It's a hobby that takes bucks to pick on

Lomo cameras are generally cheaper than digital cameras. For example, a Diana Mini and flash set, which allows to shoot square format or half-framed pictures, is priced at less than HK$900. But the classic models from Lomography, sometimes are more expensive than basic digital cameras, if you want to get all the accessories to create every possible effect.

Koko Pang, a post-80s generation office clerk who takes advanced photography courses, started to use lomo cameras only two months ago but has already bought nine different models. "The LC-A cost me HK$2,000, and I also spent a few thousand on a wide angle lens and a tunnel vision lens," says Pang. These lenses each have a special visual effect on the pictures.

She uses Instant Bank for LC-A, which is an instant film developing gadget that allows you to get the picture in only one minute. "I need to buy films specifically made for the Instant Bank, HK$50 for 10 units," Pang says. "Every unit is worth HK$5, so I always think before I press the button."

Her photography course classmate Carman Mak, a marketing executive, has also spent thousands on analogue cameras. "I like it because it's simple and direct. And what's important, you will definitely go through all the pictures when they are developed, unlike the massive amount of pictures you take with digital cameras," says Mak. "Every take is precious and unique. It's a detailed record of life."

Pang says she can produce only 10 successful shots from a roll of film, which contains 40 to 50 frames. But she never feels that her hobby is too luxurious. "It's more difficult than using a digital camera. You spend so much time and energy experimenting on it just to catch the right moment, " she adds. "But when you see the outcome after the waiting, you'll absolutely fall in love with it."

Pang and Mak get together every week for photography trips with a group of lomo lovers. They go to the Lomography gallery store in Po Yan Street in Sheung Wan once in a while to attend workshops and check out the latest products. "We'll keep using it because it's a culture worth maintaining," they say. "We just hope that there will be no price hikes in the future."