The Lomography Spinner 360

- by

Your other option is a great new tool by Lomography called the DigitaLiza: it’s a very handy film holder which scans perforations and makes “taping film to glass” a thing of the past. I’ll talk to you about the DigitaLiza in another post in more detail.

Let’s see some Pictures

It’s not as easy to show something with an aspect ratio of 1:6 on a computer monitor. I’m currently looking into something like a Panorama Viewer that lets you hover over a thumbnail image while you’ll see a zoomed-in selection above it.

For this test, I’ve used some Ilford HP5. Many pictures aren’t actually 360 degrees.

[singlepic id=784 w=550 float=none]

[singlepic id=783 w=550 float=none]

[singlepic id=782 w=550 float=none]

[singlepic id=781 w=550 float=none]

Conclusion

Forget predictable results. Forget terms like exposure or framing. Zip the cord and see what happens. The Spinner will show you the world as you’ve never seen it before.

Scanning film with perforations is a difficult task because the automatic colour correction doesn’t work – which explains the look of my pictures. I’m a little bit disappointed with them I have to say. I’ll try this with colour film next and see if I can get better scanning results. Watch this space.

The “idea” of what this camera does is rather amazing though, and if you have the cash spare, treat yourself to something out of this world.

[nggallery id=47]



If you enjoy my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. In return you can browse this whole site without any pesky ads! More details here.

32 thoughts on “The Lomography Spinner 360”

  1. I’m sure it will –

    they usually come with a mask that scans four strips, and on those strips you can select as many pictures as you like. You’ll manage to scan between 20 and 24 “normal” 35mm pictures.

    Reply
  2. I am SO PLEASED you explained on your website what was up with the lens cover. Day after day I sat with the Spinner in one hand and the lens cover in the other hand thinking, there’s got to be a way to make this work. Whew. And it sounds like it’s not worth doing, taking off the lens hood to do that. Just protect the camera in other ways. Good to know though that filters can be used. I got the Fisheye and Spinner as presents and it’s been a lot of fun. As you say, it is about the fun. Happy is in us. Grat blog. Carry on.

    Pam

    Reply
    • Hi Pam,

      glad I could clear that up 😉

      Happy shooting with both the Spinner and the Fisheye – they’re two of my all time favourite cameras. You’ll love your output!

      Reply
  3. I’ve just been given a Lomography 360 spinner/dolphin and have been desperately trying to scan my images onto my computer using an Epson V350.

    I LOVE the spinner! It’s alot of fun to use and the few images which I have managed to scan (at great expense) have come out great!

    But I just can’t afford to take them in to a specialist everytime I need them scanned.

    My V350 automatically segments the film when scanning and I don’t have the programmes needed to manually stitch them back together.

    I love this camera so mych but I’m beginning to think that I can’t afford the cost of scanning my images… 🙁

    Help!!!

    Reply
    • I totally understand that: you’ve got the camera, you’ve got the scanner, why spend more money and be less creative?

      I think the scanner isn’t the issue, it’s probably the software you’re using. I remember my v750 came with Epson Scan, and that always tried to automatically cut my images up into standard sizes. No good for me.

      There is an option to switch auto detection off though, can’t remember where but it’s in the settings somewhere.

      I assume you’re using a DigtaLiza?

      Reply
    • I think the Lomography Lab in London does that (at Spitalfield’s Market). I’ve also heard that Lomography have a mail order processing service, I’d imagine they offer Spinner scanning as well but I’m not sure.

      Good negative scanners start at £99 – it may be a well worth investment, depending how much sprocket shooting and scanning you do.

      Hope this helps 😉

      Reply
  4. Thanks Jay! I talked to someone at Lomography today, and along with giving me local recommendations, she also told me what scanner they use for all their sample images (Epson Perfection V700).

    Reply
  5. Hi!

    I just wanna know if the sprockets always show? Or does it have a detachable frame-thingy like in the Sprocket Rocket? Thanks! 🙂

    Great article by the way! I just bought my very own and I’m pretty excited to use it, a little nervous, too, though.

    Reply
    • Hi Nine,

      thanks – glad you liked the article. The Spinner takes a lot of getting used to, but it can produce some stunning results. It doesn’t come with a frame behind the lens so the sprockets are always exposed (it’s basically just an open slit behind which you pull the film, causing exposure).

      Have fun with your new Spinner 😉

      Reply

Leave a Comment