The New Lomography MC-A. The new AF point and shoot.

The single row was making the film move up and down (top to bottom) when it advanced the film**.That’s what I think was causing the alignment problem on the on the top and bottom of the images. Don’t know what’s causing the spacing problem unless it’s something to do with the lever not matching the spool on every advance. I did have to do mini winds when I first started to use it but not since I’ve remembered to fully advance to the lever stop. This must have thrown the spacing out slightly.

** skewing the film horizontally
 
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Another video showing issues. Flash sync this time as well as the usual gaps.
Also with the 2 blade shutter making more of a diamond shape I wonder if that is the ultimate cause of the darker corners?

View: https://youtu.be/2cZqV4EYV1Y
 
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srichards said:
Another video showing issues. Flash sync this time as well as the usual gaps.
Also with the 2 blade shutter making more of a diamond shape I wonder if that is the ultimate cause of the darker corners?

View: https://youtu.be/2cZqV4EYV1Y
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The usual spacing issue, genuine complaint. I think moaning about the camera jamming when he was advancing before the last shutter actuation had finished is yet another user error.
The vignette has always been a Lomo trait, sort of expect it tbh.

Have you seen the review today from Matti Sulanto. He even says it’s low quality and moans about everything including the camera focus noise. Also complains about having triple exposure when just 3 of his frames just touched. Moaned about the battery, screen you name it he whinged about it.

All of this is the same s*** the p17 had thrown at it. No wonder we can’t get any new cameras, this’ll go the same way as the 17 and get canned. Lomo will eventually give up because of cost and the moaners continually finding faults that aren’t faults.

Some complaints are genuine but just knocking it for everything gets on my tits.
 
bumper said:
The usual spacing issue, genuine complaint. I think moaning about the camera jamming when he was advancing before the last shutter actuation had finished is yet another user error.
The vignette has always been a Lomo trait, sort of expect it tbh.

Have you seen the review today from Matti Sulanto. He even says it’s low quality and moans about everything including the camera focus noise. Also complains about having triple exposure when just 3 of his frames just touched. Moaned about the battery, screen you name it he whinged about it.

All of this is the same s*** the p17 had thrown at it. No wonder we can’t get any new cameras, this’ll go the same way as the 17 and get canned. Lomo will eventually give up because of cost and the moaners continually finding faults that aren’t faults.

Some complaints are genuine but just knocking it for everything gets on my tits.
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The guy in the video was annoying me the way he wound on then just let the winding arm spring back like he’s trying to bounce it off the other side!

Other than it being a relatively thorough video deliberately focusing on the couple of issues to get clicks, although I doubt many people will be using it with externally triggered studio flash, I can sort of understand the negativity towards a £450 brand new camera that fails with the basics of frame spacing and winding. I’ve built cameras which have had issues and have understandably been contacted by the customer to complain/resolve the issue. It’s a basic fact of trading.

If there were only one or two cameras from the likely thousands they’ve sold with issues I’d agree that it’s blowing out of proportion but there does seem to be more widespread basic issues so I hope Lomography resolve them properly.
 
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I've used the last of my first film up. On shot 39 there was a crunching when winding on, same on shot 40 - sounds like film perforations being pulled over the sprocket cog or even the perforations ripping. I didn't dare wind on any further so rewound the film. Rewind wasn't a positive experience - it didn't feel an even tension on rewind plus if didn't feel as if it was rewinding initially. Anyway film back in it's cannister and will be sent off for developing. I may get my film retriever out to see if there is any damage to the film leader as I had the same crunching on loading.

Up the thread I said the "film door open" was displaying on occasion on the the LCD. This was my error - the LCD was/is telling me to wind on before attempting another shot.

After changing the aperture when in aperture priority mode the shutter speed usually goes maxes out and the red in viewfinder light illuminates, the second depress then gives a correct shutter speed. This is something I can live with but (assuming it's not user error) it's a little disappointing.
 
