Testing LomoChrome 35mm film
During a visit to the film museum in Frankfurt, Germany, I picked up a roll of Lomochrome Purple 35mm film, intrigued by its promise of adding a unique purple tint to my photographs. Throughout January, I tested this film by capturing some portraits on the Canon EOS 500. In this review, I'll share my perspective on the film's performance and the distinctive qualities it brought to my images.
Testing the Lomochrome Purple
The packaging of the Lomochrome Purple film is typical of Lomography – colourful and quirky. Loading it into the Canon EOS 500 was straightforward, and the film advanced smoothly through the camera.
The excitement stemmed more from curiosity than any extravagant expectations, I was eager to see how this experimental film would affect my portrait tests.
The Purple Palette
The most distinctive feature of the Lomochrome Purple film is its purple colour palette. When I reviewed the developed images, it was evident that the film succeeded in casting a purple tint over the scenes.
The effect was unique and added a touch of creativity. The purple hues, while interesting, they might not appeal to everyone's taste but they added a retro feel. In this picture to the right Matt’s jacket was actually fluorescent yellow, the film brought it out in purple.
Dynamic Range and Contrast
One positive aspect of the Lomochrome Purple film is its commendable dynamic range. It handled different tones well, capturing a variety of purples and pinks. The contrast between the purple hues and other colors contributed to a visually interesting outcome, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the portraits.
Shooting with Canon EOS 500
The Canon EOS 500, a reliable and easy-to-use camera, complemented the experimental nature of the Lomochrome Purple film. The autofocus feature ensured quick and precise shots, allowing me to concentrate on composition while the camera took care of technicalities. This combination provided a seamless shooting experience.
Experimentation and Unpredictability
The unpredictability of the Lomochrome Purple film was notable during the testing phase. The film responded differently to various lighting conditions, producing varied results. This element of surprise, while intriguing, might not suit those seeking consistency and control in their photography. The experimental nature of the film adds an element of risk, making it more suitable for photographers open to embracing unexpected outcomes.
Highlighting Portraits with a Purple Aura
Portraits captured with the Lomochrome Purple film did exhibit a unique atmosphere, with subjects enveloped in a purple tint. This added an unconventional charm to the images, especially when capturing expressions and moods. However, the purple aura might not resonate with everyone's aesthetic preferences, and its application may be more niche. I found the film to work best on portraits of people. I tried a few wider shot street photography shots and some football action but they just didn’t come out as i’d have expected.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lomochrome Purple 35mm film offers a distinctive colour palette and dynamic range, making it an interesting choice for experimental photographers. The Canon EOS 500 proved to be a reliable companion, ensuring a straightforward shooting process. However, the film's unpredictable nature and the specific purple tint it imparts make it more suited for those seeking a non-traditional and creatively adventurous approach to photography.
Would I shoot it again?
YES! It was a fun one to test out.
