Lomography Lomo'Instant Square Glass [Instant Review]
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- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
- It's time to discuss one of the finest instant cameras produced in the modern era, the Lomo'Instant Square.
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You know when you see someone beautiful, but they do something that instantly turns you off? That was me when I saw the viewfinder of this camera.
^this 👌🏻
Reason I stick with my SQ6
Love the video! You are criminaly underrated, my man. You deserve better. I hope we get to see more! Also kudos for being a lot less...slammy/rough to the camera :>
😂 I was very delicate with this angel of a camera. No slammy, whammy, or even bammy this time! Thanks for the love mate and appreciate the support truly 🙌🏻
I've watched quite a few Lomography camera reviews and their viewfinders seem to be a consistent complaint in these otherwise interesting cameras. I would love to ask Lomography what they're thinking building these wonderful cameras with viewfinders that make the act of taking a photo more difficult than it needs to be. I really hope they address this in future releases.
Down to earth straight reviews with such a high charisma... that’s why I love your videos!
Much love Ethan!
Love seeing the channel grow. Analog resurgence tipped me off about the channel. Keep it up.
Cheers dude!
ive been wanting to get an instant camera recently and have nonstop been watching review videos for a few contenders bc i cannot decide what to get, but i think you just sold me on this one with this one video. great review and glad this video popped up when it did!
Coming in w the clutch review, thanks for peeping Kay! It can be a challenge to frame, but when you nail it, the results are HYPE.
Ben, thank you for the best, most informative, entertaining, well made instant camera videos.
I finally ordered this camera as a result of taking your advice, compared to some of the other reviews which vary from almost useless to obviously biased or made by inexperienced people who had no previous experience with cameras from past years - unlike myself.
I'll be 74 in July and the Covid pandemic helped me decide to have a splurge and buy an SX70 renovated by Polaroid in memory of my original one from the 70's. My first camera was a Brownie 127 from which I learned a lot including development and enlarging which 120 film is great for!
Then I got a Polaroid Swinger which I loved to death despite the film price and the smelly coating stick and then I got the 310 (I think it was) pack film camera which lasted me for over a decade because it was such an excellent device and in between Polaroids I also tried various 35mm snapshot and SLR cameras with the last, a Honeywell Pentax being the best by far. You really need an array of cameras to make the most of your photographic opportunities but Polaroid was always my first choice.
Okay so after that back story, here's my thoughts on the camera you just introduced.
As you know, I purchased the Lomography Instant Square Glass and have been waiting for the batteries, well they arrived today!
The markings that show which way to load the batteries (+ or -) are almost invisibly small and the metal contacts give no clue either.
However if you look carefully at the battery cover, one side has two parallel lines which seem to suggest that the stud end goes there and so it was whilst the other goes in stud down.
Pay attention to the reviews that moan about the viewfinders being offset, because it is, but one bad shot should be enough to understand how to make allowances.
The cameras auto settings work very well so if you are shooting indoors be mindful of the brightness of nearby light bulbs and perhaps turn the closest ones off because the result will be better.
Take a self portrait using the tiny mirror and make sure you are centred in it and the result will demonstrate how offset the lense light path is. We both made that mistake on our first shots.
Its all the warning you require. Now what I will do is mark out an alignment grid on a piece of foam board and take a picture being careful to centre it in the viewfinder and the result will show how nuch offset is required.
Also as I said before, a simple, crude wire frame rectangle taped above the lense, should allow you to centre each shot perfectly especially if you check it using the foamboard sighting lines.
Actually you'll very quickly learn to get the position right, it took me two shots to get the hang of that minor niggle.
Other than that, its a really sweet camera and treated with care should be very satisfactory. The Fujifilm Instax Square film produces gorgeous colour with accurate skin tones and the glass lense is very sharp.
I am delighted with my initial results and look forward to further experimenting. Unless you are a tad clueless you should have no problems with this unique device. Just don't make assumptions because knowing previous cameras doesnt mean you'll know all about this one.