Re the comment about bad noises about the Pentax 17, I'd just like to say that there are still a lot of great photos coming out taken by P17 hipster photographers, seeming (to me at least) to justify the marketing applied to that camera, which I'd say has been a real success for Ricoh/Pentax.
Lomo already has a strong market presence for film users and this was obviously a slightly poor effort to expand it beyond deliberately wonky plastic cameras, but hopefully they will recover by dealing with the issues and giving decent customer service.
 
The 17 got slated when it was released. I love mine and a lot do still use theirs and its still selling, obviously not enough for pentax. Just hope Lomo keep the mc-a going and sort out the actual issues. They released it a few months too early, needed more testing. If mine doesn't need to be replaced, I'll get another in silver a couple of months down the line. Hopefully they will have made a few tweaks. They're still more reliable than the wrecks I've bought from ebay, they can't be returned or fixed!

@auntiemaryscanary do you think frames 39/40 are going to be double exposures? did it feel like it was advancing or just skipping the holes and not moving the film?
Getting to the end of my roll & rewinding has been the part I'm not looking forward too. I've seen lots of crunchy rewinding videos, It'll be finished tomorrow if the weather is ok :banana:

Thought getting through 72+ on the 17 was hard work, this has taken as long lol!
 
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auntiemaryscanary said:
I've used the last of my first film up. On shot 39 there was a crunching when winding on, same on shot 40 - sounds like film perforations being pulled over the sprocket cog or even the perforations ripping. I didn't dare wind on any further so rewound the film. Rewind wasn't a positive experience - it didn't feel an even tension on rewind plus if didn't feel as if it was rewinding initially. Anyway film back in it's cannister and will be sent off for developing. I may get my film retriever out to see if there is any damage to the film leader as I had the same crunching on loading.

Up the thread I said the "film door open" was displaying on occasion on the the LCD. This was my error - the LCD was/is telling me to wind on before attempting another shot.

After changing the aperture when in aperture priority mode the shutter speed usually goes maxes out and the red in viewfinder light illuminates, the second depress then gives a correct shutter speed. This is something I can live with but (assuming it's not user error) it's a little disappointing.
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The issue with the film (potentially) could be a mis-match between the frames the camera is expecting and the physical film. The camera may allow you to wind on to 40 but if the film has reached the end you could be ripping the film with the frame sprocket wheel trying to force another frame.

Have to see when it’s developed though.
 
Lomo have proved themselves a bit on the dumb side. They have sent a replacement camera but not paid the customs charges! There's now a demand of nearly £100. I've sent them a link to the tracking as I'm certainly not paying that.

That should have been paid when it was sent.
 
It should’ve been shipped from the uk

Shipping here

I’ve had doubts about this though because rm tracking numbers haven’t been working until after 3-4 days for me. I had a suspicion they may have come in from elsewhere.
 
Return was sent from Austria. The return was done to Austria as Lomo themselves are there. Seems daft to still be getting this wrong when they send items out to the UK.
 
Muppets!

The uk address is obviously just a warehouse to post the imports out. Hope they sort it out quickly for you.
 
Just noticed that Bristol Cameras sell the MC-A. It's out of stock at the moment. They'd definitely be much better to buy from than Lomo themselves.

www.bristolcameras.co.uk

Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm Film Camera Black - Bristol Cameras

Lomography Lomo MC-A 35mm Film Camera Black - Bristol Cameras - Genuine UK Stocks - Established Independent Traditional Camera Store - Analogue Specialists
www.bristolcameras.co.uk www.bristolcameras.co.uk
 
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thought i remembered why I don't buy from Bristol Cameras. I placed an order for batteries once, they never turned up even though they were 'in stock' and had to get a refund.
 
Finally heard back from Lomo. Cock up at their end supposedly :rolleyes:

They said they'll either pay the duty on that one or send another. Hopefully they can just pay it as that is far easier than having to send out another when there is one sat in a delivery depot a few miles away...

Not paid yet. Was hoping they'd manage it today (Friday) but they haven't.
 
