The Smena 35 or Смена-35 is a 35mm viewfinder camera. It was built by Lomo in the early nineties. Unlike the Smena SL, it can use 35mm film in a normal cartridge.
Its functionality is very similar to the Smena 8M. Unlike it, however, it has a more modern plastic design. There are several versions of the 35, which differ slightly from each other.
It has a 40mm fixed focal length, Lomo T-43 (triplet), with a maximum aperture of f/4. Focusing is manual by estimating from 1 meter to infinity.
Exposure time must be estimated either with the scale on the camera or determined with an external meter. In fact, a light meter is not built into it, so the camera does not need batteries. The ISO setting is intended more as a reminder and the exposure scale and has no direct influence on the exposure time, as in cameras with an automatic light meter.
The possible exposure times range from 1/15 s to 1/250 s. The Smena 35 also has a bulb mode. Since the shutter is not connected to the film transport, it can be operated multiple times, e.g. for multiple exposures.
A flash can be connected to the camera via hot shoe. If you are looking for a manual lomo camera the Smena 35 is certainly not a bad choice.
Films for the Smena 35
What film format is the Smena 35 designed for? The camera exposes 35mm format films. 35mm films are still offered by various manufacturers. For black and white images, you can go for the Kodak T-Max 400*. For color images, the Kodak Gold 200* is an option.
Color negative film is developed using the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs. You can drop off your films at most drugstore chains in Germany, for example.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 40 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/4 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/15 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Estimated value / Used price | 42,63 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 91 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 39,11 Euro (42.21 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 42,02 Euro (45.46 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 46,67 Euro (49.79 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Smena 35
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Smena 35 uses standard 35mm film cartridges, the same kind used in many other cameras. You can find various types, such as black and white or color film, from different manufacturers.
How do I focus the camera?
This camera focuses manually. You estimate the distance to your subject, selecting between 1 meter and infinity. There's no autofocus feature.
Does this simple camera have a light meter?
No, the Smena 35 doesn't have a built-in light meter. You'll need to estimate the correct exposure time using the camera's scale or an external light meter.
What shutter speeds are available on the device?
The shutter speeds range from 1/15th of a second to 1/250th of a second. It also has a bulb mode for longer exposures.
Can I use a flash with my new camera?
Yes, you can connect an external flash using the hot shoe. This allows you to take pictures in low-light conditions.