My First Date with the Diana F+: @akabee

Getting your hands on a camera for the first time is similar to going on a date. There's awkwardness involved, and you have to go out and spend some time and effort to get to know each other better. Soon you'll learn its quirks and what it likes in different situations until you reach a more easygoing rapport. By then, shooting some wonderful memories will become second nature to you. This rings true with the Diana F+ -- the iconic plastic beauty famed for its low-fi vintage looks. Not all Diana F+ cameras are alike: some produce vignettes more prominently than the others, while others will allow light to leak into your frame. This medium format camera will test you and charm you at the same time, but it will always reward you greatly with mesmerizing, soft photos that resemble scenes from a dream.

In honor of the Diana F+ camera's 10 year anniversary, lomographer @akabee shares the story of his first date with the Diana F+.

Name: Kosuke Mizuno
LomoHome: @akabee

Tell us about your first encounter with the Diana F+.

I met the Diana F+ in 2007. That is when I participated in the World Congress. At that time I got the London LWC edition of Diana F+ and I remember that I was very glad I got that camera.

We found some of your Diana F+ memories and would like to know the stories behind the photos:

This is a picture taken at Shuri Castle when I went to Okinawa. It was taken with multiple exposure -- the appearance that a lot of tourists taking pictures. Then, I could take a strange photo like a ghost is sightseeing.

I took this picture of my partner (@orangebird) in the street. I always feel that when we shoot the streets with Diana F+, it changes to a strange space.

When I go for a walk with Diana +, I feel happy. And I am always looking forward to the moment I encounter happy events.

Describe the Diana F+ in 3 words:

Story: When I see pictures taken with the Diana F+, I feel a story.
Such as aroma and breathing, landscapes and time...
I think it is wonderful to be able to recognize them from photographs.

Surprise: When I take a picture with the Diana F+, there is always discovery and surprise.
It often betrays the image inside me.(It is a good meaning.)
By that, I am always amazed.

Fun: When I go out with Diana F+, I always get a little excited.
Because I can see the world through the lens of the Diana F+.
I have a lot of fun with it.

Any advice that you'd like to share with future Diana F+ darlings?

If there's one advice I can give you, it would be to enjoy the story and surprise of Diana F+. I think many people would want to enjoy the Lomo life with the Diana.

Lomography’s leading lady has been at the forefront of the analogue world for ten tremendous years, and now the Diana F+ is back with a brand new anniversary look. Inspired by classic 1960s American diners, our darling new Diana F+ 10 Years of Diana Edition promises to rock your socks off with its matte red and pastel blue design, complete with a rockin’ retro gold lens! Pick up your favorite new analogue companion at the Online Shop, or a Gallery Store near you!

2017-10-28 #people #diana #diana-f #10yearsdianaf #adecadeofdiana #darlingdiana