Lomography Diana+ Medium Format Camera

I don't know that I like my Diana as much as I like my Holga (I'm not keen on the Diana's design where the film spools are concerned; it has a nasty habit of tearing the film instead of advancing it), but as cheap medium-format cameras go, it's pretty good. The Diana, like most fixed-focus cameras, tends to prefer portrait work. Its primary advantage, other than price, is its appearance: It's a cute, silly little thing that breaks down people's inhibitions and makes even the most camera-shy subjects laugh, which makes it perfect for taking lively, spontaneous environmental portraits. I can think of three or four people I've been dying to photograph who will probably give up and let me shoot a frame or two if I break out my funny little toy camera at the right moment.

Those who are not familiar with the Diana should be aware that this camera should not be used as your "daily driver." It's notorious for vignetting, soft focus, light leaks, and a thousand other flaws that occasionally conspire to make gorgeous, artsy images but usually just waste film and frustrate you. I wouldn't use my Diana to shoot a wedding or a graduation ... but I keep it in the car for those rare moments when a soft, moody, slightly-out-of-focus shot might be appropriate.

One thing Lomography really needs to do to improve this product is to ditch the enclosed book. Nice idea, but the execution leaves something to be desired, and it has the added disadvantage of being printed on glossy paper ... in vibrant process color ... with a hard cover ... which drives up the printing costs (and thus the retail price of the package). Offer the book and the camera separately. That way, if I want to buy two or three more Dianas, I don't have to waste money -- and resources -- on additional copies of a book I'm just going to throw away.

Bottom line: If you're interested in the kitsch factor, buy the Diana. If you just want a cheap medium-format camera to experiment with, buy a Holga and pocket the other $25.

this is a cute fun little camera. i'm still getting used to it. i've been using 35mm film for it, and i had a few bad pictures, but every now end then this camera will take an amazing picture. Lightleaks do happen, so i had to go buy some black electric tape to cover up the red window in the back. it does take some getting used to, but its very easy to use. the only thing is, it's made out of plastic so leaving it in a heated area is a big No-no. and you have to be careful not to drop it.

with all the unpredictability of this plastic camera, it makes some of the most interesting photos. if you like those shots that have light leakages and an overall vignette effect, this camera is for you. i don't have a say with this in comparison to the holga, and i've heard that these newer imitations aren't as great as the true vintage dianas, but for $50 it does the job. buying film and processing it at a professional photography lab is expensive (about $14 to purchase and develop one roll of film), but once you get the hang of the camera, your photos are priceless.

i'd recommend getting the diana+ with flash instead, it's much more handy during the night, unless you like holding down a shot for 5 or more minutes.Lomography Diana F+ Medium Format Camera

I haven't had very good luck with this camera. it was hard to load - I shoot with a medium format camera, so am used to the spooling - but this is particularly hard to load and then the film didn't advance correctly. i'm going to keep trying though, as i love the idea of it. also, i have not been able to get the front off to use as a pinhole. i'm afraid i'm going to break it.

I like doing pinhole photos with this camera. It really needs a cable release tho.