We received an impressive array of equipment from the folks at Lomographic Society to test and review...almost too much, with The Diana F+ Camera accompanied with additional lens packs and a 35mm film adapter. Christmas came early, but we've been relegated to keeping our behinds stuck in the office chair due to deadlines. So we called in a good friend who lives nearby and who makes his bread and butter snapping photos for Metromix LA as their photo editor, Shane Redsar. After a couple weeks of use, Shane came back with the following impressions of the Lomography Diana+ Camera...
Re(al)view: Lomography Diana+ Camera
Artistic Photography on the Cheap
Shane: "What’s the draw of what first appears to be a toy plastic camera? Besides the insta-retro kitsch value they imbue to any décor, the images they produce are as unique as your fingerprint. The recently re-released Lomo Diana F+ wins out over the tried and true Holga in terms of build quality, upgradeability and just ease of use.
One of the biggest draws for me are the interchangeable lenses. With the ease of an SLR, I could switch from telephoto to wide with a simple twist of the wrist. Also, happy accidents were made to happen on the Diana. Evidence is the roll of film I exposed for a test run. Not only did I accidentally cross process the slide film (I failed to mention it to the developer), but unplanned double exposures became the fav photos of the set.
An accessory I wish was added to the already impressive line up of Diana add-ons would be a travel case to hold the lenses and various backs in an easy to access manner (there is a travel case, but just for the camera body itself). Many times I would sort through the many drawstring bags provided with the various lenses, wondering which lens was which. Maybe Lomo will pop one out for the absolute Diana fanatic. Other than that I can’t find any other fault in this stellar Diana kit. It really has helped me rediscover why I love photography."
The Diana F+ camera and all the dizzying amount of accessories are available at the Lomography Shop, perfect for some holiday shopping for your favourite shutterbug.
[Photos: Shane Redsar of Metromix LA]
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I bought a diana a few weeks ago and I am absolutely in love with it, I need the flash pronto.
view KellyKat's profile
Interesting - the Diana is back! It was actually the first. It is what inspired the Holga. They were given away as cheap throw-away gifts for magazine subscriptions for like Time and such. I have a couple I've used in the past but haven't really been following the toy camera scene lately - this looks like a very nice addition.
view bordjon's profile
i've got the diana w/flash, and a holga CFN, along with a an array of vintage cameras.
I like the diana . The flash is a nice addition. I got it off of craigslist new. The girl didn't know what she was selling, and had the flash model listed at $40, when it sells for $95. She was out of state so i arranged shipping and a price. Couldn't pass up the deal.
So far though i like the way the holga feels in my hand. it's bulky, and sturdy. the diana feels a little fragile. I like the diana flash but not having to carry it with me. with my Holga CFN, although the flash is a little weak, it's right there and i can change colors. My diana also has a pretty good light leak, so the photos didn't come out that awesome, next time i'll tape it up.
The idea of interchangeable lenses is a great idea. I'd like to get them for the diana, but they seem pricey for what they are.
I find it kind of odd lomo sent you guys, a tech blog, an old school film camera. kind of the opposite. Any chance you'll be giving it all away in a holiday give a way. Or heck you could just donate it all to me. I would pass the diana along to my friend that wants one so incredibly bad and i could keep the accessories...
view jmorey's profile