Lomography releases special edition William Klein instant camera

The Lomographic Society has just released the Lomo’ Instant Wide, a new special edition instant camera inspired by photography legend William Klein.

Established in Vienna nearly 30 years ago, The Lomographic Society is a global organisation that works to promote and celebrate analogue, experimental, and creative photography. 

Best known for his street photography and his mixed media work, William Klein’s creativity, curiosity and willingness to bend and break the rules in his photographic practice has led to the creation of a body of work that is internationally lauded and critically acclaimed. 

The Lomo’ Instant Wide camera has been designed to include features that can help users take photographs in the style of William Klein. Since street photography often requires photographers to adjust settings quickly to capture important moments, the camera has been designed with this level of agility in mind.

The built-in 90mm lens, close-up and ultra wide-angle lens attachments that can be swapped with relative ease and speed.

Additionally, since the camera uses Fuji Instax Wide film, use of the ultra wide-angle attachment allows users fit more into the scene of their frame, and in turn, emulate the style of Klein. 

As part of its aesthetic design, the body of the camera celebrates Kleins famous painted contact sheets. As an added source of inspiration, an exclusive Leporello (folding book) is included with each camera purchase, which features some of Klein’s words and artworks. 

Technical specifications 

•        Film Format: Fujifilm Instax Wide
•        Shutter Speed: Bulb (Bulb Mode), 8s-1/250 (Auto Mode), 1/30 (Fixed Shutter Speed Mode)
•        Film Advance Mechanism:
•        Focal Length: 90mm (35mm equivalent)
•        Focusing: Zone Focusing setting 0.6m/ 1-2m/ Infinity
•        Available Apertures: f/8, f/22
•        Lens Attachments: close-up, ultra-wide angle and splitzer  
•        Viewfinder: Direct Optical Viewfinder
•        Frame Counter: Auto Frame Counter
•        Cable Release Connection: Only with Adapter
•        Flash connection: Built-in flash
•        Tripod Mount: Yes
•        Lightmeter: Yes
•        Battery: 4 x AA-size batteries (not included) 

The camera is already available for purchase online and at select retailers. It will set you back USD $199.

The release of the new Lomo’Instant Wide is only part of a larger project paying homage to William Klein. As part of this broader project, a street photography competition has also opened up, with first place set to win a Lomo’Instant Wide William Klein camera and a limited edition print signed by William Klein himself from (an Exclusive Collector Edition from the Polka Factor in Paris).

The competition closes on January 15, 2021 and you can find out more here.