plastikcam.com       Lomo ActionSampler Flash


The Lomo ActionSampler Flash is a simple and basic fun camera with 4 lenses that takes 4 photos, 12x18mm, on one 24x36mm frame. This is the third type of a Lomo action sampler, there was the simple ActionSampler and a SuperSampler, which
had a very short life cycle. The Action Sampler Flash has a bigger and more solid housing. It is sold out at Lomography's, but there is still some stock around. The basic technical parts seem to be taken from the first ActionSampler.

The ActionSampler is very similar to an Action Tracker, made in China, which existed already before. So either Lomo copied it or it's from the same maker with a Lomo branding.

Its main features are:

4x 26mm wide lens, F11, fixed focus, 1.2m -
Shutter 1/100, 4 pictures in 1 s via a rotating disk with one hole, which passes successively before all 4 lenses. 4 flashes synchronized with the cycle
Size 118x84(110)x44,  Weight
170gr, 241 gr. with batteries and film

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The box.

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Camera with manual and booklets.

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Camera with flash open. The flash can be turned 180° and then folded.

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Camera front. 4 Lenses. A real viewer, not a simple frame.

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Camera back. Flash ready light. The flash charges when unfolded and turned. Obviously it turns itself off if not folded, as I left it open for several days and the batteries were not drained. Viewer. Thumb wheel for film advance and shutter cocking.

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Camera top. Film rewind. Flash folded. Film counter and shutter release.

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Camera bottom. Battery compartment. Takes 2 AA Batteries. Rewind release button.

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Flash instructions.

Using the Lomo ActionSampler is easy. A cycle takes one second which gives different pictures from a moving subject. Don't move too quick, as 1/100s shutter speed may give blurred pictures unless you want them so.

As there is only one shutter speed, you have to choose your film depending on the weather conditions. On bright days ISO 200 is fine, on dull days ISO 400 is better. Modern film is quite flexible, so you will have usable results. Inside or at night photos are possible with the flash. It's a toy or fun camera, all plastic, but it's very nice.

Some gereral words about Lomography and their service: There is a 2-year warranty, at least in Europe. My personal experience with their service is good so far. As most of their cameras are made of (cheap) plastic, there is no repair, they just exchange your defective camera. You have to send it in to their Vienna firm at your expenses, which is not cheap if you are not based in Austria, but they try to compensate by adding film or so to the return. You absolutely need a proof of purchase, there was heavy abuse by fraudulent customers they told me. So if you buy second hand or your camera is gift, be sure to put your hands on the proof of purchase. After  the 2-years warranty period it's over. They will try to help for the expensive not-so-plastic cameras like the LC series, but for the rest there is no repair. Keep this in mind for the prices you pay for older gear.

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