Lomography Konstruktor F - 35mm Film Camera

I loved the idea of a build it yourself camera and the Konstruktor didn't disappoint – it was a lot of fun to build and neither too easy nor too difficult in this regard. You can take some fairly good photos with it as well, but you have to account for its limitations. For example: because of its shutter speed, you really need to be mindful and keep the camera steady to get clear photos. I've also found the mechanism to advance the film sometimes malfunctions (or perhaps it's an issue with the shutter/spring system), but if you're willing to put up with niggles like this, it's a fun camera. Not so good for serious photography, perhaps, but if you're just looking to mess around a bit I can recommend this camera.

I was given the earlier version of the Lomography Konstruktor some years ago as a present. The only difference between this model is that mine doesn't have the flash connection. Otherwise it's identical. I am no mechanical engineer but I managed to put the kit together in about three and a half hours. What you get, for a mere £30, is a simple but functional 35mm SLR with a waist level viewfinder. The 50mm lens is plastic and quite sharp at the centre, not so good at the edges. It works great with B&W film and seems to add a bit of a vintage tint to colour films. There is a close-up adaptor available. Focusing is via the waist level finder which is helped my a little magnifying glass. The waist level finder gives a different perspective compared to a conventional eyepiece. You tend to take photos with the camera at chest height. The aperture and shutter speed are fixed with no way of altering them apart from there being a "b" setting for long exposures. A serious camera it perhaps is not, but it's fun and you can take good photos with it.

Was a great little project that kept me busy for a few hours.

Thoroughly enjoyed putting this camera together. Easily spent a few lockdown hours assembling and decorating the camera. It works very well but be delicate with winding the film forward. I have used 3 rolls so far and just waiting to get them developed.

I’m taking my first steps back into film photography. I don’t really know what I’m doing but I sat down with this over two hours and felt very proud of myself. It’s taught me well about how cameras work and it’s really fun to use! Still waiting to get the film developed but great kit!!