Yameen on Shooting with the Lomo LC-A Minitar Lens

Our LomoAmigo Yameen (a.k.a @filmhowyalike) isn't new to the LC-A family. He's shot on the LC-A+, LC-A 120, and LC-Wide. Now he's back to tell us all about his love for his Lomo LC-A Minitar-1 2.8/32 Art Lens, taking the iconic characteristics of the LC-A family and putting them into his rangefinder camera for Lomographic shots all across the board.

Hi Yameen! Welcome back to Lomography Magazine. What have you been up to since we last spoke?

Thanks for having me back! I have been enjoying some time off and tinkering on a few new book projects. I also recently released a new music video called Dead 2 Me featuring KY from Philly. I can’t wait to share more new work!

How long have you been shooting with the Minitar Lens for?

I’ve been using the Minitar for just a few months now, it’s a fairly new pick-up for me. It’s definitely the shiny new thing in my bag and it has been getting a lot of attention as a result.

What initially made you pick up the lens?

I own the LC-A and I love that camera. When I stumbled upon the Minitar product page on Lomography.com and saw there was an M-mount version of the exact same lens used in the LC-A, it was love at first sight. I love zone focusing on the LC-A, but having a rangefinder-coupled focusing ring on the Minitar is really convenient for me, and makes for more dependable results. It’s also one less camera I need to carry, condensed down into a very small M-mount lens!

What camera do you usually shoot the lens with?

My trusty Hexar RF.

What shooting situations do you find yourself gravitating toward the lens for?

The lens has a really crunchy, lo-fi, unique look. I enjoy applying that to compositions I find to be really ordinary or common for a new “remixed” perspective. I think it lends itself well to the “everyday” or “mundane.” Conversely, I think it’s really cool for portraits as well.

Do you have a favorite photo taken with the lens?

Oh, that’s a tough one. This picture taken outside of a market at night was one of the first photos I captured with the lens so it holds a special place in my "nostalgia zone." I
really love the presence the lens preserved in the photo and it handled the low light really well. The bokeh as well impresses and gives the photograph some beautiful depth.

Do you have any tips or tricks to share on how to use the lens?

Expect the unexpected. At least initially. Once you use the lens enough, I think it’s really easy to understand its character, strengths & weaknesses. It’s a fun lens that is surprisingly versatile. It’s also very small and fits well into a camera bag as a main or companion lens.

Who would you recommend the lens to?

It’s a lens that suits experimental film photography really well. It’s bold and crunchy and contrasty with visual quirks that are consistent, if nothing else. Anyone looking to add character to their film photography should definitely give the Minitar a go, especially if you are a fan of the LC-A.

If you could take the Minitar Lens anywhere in the world with you, where would it be?

I think anywhere in North Africa would look amazing with this lens, especially the markets in Morocco or The Casbah of Algiers. I imagine it would be super real and raw.

If you're interested in keeping up with Yameen and his photography, don't forget to check out his LomoHome, Instagram, Twitter, and website!

written by eloffreno on 2023-01-13 #gear #lc-a #lens #minitar