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Lomo still haven't paid the duty or sent out another. They were going to get back to me on Friday but didn't. Nothing from them yesterday either.

Not sure I want one of their products if this is how they treat their paying customers. It's very disappointing.
 
srichards said:
Lomo still haven't paid the duty or sent out another. They were going to get back to me on Friday but didn't. Nothing from them yesterday either.

Not sure I want one of their products if this is how they treat their paying customers. It's very disappointing.
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That’s very poor.

I could sort of live with having niggles and maybe having to return something faulty if the warranty process was good. That’s why I bought brand new. Perhaps they’re being overwhelmed with returns.


Still haven’t finished my first roll yet. Work has been hectic and any spare time it’s been raining/snowing/howling winds/sleet/floods/storms!
 
They emailed yesterday afternoon but still are deluded that UPS will deliver the parcel before the monies owed are paid to UPS. Had to explain again that no, it doesn't work like that. They have to go into their UPS shipment account and pay it first. Already made it clear several times it will not be delivered until they pay first. They seem to be ignoring that altogether.

I remember asking the UPS guy if he can deliver it and just bill the sender and I'm sure he said no. It's off in a warehouse to go back. Lomo claim they have direct billing (!) thinking they can just pay after delivery. I wonder if they owe UPS a fortune and that's why UPS are insisting on payment up front?

I've asked them not to send another and I want a refund now. I'm done with this messing about. It's beyond stupid.

I've got an email notification with Bristol Cameras so that will tell me when they get stock. Not sure whether I'll get one again though after this.
 
Very poor service. Lots of others who’ve had a replacement appear to have had no issues. They appear to be US based though.
Don’t know how it works with a large company like Lomography but if I order anything that incurs a custom charge, it has to be paid first.

No doubt this has marred your experience even further. Not good!
 
Finally! Got the refund. Taken several emails asking and them stubbornly failing to understand the camera will never be delivered until the fees are paid but whole amount has been returned via Paypal.

Will be interesting to see how long it sits in the UK UPS warehouse :rolleyes:

So if you buy one and you have problems then go for immediate refund option not a replacement. I am hoping that enough people will have good experiences with them and will probably consider another eventually but I have to wait for the annoyance to subside first...
 
Glad you've finally sorted it out Suz.
Maybe look at one of the products Steve at Chroma Cameras is creating instead, if you still want a simple 35mm film camera?
 
srichards said:
Already ahead of you on that! Decided the Kodak Snapic A1 might be a good take it anywhere and not worry about it camera. Should arrive tomorrow :banana:
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Glad they got there eventually!

Give me a report on the A1, I was looking at getting one to pop into my coat pocket when I’m at work (y)
 
Had my first roll back. Dev only so will need to scan them to check image quality. It suits my purposes that the lab has left the negs as a roll.

Frames 1 and 2 overlap with inconsistent spacing (but no further overlaps) across the rest of the film. Not ideal. Will decide when I've scanned, hopefully tomorrow. I have a b&w film that I'll also try again at loading without bothering to dev it.

Current thoughts - unsure but not necessarily satisfied.
 
auntiemaryscanary said:
Had my first roll back. Dev only so will need to scan them to check image quality. It suits my purposes that the lab has left the negs as a roll.

Frames 1 and 2 overlap with inconsistent spacing (but no further overlaps) across the rest of the film. Not ideal. Will decide when I've scanned, hopefully tomorrow. I have a b&w film that I'll also try again at loading without bothering to dev it.

Current thoughts - unsure but not necessarily satisfied.
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Definitely worth a second go. It depends on how many successful frames you have. I lost about 11 I think due to big spacing and over laps which is too many on a 36 roll.
 
If I get near to 36 shots per roll I’ll be happy, even with minimal overlapping or inconsistent spacing. Just not had time to finish the first roll, too busy at work…….and the weather!
The weather has been horrendous on my rare days off. I know the camera won’t cope with rain so not even chancing it. It’ll be out of warranty by the time I’ve finished the roll lol!

