The La Sardina was introduced by Lomography in June 2011, following the Lomo LC-Wide. It was modeled after the Irwin Corporation’s Kandor snapshot camera. This used 127 film and not standard 35mm film like the La Sardina.
The Lomo La Sardina has a small plastic lens with a focal length of 22 mm and a closest focusing distance of 60 cm. With 1/100 sec and a Bulb mode, the Lomography La Sardina offers two shutter settings. There is also an MX switch for multiple exposures on the top of the camera.
With the fixed aperture of f/8 and long exposure mode, you can master somewhat darker situations, but a film with higher sensitivity is still advisable. The later image can be checked through the Inverse Galileo-Type built-in viewfinder.
The La Sardina has a tripod connection and a connection for the flash “Fritz the Blitz”. The connection of flashes with hot shoe is not possible. If you still can’t afford another flash or the flash for the La Sardina, try to fire the flash manually in Bulb mode as long as this is possible. Of course not the best solution, but better than nothing.
By the way, there is also a possibility to use a cable release, which also makes long exposures possible without camera shake. Before shooting, don’t forget to rotate the lens to free it from its position for transport, otherwise all pictures will be black or the negatives will remain blank.
A bunch of other editions of the La Sardina have already been introduced.
Films for the Lomography camera
As already mentioned, the photo camera from Lomography is designed for the 35mm format. Film material is still produced by various manufacturers and can also still be developed. There should be no problems with developing film exposed in the La Sardina with most labs.
Which films are recommended for the wide-angle camera. In general, you can use any 35mm film with the camera. However, it is advantageous to use a film with a higher sensitivity, such as in the range of ISO 400. Here you are most flexible and do not have to worry as much about underexposure of the images.
In addition, a film with a larger exposure latitude is recommended, since there are not many options for setting the exposure on the camera. A great film for color photos is the Kodak Ultramax 400*. If you prefer to take black and white photos with your Lomography camera, you can go for the Ilford XP2 Super*.
Accessories for the La Sardina
This flash is the only flash for the La Sardina. The Fritz the Blitz has three distance settings which promise full control over it.
The Fritz the Blitz comes with four color filters. It is the most powerful flash from Lomography so far. For power, it requires a CR123A battery (eBay / Amazon*).
Due to its fast recharge time, it can also be used with the LomoKino, which quickly fires many flashes in succession.
With this adapter it can be used “Fritz the Blitz” with other cameras. The adapter can be used with the Diana F+, Diana Mini, Sprocket Rocket or Lomo LC-A+. Fritz the Blitz can also be attached to other cameras with the flash rail. The flash is clamped on a rail and this is screwed to the tripod thread of the camera.
In November 2012, an improved version of the flash was introduced. The flash now comes with an extra setting for the Lomokino. A special bracket for Lomography’s pocket film cameras is also included.
Sample photos
Updates
03.08.2013
Later, an adapter for using hot shoe flashes for the camera was introduced. Along with the adapter, a rail for mounting the external flash is also included.
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 |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 0,6 m to 1 m, 1 m to Infinite |
| 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 | 51,51 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 76,49 Euro (82.26 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 83,36 Euro (89.84 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 60,71 Euro (64.94 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the La Sardina
What kind of film does this Lomography camera use?
The La Sardina uses standard 35mm film, unlike some older cameras that used 127 film. This makes it easy to find film and get it developed at most photo labs.
How many shutter speed settings does the camera have?
It only has two shutter speeds: 1/100th of a second and a bulb mode. The bulb mode lets you keep the shutter open as long as you want.
Can I use a flash with the La Sardina?
Yes, but it's designed for the Lomography 'Fritz the Blitz'. Although, an adapter is now available for hot shoe flashes. It also has a bulb mode for manual flash triggering.
What's the lens like on this snapper?
It has a fixed 22mm wide-angle lens with a minimum focusing distance of 60cm. This wide lens captures a lot of the scene.
Is there a way to take long exposure shots without blurry pictures?
Yes, using a cable release or tripod will let you make long exposures without camera shake. Remember to unlock the lens before shooting!