Lomography made a new film camera that charges with USB-C

Lomography has announced a new Lomo MC-A film camera, a compact 35mm format camera with a fixed 32mm f/2.8 lens and a metal body. It’s the charmer of a new shooter, featuring a built-in flash, an autofocus glass lens, a manual film advance lever, and an included CR2 battery that charges via USB-C. The MC-A is available for pre-order now for $549 in black or silver, and it will be made in small batches, with the first shipping “before December 24.”

Lomo cameras have a reputation for being primarily toys and prioritizing fun over features or technical specifications. But the MC-A seems to be a very competent camera for street photography or everyday slice-of-life type photos. It has full manual exposure control, as well as auto and aperture priority modes, plus the option of manual zone focus. You can even take multi-exposure captures to get an even more artistic look.

It reminds me a lot of the Pentax 17 I reviewed last year, although it’s full-frame 35mm instead of half-frame and only costs $50 more. While the Pentax’s charm came from its small, compact size and the way it could achieve 72 shots per roll, the Lomo MC-A will have more resolution and only weigh about 42 grams more. And while both are powered by CR2 batteries, the fact that the Lomo comes with a rechargeable battery avoids a slightly annoying problem with using old-fashioned cameras. However, in a pinch, you can always use disposable CR2s.

And because Lomo can’t seem to help but be original, the MC-A includes its Splitzer lens accessory to split multiple exposures on the same frame and flash gels to give the built-in flash a bold, colorful look. The camera body itself is also adorned with a well-meaning but rather grating mantra: “Everyone is equal in front of the lens – and behind it.”

But aside from the quirks, novelties, and cheesy catchphrases, the Lomo MC-A looks like a very complete package for a modern film.