I can’t remember when or how I came to own my Smena Symbol, mostly because I’ve got two young kids and can barely remember what I had for dinner yesterday but at a guess I’d say I’ve had it for almost a decade. It’s one of those cameras thats always been there, not really screaming at me to use it but never failing when I do. According to the internet the Smena is a Russian made 35mm camera made by LOMO from the mid 70s. The body is an all plastic construction which is surprising because its really solid and has a bit of weight to it. Don’t be put off by all plastic though this thing can take a beating, I don’t think twice about chucking it in my bag unprotected.
The lens is a fixed length 40mm f/4 -f/16 with a leaf shutter, shutter speeds of 1/15 – 1/250 and even a Bulb mode. It’s probably one of the easiest cameras I’ve ever used, you simply turn the dial to match your ISO speed which automatically sets your aperture. Then the only things you have to worry about is zone focusing and picking your shutter speed either using the symbols on the top of the lens or the shutter speeds listed on the bottom of the lens barrel.
I have to say it’s a joy to use and can produce some great results. As you can see from my 5 frames I like to shoot with Fuji Sensia in mine and get it cross processed.
My IG – mattevansphoto
Share this post:
Comments
julianhiggs on 5 frames with a Smena Symbol – by Matt Evans
Comment posted: 02/01/2019
Comment posted: 02/01/2019
Lori on 5 frames with a Smena Symbol – by Matt Evans
Comment posted: 02/01/2019
By the way, the lenses are readily available on eBay and can be easily adapted with a helicoid to any digital camera and their size makes them somewhat of a “pancake” lens.
David on 5 frames with a Smena Symbol – by Matt Evans
Comment posted: 02/01/2019
Comment posted: 02/01/2019
Nathalie Porter on 5 frames with a Smena Symbol – by Matt Evans
Comment posted: 02/01/2019
Comment posted: 02/01/2019
Nigel Vernon on 5 frames with a Smena Symbol – by Matt Evans
Comment posted: 12/03/2019
Andy Zofka on 5 frames with a Smena Symbol – by Matt Evans
Comment posted: 05/05/2019
Camera Review Blog No. 135 – LOMO Smena Symbol – Alex Luyckx | Blog on 5 frames with a Smena Symbol – by Matt Evans
Comment posted: 07/09/2021