When it comes to film photography, I am something of an omnivore. You name the camera, film, processing or lens, I want to try it. The result is – not unexpectedly – a growing collection of film cameras.
Now, a few years ago I was sightseeing on my own in Dublin. I love travelling alone, not least since it gives me the freedom to spend as much time as I want behind the lens. So how better to enjoy some alone-time in a favourite city than by buying a new camera?
The camera in question was the 35mm Lomography Fisheye.
This is a toy camera in the literal sense of the word, and as a toy camera it succeeds admirably. It’s cute – with little fishes on the casing! – and fun, resulting in the typical circular, distorted images.
But life is not only play, and my other cameras soon caught my attention again after I came back from Ireland; in fact I have shot only two rolls with the Fisheye in the two and a half year I’ve had it.
What is more, as a true point-and-shoot, with fixed focal length, aperture and shutter speed – 10mm, f/8 and 1/100 respectively – shooting with it can feel a bit limiting. Also, the camera requires a lot of light, which is tricky for much of the year up here in my neck of the woods.
All in all, the Fisheye does only one thing, but it does it well. It’s also light-weight, small and compact, so it’s easy to carry along for when you’re in the mood for some fisheye fun.
Speaking of toy cameras, I’ve written before about my love for the Lomography Diana camera. If you’re new to Lomography or to toy cameras, the Diana (or the Holga) is a good place to start, but if you’re looking to expand your horizon and play around a bit, the Fisheye might just be your thing.
All the best from Jenny.
I don’t have a Lomography Fisheye, but I do adore my fisheye lens for my Minolta! I mostly use it for landscape shots on my travels and I’m amazed looking through that viewfinder every single time. Thanks for this fun article!
A fisheye lens might be the answer for me as well; even though it’s a small camera, it would be easier to carry just a lens.
very interesting, I don’t have a fisheye but have tried other lomography cameras
Which ones have you tried? I have a discount with them now since I backed their Kickstarter, and am sorely tempted to take the opportunity to expand my camera collection even more 🙂
Well, you’re right–what this camera does, it does well. These are great shots 🙂
Thanks! I realised there’s no point in critisising it for lacking the versatility it isn’t meant to have 🙂
These are fantastic shots! Yes, interestingly I used my fish eye adaptor on my iPhone just once or twice and then never again….this remind me to use my Holga soon as the light is getting better!
Oooh, yes – I’m stocking up on 120 film for my Diana now while waiting for the light. More light = more inspiration for me, and so I can’t wait for spring 🙂
I have the lomo fisheye and you are so right–I use it on bright, sunny days and get fun results!!! But I am very guilty of not paying attention to it lately–I will need to rectify that!!! I also love the feel of the sweet little thing and I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Joelynne Johnson for turning me onto this fun camera!! Great post!!!! I love your shots and that you reminded me of this dear camera!!
Enjoy, and do share your results in the Film Friday pool! I only found two fisheye shots there that weren’t mine so far, so it would be brilliant to have more examples.
Fun shots and good advice to start into Lomo.
Thanks!
These shots are soooo cool! love them, but can totally see how it could get old fast for an entire vacation of photos!
Getting old is just what it did. I think a fisheye lens for my Minolta like Caro mentiones above might be a good compromise.
I haven’t tried any lomography cameras (yet) but the Diana Mini keeps catching my eye. These shots are so fun that I really should give toy cameras a try!
Ooo, yes – the Diana Mini is super cute! I’ve been hesitating about it since it only shoots rectangular or half-frames – the people at my lab are confused by anything other than ordinary 35mm format shots – but hopefully with the Lomography Smartphone scanner I won’t depend on my lab for scanning anymore, so maybe now’s the time… 🙂