Lomography Metropolis 2019 [35]

For some reason, my favorite color film is not even a normal color film. Yes, yes, I love Ektar, and Pro Image is good, but they behave like what good film should look like. Lomography decided to come out with experimental films, the Purple (which I dislike), the Turquoise (waiting for them to ship in 2022) and finally, the Metropolis. In some sense, these three are probably just a stand in for the three major colors (red/blue/green), and Lomography might be using these test results to create the ultimate “normal” color film to compete with the likes of Ektar. However, I fell in love with the muted tones and the rendering by Metropolis. It doesn’t feel old; it feels… faded, like how film feels to us these days. When you reach back into the happy part of your brain, and there it is, a good memory. Not overly bright or saturated, a more calm and soothing image.

My favorite use case for the Metropolis is actually in the shade or when I’m in the city, where it is slightly shaded/cloudy. With that said, they are very versatile and worked well in bright daylight shooting landscapes.

 

Doesn’t this feel like a distant memory, a calm shot in a good summer day?

 

Who would have thought a muted, de-saturated film is still able to bring out yellows and greens. I love this shot. Maybe don’t use it during peak flower bloom?

 

This shot shows the lack of blue and red could work. I usually love saturated colors, but these pictures make me feel. Love them so much.

 

I think they named it Metropolis because it was intended to be shot in the city, which I don’t really do. (I like to shoot green trees instead) But they do work well, because the muted red and blue means all other color get to shine!

 

 

I like to explain Metropolis as more like a monochrome film, a slight up from black and white. There are still some colors, but these colors are barely around to help tell a story on the subject. At least in my opinion, Metropolis is my clutch in shooting subject based picture, since I’m not very good at BW film.

 

Last picture, Metropolis can work in indoors lightning, but there are no greens. Without the greens, the colors can look a little yucky, but I think it is a OK price to pay for otherwise such a unique film.

 

Overall, love love love the Metropolis. Lomography decided to update their Metropolis formula at the end of 2021, with more red/blue saturation. I have a feeling 2019 Metropolis didn’t sell well, as most people dislike the de-saturated look. If you dig this look, you can still find plenty at major camera outlets (the box will have a big “2019 formula” logo). Otherwise, check out the 2022 version. I’ll be a little sad this is discontinued, but I still have a few rolls in my stash.

Then, it will really be a distance memory.

 

 

 

 

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Lomography F2120MPOLIS Overview

LomoChrome Metropolis 100-400 from Lomography is a unique color negative film with a cine-style grain structure. This creative film provides a cross-processed look with desaturated colors and muted tones, making it a fun choice for street photography and portraiture. The film offers an extended 100-400 ISO range for working in a variety of lighting conditions, and can be developed at home or in a lab with the universal C-41 process.