Smena for Lomo?

[bvy]

I'm considering the Smena for lomo type photography. Is anyone using it for such? Is it really -- how shall I put it? -- cheap or bad enough for this type of work? I'm especially looking for a strong, natural vignette effect and, of course, some light leaks. Smena 8m is easy enough to get, but I'd consider any of the models. Thanks.

[Nicholas Lindan]

It's a reasonably competent camera - when it works. The picture quality is about what you would get from an old Argus 35mm.

You can get a vignette with any camera by adding a second 'aperture' behind or in front of the lens. If you are doing B&W it is a simple matter to do a heavy burn or flash of the corners and edges, flashing more closely mimics a camera vignette.

[bvy]

Thanks. I'm trying to gauge if the quirks of this camera are in the finished product and not just the functionality. The images I'm seeing almost look -- too good. Maybe I'll start investigating the Diana with the 35mm back.