And to think I was considering selling mine (the teal Kickstarter version). You’ve convinced me to keep it and practice using it more. And I know what you mean about the design...when I first got mine I couldn’t stop staring at it! It looks like a vintage camera from the ‘50s or ‘60s!
And as a general comment/lamentation: When the heck is Fujifilm coming out with B&W Square film!?
I have felt that here and there with this camera for sure. It can be frustrating, but I keep it around because I know what it's capable of and when all the elements come together it's unbeatable. Idk when Fuji will drop a B&W stock! Either never or completely out of no where. No telling with them!
These are amazing reviews! Looking to get into instant photography and they are really helping.
I don’t know how I missed this camera, it’s on sale right now and super dope
Thanks for the great review of this camera! I’ve been looking for a new instant film camera for years and could never make up my mind between depending a good amount on Fuji film or spending more for a Polaroid camera, though the latter’s film isn’t available in my town. Came across this review last night and I found the camera for me :) camera is on the way here. Also subscribed
This is a very well broken down review of my precise feelings about this camera. ❤️
That’s awesome, thank you kindly!!
Now I am really tempted. I love Fujifilm Instax Wide (mini is too small), and Polaroid filmls. I have been using Instax 500AF to take wide films when traveling and have been contemplating a purchase of Lomo'Instant Wide (plastic lens), but now you show us this Square Glass. The outcome seems really good. Since Polaroid films are very expensive, this one seems to be a good one for some square format pictures! Great review! You have gained a new subscriber! :)
I actually really like this camera. I'd recommend it, with all of the caveats that were detailed in this video!
Good review I definitely came across recommendations for the camera based on like the pictures it shot and people raving about it but only after that do people usually mention what a herculean task it is to actually shoot something. Definitely leading with the viewfinder sucking is important.
The Lomo’Instant Square is the only Lomography Instant camera that I found not to show lens flare, those white half circles. And yes the viewfinder is difficult, also the focus setting, but I like it. Took it twice into museums and the guards said, hey that’s a beautiful camera. I also have the Pigalle version. When I got it I took a picture with it and the same with my Polaroid SLR680. The photo is sharp and has the perfect Instax colors. The Polaroid is also quit sharp but different color rendering and is much bigger. I like them both, it’s just a matter of personal taste which one to use depending on the actual need at that moment. Keep on the good reviews and I’m already looking for the next video.
Yeah, when the light meter, framing, and focus all align perfectly, the results are astounding. I wish that occured more often lol, but there's a reason I keep this thing around! What a beauty.
You can get used to the viewfinder while learning the camera because it really is a great camera !!! thank you for the review !!!
Yes! I KNEW that the Lomography Glass was the best choice among all the instant camera! Thank you man.
Well, technically I don't have it right now, I'll have for my b-day in May BUT, I totally can't wait to have it and to do really bad photos, and be angry at it, until I figure out how it works 👍🏻👍🏻
It’s an amazing work of art, definitely takes patience so stick with it!!
I purchased my Pigalle version a week ago and started messing with it last weekend. I love it! I have an SX-70 and have taken some great outdoor shots with both. It is a challenge to use the view finder and the focus gives me some issues but I am getting the hang of it. The Lomo'instant Square is a lot more forgiving with low lighting indoor shots...that is for sure. Great review and any more tips on the Lomo and SX-70 would be awesome!
Yeah, truly special stuff can come out of the combo of this lens and the Instax film. Sharp as a tack and vivid images. SX-70 vid is coming in a couple weeks!
Thanks so much for the amazing review!! I've watched each one just for the content and this video convinced me to get the Lomo square and fall back into instant photography!
Uhh.. I love you?
This is so awesome to hear!! I love you too!!
i love vintage cameras, i recently had my eyes set on a Kodak Vest Pocket (100 years old camera) but realised it will go to waste as film developing is just a huge hassle, but it looked so cool with the folding mechanism, found out my local camera store sells these instant ones which are a spitting image so im going to get one soon!
