Tuesday
Dec112007
Review: The Diana+ Camera (Diana Plus) - Part 2
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 4:16AM
How well does the Diana+ make photos? Were the people over at Lomography able to capture the same magic as original Diana camera that has captivated photographers from all over the world?
One of the areas of concern with the Diana+, is that it shoots 5.2cm x 5.2cm negs, like the Holga camera, and uses an insert to get the more Diana traditional 4.2cm x 4.2 cm. Will the Diana+ be more like the Holga and less like the original Diana?
For the first roll, an original Diana was used along with the Diana+ shots, so the negatives could be compared for differences.
Here are 2 pairs of negatives from each camera. Both cameras were set to the shutter setting (Not B) and cloudy aperture, with Tri-X pro film. The Diana+ was used without the insert.
The relative size of the objects in each corresponding negative is very similar. When the negatives were overlaid on a light box, the objects were almost identical in size. The Diana+ with the mask produces almost identical sized negatives as an original Diana. The original Diana negative is exposed a bit more, but probably due to a slower shutter. The image itself shows the classic vignetting on the edges. The larger negative area shows more fall-off in the corners, but that is to be expected. If the film mask in an original Diana was filed out, you would see a similar increase in vignetting. There is a sharp sweet spot in the center of the image, and the newspaper headlines can be clearly read.
The next image is that of a TV on the sidewalk. Here, there is no sweet spot, but a overall softness. Some would consider this to be bad, but this is characteristic of a classic Diana lens. As with an original Diana, sharpness is an unpredictable element.
One of the areas of concern with the Diana+, is that it shoots 5.2cm x 5.2cm negs, like the Holga camera, and uses an insert to get the more Diana traditional 4.2cm x 4.2 cm. Will the Diana+ be more like the Holga and less like the original Diana?
For the first roll, an original Diana was used along with the Diana+ shots, so the negatives could be compared for differences.
Here are 2 pairs of negatives from each camera. Both cameras were set to the shutter setting (Not B) and cloudy aperture, with Tri-X pro film. The Diana+ was used without the insert.
The relative size of the objects in each corresponding negative is very similar. When the negatives were overlaid on a light box, the objects were almost identical in size. The Diana+ with the mask produces almost identical sized negatives as an original Diana. The original Diana negative is exposed a bit more, but probably due to a slower shutter. The image itself shows the classic vignetting on the edges. The larger negative area shows more fall-off in the corners, but that is to be expected. If the film mask in an original Diana was filed out, you would see a similar increase in vignetting. There is a sharp sweet spot in the center of the image, and the newspaper headlines can be clearly read.
The next image is that of a TV on the sidewalk. Here, there is no sweet spot, but a overall softness. Some would consider this to be bad, but this is characteristic of a classic Diana lens. As with an original Diana, sharpness is an unpredictable element.
in Article, Camera, Diana camera, Photo
Article, Camera, Diana camera, Photo
Reader Comments (2)
I see the new Diana+ says 75mm. Is the lens longer than the original?
Does the new one focus any closer than the old one?
Thanks!
From what I can see, they have made a match to the original lens. Closer focus? I'll have to check that out. My guess is that it will be pretty close to the original Diana's 2-4 feet setting. If you want to shoot close-ups, try attaching a close up diopter to the front of your Diana. I've seen it done with very good results.