The Lomomatic 110 Metal, launched in March 2024, is a pocket film camera from Lomography and the third of its kind for the compact film format, after the Fisheye Baby 110 and the Diana Baby 110. This variant and the Lomomatic 110 Golden Gate were presented at the launch.
The design is reminiscent of the Ritch-Ratsch models from Agfa and other manufacturers, and the small film format means that the camera is extremely compact and fits comfortably in a trouser pocket. As you can imagine from the name, the camera’s housing is made of silver metal.
Features of the camera
The camera is equipped with a Minitar CX 23mm f/2.8 lens, which is not interchangeable and does not support filters. The focal length is well suited for snapshots and the glass lenses should deliver sharp results according to Lomography.
Manual focus adjustment is via a slider that allows for various distances of 0.8m, 1.5m, 3m 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. It supports films with ISO 100, 200 and 400 sensitivity and offers aperture selection between f/2.8 and f/5.6 via a switch. The camera technology automatically selects the exposure time from a range of 1/250 second to 30 seconds.
For long exposures, there is a bulb mode that opens the shutter for variable periods of up to 30 seconds. The multiple exposure mode enables creative image compositions, a function found on only a few other pocket film cameras.
The camera does not support a tripod, but offers a connection option for a hand strap. External flash units can be connected via a suitable connector on the side of the camera. Colour foils can be slid in front of the flash to create colourful effects. The flash and the colour foils are included in the scope of delivery.
There is neither a self-timer nor the option of connecting a cable release. The light meter requires a CR2 battery (eBay / Amazon*), which is easily available online.
Films for the Lomomatic 110 Metal
Special pocket films are required for the Lomomatic 110 Metal, also known as “110 films”. This film format is smaller than normal 35mm film and is contained in an elongated plastic cassette. Although the format was not as successful as medium or 35mm format, Lomography now offers films for this format again.
One recommended film is Lomography Tiger 110*, a colour negative film that delivers solid results and is forgiving of slight exposure errors. Lomography also offers more experimental colour films as well as a black and white film.
Development of the films
The aforementioned film is developed using the C-41 process, which most photo labs offer. However, not all labs support the development of pocket films, so it is advisable to enquire beforehand. Alternatively, the film can also be developed in your own laboratory, for which suitable accessories and the right chemicals are available online. If the film format is used regularly, this is also recommended for cost reasons.
The user must transport the film to the next image 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 Metal
What type of lens does the Lomomatic 110 Metal possess, and what are its capabilities?
It features a fixed Minitar CX 23mm f/2.8 lens. This lens is not interchangeable and doesn't accept filters, but it's suitable for snapshots and delivers sharp results according to Lomography.
How does focusing work on this compact camera?
Focusing is manual, using a slider to select distances of 0.8m, 1.5m, 3m, or infinity. There's no rangefinder, so distance estimation is required.
Does the Lomography 110 Metal camera offer any creative shooting modes?
Yes, it includes a multiple exposure mode for creative compositions and a bulb mode for long exposures up to 30 seconds, features uncommon in other pocket cameras.
What kind of film does the pocket camera use, and how is it developed?
It uses 110 format film, also known as pocket film. Development is done using the C-41 process, but not all labs support this format, so checking beforehand is advisable.
What accessories are included with the Lomomatic 110 Metal?
The camera comes with a built-in flash, coloured flash filters, and a hand strap. An external flash can also be connected.