Cesar Cordone's First Impressions of the Lomo LC-A Minitar-1 Lens

Last time we spoke with NYC-based photographer Cesar Cordone he shared with us his longterm project which examines nightlife from a observational perspective.

We knew Cesar's fast-paced, documentary style photography would be perfect for utilizing our super compact Lomo LC-A Minitar-1 2.8/32 Art Lens. So with his Leica in hand, Cesar set out to capture the vibrant streets of NYC.

Hi Cesar, welcome back to Lomography Magazine! What have you been up to since we last spoke?

It's a pleasure to be back! Since the last time we've spoken I've been working on my Senior Thesis for my BFA in Photo and while doing so I've been able to incorporate the Lomo LC-A Mintar lens into my project.

What was your first impression of the Lomo LC-A Minitar Lens?

At first I didn't like it. I'm so used to pulling and pushing to focus on a lens and keeping it dialed in was a weird adjustment at first. But over time it grew on me and I was able to shoot without being distracted by a focus tab.

What did you decide to shoot with the lens?

At first I tried shooting the lens with flash which would be the easiest method for me to use but I found myself shooting both during the day and night with the lens. I normally just carry my camera with me so during the daytime I usually find myself shooting on the streets.

Do you have a favorite shot with the Lomo LC-A Minitar Lens?

I guess my favorite shot with the Lomo LC-A Minitar lens would be the man with his hand leaning on the pole as he's looking over his shoulder. I love how the reflective light from the sun bounced directly onto him while everything that surrounded him stayed in the shadows.

What do you like most about the lens?

The focal length and how small it is! The pancake lens paired with the 32 mm focal length really impressed me for how it held up while shooting around the city.

While testing it, I shot with the lens both before and after the weather dipped. I found it to be lightweight and never intrusive.

Wearing my gear around my neck never bothered me and the Minitar lens with my Leica body were easily able to fit in my coat pocket, so I appreciated that it was a match for me.

Same thing goes for the focal length, I find myself alternating between a 28 mm and 35 mm lens in my work and with the Lomo LC-A Minitar lens being a 32 mm f2.8, I found it to be the best of both worlds.

Do you have any tips or tricks for shooting with the lens?

Treat your camera as if it's a point-and-shoot. But also make sure that your lens is clean before shooting. I personally don't put the lens covers over my lenses because I always find myself in moments where I need to just pick up my camera and shoot. That being said dust can easily get on the lens.

Who would you recommend this lens to?

For what the lens is, being a 32 mm, you normally see either a 28 mm or 35 mm being recommended for wide shots. But one thing that really makes the two focal lengths different is that the tendencies you have with the 28 mm and 35 mm are completely different. Its either you shoot very close with the 28 mm or you're a bit distant with the 35 (again depending on how you shoot).

The 32 mm focal length gave me the best of both worlds and you're able to shoot it in both ways which I found really useful. I would highly recommend the lens for anyone and everyone!

If you could take the Lomo LC-A Minitar Lens to shoot anywhere in the world, where would it be?

My family is originally from Paraguay which is in the heart of South America. I plan on doing a long term project there after I finish my BFA, so I would definitely shoot the Lomo LC-A Minitar Lens in Paraguay.

Do you have any upcoming projects or shoots that you can share?

I mentioned earlier that I'm currently working on my senior thesis which will be followed by a gallery showing sometime towards the end of the 2024 Spring semester. My proposal is creating these juxtaposing Diptychs and that is all I'm willing to say. If you would like to keep up please follow me on Instagram.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you again to the Lomo Family for another opportunity, very grateful and much love.

If you're interested in keeping up with Cesar and his work, make sure to check out his Instagram and website.

written by eloffreno on 2024-01-04 #gear #people #wide-angle #lc-a #street-photography #lomo-lc-a #lens-test #first-impressions