To Next PageTo Next Page
Need help?Do you have a question about the RafCamera LOMO LC-A and is the answer not in the manual?
Guide to installing and verifying camera power cells for proper operation.
Instructions for correctly inserting film cassette and preparing the camera for shooting.
How to input film ISO sensitivity into the camera's exposure meter for accurate exposures.
Explanation of how to adjust focus using the camera's distance scale for sharp images.
Steps for operating the camera in automatic exposure mode for taking pictures.
Guidance on using flash bulbs for illumination and setting diaphragm values.
The LOMO LC-A is a compact automatic camera designed for operation in a temperature range of -15°C to +45°C, excluding direct solar radiation and precipitation. Its small size allows for easy portability, fitting into a pocket. The camera features automatic exposure, which functions across a wide range of object brightness. A protective device is integrated to safeguard the photographic objective and viewfinder objective from mechanical damage and contamination during storage.
The camera is powered by a D.C. source, specifically SR-44 or S-76 type batteries. It's important to note that if an alternative power source with a lower temperature operation range than the camera is used, the camera's operational temperature range will be limited by that of the power source.
For user convenience, a light indicator is present in the viewfinder's field of vision to monitor the power cell level. Additionally, another light indicator warns the user of expected shutter speeds longer than 1/30 s, which may necessitate a flash or a stable support to prevent blurred images.
A wide-angle, high-power objective is rigidly built into the camera, significantly expanding its capabilities. This allows for photographing architectural subjects and landscapes at short distances, as well as landscapes in small premises. Some vignetting—a decrease in brightness and definition towards the margin of the field—is possible, which is considered acceptable for this type of camera.
Focusing is achieved using a distance scale. For situations requiring a flash bulb, the camera provides a manual diaphragm setting ranging from f/2.8 to f/16. When switching from automatic operation ("A") to manual diaphragm setting, the shutter speed is automatically set to 1/60 s.
The camera comes with the following items:
The camera's design includes several key components for operation:
Installing and checking the cells: To install batteries, slide cover 16 (Fig. 4) in the direction of the arrow. Place cells into the container with the "+" sign on the cells aligning with the "+" sign on the camera container. Ensure the flexible tape for removing the power source is underneath the cells, with its end jutting out. Close the cover. To check serviceability, open the objective and viewfinder using key 14. Look through inspection window 21 (Fig. 5) and press release knob 10 (Fig. 2) slightly. A red indicator should shine in the upper left corner of the viewfinder if cells are correctly installed and serviceable. If not, check installation and contact areas, or replace cells. The indicator also serves to check the energetic level of power cells during use.
Camera loading: Swing out knob 23 (Fig. 5) of handwheel 22 and pull it upward to open camera back 30. Insert the film cassette into receptacle 25 with the film leader facing right. Lower handwheel 22 so yoke 24 engages the cassette spool plug. Insert the film leader into the slot of the take-up spool so that film perforation engages with a tooth of take-up spool 28 (Fig. 5). Hold the cassette and rotate handwheel 20 to take up film slack, ensuring the film is positioned between limiters 26, engaged with gear 27, and fixed reliably at take-up spool 28. If handwheel 20 stops before slack is taken up, press release knob 10 (Fig. 2) and continue. ATTENTION! If guard curtains cover the objective and viewfinder, release knob 10 is interlocked. Use key 14 (Fig. 4) to open them. After taking up slack, close camera back 30 (Fig. 5) until it's fixed. Turn handwheel 20 against the stop and press the release knob. Repeat this two or three times until "1" appears in the frame counter window. Observe rewind handwheel 22 (Fig. 5); it should rotate when handwheel 20 is rotated, indicating correct film loading.
Setting film light sensitivity: After loading film, set its light sensitivity (ISO/ASA) by rotating film light sensitivity setting knob 6 (Fig. 2) until the desired value appears in window 7. The camera's scale includes 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 ASA/ISO.
Focusing: Focus is achieved by estimating the camera-to-object distance and moving key 8 (Fig. 2) to the corresponding position on the distance scale.
Automatic photography: Open curtains 2 (Fig. 2) covering objective 3 and viewfinder 5. Set diaphragm setting key 9 to "A". Verify film sensitivity in window 7. Check power source by pressing release knob 10 (Fig. 2) and observing the indicator in viewfinder inspection window 21. Focus the objective and frame the subject using the picture-limiting frame. Ensure fingers do not obstruct light-limiting device 4 and objective 3. Press release knob 10 until it stops, releasing only after the shutter responds.
Photography with a flash bulb: A red indicator in the upper right corner of the viewfinder, simultaneously with the upper left red indicator, signifies an exposure time longer than 1/30 s. In such cases, use a flash bulb or ensure camera steadiness (e.g., with a tripod) to prevent blurred images. The camera supports cable-free flash connection. When using a flash, the operation differs from automatic only in determining and inputting the diaphragm value. The shutter speed automatically sets to 1/60 s for diaphragm values from 2.8 to 16. To determine the diaphragm value, divide the flash bulb guide number by the object distance in meters. Set key 9 (Fig. 2) to the calculated diaphragm value and key 8 to the corresponding distance on the scale.
The frame counter adds up and displays the number of frames taken. It's recommended to take the first picture when "1" is against the index. Numbers "12", "24", "36" and the initial point are marked yellow. The counter resets automatically when the camera back is open.
Shutter cocking and film advance occur simultaneously with a complete revolution of handwheel 20 (Fig. 5). If the film end prevents a full revolution, do not force the handwheel to avoid breaking the film from the spool core. To rewind film, press film advance gear disengagement knob 15 (Fig. 4). Hinge away knob 23 (Fig. 5) and turn it in the direction of the arrow. A slight jerk of the film and easier run of handwheel 22 indicate completion. Pull handwheel 22 upward by knob 23. Once the camera back is opened, remove the film cassette. The camera is then ready for new film.
To ensure the camera remains serviceable and produces high-quality pictures:
General| Brand | RafCamera |
|---|---|
| Model | LOMO LC-A |
| Category | Digital Camera |
| Language | English |
