The Lomo Oktomat is a simple and basic fun camera with 8 lenses
that takes 8 photos, 12x9mm, on one 24x36mm frame. This is an extended
type of a Lomo ActionSampler that took 4 photos at a time. It was
launched about 2013, the dates vary from 2012 to 2014.
Its
main features are:
8x plastic wide lens, F8, fixed focus, 1.2m - ∞
Shutter
1/100, 8 pictures in 2.5 s, successively all 8 lenses are opened Size 110x75x32, Weight 110 gr.
Camera with strap.
Camera
front. 8 Lenses.
Viewing frame unfolded.
Camera
back.
Camera
top. Film rewind, aiming device and rewind release button. Shutter
release. Lever for film advance and shutter cocking. Camera bottom. Tiny, tiny film counter.
Film compartment.
Using the Lomo Oktomat is easy. A cycle takes 2.5 second which gives
different pictures from a moving subject. First the lenses of the upper
row are fired in about one second, then the camera switches to the
second row and fires the lower row in one second. Of course you can
move the camera while firing, but 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 not possible. It's a toy or fun camera,
all plastic.
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 very good. 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 office 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.
The Oktomat was hyped for some time after no new cameras were
available. They reached ridiculous prices, but this has calmed down. So
I had to wait quite some time to get a cheap working one. At launch the
camera was sold for 39€. Its mechanisms are simple plastic and fragile,
they easily break. The plastic is more than 10 years old. So if you
want one, be sure that it still works, handle with care and don't spend
too much money. Nevertheless the camera is real fun.
With 8 different pictures in a short time you can even scan them and
make short little moving gifs out of them. Try it out, it's extra fun!
