The Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate, presented by Lomography in March 2024, is a pocket film camera and the third of its kind for the compact film format, after the Fisheye Baby 110 and the Diana Baby 110. Two variants, Metal and Golden Gate, were introduced at launch.
The Golden Gate is sold by Lomography with and without flash. Without flash, Lomography charges 99 euros in Europe. If you want the camera with flash, you pay 119 euros.
With its design, the camera is reminiscent of the Ritch-Ratsch models from Agfa and Co. Thanks to the small film format, it is extremely compact and fits comfortably in a trouser pocket.
Features of the camera
The camera is equipped with a Minitar CX 23mm f/2.8 lens, which is not interchangeable and does not allow filters. Nevertheless, Lomography promises sharp results thanks to the glass lenses. The focus is set manually via a slider that allows different distances: 0.8 m, 1.5 m, 3 m and infinity. There is no rangefinder; the distance to the subject must be estimated.
Unlike many other pocket film cameras, this model has an exposure meter and supports films with ISO 100, 200 and 400 sensitivity. The aperture can be selected between f/2.8 and f/5.6 via a switch, while the camera technology automatically selects the exposure time between 1/250 second and 30 seconds.
For fans of long exposures, the camera offers a bulb mode in which the shutter can be opened for a variable length of time, up to a maximum of 30 seconds. Another creative feature is the multiple exposure mode, which makes it possible to expose a frame several times and create interesting image compositions.
A tripod cannot be connected to the camera, but there is a connection option for a hand strap. An external flash can be connected to the camera if required, and small colour foils can be placed in front of the flash to colour the images.
There is no self-timer and a cable release cannot be connected to the Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate.
A CR2 battery (eBay / Amazon*) is required for the light meter, which is easily available on the Internet.
Films for the Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate
The Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate uses pocket films, also known as “110 films”. These are smaller than normal 35mm films and come in an elongated plastic cassette. Although the film format was not as successful as medium or 35mm format, Lomography now offers some films for this format.
A recommended film for beginners is the Lomography Tiger 110*, a colour negative film that delivers solid results and is also forgiving of slight exposure errors. Lomography also offers more experimental colour films and a black and white film.
Development of the films
The aforementioned film is developed using the C-41 process, which is offered by most photo labs. However, not all labs offer the development of pocket films, so you should enquire beforehand.
Developing in your own laboratory is possible and recommended, especially if the film format is used frequently. The necessary accessories and the right chemicals can be purchased online.
The user must advance the film format manually, as the camera does not have an automatic motor.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 110 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Lens name | Minitar CX 23mm f/2.8 |
| Focal length | 23 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 80 cm / 2.624 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 0,8 m, 1,5 m, 3 m, Infinite |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 100 to 400 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | External flashes connectable |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | 1x CR2 battery |
| Country of production | China |
FAQ about the Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate
What type of film does the Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate use?
It uses 110 film, also known as pocket film, which is smaller than standard 35mm film. Lomography offers various film options for this format.
Does this compact camera have an automatic focus system?
No, the Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate features manual focus with a slider offering distances of 0.8m, 1.5m, 3m, and infinity. You need to estimate the distance to your subject.
What is the lens and are there any filter options available?
It has a fixed Minitar CX 23mm f/2.8 lens. Unfortunately, no filters can be attached to this lens.
Can I use a tripod with the Golden Gate camera?
No, there is no tripod mount. However, it does have a connection for a hand strap.
What are the price differences between the models?
The Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate is available with or without a flash. The version without flash costs 99 euros, while the one with a flash is 119 euros in Europe.