The Lomography Gallery Store

They have great cameras for all levels of photography. The customer service can be better though!

I’ve never been to a camera store quite like this. Very original and friendly people. Def worth stopping by if you are in the area.

I wandered in here due to my friend’s photography habit. The staff can answer most questions you have, which really helped since I’m pretty clueless. I would develop photos here again. Reasonably priced and well done. We also bought a few cameras here. The location in Tokyo let us know there was more upstairs — uh, that would’ve helped to know WeHo. Love their selection of cameras but they also sell film, photo albums and even totes, as I recall.

When I first read the Unilocal reviews before actually going in this store, I was very put-​off by the whole «overpriced» sentiment of the reviewers. However, I still wanted to check it out because I LOVE film photography and I miss the days when people actually put effort in the actual shot without having to Photoshop the photo to death!
Yes, it is pricey – but it’s a great place to gather ideas and be inspired. You can get some of the toy cameras for much cheaper at Freestyle Photo, but at least here you can pick up the display models and get a feel for them. (A big plus for any hardcore photographer to check the goods.)
They have Blue Hours – which is like a happy-​hour for photo geeks where you can rent the toy cameras for $ 15 (not sure if it’s an hourly rate or not, but it’s pretty cool). You gotta love those vintage Lomo cameras from the Soviet Union! I really want the Russia Day 2012 one, but it’s kinda pricey at $ 389 :(
I wish there was a Lomography Gallery in Long Beach; how do I petition for one? You will make all us Strong Beach photographers happy!

As a filmmaker, I love to take photos, and I’ve been interested in lomography ever since I’ve seen those lovely Holga and Diana+ cameras lined up in front of Urban Outfitters. Some may consider the surreal effects to be the result of a poorly-​constructed plastic camera that can be replicated with Photoshop and even smart phone apps. However, I like the idea of handling a roll of 35 mm film, especially in this digital age. Unfortunately, while they are cheaper than other cameras, it is not something I can afford at the moment, but when I received an invite from the Lomography Gallery Store in West Hollywood to their Go Wild Party, I knew it was the perfect opportunity for me to meet some Lomo owners and find out more about these cameras.
When I first entered, I was amazed and also slightly intimidated by the size of the store. Being used to the small display in Urban Outfitters, it’s quite a sight to see a store dedicating two floors strictly to lomography. Walls are decorated with a colorful collage of lomo photos. The latest designs of Holga cameras are displayed in front of the cashier, stylized in leopard and snake skin imagery, hence the theme of the night, «Go Wild.» While the leopard skin Holga is still made out of plastic, I was impressed by the simulated leathery feel of the snake skin Holga.
On the bottom floor, free pizza, fruits, and tropical cocktails were served, although tips were gladly appreciated. A DJ performed from the top floor. To reaffirm the jungle theme, we were all given foam animal masks to wear and pose for lomo photos, which you can find on their website. Even though a majority of the attendees have worked with lomography for awhile, new learners like myself were welcomed, and they even gave me tips on how to start. Furthermore, the employees shared their own personal experiences working with these cameras, and I could tell they enjoy working at the store.
The Go Wild Party at the Lomography Gallery Store was intended to promote the new jungle theme Holgas, but it was definitely a good way to meet other people who’ve worked with those cameras if you’re interested in delving into lomography. Finally, if money is a concern for you like it is for me, the store also hosts events where you can rent their cameras for as little as $ 12!

I love Lomography… and it’s interesting to say our relationship really hit it off once I purchased a groupon for this store. Just like that — I purchased my one and only Diana F+ camera and without a clue to what I was doing, I began my journey.
When it comes down to it, lomography is no penny pinching hobby, provided that there are some reoccurring costs when it comes to purchasing, processing and printing your shots, but in the long run, it is so much fun.
Last week I attended a 2 hour lomography class about the Diana specifically and learned so much. Lucy was the teacher and she taught us some really helpful information for the first hour. After she showed us her work, our 20-​some group hit the streets of Santa Monica and shot with a roll of film. Real fun and super discounted if you have your own camera and if you’re a student.
The great thing about these workshops is they provide a camera for you to shoot with if you do not have one yet. Almost everyone in the store is pretty well knowledge with how lomo works too, so it’s always great to share and receive information from these friendly folks. Plus, Hole in the Wall burger joint is right next door, and utterly delicious.

a GREAT store in the West Hollywood area!
for those of you that are ‘Lomographers’ and not Photographers, this place is really awesome.
They have a great selection of their products, and a great staff that knows their way around them. I was in here recently, purchased my Lomokino and tons of film and I can’t get enough of visiting the store when I can.
They REALLY need to make this store available in Silverlake. It’d be incredibly awesome!
They do photo development here as well, but it can be a little costly!

