How to use a Diana F+ camera

[greenyt]

Hi All,

I'm in serious need for help here, I have this Diana F+ camera with flash that is so under utilize due to user issue as I've been unable to figure out on how to use this camera.

Ok, so I've loaded the film and when I start shooting (very randomly cos I'm not sure if I've loaded it correctly) do I have to wind the films or it will jump to the next frame by itself?

Next I've actually open up the back door (without finishing the film) to check if I've loaded it correctly. Ermm....is the films expose and can't be use anymore?

If i'm required to buy a new roll of film, what should I get for a newbie?

How do I know I'm ready to go for a shoot and what mode should I start off with? Looking at youtube, when shooting at night, it was said to have a longer exposure, how long is long? Is there a gauge or just gut feel?!? I seriously wants to bring this camera out and have fun with it. Hope someone can help!

Thanks all in advance!!

 

[Malicious]

Well since you've open up the back door your film is actually already exposed to light so its pretty much unusable. but the good thing is you can keep it as a test film.
since you're starting out you can use that film to see how your camera works. just play around with it.

I personally don't have a diana F+ but i am using the lca

you have to manually wind your film to the next frame after shooting. without winding you can most probably could do a double exposure for the diana.

To answer your original questions.
Yes you are required to buy a new roll of film. as to what to get its entirely up to you.

you have to make sure to follow the sunny 16 rule, since there is no built in light meter to expose your shots correctly
Sunny 16 rule - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

as for night photography with film, cant advise you there because i haven't tried it yet.


p.s. i am still a beginner so yeah its just my 2 cents worth. i think there would be other CSers that would be able to give you better advice, Lastly cheers ! not alot of people still do shoot film these days

 

[priser]

Hi All,

I'm in serious need for help here, I have this Diana F+ camera with flash that is so under utilize due to user issue as I've been unable to figure out on how to use this camera.

Ok, so I've loaded the film and when I start shooting (very randomly cos I'm not sure if I've loaded it correctly) do I have to wind the films or it will jump to the next frame by itself?

Next I've actually open up the back door (without finishing the film) to check if I've loaded it correctly. Ermm....is the films expose and can't be use anymore?

If i'm required to buy a new roll of film, what should I get for a newbie?

How do I know I'm ready to go for a shoot and what mode should I start off with? Looking at youtube, when shooting at night, it was said to have a longer exposure, how long is long? Is there a gauge or just gut feel?!? I seriously wants to bring this camera out and have fun with it. Hope someone can help!

Thanks all in advance!!

Ok here goes:

1) when u take a photo, you have to wind the camera manually. Spin the right knob at the top of the diana anti clockwise to wind it. However, unlike a normal film cam, it will not stop winding when it reaches the next frame. You will have to look at the red window at the back of the cam for a number. That indicates u are at the next frame.

2) depends on what condition u were in when u opened the back of the cam. If pitch black condition, maybe still can use. If bright sunny condition,u may have to skip a few frames or throw the entire film. Depending in how long it was exposed for.

3) get 120mm or medium format film. Not all shops sell this. U can try ruby at penin or triple d at burlington square.

4) as a noob, shoot when the sun is up. T the bottom of the lens there is 4 'modes'. P= pinhole. Avoid this for now since ur a noob.
Sun= for uber bright conditions.
Sun and cloud=not so bright. Cloud=shady conditions.

Use ur eyes and gauge the condition ard u.

Hope it helps

 

[greenyt]

Dear Both,

Thanks for the insight! Can I ask another question?

When I wind the film, I can see the number indicated but is in the opposite direction?!? Did I insert the film incorrectly or is it suppose to be that way?

 

[priser]

Yes it is suppose to be upside down

 

[ndroo]

Dear Both,

Thanks for the insight! Can I ask another question?

When I wind the film, I can see the number indicated but is in the opposite direction?!? Did I insert the film incorrectly or is it suppose to be that way?

Opposite direct? Is it upside down? If it is ... it is okay. Enjoy!

Here's an online manual ... Diana F+ (without flash) Manual