Lomography Color ’92 Film (110 Format)

Back in 1992, my world revolved around two things: pimples and Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power album. Little did I know that the same year, a few random people would start a film company that, decades later, would regularly drain my wallet.

Yay for the ’90s

Color ’92 film is both a 30th-anniversary celebration of Lomography as a brand and a throwback to the 1990s aesthetic. According to Lomography, this film offers a “burst of retro charm and classic analog character,” and I’d say that’s a pretty accurate description. As a certified ’90s kid, I can’t help but feel a bit of pride—my generation is finally getting its moment in the spotlight.

This was my first time shooting with Color ’92. To test the film I picked up 5 cartridges of 110 to shoot in my Pentax Auto110. Four of those cartridges were shot at the box speed (400) but one was accidentally rated at ISO 100. I realized after finishing the roll that I forgot to modify the ISO tab on the side of the cartridge.

It’s worth mentioning that while most pocket cameras will rate your 110 cartridges close to ISO 100, some cameras like the Pentax Auto 110 can shoot at both low and high speeds. But you’ll need to modify the cartridge to have the camera rate the film for ISO 400. Here’s a video going through the steps.

Example Images

These shots were taken at a recent family trip out to the Delaware Shore. On any vacation, we always try to play some mini golf, check out a few places to hike, and since we’re by the ocean- of course, we also hit the beach.

Describing the Color 92’s “look”

I’ve read that the tones in Color ’92 are supposed to have more of a warmer feel, but some of the images I shot tend to be a bit on the cooler side with an emphasis on blue hues. This could be due to how the scans were white-balanced, and the weather conditions, but regardless of the difference in tones the “retro charm” as Lomography puts it, is definitely there.

Since we’re talking about the film’s aesthetics, let’s touch on the not-so-elephant in the room. The GRAIN. There’s only one way to spell this, with all caps. G-R-A-I-N. It’s right there. It’s in your face. It’s kinda great. The only times the grain seemed a bit much was with the underexposed images, but that’s on the camera’s metering and not the film.

I’ve only shot color ’92 in 110, so I can’t speak to how it compares to its larger 35mm or 120 siblings. But my guess is that it would be much of the same tones with just a bit less grain.

Capitol Building- (Joiner image made up of 8 individual 110 photos)

I think it’s really cool how after 30 years, Lomography is still chugging along and releasing new films for us. They’ve also built a great community for all of us quirky analog types. And as far as I know, they’re the main reason for the continued availability of 110 film. Sadly, every other manufacturer has abandoned the format.

So, Lomography- here’s to another 30 years. Cheers!

Handmade prints and experimental films:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnalogImages

Amazon Affiliate Links:

Lomography Color Tiger 110 Film (3 Pack)
Lomography Color Tiger 110 Film (1 Pack)
Lomography Orca Black and White 110 Film (1 Pack)
Lomography Lobster Redscale 110 Film (1 Pack)
Lomography Digitaliza 110 Scanning Mask

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