First Look: Testing the New Lomo MC-A 35 mm Film Camera with @frenchyfyl

We handed a prototype of the new Lomo MC-A 35 mm Film Camera to Philippe Multeau (@frenchyfyl) and asked him to take it on an adventure. The Drôme-based photographer didn’t hesitate and packed it for his summer trip to Sète. Between family portraits and strolls along the port, he explored how this new point-and-shoot handles light, depth, and the joy of shooting in the moment.

Hello @frenchyfyl, welcome to Lomography Magazine! Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?

I live in a tiny village in the Drôme and work as a graphic designer for the local press. I discovered Lomography in 2011 and have been part of the Community ever since. I love every aspect of analog photography: serious cameras like my Leica M7, but also plenty of toy cameras that I have enormous fun with. Lomography's philosophy, “Don’t think, just shoot”, really suits me: fun and spontaneity above all!

You took the camera on your summer trip. Where did you bring it, and what caught your eye first?

Lomography contacted me about this new project at the start of summer, just as I was about to leave for vacation. My response was, “Okay, but there’s a problem: I’m leaving in three days. Can I take it with me?” To my surprise, they said yes! So part of my shots were taken in my village, mostly family photos, and the rest on vacation in Sète, the city I adore!

I love the authenticity of this city. Its fishing port, right in the city center, is an integral part of daily life, with small restaurants alongside huge trawlers and fishing boats. It’s far from the typical “postcard” tourist vibe that characterizes Mediterranean towns today. In Sète, everything is real! So I took the camera on a walk along the port and photographed the boats.

What was your first impression of the Lomo MC-A? How would you describe its character or style?

My first surprise was how easy it is to use, which aligns perfectly with my idea of Lomography. With its click-stop focusing system inherited from the "Lomo LC-A", you can estimate distances at a glance and adjust quickly with just a fingertip.

The second pleasant surprise was the six aperture options on the lens. Not only does this make the camera more adaptable to different lighting conditions, but it also lets you control depth of field. For example, with a wider aperture, I found that a portrait really stood out from the background!

Did you explore different types of shots? How did you feel in each situation?

I’ll be honest: I’m not necessarily the best person to test gear in depth! I didn’t try to push it to the limit to test every scenario. I preferred to use it as if it had already been part of my life for a long time and simply enjoyed it without overthinking. But maybe that’s the most telling test, right? In the end, I’m very happy with the results!

For me, this camera fits perfectly into spontaneous, everyday photography while offering the features and possibilities of premium cameras. The ideal compromise!

Were there any particular films where the lens really stood out or surprised you?

For my tests, I used three different Lomography films: Lady Grey ISO 400, LomoChrome Purple ISO 100–400, and Color Negative ISO 100.

The Color Negative film I used at the port in Sète is stunning! Colors are vivid and sharp, and the very slight vignetting in the corners adds energy to the shots. I love it!

I also really enjoy the sculpted quality of the black-and-white images produced by the camera, even if I’m not sure whether it’s the camera or the film – or probably the combination of both. Blacks are deep and whites are bright. Exactly what I expect from black-and-white photography.

As for the Purple film, the family photos by the river turned out great, don’t you think?

Is there one photo where you felt the camera revealed its full potential?

The photo that perfectly illustrates the benefit of being able to choose the aperture is the one taken at the port, showing my son holding a camera. We were sitting at a café terrace, and the ambient light didn’t force me to choose the widest aperture – but I did. This reduced the depth of field, and the slight background blur really makes the subject stand out.

When do you think you’ll be most tempted to use it again?

Just like the Lomo LC-Wide – my favorite camera – I think it’s ideal for street photography because it’s so intuitive. I get the same punch in the images, which is characteristic of the Lomography style. Add premium features like aperture control, and you have a really interesting camera! Let’s just say… I might end up buying it ;-).

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to try it?

Just one piece of advice: don’t think, just shoot! ;-)

Thanks to Phillippe for testing this camera and sharing his experience! Check out his LomoHome to follow his analogue journey.

Curious to see what you can create? Discover the Lomo MC-A 35 mm Camera and let your first roll surprise you.

written by alplvl on 2025-10-25 #gear #people #point-and-shoot #lomo-mc-a Share Article