Visited my first Lomography store after recently getting into shooting with toy cameras. I also had a Groupon to spend and plenty of items that I wanted. I ended up with a Diana Mini and some Tungston and Color Slide film
A bit about Lomography is that it is more than just a store. It is an Austrian corporation that has revived and reproduced toy cameras. It has spawned to become an artistic community both online and offline that seeks to preserve and proliferate analog photography. The stores are worldwide and they serve as a place where analog photography lovers can meet and of course buy Lomography stuff.
I enjoyed my experience while visiting, the girl that worked there was really friendly, a UCLA art student and genuinely into selling the product that she even stated she believes in. I can relate because having been reintroduced to shooting on film, I fell in love again with the art and science of photography. A love that the digital camera had killed for me. I have yet to participate in any of the Lomography store gatherings or workshops, but will in the future. In a dying world of analog photography, I am glad that Lomography serves as a place to have people fall in love again with film.
Lomography is not a photography supply store like Freestyle, where you are better off for supplies, film, and professional cameras, unless you want a Holga. But it is a great place to purchase a toy camera or other specialty cameras such as the Sprocket Rocket or Russian reproduction and find a photography community.
All in all if you are interested in vintage toy camera reproductions and a photography community then the Lomography store is definitely worth a visit. My only complaint is their film development is expensive. Just don’t mind the hipsters.

I came into this store looking to buy some film for my friend’s camera but I walked out with a whole bunch more than just film.
The layout of the store is really cool, with all of the inventory in stock downstairs, and a nice lounge/​display area upstairs.
I didn’t know where to start.
That’s when a handsome and helpful young man came out to greet us and answer all of our questions.
He started off by showing us the different types of cameras in stock, ranging from wide angles, 35mm’s, super samplers, and so on. He also answered any questions we had with specific detail and was never too bothered by any of our questions to skimp on anything.
After going back and forth for a while, he suggested that we check out the Dianna F+ and the La Sardina cameras.
He explained all of the features and benefits of both cameras, and it seemed as though he could write a novel with his wealth of knowledge on both of these cameras.
We were sold on both of these cameras and ended up getting them right on the spot.
If that wasn’t enough, he even suggested some really cool slide film that has turned out exceptionally well.
With cameras in hand, we were both very satisfied with our experience at the Lomography Gallery Store LA.
If you’re in the area and need some help with analogue cameras, you definitely need to stop by, and make sure you ask for Noe to make sure that you are treated properly and are well taken care of.

This store was a big letdown.
They have a huge mural/​mosaic on the wall that I guess was supposed to look cool? If you look carefully they reuse the pictures over and over. You’d think that they were unique photos, but they’re not.

This is a really cool store for photography freaks and addicts. Had I continued following photography after I minored in it in college, I would really be obsessed with this place. Instead, I went with design so I marvel instead at the look of this place. All sorts of vintage cameras and equipment and an extremely knowledgeable staff. They also do photo seminars and open houses on a regular basis. Definitely a place for the photo geek.

I Love this store! I need to stop buying things from them! I can’t help myself, I love the product and the staff is always nice and helpful. Go have a look around, the store and products they carry are fun!
Over time I have purchased the super sampler, Lomo LC-​A, Krab, Splitzer, Color Flash, Wide Angle Lens, extension shutter release cable, a fun bag, films and presents for friends. Very pleased with everything I have purchased.

I’m a fan of the Spinner 360 and Diana… So I always look online at Lomography something about it just catches my eyes and brings me back to the old days when we use to use film and had printed photos… Not just pictures I look at once in a blue moon on my computer…
So I was driving around in L.A. And just so happened to see this store and had to pull over right away… I didn’t know there was a store that existed… Boy I was so mesmerized with all the plastic camera I had to purchase the spinner…
This place is amazing and the workers are very nice. I had a few question and the lady that helped me out was very educated in lomo. Come check out the store you’ll love the creative photos…

This isn’t a hard core camera store like your Samy’s. It’s something else entirely. What is that? FUN.
Their toy cameras embrace good times and the mystery of film. The staff is chill and knowledgeable. I have not used them for processing– it’s way too pricey and worst of all S L O W (they send it out).
They’re a solid 4 stars but their great workshops are worth an extra star (at least). Workshops are fun and cheap ($ 10).

I like this store a lot! I’ve spent way too much money here! The customer service people are mostly wonderful.
But their newsletter asked people to give positive reviews on Unilocal for a discount. That’s dishonest and super tacky.
PS Thanks to the shop manager for the snarky comments!

lets be real, this place is modernly beautiful. homage to analog, kind of commercializing (again) the eloquence of just pointing and shooting a film camera. point now, focus later.
anywho. after all the great visuals and toys to look and interact with the staff are extremely friendly, although failed with their service.
I was spoken to like a toddler (maybe cause so many people dont use these cameras?), which is fine, but the staff spoke to me using words like «automatical» and «all these can interchange with a snap”(which isnt entirely true)? I thought the two staff were kidding, but afraid not. avoiding the sales pitch, i meandered to the front counter to drop off film (1 color & 1 BW).
at $ 15 a roll you get it developed and scanned to CD
for $ 2 more you get them printed,
THE STAFF FAILED TO TELL ME THIS
(STRIKE 1)
when i picked up the film, they said sorry, we should have told you, without any means of resolving this scenario of incompetence.
(STRIKE 2)
such a bummer though, this place is cool. but for me cool doesnt cut it when the prices arent there, the service isnt there, and staff that should apply more common ground before sales protocol.

