Lomo Instant Automat – An Overview

I’m back with another analog/film photography post! I haven’t done this in quite some time because I’ve been focused on the Bullet Journal content in the past couple of weeks. But I am excited to share some good news and a new camera that I got to try last month. 

A few weeks ago, the Lomography team was kind enough to send me over the Lomo’Instant Automat (Cabo Verde Edition) so that I can try it out for myself. It was kind of a sweet deal because since it was an instant camera, I didn’t have to process my films to see the results.

Get to Know The Lomo’Instant Automat (LIA)

The LIA is a modern instant camera developed by Lomography. It functions similarly to the Fujifilm Instax but is packed with additional features that differentiates itself from the famous Instax.

Film

It is an Instax Mini compatible camera which means it uses the current instant film standard – Fujifilm Instax Mini film. The Instax Mini films are relatively affordable especially if you compare them to the Polaroid Originals films (which costs about $20). 

Lens Attachments

One of the few things that sets the LIA apart is the lens attachments (you can buy without the lens, FYI). I received the kit that did come with the lenses so I was able to test each of them. 

The LIA lens adapters included are the following:

1. Fisheye
2. Wide-Angle
3. Closeup
4. Splitzer

Batteries

The LIA does not come with batteries so you would need to buy a good pair of rechargeable batteries (because let’s save the earth). It uses a CR-2 which is quite uncommon but you can easily find it in the hardware store or on Amazon. If you own the Instax Share SP-1, they use the same batteries as the LIA. 

Advanced Features

Apart from the lens adapters, the Lomo Instant Automat has a number of features that differentiate it from its competitor, the Fujifilm Instax. 

Remote Control

Okay, I was REALLY mindblown when I saw this. Not because it’s new tech but Lomography was able to design a remote that also DOUBLES as a LENS CAP. That’s freakin genius if you ask me (and I am a sucker for good user experience design). 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try the remote control because I couldn’t find the batteries as of writing. It uses a CR1632 (3V) battery which you can also find on Amazon.

Multiple Exposure

Multiple exposure is the superimposition of two or more exposures to create a single image

– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_exposure

Multiple exposure is basically a taking multiple overlaying shots in one frame. 

I was surprised that the LIA was capable of producing multiple exposure films especially since it’s an instant camera. All you need to do is to press the MX button on the back, press the shutter to shoot multiple images, and then when you’re done, just hit that MX button again to release the instant film.

Bulb Mode

You know those trailing lights shots? You can actually do that with the Lomo Instant Automat! You can easily (well, kinda) do that by mounting the LIA in a tripod (the camera has a mount) and use the remote control-slash-lens cap to get a steady shot. And again, because this is an instant camera, you get to see the results immediately!

Overall

I was already impressed the first time I unboxed the camera. I immediately drove to the store to buy batteries for it so that I could test it right away. I’ve done several test shots and so far, they’re looking good. In terms of image quality, they’re looking sharp and really have that lomography vibe so its output is different from the Fujifilm Instax Mini. 

Lomography sells these starting from $149 (without lens). This would be a great gift for any occasion because of the quirky designs and the features that make this instant camera special. 

If you want to learn more about this product, you may go to Lomography’s website.