Lomography’s Sprocket Rocket analog panorama camera has been available since 2011, and remains a popular choice for 35mm photographers. The unconventional camera is now available in two fresh new colors, blue and red, giving shooters some stylish new options.
Officially called “Bittersweet” and “Baja Blue,” the new $79 cameras join the original black camera in Lomography’s lineup. They also join numerous other “Experimental” analog cameras, like the LomoApparat 21mm wide-angle camera, the Fisheye No. 2 35mm camera, and Diana Multi-Pinhole Operator, among other quirky film cameras.
The Sprocket Rocket, new and old colors alike, records 1:3 aspect ratio panoramic images to typical 35mm film. On a single roll of film, the camera can shoot 18 panoramas.
“The iconic Sprocket Rocket first blasted off in 2011 as the world’s first panoramic wide-angle 35mm camera dedicated to sprockets… this unconventional camera has inspired analog astronauts to shoot for the stars,” says Lomography. “Now, with its boundless charm and unwavering ability to spark the imagination, it’s time to aim for the moon once more. We’re launching two new colorful editions that will take photographers beginner and advanced to the next frontier. The Sprocket Rocket Bittersweet and Baja Blue are ready for take-off!”
If sprocket holes aren’t a photographer’s cup of tea, the camera ships with an optional sprocket cover frame to mask the film’s perforations and capture panoramic images with a smoother silhouette.
The “sprockets” that give the camera its name are the perforations on film, also known as perfs and sprocket holes. The Sprocket Rocket fully embraces these holes, incorporating them into the final 1:3 panoramic photograph.
The camera includes a built-in 30mm f/10.8 lens, which can be stopped down to f/16. The camera shoots at 1/100s and includes a bulb exposure mode (although does not have cable release functionality). It includes a hot shoe and a tripod mount and doesn’t require any batteries.
The film gear is manual and can be put into reverse to allow multiple exposures.
“The Sprocket Rocket’s special scrolling knobs allow memories to be merged and melded at will for exciting photographic compositions,” explains Lomography.
Sample Images
Pricing and Availability
The Sprocket Rocket is available now in Bittersweet and Baja Blue colorways for $79. The original black version is also in stock and is currently on sale for $67.15. Complete details and purchasing information is available on Lomography’s online shop. The Sprocket Rocket is compatible with all 35mm format film, including Lomography’s diverse range of 35mm film.
Image credits: Lomography