I’m a fan of film, and a proud film hold out. The Lomography store is a place where those who place themselves in this category can feel at home and free from the societal pressure to «make the switch!!» to digital. Here are my observations:
1. Seems to be a bit of a Mecca for those who are in love with those little plastic cameras, as evidenced by the diverse addresses in the «Sign up for our Newsletter!» book by the cash register. Since the book was full and you can sign up online, this seems to be more of a way to leave your mark at the Lomo holy land, akin to the wall outside Abby Road studios in London
2. They DO NOT develop film in store, they send it out. You can have them develop your film, but it will not be done so in store. The price for one roll of 120 film, negatives and proof sheet only was about $ 17, so there are cheaper places.
3. A good selection of new Lomos and some interesting used vintage cameras. They also had some beautiful Medium Format Rollies.
4. There are great Lomo events from time to time, so if you are at all interested, sign up for their newsletter.

Great place.
Super nice staff.
Cool stuff.
Love their workshops. Check it out if you’re in the area.

If you are not a fan of analog, well then the Lomography store isn’t really going to be your thing. (But hey, try something new!)
If you are familiar with the name Lomography, well then what can I tell you? Huge selection, no shipping charges, and instant gratification!
The staff is willing to help with missing parts, strange questions, etc. and they respond to emails very quickly.
They do develop film at the store. It is more expensive than your general drug store developing, but much cheaper than The Icon. Much less elitist too.
If anything this store is a candy store and a wonder for the eyes. Even if you have all of your Lomography needs already fulfilled, I still recommend visiting the store for kicks.

This was an amazing little opening for a store. Check pictures
If you ever queried why everything must become digital and not fall into a Ludite Stupor. Then stop by this Gallery/​Store/​Photo shop… Follow their army of 35 and 120 film takers around the world at
…
What was stellar was the selection of their NON-​digital cameras. From ones that were ready for underwater to 180′ degree cameras with rotating lenses. Prices range from $ 40 to $ 350 depending on the features of the camera.
And a wide range of accessories to match with flashes and color strobes.
This ain’t no Sammy’s though. This is all their own brand of plastic shelled cameras. Don’t be looking for a SLR Mount for that old Nikon it tain’t here buddy.
But hey, they even had a «Warhol Camera» that had multi-​lenses like a spider eyes. Kinda like a dolls eyes. Lifeless to capture Life. And to give you that Andy Warhol signature look…
The Opening Party. That me (Mister Blinky) and the Oracle of Open Bars attended was full of WeHo crawlers… Not a lot of real photobugs per se. But I could be wrong… But so few had Lumo cameras that I am just guessing the free cake and free booze was the lamp lite that these cute little liquor moths were attracted to. DJ music from my friends at Tiki Oasis set the mood. Why can’t more parties play quirky Lounge? (Listening Air Condition?)
Bit digression.
The Upstairs has a nice selection of avant garde photo books no real competition to Hennessey + Ingalls in Hollywood. But if you want that quirky little photo book cum essay of bright colored snap shot books this is the place…
**Remember to stop by they posted up and coming Workshops, which for the space they took over begs for it to be really used as a community space especially upstairs with their 70s vinyl beige couches. (It used to be a pawn shop) Near the Corner of Laurel and Santa Monica
I wasn’t drinking. ahem. But the easy way to handle the cameras and despite being fairly simple, each one had a raison d’etre. It was yellow for a reason, it had clear plastic for a reason. It had four lenses, it had nine lenses all had a reason. And each glass table had a plastic place holder to remind you where it came from. Which emphasized the need to collect rather than capture which was a bit overwhelming…
In Fact, the Store appeared to have over 300 of these NON-​digital cameras. I asked one of the lovely store «associates» and we discussed bucking the trend. I loved using ilford B&W in the day and run through 1 hour color photo processing. The Blacks were this amazing dark velvet blues. That was years ago.
And this darling said that now most B&W can be color processed. And I thought hmmm, RiteAid or CVS has a drop off and will kick me a CD too.
Is Mr. Blinky going Analog? Time will tell, if they focus on the shutter-​bug community and the collectible nature of it all. I say yes. But you will have to wait for processing film there, their machine isn’t there yet…
Let’s just say I felt cheap and dirty using my digital canon in this quirky fun shop of real film takers…