Diana F+ Deluxe Kit Review

Diana F+ Deluxe Kit: A Retro Photography Experience

Following a week of use, I’ve grown quite accustomed to this camera. Despite its construction from plastic, the Diana F+ demonstrates surprising durability. The anxieties often associated with costly digital photography gear seem to dissipate when utilizing this particular model.

I’ve also come to appreciate the camera for what it is – inherently imprecise. Expecting the unexpected is key. Occasionally, a departure from convention is precisely what’s needed, wouldn’t you agree?

Returning to the Roots of Film Photography

Revisiting film cameras evokes a distinctly nostalgic feeling. This camera, generously provided by Lomography, is the Diana F+, and it doesn’t come alone.

We are hosting a giveaway for the Diana F+ Deluxe Kit, a comprehensive package including the Diana F+ camera itself, alongside all its accessories. These include the Diana Flash, a hotshoe adapter, a cable release collar and cable, the Diana 35mm Back+ with four format masks, a viewfinder adapter, a universal viewfinder, a fisheye viewfinder, a Splitzer, and a selection of lenses: a 20mm fisheye, a 38mm super-wide, a 55mm wide-angle, a close-up lens, and a 110mm telephoto lens. It’s a substantial collection of equipment!

The kit is presented in a visually appealing, though weighty, box. It also makes an excellent Christmas gift. For those interested in purchasing a Diana F+ Deluxe Kit directly from the Lomography online store, a 15% discount code – MAKEUSEOFFAN – can be applied during checkout. This code extends to all Lomography products and is valid globally.

Kit Contents and First Impressions

Beyond the aforementioned equipment, the Diana F+ Deluxe Kit includes dedicated carrying cases and individual manuals for each lens. Furthermore, a comprehensive book dedicated entirely to the Diana F+ is included, featuring example photographs and usage guidance. Unboxing this kit is an event in itself.

The camera body is constructed entirely of plastic and is remarkably lightweight. It’s intended as a source of enjoyment – a ‘toy’, if you will. Even the lenses are crafted from plastic, contributing to the unique aesthetic of Lomography cameras.

Compared to contemporary digital photography, using the Diana F+ feels like a journey back in time, to an era where photography was less precise and full of delightful surprises. Achieving accurate focus is uncertain, and exposure is largely an estimation. However, this is all part of the charm of authentic lo-fi photography.

Operation and Features

The Diana F+ is a completely manual camera. If you lack prior experience with film or manual photography, it may initially seem perplexing. However, even I was able to become proficient with it after some time, aided by Lomography’s detailed manuals.

The shutter release mechanism was another aspect of the camera that initially surprised me. It wasn’t located on the top of the camera as expected, but rather disguised as a lever positioned directly before the lens. To capture an image, this lever must be pulled.

The camera defaults to using 120 film, also known as medium format, which produces square-shaped photographs. However, a 35mm back is included, allowing for the use of ‘standard’ film as well. Each roll of 120 film yields between 12 and 16 exposures. Loading the film is straightforward, but subsequent steps remain somewhat mysterious.

Whether the shot was correctly exposed, or if the film was advanced properly, remains unknown until the developed film is returned from the photo studio. This uncertainty, however, adds to the anticipation and makes each photograph feel significant.

Viewfinder and Focus

Unlike modern SLR cameras, the Diana F+'s viewfinder doesn't perfectly represent the image captured by the lens. Framing a photograph, therefore, requires experimentation to achieve the desired composition. Fixed focus options are available – 1-2m, 2-4m, and 4m to infinity. Precise distance judgment is less critical; the goal is to create compelling, even if slightly blurred, images.

After spending a week with the camera, I’ve become quite familiar with its quirks. Despite being made of plastic, it feels surprisingly robust. Many of the concerns associated with expensive digital photography equipment simply don’t apply when using the Diana F+. I’ve learned to embrace its imperfections and anticipate the unexpected results.