Lomography Sprocket Rocket Relaunch Adds New Colors
Lomography has relaunched its Sprocket Rocket panoramic film camera with two new color variants. The $69 camera uses the full width of 35mm film, including the sprocket holes, to create 3:1 aspect ratio images.
Lomography has refreshed its Sprocket Rocket panoramic film camera with two new color options. The camera, which costs $69, is designed to use every millimeter of a 35mm film roll, capturing images that include the iconic sprocket hole borders.
The new models are named Starlight and Ultra Violet. They feature metallic silver and deep purple finishes, respectively. The price remains unchanged from the original version launched in 2011.
How the Camera Works
The Sprocket Rocket is a fully mechanical, battery-free camera. It shoots panoramic photos with a 3:1 aspect ratio on standard 35mm film. This format uses the film's full width, from one set of sprocket holes to the other. A standard full-frame 35mm sensor, by comparison, has a 3:2 aspect ratio and uses only the area between the sprocket holes. The camera yields 18 exposures per roll, rather than the typical 36.
Its 30mm lens offers two aperture settings: f/10.8 and f/16. Shutter speeds can be set to 1/100 of a second or to bulb mode for long exposures. A hot shoe is included for attaching an external flash.
The Sprocket Aesthetic
The camera's defining feature is its use of the film's sprocket holes as part of the image area. While any 35mm film camera can retain the film rebate if requested during scanning, the Sprocket Rocket is built to photograph through those borders. The sprocket holes run directly through the picture, creating a distinctive look that contrasts with digitally added film borders trending on social media.
An optional frame insert is available for photographers who prefer a clean border without the sprockets for certain shots. The manual film advance also includes a reverse function, allowing for intentional double exposures by rewinding and re-shooting over the same section of film.
Specifications and Price
The report lists the camera's key specifications and its price in several currencies.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Film Format | 35mm panoramic |
| Exposures per Roll | 18 |
| Lens | 30mm |
| Apertures | f/10.8, f/16 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/100, Bulb |
| Power | Fully mechanical (no batteries) |
| Price (USD) | $69 |
| Price (GBP) | £45 |
| Price (AUD) | AU$69 |
| Price (CAD) | CA$69 |
Lomography originally introduced the Sprocket Rocket as the first wide-angle 35mm camera designed specifically to incorporate the sprocket holes into the image. The relaunch focuses on new cosmetic options while retaining the original camera's mechanical design and photographic capabilities.
