Written by Angela Izzo
Thanks for having me! I started using the Lomography Sprocket Rocket camera back in 2018—it was a gift from Lomography after being a longtime LomoAmigo.
It was actually my first time shooting with this model, so I had to watch a YouTube tutorial just to figure out how to load and shoot with it!
Find the Lomography Sprocket Rocket on Amazon or at B&H Photo.
An Overview of the Lomography Sprocket Rocket
In 2010, Lomography introduced the Sprocket Rocket—a 35mm film camera with a wide panoramic twist. The roots of this camera go all the way back to the 1930s, drawing inspiration from the vintage Falcon Miniature.
One of my favorite features is the exposed sprockets along the edges of each frame. They give every shot a distinctive look that makes shooting with this camera special.
The camera itself is super lightweight with a built-in lens, making it easy to grab and go. Once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty much a point-and-shoot dream, with just a handful of exposure options to keep things simple.
There’s even a tripod mount if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at longer exposures.
You can easily find this camera on the Lomography website for under $100.
Using the Sprocket Rocket
Using this camera is pretty simple. The viewfinder gives you an ultra-wide perspective, which makes it perfect for landscapes and architecture.
But when it comes to portraits, framing takes a bit more care—since the film exposes the sprockets along the edges, you’ll want to make sure your subject’s head doesn’t accidentally end up in one of them. Keep in mind that the viewfinder sits slightly higher than the actual lens, so you’ll need to adjust your composition accordingly.
You can get really creative taking portraits with the camera if you want to shoot vertical and with multiple exposures.
One thing I’ve learned the hard way: double-check the switch near the lens. It can sometimes slip into “bulb” mode without you noticing, which can easily lead to overexposed shots if you’re not careful.
Since the camera uses multiple frames at once, you’ll need to pull the film out extra far when loading it. And don’t forget to securely snap the back into place to avoid any light leaks.
This camera doesn’t use batteries and doesn’t come with a flash, so it’s truly a grab-and-go setup—perfect for spontaneous shooting wherever you are.
Features and Settings
In terms of features, it’s intentionally simple. There are no in-depth manual settings or fancy depth-of-field controls.
You’ve got two focus options—“flower” for close-ups and “mountain” for landscapes—and two exposure modes: “N” for normal and “B” for bulb.
The fixed focal length is 30mm, and since it uses three frames per shot, your standard 36-exposure roll will only give you about 13 panoramic images.
Multiple Exposures and Overlapping Compositions
One of my favorite things about the Sprocket Rocket is its unlimited potential for multiple exposures—you can layer as many shots as you like!
The more you experiment, the more creative your results become. Over time, I’ve gotten so comfortable with it that I’ve been able to create some truly magical images that feel like little moments of serendipity.
Another fun feature is the knobs to wind the film move both forward and backward, giving you even more room to play.
You can shoot an entire roll, then rewind it and shoot over it again to create overlapping compositions full of surprise. I’ve even taken it a step further—rewinding a roll almost completely, then loading it into a different camera just to see what kind of wild, layered effects I can capture.
It’s that kind of unpredictability that makes this camera such a joy to shoot with.
A Few Notes to Keep in Mind
Photographers should keep in mind that the Sprocket Rocket is a plastic camera, so a little extra care goes a long way.
Most of the non-traditional cameras I shoot with are plastic, and over time, they can wear out or need replacing. Knobs can break or pop off, and the lens is prone to scratches if it’s not stored properly—so think of it like a precious toy: playful, but delicate.
One last tip—scanning is everything. To preserve the camera’s signature look with the exposed sprockets, make sure you scan your film with an extended frame.
Lomography makes a special mount for this, or if you’re like me, you can get creative and come up with your own DIY scanning setup to capture the full image exactly how you shot it.
My Favorite Way to Use the Sprocket Rocket
I absolutely love using the Lomography Sprocket Rocket camera when I travel—especially for capturing wide landscapes, architecture, and adding movement with double exposures.
It’s been with me around the world, and I’m constantly inspired by the unique results it produces.
For me, it really shines in daylight. That’s when I get the most out of it, especially with the right film stock. But if you’re someone who enjoys shooting with flash or experimenting with long exposures at night, there’s plenty of creative potential there too—I’d love to see what others come up with!
Final Thoughts
The Sprocket Rocket a surprisingly versatile little camera, especially if you’re going for that extra-wide, edgy aesthetic. I love incorporating it into both my fashion and portrait work—it brings an artistic twist to otherwise traditional compositions.
All in all, it’s one of those cameras I find myself reaching for again and again. It’s a staple in my kit.
Thank you so much, Angela! Angela is a regular contributor here at Shoot It With Film, and be sure to check out her other articles here.
You can also check out more of her work her website, Instagram, and YouTube.
Leave your questions about Lomography Sprocket Rocket below in the comments, and you can pick one up for yourself on Amazon or at B&H Photo.
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