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