Difference between revisions of "Diana"
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The classic Diana type shows "<small> NO. 151 MADE IN HONG KONG</small>" 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. | The classic Diana type shows "<small> NO. 151 MADE IN HONG KONG</small>" 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. | ||
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+ | Great Wall also produced the '''Diana-F''' (<small>"No. 162"</small>) for flash photography. It is like the standard model but with two sync contacts on top and it was supplied with an attachable, Diana-like flash. This flash uses AG-1 flashbulbs and was powered by two AA batteries. | ||
+ | |||
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+. | 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+. | ||
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* Arrow (No. W20A) | * Arrow (No. W20A) | ||
* Arrow Flash | * Arrow Flash | ||
+ | * Artlite Industrial Company | ||
* Asiana | * Asiana | ||
* Avis | * Avis | ||
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|image_rights= wp | |image_rights= wp | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | + | {{Flickr_image | |
+ | |image_source= https://www.flickr.com/photos/88614173@N07/51092330297/in/pool-camerawiki/ | ||
+ | |image= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51092330297_f4bcdfa669_m.jpg | ||
+ | |image_align= left | ||
+ | |image_text= Northamerican Champion | ||
+ | |image_by= toycamera gallery | ||
+ | |image_rights= with permission | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Flickr_image | ||
+ | |image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/48991633@N06/52773279401/in/pool-camerawiki/ | ||
+ | |image= http://farm1.staticflickr.com/65535/52773279401_f38e0e3e96_m_d.jpg | ||
+ | |image_align= left | ||
+ | |image_text= Dories with flash and box | ||
+ | |image_by= Tarn McDaddo | ||
+ | |image_rights= with permission | ||
+ | }} | ||
<br clear="all"/> | <br clear="all"/> | ||
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== Links == | == Links == | ||
* [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/diana_camera/diana_camera.htm Diana User manual] from Butkus [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Orphan Cameras] | * [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/diana_camera/diana_camera.htm Diana User manual] from Butkus [http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ Orphan Cameras] | ||
− | * [ | + | * [https://microsites.lomography.com/diana/cameras/ Diana F+ Clones] from [http://Lomography.com Lomography.com] |
− | * [http://www.allandetrich.com/diana.htm The Diana page by Allan Dietrich], with many Diana name variations | + | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080203115306/http://www.allandetrich.com/diana.htm The Diana page by Allan Dietrich] (archived), with many Diana name variations |
* [http://dianacorpusdelicti.blogspot.com/2007/03/banner-deluxe-diana-clone.html Picture of the Banner Deluxe (Diana clone)] | * [http://dianacorpusdelicti.blogspot.com/2007/03/banner-deluxe-diana-clone.html Picture of the Banner Deluxe (Diana clone)] | ||
* [http://www.dianacamera.com/ dianacamera.com] Site with photos, tips and How-to videos. | * [http://www.dianacamera.com/ dianacamera.com] Site with photos, tips and How-to videos. | ||
− | *[http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10747 Diana and clones] at [http://www.collection-appareils.fr www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand | + | *[http://www.collection-appareils.fr/x/html/page_standard.php?id_appareil=10747 Diana and clones] at [http://www.collection-appareils.fr www.collection-appareils.fr] by Sylvain Halgand (in French) |
[[Category: Toy cameras]] | [[Category: Toy cameras]] |
Latest revision as of 22:54, 26 March 2023
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.
Great Wall also produced the Diana-F ("No. 162") for flash photography. It is like the standard model but with two sync contacts on top and it was supplied with an attachable, Diana-like flash. This flash uses AG-1 flashbulbs and was powered by two AA batteries.
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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Faux meter-cell variant by Boxy Brown's Bling (Image rights) |
Sample Diana image with light leaks by Alan Cooper (Image rights) |
Another sample Diana image by Kevin Balluff (Image rights) |
Gallery of Diana-Clones
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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Codeg image by John Warwick (Image rights) |
Northamerican Champion image by toycamera gallery (Image rights) |
Dories with flash and box image by Tarn McDaddo (Image rights) |
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 (archived), 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 (in French)