Lomography Oktomat Review: the 8-eyed art machine

Where I come from, we call that RUBBISH!

LOMOGRAPHY CUSTOMER SERVICE

Obviously there must have been a mistake in the production, so I sent the camera back to Lomography for a quick and hassle-free replacement. One roll went through OK, and I was just getting used to it, when my new Oktomat developed the same fault.

My subsequent messages to Lomography were sadly ignored, and now that the machine is out of warranty, Lomography dont’ have it in stock anymore. That’s a surprise!

HOW TO MODIFY YOUR OKTOMAT

I really wanted to make this thing work, so here’s a few tips on how to do that.

You need:

• a small phillips screwdriver
• a flat screwdriver
• an unexposed 35mm film
• a changing bag or darkroom
• some black masking tape (or similar – you’ll see why)

Here’s what you do:

1. Open the back of the camera.
2. Hold onto the bottom bit of the rewinding clamp
3. On top of the Oktomat, lift the film rewinding crank to reveal a small screw. Unscrew it.
4. Remove both the crank and the clamp. We do this to make sure there’s nothing holding your film back from transportation, even the slightest resistance
5. Now tape up the resulting hole where the rewind crank used to be. We need to make sure no light comes thorugh. Masking tape will do, but so would a chewing gum… be inventive!
6. Put your Oktomat in a changing bag, together with your favourite brand of film and a flat screwdriver.
7. Obviously, close the changing bag. The next step needs to be carried out in the complete darkness.
8. Carefully pry open the film canister and remove the spool with film. Make sure it doesn’t unwind.
9. Pop the spool into the Oktomat, and make sure the film winds into the wind up spool. It’s like loading your Oktomat with your eyes closed. You know what you’re doing!
10. Close the Oktomat (obviously) and start shooting.

When you’ve finished the roll, give the entire thing to your lab and explain the situation. Ask them not to panick, and reiterate NOT TO OPEN THE OKOTMAT outside a darkroom.

LET’S SEE SOME PICTURES

Some come out really cool, but most of them are out takes (if you’re lucky enough to ever see results from this thing).

I find that the lenses aren’t wide enough, so it’s VERY hit and miss to create an image that’s cohesive enough. The Supersampler is much better at that, and much better built too.

You can see more of my Oktomat Journeys on Flickr.

VERDICT

Well it was a nice idea, and a lovely present from Julia 😉

But if you’re after one and think it’s a great art machine, spare yourself the disappointment and get a Supersampler instead. Or a Golden Half.

The red brick Oktomat isn’t worth the effort.