Can’t wait for light early mornings and evenings. It’s pretty much still dark when I start and finish work.
 
As someone who builds new cameras for customers I've got to give you all credit for being willing to accept 'flexible' frame spacing and lost frames on a brand new camera that costs £500.

Whilst I obviously applaud Lomography for bringing something brand new to market, rather than yet another rebranded Aliexpress "digital film" camera with sensor and lens from a dash cam, they really do need to resolve these issues with the MC-A before it goes down as a failed project. They're lucky that lots of people give them such leeway "because it's Lomo".
 
I’ve spent much (very much) more on vintage (s***e) cameras that are now landfill somewhere. Spacing isn’t a return issue if I get the full image count, I can live with a couple of small overlaps.
My priority is having a camera working every time I turn it on, which this one has so far.
I don’t buy in to the “Lomo” thing. If it stops working, it goes back.
Mine could be faultless or scrap, don’t know yet. But it has switched on and apparently worked for every shot taken.
 
stevelmx5 said:
As someone who builds new cameras for customers I've got to give you all credit for being willing to accept 'flexible' frame spacing and lost frames on a brand new camera that costs £500.

Whilst I obviously applaud Lomography for bringing something brand new to market, rather than yet another rebranded Aliexpress "digital film" camera with sensor and lens from a dash cam, they really do need to resolve these issues with the MC-A before it goes down as a failed project. They're lucky that lots of people give them such leeway "because it's Lomo".
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It puts film nerds in an awkward position as it's a new camera which is a very good thing but they've bogged up the implementation which isn't.

The rollei 35AF uses a lot of the same guts and that was even worse and had a retail price tag of about £800. The image quality was better but also had spacing and locking up issues so the film counter/advance system in both of them is up the wazoo.

If the Snapic just works and is reliable and all of £100 I think it's going to cut the legs off the MC-A.
 
srichards said:
It puts film nerds in an awkward position as it's a new camera which is a very good thing but they've bogged up the implementation which isn't.

The rollei 35AF uses a lot of the same guts and that was even worse and had a retail price tag of about £800. The image quality was better but also had spacing and locking up issues so the film counter/advance system in both of them is up the wazoo.

If the Snapic just works and is reliable and all of £100 I think it's going to cut the legs off the MC-A.
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Have you ordered the a1 yet?

It’s getting decent reviews, even from people who’ve used their own money to buy it :D
 
Know the feeling.

Is it easily pocketable, in a pair of trousers/jeans?
 
Mostly have a coat/jacket on for work but thinking ahead to summertime.


So yeah, it’ll probably be in a coat pocket anyway :ROFLMAO:
 
After ruminating overnight I've decided my Lomo MC-A is not satisfactory (and not of merchantable quality) and have contacted them for a return and full refund.

The issue of crunching noises on film loading and at the end of the film along with frame overlap and inconsistent spacing means I don't have confidence in the camera lasting long term, or even in the warranty period.

Unfortunately I feel they have released a production prototype which they should have refined first. It's a shame as I wanted to like it, I still like the features and concept, but the film transport mechanism gives me the fear of not lasting long at all which isn't good enough for me on what is a brand new camera.
 
auntiemaryscanary said:
After ruminating overnight I've decided my Lomo MC-A is not satisfactory (and not of merchantable quality) and have contacted them for a return and full refund.

The issue of crunching noises on film loading and at the end of the film along with frame overlap and inconsistent spacing means I don't have confidence in the camera lasting long term, or even in the warranty period.

Unfortunately I feel they have released a production prototype which they should have refined first. It's a shame as I wanted to like it, I still like the features and concept, but the film transport mechanism gives me the fear of not lasting long at all which isn't good enough for me on what is a brand new camera.
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I felt exactly the same. So disappointing as it could have been a really good camera had they not fumbled the basics.
 
Think I’d better get a move on and finish this roll, to see how mine copes. Still not looking forward to the rewind experience.
 
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