Dawg idk how but you made me laugh out loud twice during this video
How do you not have more subs? Your content is fantastic! Nice work. Subbed.
Thank for subbing and adding to the tally! Always trying to grow this thang
OMG the front of the Midway theater in Forest Hills! I grew up and lived near F.H. for 44 years. Let's go Mets!
I totally love it for party shots with flash, hard to use for non-flash closeups, but is awesome as a infinity focus camera. I use it more for landscapes than portraits!!!
Any advice on your settings for party shots? Just flash and the closest focus?
@@CollectingWeekly Either closest focus for headshot type and middle focus for more of the people!!!
@@brineb58 thanks! I’m really struggling with that closest focus zone on mine. More practice is necessary!
One more question do you usually use the portrait screw on lens?
@@CollectingWeekly I tried a little bit, but didn't get the hang of it ... need to try more ... should be useful, it ws probably just me!!!
I have the Pigalle model,and can't wait to shoot B&W!
Got mine thru their Kickstarter. Love that red covering!
Forgember I want B&W square film so bad! What’s the holdup!?
I thought I got some thru Amazon,guess I spaced out! Sorry!
Wish they had B&W for it! But yeah, my gosh, what a sexy beast this thing is.
Interesting
I love how some companies still make instant photography.... even though there is digital with phones and digital cameras
Also great video
It’s definitely impressive that there even exists two third-party companies who make these cameras (Mint Camera as well). I’m glad there is a market for this kind of thing!
I think people are starting to remember how awesome it is,,, to actually have a picture.... in your hand,,, on the fridge,,, the wall,,, the toilet... where ever ya choose...instead of a image on a phone.... that will eventually be forgotten and deleted,,,,,physical media rules!!!!
Agreed Ralph!!
Man, keep doing what you are doing here, you're awesome and professional channel from the start. I tend to have the same mysterious feelings for my lomo as well... there is something about it
😂.
😂 I am here to sexualize cameras and nothing more. Thanks dude!
Could you do a review of the lomo'instant? Your videos are great as I wasn't really interested in Instax until I found out there are cameras that don't look like toys that use it.
Lomo's made some beautiful stuff, no doubt! If I get my hands on the original Lomo'Instant I'll be sure to pop a review!
thank you !!
Bro, LOMO Instant Wide VS Square Glass. Wich one would you get if you could only have 1 and money is not a factor? Also i love your channel! Keep up this quality stuff and I'll keep coming back for more footage. 🖤
I think I’d go with the Lomo Wide, which is much easier to use. Thanks so much for the kind words!
Love your channel!!!
This camera looks sickkk. But I worry about the view finder situation
Thanks so much Taylor!! The camera is pure eye candy!
@@InAnInstant Umm seriously! literally makes my heart race! I feel like I want it, but I would love to see what comes next using this as a stepping stone. Did you see the 4x5 wide film adapter on Lomography?! I discovered it yesterday!
Yes! Preordered that but won’t be coming until Spring 2021 unfortunately!
Fyi the zone focusing is just a feature to make it easier for you. You don’t have to snap it in you can go in between zones like a regular manual focus
I seriously need to practice this
Nice Video! Does this camera produce equally good results with black and white film?
I'm super stuck man. I want instax wide 300 but the options are so mellow and simple.
On the other hand, this camera seems sick as shit and I can understand the options and am somewhat spatially competent, but never shot with an instant camera before.
Would you say that it is "easy" to get used to the viewfinder and such? If so what are some tips on exposure balance, maybe some "if outside, minus exposure compensation" tips, ya know?
(as from what I know, without using exposure compensation people tend to get over/under exposed photos on the lomo square)
So amazing and honest review. I wish you would have one on the Diana as well. I am hesitating between this and the Diana Deluxe kit. Do you have any insight? I guess there are pros and cons on both sides... (Like The Diana deluxe has so many accessories and unlimited exposure, however, this looks like more....durable, and "compact"). I am a complete beginner, but I wanna do some creative stuff :) Any thoughts?
