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Lomo La Sardina

The La Sardina is a toy camera from Lomography. Yes, it does look and feel like a sardine can, just thicker and plastic. It is based on a camera from the 1930 called the Kandor Candid, manufactured by the Irwin Company. So it is a toy camera copy of a toy camera. The original took 127 film but the La Sardina is mercifully, 35mm. 

The controls are basic. Focus is two positions. On my version they are represented by a fly and a group of people. Exposer is always f8 at 1/100th. You can also switch to bulb setting and the same slider can let you do multiple exposers. The viewfinder is a peephole that does not seem to fully align with the actual frame. So, just point it at something.

Never wanting to miss a marketing opportunity, Lomogrophy has a wide variety of versions and accessories. From the simple all black Eight Ball version like mine to whimsical artsy versions. There was even a version sold at Urban Outfitters. As far as I know, they are all the same camera and lens. But being toy cameras, expect variations, especially in the lens. 

My Take:

The focus was major guess work on the La Sardina for me. It seemed like sometimes I got close and sometimes I was way off. The lens is not the sharpest, but it is a toy. The build quality was surprisingly good. It felt solid and well make. 

If you are a fan of toy cameras, the La Sardina is a fun design. If you are a fan of canned fish, you may be disappointed. You can still buy them from Lomography or be on the look out for a used one. 

Film: Kodak TMax 400

Lens: Fixed 22mm f8

 

Links:

http://120studio.com/toycams/la-sardina.htm

https://techcrunch.com/2011/06/16/lomos-new-la-sardina-camera-is-cheap-and-sardine-can-like/