In this very quick video I give two examples of creative solutions to enhance the metering capabilities of the LOMO LCA and the LOMO LCA Plus.
Camera Technologies
Vignetting The LOMO LCA
A quick video on how to vignette the LOMO LCA and LCA+ using the mechanics of the camera to produce repeatable results!
How to Focus Your LOMO LCA
This short informational video provides useful information on how to get “in focus” images, or at least more of them with the LOMO LCA. Focus is over rated in my opinion but it is nice to know how to just in case!
Link to the DOF Chart referenced in the video:
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html
UPDATE:
| “who the hell needs a video explaining zone focus? can it get any easier than this?”
Quote from a Flickr user who found this video (not sure if he watched it) and apparently found it revolting! I disagree completely that Zone Focus is easy, especially at first… fact is that most Zone focus camera users rely on many many rolls of experience or depth of field to get “sharp images”… this video points out a quick method to learn how to “focus” these systems (LCA) through visual memory and pace count. |
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Olympus XA vs LOMO LCA and LCA Plus
Please watch this video first for a discussion on the pros and cons of the Olympus XA vs the LOMO LCA and LCA+. Please note that the video is of high quality and may take a few seconds to load depending on your connection speed.
Comparison Images:
General Info: All test images were shot at F 2.8 on Kodak TX, processed in Diafine Developer, scanned on an Imacon with no sharpening applied, natural light. Please be sure to click on the images to see them larger.
LCA: Notice the general soft focus/ appearance…I shot this image 10 times and this was the sharpest. I changed my lens to subject distance and I changed my zone focus setting but in the end this was the best. It is not real sharp but does have a nice soft visual quality with some subtle vignetting.
XA: Very sharp at the point of focus (glasses)… and this sharpness is at F 2.8! The XA achieves its best sharpness around F 5.6 – F 8. The OOF (out of focus) quality is nice in the background and general illumination is pretty good edge to edge.
XA+: This is the same negative as the XA sample image above with the addition of a bit of a vignette and a bit of a general surface blur applied in Photoshop…I feel this hits the mark perfectly for my visual needs.
Useful Links:
A New Eden – Artworks by yours truly made on the LCA and XA (the new XA artworks can be found on the home page). This overlapping negative technique is possible with both the XA and the LCA and it the subject of a future post here on the Figital Revolution…stay tuned!
Notes: The Olympus XA came in other later versions such as the XA 1, XA 2, XA 3 and the XA 4 all of which are Zone Focus cameras. My favorite and the most collected and used is the original XA followed by the XA 4.
Final Thoughts: I will be posting additional articles regarding the XA with info on fill flash, long bulb exposures and additional tips and techniques in the coming weeks so again stay tuned!
Viva la Revolution- Stephen
UPDATE: I was wrong on the current price of the Lomo LCA+…it is not $199 US as I state in the video but rather $250 US…the XA is now a real bargain!
Photo Expo Plus 2008 Part 1
Yesterday was a VERY long day back and forth from Vermont to NYC for Photo Expo Plus… but it was well worth it. In the coming days I will be reviewing some of the products that intrigued and impressed me, as well as additional articles on those that DID NOT!
Upcoming articles will include:
Canson Papers….Canson has just released many beautiful fine art paper (18 I think) for the purposes of Inkjet printing. Two that really look amazing are Rives BFK and Arches Platine- both coated for inkjet!!…I will be testing both of these and more in the coming weeks so stay tuned.
Hahnemule Papers….Several new papers and upgrades are in the works for this paper maker (hush hush) so I will post articles and results in the coming weeks.
Kodak….I FINALLY got my hands on some of the new Kodak Ektar film and had a great conversation with Scott DiSabato (Marketing Manger Kodak Professional Films). Based on this conversation and sample prints which were available I feel that this film is definitely worth looking at! I will start my testing TODAY so again stay tuned!
I also had a chance to look at many new camera systems and lens options as well as other photographic accessories…it is going to be a busy month! Stay tuned!
It was also great meeting FR readers yesterday and having the opportunity to talk with and in some cases look at your works!
Viva la Revolution!
On a final note: when in NYC try dinner at Artisanal (www.artisanalbistro.com)…the Parmesan Gnocchi slow-cooked in Pork Belly and root Vegetables was, how you say… AMAZING!!!
The Financial Crisis: How Could it Affect Photography?
Everyone knows that the current global financial crisis is crippling many businesses- but it is possible that the photogra
phic industry as a whole may come out of this painful situation better than it went in! Give a listen.
The LOMO LCA – Part 1
Over the next few months I’ll be writing several articles on the LOMO LCA and LCA+. I’ve decided to use these small and very opinionated cameras for my new artwork series, entitled Vanishing Vermont. Articles will focus on working with these cameras, how to carry them, films to use and why… XPros, where to buy and differences in current and older models.
I know there are a lot of opinions out there (both pro and con) about the LOMO (LOMOGRAPHY) and I look forward to an open discussion, so first lets agree on two things: 1. Its the print that counts! 2. See number 1.
Here are a few helpful links to get things started…check them out and stay tuned!
- http://shop.lomography.com/microsites/lca/
- http://shop.lomography.com/lca+/
- http://www.lomography.com/
Viva la Revolution!
- Me and My 1991 LCA!
Pocohontas Meets Matt Abelson and Stephen Schaub
Listen to this exciting interview with Matt Abelson of Abelson Scope Works as he talks about his Pinhole Camera Systems(Hexomniscope, Omniscope and Pinhole Turret). Interview by Stephen Schaub.
Viva la Revolution!!
Custom Camera Accessories and Conversions
Many of the camera systems I have used over the last 2+ decades have been either custom made or modifications to older systems to “fit” newer capture devices. If the option of custom lens mounts, custom lens caps and complete from the ground up camera systems is new to you then give a listen to this audio blog (click on the AUDIO logo) recorded December 2007 with Adam Dau of S.K. Grimes.
I have also posted (below) an image of my Hexomniscope Camera by Abelson Scope Works with its newest custom accessories…custom made lens caps (or perhaps I should say Pinhole Caps) and .1 spacer rings to allow different controlled positions for the pinhole made for me by Matt Abelson of Abelson Scope Works. For me and my works the OPTION of custom configurations and accessories is essential as I find the out of the box systems and accessories most companies offer miss the mark time after time.
Also, stay tuned for an exciting audio interview posted early next week with Matt Abelson of Abelson Scope Works.
Viva la Revolution!!
Thoughts on the New Mega-Pixel Monsters
The Mega-Pixel wars are still hot with the introduction of Hasselblad’s new 50MP Digital Back (H3DII-50) and Phase One’s new 60MP Digital Back (P65+)…but, really, who is the market for these new bleeding-edge systems? Does anyone really need 60MP? Can anyone besides my dentist really afford it? Click on the audio logo for more! By Stephen Schaub.
Figital Revolution 
