The Lomography fanbase has developed into a global community ─ sharing not only image capturing tips, but also real life experience. Putting emotions onto films is almost like solidifying them into substance.

Lomography recently launched its latest camera, Spinner 360°. With a 35mm film inserted, one can kick start the photography session by simply pulling the camera cord and release. No battery required. With two aperture settings (F/16 for sunny days, F/8 for greyer days) to choose from, it is user-friendly and fun. With the film sprocket-hole intact, it is authentic Lomography style.

‘REVOLUTIONLIZING TRADITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONCEPT WITH ONLY ONE CORD TO ALLOW LIGHT IN, THE MODEL NEGOTIATES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIGHT AND IMGAE.’
To get a more in-depth insight, we invited the creators of Spinner 360° ─ Cat Ong and Ron Lau (vital members of Lomography Society International) to share some thoughts on this brand new product.

A LEGENDARY CAMERA MODEL INSPIRED THIS NEW SERIES
‘We were intrigued by a 1980s 360 degree camera, although the make is unknown. It is so rare that we could only take reference from a model. It was said that the camera once appeared on Ebay, going for six to seven hundred US dollars. 360 degree camera was extremely expensive because of its complex structure, which makes it very difficult to manufacture. Only professional photographers would get their hands on one.’

‘When we dismantle a 360 degree camera, it all became straight forward. The design of Spinner 360° is based on “pull and release” concept and operated with a spring, it is lightweight, economic, user-friendly and human. The glass lens is a must, to maintain the level of image. The focal point ranges from one meter to infinity. The camera is held balanced by the lens hood, even when spinning around. In fact, Spinner 360° spins around more than 360 degrees technically, allowing many creative possibilities. This opens up possibilities in the user’s involvement and thinking towards image making.’

DOLPHINE EMBLEM ON THE WATER-LEVEL
‘The name Dolphin 360° is printed on the bottom of the camera. The dolphin jumping out of the surface is a metaphor for the camera. However, we suspect “the Water-level” is more symbolic than functional. Lomography users seldom express the urge to focus on such detail. It is there to give Spinner 360° a more “technical” look. The Headquarter in Germany gave us plenty of advice on names, but since they are all in German and hence lacking in global appeal, we went with something different.’

FROM SPINNER 360° TO DEVELOPMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHY
‘Back-to-basic is the core of Spinner 360° and Lomography. The latest digital development causes certain doubt towards photography. For example, a user once used up all the films (having taken eight films worth of images) and thought the camera was broken. Another question is why the film has to be a certain size ─ 24 × 36, and why is it not possible to keep exposing. Digital camera (with the many automatic functions) is like one-way-street, it is not a very personalized process for users. It seems everything is too accessible, when in fact the users need to experience hurdles and make mistakes to gain experience. There is no such thing as “correct exposure”, only what seems better and appropriate. This is not such a grand explanation.’

‘Analogue is not necessarily outdated, it is defined by the aspects of “capturing”, “involvement” or even “individual thinking”. For me technology is not distinguished by trends ─ the unique selling point of APS-C digital light sensor is its fit to the size of films. It is all part of the same story, with each category progressing on its own development. Both analogue and digital have their own value and direction. Fuji T64 film is more effective for cross-processing, but that doesn’t mean it is the only “way out” for the product.’

SPECIFICATIONS:
Film: 135
Focal Length: 25mm
Horizontal Viewing Angle: 360 Degree
Vertical Viewing Angle: 66 Degree
Focus Range：1 m – Infinity
Aperture: F/8 (Cloud Icon)、F/16 (Sun Icon)

HKD$1,130

LOMOGRAPHY HONG KONG
lomographyasia.com
+852 2915 2205

Text & Test Shot: Vincent Lau
Translation: dilettante
Photo: Anthony Chan
Update: 14 Jul 2010