Smena 8M (2)

See also: the list of all Smena models is in the article Smena Series by GOMZ & MMZ & LOMO and Smena-8M

by Chreriksen

The LOMO Smena 8m is an entry-level camera from the 1970s Soviet Union, now mostly regarded as a toy camera. It is an extremely low-tech, fully manual, no-frills plastic box capable of shooting surprisingly decent photos on 35mm film. There is no focus aid - focus is set by guessing the distance to your subject and setting that distance on the lens. The frame counter is considered by many to be worthless.

The Bad

Smena 8M by Valt3r Rav3ra

Taking pictures with an 8m is a true test of patience. Its shutter release is neither smooth nor easy to press, which is an invitation for motion blur that is only exaggerated by the camera's complete lack of heft. The manual shutter must be cocked before each shot using a lever on the side of the lens that will unfailingly get snagged on your finger when it comes back up, eliminating any chance you had of controlling your shutter speed.

The Good

A welcome surprise, however, is that this cheap piece of plastic actually features a coated glass lens. While the 40mm f/4 T-43 Triplet isn't a particularly fast lens, it gives nice contrast and saturation, and is certainly sharp enough to make good photos on 35mm film. In case that's not enough to perk your interest, this little plastic wonder also comes fitted with a leaf shutter and a PC sync socket, so this little toy camera can flash sync at any shutter speed!

Smena 8M

We Use Film - Smena 8M manual and specifications Links

with Blik accessory rangefinder

• Lomo Smena-8m/35/Symbol manuals (English) (PDF/HTML)
• Lomo Smena-8m Manual (Russian)
• We Use Film - Smena 8M manual and specifications
• Alfred's Smena 8m Camera Page
• The Camera Site's Smena page
• in Lumieresenboite
• Gomz Smena 8M on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
• Picture Gallery using Smena Camera