2014 - the first test of DIANA F+

01.06.2014 - Owczary village. It was my very first test ever ;) of my latest asset - brand new Lomography DIANA F+. I bought it from our local Lomography distributor, because I didn't wanted any 'second hand' machine, You know. Well, the new device is better & safer, and also - it's a good thing to support the company that makes so much for analogue photography world, I think.

I have never ever had any '120' film camera. I had even no contact with this medium. So You can imagine my uncertainty/incertitude: "What, no real counter? No blocking frames every next shot? Setting various light/weather indications while using 100 ISO film and 400/800 ISO film?". Hehe. Yes, that's really strange & new to me – a user of 35mm and '110' films only. :) But I thought it was the highest time to check out the famous 'big' Diana. As well as "collector's imperative" to finally get ALL the models from Diana family. ;) So I have all of them now - Diana F+, Diana Mini and Diana Baby. :)

The first impression of the camera is mutual to all the new users, it would appear: it is SO light! :) Another thing: the film-loading is kind of tricky in comparison to the 35mm film. Every time I load the Diana F+ I'm scared I might do something wrong. (Actually I even dreamt already several times about... LOADING THE DIANA, haahhahahaha. Now THAT'S insane ;) ).
But it isn't as hard as You might think. Today I publish only the first album from the machine, but I made already 3 films with it and once I was loading it while my lomo-walk, outdoors, in not very comfortable conditions - and it appeared I made everything correctly after all.

Anywayz. We were going to Owczary village, near to my city, so I decided it would be a good occasion to make a 'test-flight' of my Diana. The weather wasn't the best (changeable rather) but I think final result isn't very bad, I do hope, although I admit the album isn't maybe anything special. I was using the Lomography Color Negative 400 ISO 120 film, so I suspect - the most standard film for the Diana F+.
Having experiences from other two models, I tried to keep the camera as steady as possible. Also, in every Diana (F+, Mini and Baby) the shutter-trigger works differently, so one has to get used to it. Several test without film wouldn’t do harm. I excluded from here some regular “family photos”, but actually I used the 16-shots mode to have more pictures. However, at some point I plan also to make at least one film in the 12-shots mode to check out if the quality of photos will be noticeably better (probably it will be).

Anyway, if You consider "cheating on Your 35mm camera" ;) ;) ;) then definitely You should consider gettin' the Diana F+. In some time I will be publishing here more '120' albums I made with the device, and meanwhile – You have a look on my "test ride" of Lomography Diana F+.

6 Comments

  1. clickiemcpete
    clickiemcpete ·

    Good test roll. After you get used to this camera you should try the marvelous glass lens also.

  2. kasta72
    kasta72 ·

    So congratulation to enter to the world of medium format! I started with the medium format recently and already i feel addicted to the 6x6 (or 6x12 better :), for me is much more interesting than 35mm .... and the paper rolls with numbers... i understand you feelings :) Loooking forward to your next albums!

  3. charissalou714
    charissalou714 ·

    wow, I hope my first test roll would be the same as yours! I also just bought my Diana F and I am so nervous same with you with the loading of the film to taking photos. So happy to read your story!

  4. yerzmyey
    yerzmyey ·

    Thanks, guys! :)

    @charissalou714 Heh, I'm glad You liked the stuff. ;) Yeah, the loading can be a bit tricky, but it's bearable after all. ;) Good luck!

  5. lilithmoon
    lilithmoon ·

    Great first roll! =D

  6. alienmeatsack
    alienmeatsack ·

    Congrats on the Diana. And welcome to the addictive world of 120 films, larger negatives with more detail, and fewer shots per roll where every shot is a little extra special :D

    Also, def get the glass lens, it is magical. And try some 35mm in that Diana, get the other lenses, or a splitzer, enjoy it!

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