Few people have heard of it, yet many consider John Blankenbaker's KENBAK-1 to be the first commercial personal computer.
The Last Few LOMO Cameras
By James Grahame
LOMO PLC is the largest optical manufacturer in Russia. The abbreviation stands for Leningradskoye Optiko Mechanichesckoye Obyedinenie. Try saying that three times fast. The organization was formed in 1914 and went on to became the largest supplier of optics to the Red Army.
The LOMO LC-A (Compact Automat) is a quirky 35mm camera that quickly became a favourite friend of experimental photographers everywhere. Unfortunately, LOMO announced in early 2005 that they could no longer produce this little gem.
Their distributor -- Lomography.com -- stepped up to the plate and is doing a booming business refurbishing lightly used LOMOs. They offer two year warranties and several nifty add-ons like the Colorsplash Flash and Tunnel Vision lens. Prices start at around $200 for a complete package (camera, flash, batteries, how-to book and film).
It's sad to see the production of 'old fashioned' film cameras slowly winding down. Be warned -- they're going to become increasingly hard to find.
LOMO LC-A 35mm camera (lomography.com)
