The Smena 8M is a 35mm viewfinder camera. It was introduced in the seventies and lasted until the nineties. It was built by Lomo (Leningrad Optical-Mechanical Union, ЛОМО) in St. Petersburg in the USSR. There are several versions of the 8M, but they differ only slightly from each other.
The Smena 8M is loaded with normal 35mm film. It is equipped with a Lomo T-43 (Triplet) 40mm f/4 glass lens. The lens can be stopped down to f/16. Selectable exposure times go from 1/250 seconds down to 1/15 seconds. There is also the Bulb mode, where the shutter is open as long as the shutter release button is pressed.
There is no exposure meter, but it doesn’t need batteries for that. Small pictograms help with correct exposure metering. Or you can use an external light meter.
Small icons also help with manual focusing from one meter to infinity. The viewfinder of the Smena 8M is a simple one to look through and is not connected.
A flash can only be used via PC flash connection. The hot shoe on the top of the camera is a cold shoe only, meaning it cannot fire a flash, unlike a hot shoe.
A tripod socket (1/4 inch) and a cable release socket are also available on the Smena 8M. The Smena 8M’s mechanical shutter is not connected to the film advance, this makes for easy multiple exposures.
Films for the Smena 8M
According to the instruction manual, the Smena 8M requires 35mm film. 35mm film is still produced today and can be developed in most labs. Two great films for the 35mm camera are the Agfaphoto Vista 200* and the Kodak T-Max 100*. Both can be used to take beautiful color and black and white pictures, respectively.
The color film is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs.
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 | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| Estimated value / Used price | 41,04 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 40 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 50,86 Euro (54.12 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 47,21 Euro (50.87 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 51,17 Euro (55.20 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Smena 8M
How do I take pictures with this simple camera?
The Smena 8M is a manual camera, so you'll need to set the aperture and shutter speed yourself. Use the symbols on the lens for focusing and the markings on the top for shutter speed. Remember, there's no light meter, so you might need an external one.
Does this camera need batteries?
No, the Smena 8M is completely mechanical. It doesn't require batteries to operate. It relies on manual settings for exposure.
What kind of film does the Lomo camera use?
The Smena 8M uses standard 35mm film. You can find it at most photo shops, both color and black and white.
Can I use a flash with my new camera?
Yes, but you'll need to use a flash with a PC sync cord because it only has a cold shoe, not a hot shoe. A hot shoe provides power, whereas the cold shoe is only a mount.
How do I get multiple exposures on this device?
The film advance isn't linked to the shutter, making multiple exposures easy. Simply compose your shot, take the picture, and recompose without advancing the film.