Lomography 800: A Review of A Film Photographer's Trusty Companion
Why Lomography 800 is My Favorite Film Stock of All Time
If I had to pick one film stock to shoot for the rest of my life, Lomography 800 would be it. It’s not just a roll of film—it’s a creative partner. The colors, the grain, the way it handles light—everything about it feels alive. Whether you’re out on a sunny day, chasing light in a dim alley, or pulling magic out of a moody overcast sky, Lomography 800 just gets it right. It’s become my go-to for almost everything, and if you flip through my photo book, you’ll see it’s responsible for about 90% of those images.
The Colors That Keep Me Coming Back
What makes Lomography 800’s color palette stand out is the warmth and richness it brings to a shot. Reds are deep and warm without screaming at you, blues hold this beautiful calm, and greens? They absolutely glow. But here’s what makes it special: it never feels forced. The tones are bold, yes, but they’re also nuanced—like they’re breathing life into the photo rather than overpowering it. I can shoot portraits, landscapes, or just random moments, and the colors always carry the mood I’m looking for. It’s as close to magic as film can get.
Low Light? No Problem.
Let’s talk versatility. With its ISO 800 rating, this film handles just about any lighting situation you throw at it. Low light? Twilight? A neon-lit street corner at night? Lomography 800 eats it up and still gives you detail, clarity, and all those rich tones. But here’s what’s really impressive: it also holds its own in bright sunlight. You get a wide exposure latitude, so highlights don’t blow out, and shadows still keep texture. I’ve never had to worry about “perfect light” with this film. I just shoot, and it delivers.
That Beautiful, Timeless Grain
I love grain. It’s one of the things that makes film so special. And Lomography 800’s grain is perfect. It’s there—just enough to give the shot character without overwhelming the image. It adds texture, mood, and a certain timelessness that digital can’t touch. If you’re like me and love that authentic, slightly nostalgic look in your work, this film nails it every time.
Easy for Everyone (But Still Exciting)
Another thing I love about Lomography 800? It’s super forgiving, which makes it great for everyone—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been shooting film for years. If you’re new to film photography, the high ISO gives you some breathing room in tough lighting situations. And if you’re a pro looking to experiment, it’s flexible enough to let you push, pull, and play around creatively. Plus, it’s available in 35mm and medium format, so you can get even more detail and depth if you’re shooting on a larger negative.
Lomography 800: Available in 35mm and Medium Format
Lomography 800 is available in both 35mm and medium format, expanding its creative potential. In medium format, the larger negatives amplify the film’s stunning detail, enhancing both texture and color rendition. This makes it a fantastic choice for photographers specializing in portraits or landscapes who want to showcase the depth and richness of their work. No matter which format you choose, Lomography 800 delivers results that are consistent, vibrant, and full of life.
Why It’s My Favorite Film Stock
At the end of the day, Lomography 800 feels like a film stock that understands me as a photographer. It gives me the bold, rich colors I love, the adaptability I need, and the grain that keeps my images feeling real. It’s consistent, reliable, and makes every shot feel like it has a little extra soul. I’ve used it for everything—portraits, road trips, street photography, and quiet moments that just needed to be captured. And every single time, it’s delivered.
If you haven’t tried Lomography 800 yet, do yourself a favor and load a roll. Let it surprise you. Let it remind you why you love shooting film in the first place.
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