Lomography Belair X 6–12 (Part Three)

Results and Samples

I’ve got a few sample shots to share from the Lomo Belair with the standard-issue plastic lenses. This follows on the previous posts: part one which was an introduction to the camera, and part two which was an in-depth hands on with the camera. I hope to soon receive the new “Russian glass” for the Belair, which should deliver a different style of photograph than the “lo-fi” plastic lens look.

Samples below were shot on ISO 400 film, with the Belair light meter set to 400. Both rolls were C41 process — Portra 400 NC (which is colour portrait film) and Ilford XP2 400 (which is a chromogenic black and white film designed for processing in colour chemistry.)

Belair 58mm (plastic) shot at f/8. At f/8 you can see the 58mm’s worst habits: corner softness and persistent lens decentering that softens the left 1/8 of the frame.

Belair 58mm (plastic) shot at f/16. Pretty good result. I suspect a combination of subject matter that hides the worst flaws and possibly the 58mm performing better at closer focus settings than at further focus settings.

Belair 58mm (plastic) shot at f/8.

Belair 58mm (plastic) shot at f/16.

Belair 90mm (plastic) shot at f/16. Note the huge amount of flare; this was simply from overcast skies, not direct sunlight.

The Belair at its best (at least until the Russian lenses arrive.) 90mm (plastic) shot at f/16, shielded from glare in open shade.