Lomo Kompakt Automat Heart Transplant
Yes, this was supposed to be two months ago. Sorry for being hiatus regarding this one, but let me share to you how I transplanted my LCA’s lens.
Last March 2011, I bought a Lomo LCA+ camera. Yes, that cult-classic camera from Lomography only now with advanced set-up including automatic multiple exposure, a higher ISO rating, and has no aperture knob. To be honest, I am not a fan of LCA+ that much because I myself consider a purist with regards to the original LCA camera (see the comparison of both cameras here). Although a lot of people might tell me that there are no difference in between the shots of these two cameras, I say I will still go for the original because… it’s original per se. I don’t know. Blame myself for being a purist.
Anyway, one afternoon of May 2011, I tried searching for my original Lomo LCA which I bought from a friend. You may ask why I bought a new Lomo LCA+? The original one is already dead plus it has a sticky shutter. I don’t want to waste films with blank frames.
Now, I tried opening my original Lomo LCA, taking off the screws and watch how it performs once the shutter is being pressed. To my odd curiosity, I also dare opened my new Lomo LCA+. I then compared everything (how it works, the pieces inside, et cetera and many thanks to this book!).
So, I was thinking, if only I can remove the lens from the original LCA and transfer it to my new Lomo LCA+, then how fantastic my shots would be! I was actually a little bit depressed with my Lomo LCA+ shots which you can view here. So, that was my proposed plan but how can I transfer the lens? I then discovered that you can remove the screws that holds the lens including its zone focus knob. I tried removing it and to my surprise, you can take off the lens! I was happy. I then tried removing the lens of my Lomo LCA+ camera and finally began the heart transplant.
What seems to be so easy at first is quite impossible the next time around. I spent around 1.5 hours just to put back the pieces of my Lomo LCA+ camera (now with the original Russian lens). So I tried taking shots with it and hey, I was happy! Now, my camera is Lomo LCA+ RL (I believe) that includes button for multiple exposure and a higher ISO rating (from 100 to 1600).
From left to right, clockwise: 1. My Lomo LCA and Lomo LCA+. You can tell the difference. 2. A close-up of the Lomo LCA’s electrical wirings. 3. Lomo LCA+ with it’s lens (that is yes, made in China). 4. Comparison of both lenses. The left one belongs to the Lomo LCA+ and the right one belongs to the original Lomo LCA. Can you see the difference now? 5. My broken Lomo LCA. 6. Front plate of Lomo LCA+ removed with their corresponding lens lying on their body. 7. My newly heart transplanted Lomo LCA+ (RL) including original lens inside the camera. 8. Figuring out how to fix the cameras.
Below are some of my shots that were taken with my Lomo LCA+ RL camera. I am also thinking of re-naming my new heart transplanted baby. Suggestions? :)
