In.2007 the Lomographische AG in
Vienna
launched the Diana F+ in the original 120 format, followed by
35mm
and 110 versions. The medium-format Diana F+ is has become a
system camera, with interchangeable lenses, flashes, and film backs. It
has two formats, the original 16 frame 42x42mm, and a
12-frames-per-film 52x52mm. Features such as a tripod socket
and a shutter lock were added.
The Diana F+ has a built-in pinhole, so if you want just a Pinhole
camera, the F+ would do. The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator, launched in
2009, is more a fun camera, made for experiments in (colour) film. You
have a choice of one ordinary pinhole, 2 pinholes or 3 pinholes. There
are colour filters for the 2 and 3 pinhole settings.
Its main features are:
1, 2 or 3 Pinholes, 29mm (ultra wide equivalent), ~ F128
Shutter B
Size 125x92x53, Weight 132 gr.
Frame mask, 42x42mm, shutter stays open and has to be pushed back, colour filters
The set: Camera, colour filters, stickers, instructions and a calculator for exposure times.
Camera
front. Ultra wide angle viewer window, shutter lever. Single pinhole.
2 pinholes.
3 pinholes.
Camera
back. Finder. Red window with 2 settings.
Camera top. Flash socket, film advance knob.
Camera bottom. Tripod socket and back cover release. On the "lens": pinhole setting.
If you twist the cover anti-clock wise, it comes off.
You can insert a colour filter. It only makes sense for the 2 and 3
pinhole setting. The filters have "ears" and have to be oriented. There
are different ones for the 2 and the 3 pinhole setting.
The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator isn't a reasonable camera, not even a
good pinhole camera. For good quality pinhole pictures you need an
ultra.precise hole in an ultra-thin foil. The Diana has just a piece of
plastic and the holes aren't precise. So pictures are a bit blurry, but
most Lomographers love that. It's a good start into pinhole pictures
anyway.
Putting a film is easy, for more information refer to the Diana f+ page
in case of. For 16 smaller exposures you have to insert the 42mm frame
mask and move the red window to 16 exposures. As pinholes have very
long exposure times, the camera needs a stable tripod. The shutter
stays open when pressed and the lever has to be moved back at the end
of the exposure time. Advance the film to the next exposure.
The multi-pinholes are very near to each other, so you don't get
separate pictures, you get a second and/or third "ghost" picture
overlay and more blur. With colour film and colour filters you can get
nice effects and experimental photos.
Some
gereral words about Lomography and their service: There is a 2-year
warranty, at least in Europe. My personal experience with their service
is very good. As most of their cameras are made of (cheap) plastic,
there is no repair, they just exchange your defective camera. You have
to send it in to their Vienna office at your expenses, which is not cheap
if you are not based in Austria, but they try to compensate by adding
film or so to the return. You absolutely need a proof of purchase,
there was heavy abuse by fraudulent customers they told me. So if you
buy second hand or your camera is gift, be sure to put your hands on
the proof of purchase. After the 2-years warranty period it's over.
They will try to help for the expensive not-so-plastic cameras like the
LC series, but for the rest there is no repair. Keep this in mind for
the prices you pay for older gear.
There are thousands of discussions across the forums worldwide about the
Diana. Read some of them if you are interested. I
love playing
wth the multiple possibilities of the system. For me it's fun. I don't
think about measuring, I guess and I try. So for me this Diana is a nice find.
