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
The box.
Camera with manual and booklets.
Camera with flash open. The flash can be turned 180° and then folded.
Camera
front. 4 Lenses. A real viewer, not a simple frame.
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.
Camera
top. Film rewind. Flash folded. Film counter and shutter
release.
Camera bottom. Battery compartment. Takes 2 AA Batteries. Rewind release button.
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.