The thing to realize about the Diana is it's offering a completely different look than other instant cameras. Vignetting, lo-fi results will come out of that thing, if you want to get super creative it's a really cool option! The Lomo'Instant Square offers more "perfect" results, but with a greater learning curve. Thanks for checking out the review! I can answer any other questions if you've got them.
I have a work around for the view finder issue. But it requires a Diana Instant Square view finder and a 3d printed bracket (*warning* results may vary)
Yes I’ve wanted to create a center viewfinder like that! Definitely a good option there
it also features a 30.5mm filter ring ✌🏻
Indeed, this is how the provided closeup adapter is attached. Same with the Lomo’Instant Wide.
great vid, off topic question: if you were to choose 1 camera that shoots instax wide, which one would you pick?
Didn't Fuji make a 500AF? Not sure if it was sold in the US but I've seen them pop up on Ebay as "new in box" from time to time.
Haven't justified pursuing one yet, however...
Aside from the RF70, which no one wants to shell out for, my favorite (BY FAR) is the 500AF. Incredibly sharp lens, beautiful stuff. Review of that coming next month!
I really want one of these, but I can't find any. Do you know where can purchase it?
I want this one camera but it's hard to find it now! I'm sad
So on the fence for this camera, I looove the design but the tricky focus makes me nervous as a beginner. Idk what to do
I think this is a great camera you could grow into, but if you're a beginner I would recommend maybe starting with something a bit simpler like the SQ6.
@@InAnInstant great suggestion, thank you!
Hey! Love the channel! I own a bunch of vintage Polaroid cameras and love them but I eventually want to pickup a a Lomo camera. Between the two, Should I go with the Glass Square or the wide camera? I want to own both eventually, but what should I go for first?
Hey mate! Thanks for watching. I totally think in this case it's what format you like better. If you have Polaroid cameras and already have plenty of "square shooters" I think this would be a good opportunity to change up the aspect ratio and go wide!
In An Instant Thank you! I’ll give it a looking into. I only got through two packs of Spectra Film before it was discontinued so I’m ready to shoot wide again!
@@deathmarkcomicsinc Oh damn, then definitely go with the wide!
2:10 the way you said that, it really seems to be difficult to shoot with this camera! I really wanna get this one, but the way every reviewer gets turned off by the viewfinder and manual focus. I don't if I'll be good for me, will I get used to both viewfinder issue and manual focus? Someone please help me!!!😂😭😭
This is definitely an "advanced" kind of camera in terms of ease of operation. If you're up for the challenge the results can be superb!
another great video but it was so quick :( would love a SQ6 review please! I wanna get one but this is only 40 pounds more? its completely thrown me
also if anyone knows if they're bring out a new fuji square format analog camera that'd be great
Yeah, that video went by so quickly and seemed much shorter than 6 minutes
Yeah maybe a little quick, just trying to get down to the hard facts and opinions here on In An Instant! I also might talk quickly, not sure, but I feel like I'm fitting a lot in the time frame. At any rate, the SQ6 is without a doubt an easier to use camera. However, when handled properly and with some framing luck, the Lomo'Instant Square cannot be beat!
This is so beautiful but the Pigalle edition seems discontinued? Damn I really want to buy that one if I'm getting this at all!
Probs can nab one on eBay!
@@InAnInstant There's a few but it's crazy expensive! Lomo should reissue it, it's clearly the sexiest looking one
hey man question, on cameras like the Lomo, how do you set the focus? the camer does not have auto focus, so how are you supposed focus without looking at a live image?
It's zone focussing, like the majority of instant film cameras. It's an awesome camera but I wouldn't suggest it if you are new to instant film photography. You would want something more user friendly like a Fuji Instax camera.
@@michaelbell75 so I bought and sold the Lomo lol. Thinking the instax now. How is that different when it comes to focusing?
Hey! Greetings from Italy!
I love your review but I'd like to ask a question.
