Lomography LomoChrome Purple - Film Review

The Lomography LomoChrome Purple Simple Use Camera functions just like a traditional single use disposable camera, with a fixed exposure designed for daylight, a built-in flash, fixed focus, and a plastic lens. What sets it apart is that it’s technically reloadable. However, reloading this camera can be tricky, and we’ve seen occasional issues both personally and from customers. If you choose to reload it, take your time and follow the steps carefully to avoid misloading or damaging the film.

What really makes this Simple Use camera unique is the film inside: Lomography’s LomoChrome Purple, a color-negative film known for its surreal, purplish tones. LomoChrome Purple is usually a variable ISO 100–400 film, but in this Simple Use camera it is fixed at 400 ISO only, since the exposure settings cannot be changed. LomoChrome Purple is often considered a “faux infrared” film because it shifts greens into pinks and purples, transforming everyday scenes into completely dreamlike images. It’s a great way to creatively reinvent locations or subjects you’ve photographed many times. We especially like it for landscapes, foliage, colorful environments, and moody-lit portraits.

Tip: Like most disposable style cameras, the Simple Use has fixed focus from roughly 4 feet to infinity, with the sweet spot falling between 4–10 feet. For the sharpest results – and to ensure the flash reaches your subject – keep anything you’re photographing within that distance range. The built-in flash is essential for anything outside bright daylight, and Lomo includes flash gels (colored filters) you can place over the flash for extra creative effects.

The LomoChrome Purple Simple Use Camera includes 27 exposures and is widely available online through Lomography retailers. Image quality is similar to most other disposable cameras – simple, soft, and fun – but the film’s color shifts make it feel completely different from standard color stocks.

Why We Recommend It:
Here at The Darkroom, we develop a good amount of LomoChrome Purple – it’s the most commonly used film in Lomography’s experimental color lineup. While Simple Use cameras don’t deliver premium sharpness, this one is all about creativity. It’s ideal when you want to shake up your usual shooting routine, add a surreal twist to familiar scenes, or try something fun without committing to a full roll in an SLR or medium-format camera. The combination of fixed-focus simplicity and LomoChrome Purple’s unique color shifts makes it a great option for travel, outdoor adventures, and creative experiments. If you want a disposable-style camera with a totally different look, this is one of the most fun options around.