replaced it with La Sardinas in other designs.
The plastic lens has an 89° angle of view. The aperture cannot be changed, it is fixed at f/8.
Cool multiple exposures are possible with the MX switch. Long exposures are possible with the Bulb mode. The camera also has a connection for a remote shutter release and for a tripod.
When shooting, make sure the text “Only Shoot if you can red me!” is visible. If not, this can result in blank negatives and black images.
Films for the La Sardina
What films are needed for the camera? The model is fed with 35mm film, whether it is redscale, color negative film, slide film or black and white film does not matter. 35mm films are still made by various producers.
One possible film for color images is Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possibility for black and white images is the Ilford XP2 Super*.
The negatives of the 35mm camera have a size of 24mm x 36mm. The number of pictures taken is indicated by the film counter. One roll of film usually fits 36 shots with the wide-angle camera.
The finished 35mm film can be developed in any laboratory, even drugstores like DM and Rossmann should not cause any problems. But before that you should ask for special wishes like cross development in C41 (xpro).
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 | Manual |
| 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 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 53,29 Euro 95875043847941458962 Estimate based on used prices of 12 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of September 22, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 53,00 Euro (57.37 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the La Sardina - Marathon
What kind of film does this camera use?
The La Sardina Marathon uses standard 35mm film. It doesn't matter if it's color negative, slide film, black and white, or even redscale film; it works with all of them.
How many pictures can I take on one roll of film?
A standard 35mm roll of film allows for 36 exposures with the La Sardina's wide-angle lens. The film counter on the camera will track how many shots you've taken.
Can I do multiple exposures with this camera?
Yes, the La Sardina Marathon features an MX switch that allows for cool multiple exposures. This lets you combine different images onto a single frame.
Is there a way to take long exposures with the La Sardina?
Absolutely! The camera has a bulb mode which lets you keep the shutter open for as long as you hold the button down, perfect for night photography or light painting.
Where can I get the film developed?
You can develop your 35mm film at any photo lab. Most drugstores and supermarkets with photo processing services should be able to handle it. Check with them beforehand for any special requests like cross-processing.