I'd like to buy my first instant camera, I'm a beginner, so what can you advise to me? I'd like to buy a camera with the square films, because they are bigger than the mini films, but I don't know which camera I could buy.
In your opinion the Lomo's Square is a good camera for a beginner?
What do you think about Lomo's Instant Automat for a beginner? With mini films obvisiouly.
Thx !
Ciao Andrea! Grazie. If you are looking for something simple to start out with, the Fuji Instax SQ series is great for the square format. The Lomo Automat is a great option for the mini if you're considering that. Really just depends on what format you like better, but those are both solid choices!
thanks for your advices! I'll probably take the Lomo Automat! I really like the design and the possibility to experiments some things thanks to the feature of the camera.
Thank you again, I'll wait for your next video :)
Please review the lomo' instant (not the automat) and the Diana Instant Square.
Hi Ros! I only review cameras that I own or are actively using. Unless Lomo or a friend sent me one, I'm unlikely to review.
How is this vs Diana Square?
This camera is a sexy beast.... I have had no interest in instax square..... what so ever.... till now..... thanks Ben....
You're welcome and so is your wallet!
Is it not one of the aims of Lomography that the camera produce quirky, unpredictable results. Is that not part of the fascination and charm of Lomography? Just been reading up on it but that's what is sound like to me. Would be interested in opinions.
If I wasn’t attached to the SX-70, this camera would be the alternative
It's definitely my backup pairing with the SX70/SLR680 for special scenes I want to nail!
Do you recommend this instead of the Polaroid Now?
I wouldn't say they're very comparable. The Polaroid Now is much, much simpler to use, and will give you a higher chance of executing the picture you intended. But the Lomo'Instant Square uses the less expensive Instax Square film, so if in the long run you are concerned about that, the Lomo will be cheaper on the back end. I think the Lomo'Instant Square can produce more technically proficient pictures, but will do so on a smaller print and requires a lot more trial and error.
This is the best looking instant camera I've ever seen! TBH other than the original SX70 and the pack film land cameras, I don't really like the look of most instant cameras. The 690 is an ugly camera, you have to admit. I can't get over the zone focusing thing though, I really wish they would have some sort of digital rangefinder system. You know what I mean?
I personally love my Minolta Spectra Professional camera. It's not beautiful, but it has a nice 80s kitch look to it
Yeah this thing is HOT. Sizzles to the touch. Construction workers cat call it from the sidewalk. Strangers say "daddy like," unprompted. I am usually not a supporter of the digital elements in "Instax" cameras but in this case I totally agree with you. Some sort of rangefinder element would have been extremely clutch here.
@@InAnInstant I've been thinking about creating an instant camera that has a digital camera front end, and an LCD that would expose instant film. The benefit would be that the camera could be smaller and more stylish. From the user perspective it would exactly like an instant camera + pro features. (deliberately limiting functionality and hiding the digital nature e.g. no SD cards) Is that something you find interesting?
@@paulhan9843 If I'm understanding what you're suggesting, that is what the Fuji LiPlay, SQ10, and SQ20 cameras are. They have digital front ends but eject the film as usual. Have you checked those out?
Thanks! So in the same way Leica removes features to preserve the spirit of the Leica M, my camera would aim to preserve the spirit of instant photography. The addition of features such as a digital screen, memory, and picture preview in an instant camera completely kill the skin-in-the-game thrill of it. The existence of a digital record destroys the unique memento aspect, which I find the most appealing and joyful part of taking Polaroids. A stack of Polaroids represent little bits of past stolen to today.
Modern electronics to make the experience better, not different.
The thing I'm most worried about is getting the look of the images to match... in all of those hybrid cameras the product looks wrong. You know what I mean and have thoughts?
Does this sound like something people want? Or kinda ridiculous
Wait u can use both instax mini and instax square films?
Yea sir!
@@InAnInstant thanks for replying!!
No prob!!
How do I use instex mini film it in ?
