Diana
image by Rolf F. (Image rights) |
The Diana camera is a so-called "toy camera" that originated in the 1960s, produced by the Great Wall Plastic Co. in Hong Kong[1]. Production continued through the 1970s but ceased sometime thereafter.
The camera was produced under many names for different markets; some photographers may use the term "Diana" generically to mean any of the related Hong Kong models. Some were sold as premiums or promotional items (there is a Readers Digest version, for example). Most Dianas use 120 film but some versions of the camera take 620 film.
The lens is a simple plastic meniscus, giving noticeable corner blur, vignetting, and pincushion distortion in the resulting photographs. Light leaks are a possibility due to the flimsy back latch design; many users put black tape over the seams to make the cameras light-tight. Most Diana types expose a 4cm x 4cm image (less than the full height of the film), so a 120 roll will give you 16 frames. Focusing is done by twisting the lens to 3 zones, 4-6ft, 6-12ft, or 12ft to infinity. There are several variations in top-plate and lens-barrel style; some have fake light-meter windows and a few have flash sync.
The classic Diana type shows " NO. 151 MADE IN HONG KONG" on the lever releasing the back. A variant using different plastic molds has an "hourglass" shaped panel behind the lens, and this version typically has a slightly wider lens coverage.
Along with the Holga (whose lens covers a wider view), the dreamlike optical qualities of the Diana became sought after by self-proclaimed "Lo-Fi" photographers. But Diana & clone cameras had rather brittle and flimsy construction; and their supply was finite. Thus eBay auctions for original models would sometimes reach improbable prices. Finally in 2007, Lomography issued a nostalgic replica of the Diana, called the Diana Plus. This was followed by a replica of the flash-capable Diana F, called the Diana F+.
Alphabetical List of Diana Types (Clones)
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Notes
- ↑ At least one Diana-type camera has been observed with the name "Artlite Industrial Company" on its packaging.
Image by Christopher Benson on Flickr.
Links
- Diana User manual from Butkus Orphan Cameras
- Diana F+ Clones from Lomography.com
- The Diana page by Allan Dietrich, with many Diana name variations
- Picture of the Banner Deluxe (Diana clone)
- dianacamera.com Site with photos, tips and How-to videos.
- Diana and clones at www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
Stellar by Jeff Rawdon (Image rights) |
Windsor by Kenneth Dwain Harrelson (Image rights) |
Harrow by Dave Dunne (Image rights) | ||||
Reader's Digest By Hartacnut (Image rights) |
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Arrow by Jeff Rawdon (Image rights) |
Mark L by Boxy Brown's Bling (Image rights) | ||||
Zip Instant Load by Boxy Brown's Bling (Image rights) |
Lomography Diana+ by Dave Dunne (Image rights) |
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