There is an interchangeable back which comes with the full kit, you switch the backs to use the Instax Mini cartridge.
I know this is off Topic but I'm not sure if I should get a SX 70 autofocus Maybe a SLR 680 or I should just wait for the promise that Oskar Smolokowski made about A brand new autofocus camera in 2021? Or am I just being an idiot I don't know
This is actually the subject of the next Instant Review! Short answer: don’t wait for the new camera. And if you can justify the cost of the SLR680, don’t hesitate, it’s the best Polaroid integral film camera of all time!
@@InAnInstant Well thank you for the advice I don't have the money to exactly dish out on a SLR680 But when I can legally have a job I can buy one But seriously thank you I've been trying to find an answer for a while And it was answered thank you :-D. And I nearly forgot to mention I can't wait for the next video
@@Jamie-ux2lw Thanks Jamie! Any time!
Bought this camera still learning it but I’m having trouble with the exposure sometimes the photos shine beautiful then others come out dark when I’m in full sunlight… any tips.
That may be an inconsistent light meter issue, but you can always use the exposure compensation tool to gain some exposure balance.
the cost of these now is heartbreaking 😭.
It's back in stock on the lomography website!!!!!
@@BellaPlays ...and you can get it with the instax mini back fir a reasonable price.
You didnt mention the other con, that god damn Lomo shutter button is so easily pressed wasting a sheet of film!
I couldn't get on with mine, due to the framing with the viewfinder (and that's someon who loves the I-1) so I sold my kickstarter edition. I prefered the look on Polaroid as well. Personal taste I know
Yeah I hear ya Ray, I actually find framing with the I-1 to be way easier lol. At least it's centered and you have a semblance of an idea of what's aligning and where!
Wait... this takes square and mini film?!
Yes! Interchangeable backs!
Almost all my night/low light photos come completely unusable with the lomo square…
Aaaaaaaaaaaaand now I'll be sniping Ebay for yet another camera...
... I'm sure the wife will be just fine with that...
Oh yeah I'm sure she'll love the purchase and find it perfectly reasonable.....
@@InAnInstant the less I talk about it, the less I'll hear about it... but it's gonna happen.
Let's see how cheap I can get it...
This or Diana square?🤔🤔
The pictures look drastically different from both, which do you prefer?
@@InAnInstant thanks for reply!
What’s the different?
Do you have video talk about this? Thank you
Yes! Please check out my Diana video on the chanbel
How can you blow my pants of if I'm already not wearing pants?
This question might break the internet
Remember the Polaroid Spectra? That was a revolutionary concept back in 1986 when you were nothing but a tickle in your daddy's testes. Even Minolta jumped in the wagon with its Pro version. I bought them both. Formidable cameras that came with their creative set of filters and creative options, such as sending your best shots to be enlarged by Polaroid. Then, out of the blue, they stopped making the film, and suddenly we were left, abandoned with a great camera, all dressed and nowhere to go. No Sir, not again.
Smh square!? Wtf this would be a no brainier buy if it was the wide format
Apparently there were some prototype Lomo'Instant Wide models that did have a glass lens, but obviously the final product wasn't that route. Damn shame!
@@InAnInstant thanks for the tip!
I found my lomography is awful in bright sun.
Is this thing capable of bokeh in portraits...
I’m getting awful results. Badly underexposed. If I compare side by side with a Fuji-film SQ6 the Fuji hits exposure 8/10 whereas the Lomo is 2/10. Not good enough. EDIT: camera was faulty and I was sent a new one and it exposes properly.
Skill issue
@@jupiters_reform1848 The only skill issue is you not having the ability to think. Camera was faulty. They sent a new one and it is great.
@@jupiters_reform1848 The skill issue was you not being able to imagine you're wrong. Camera was faulty. They sent me a new one and it's fine. Takes the sharpest pics of any instant I have.
@@jupiters_reform1848 camera was faulty. They sent a new one and it's fine.
Dawg idk how but you made me laugh out loud twice during this video