Newbie undecided between Diana and Holga

[quoppy]

Which would you guys recommend to a total newbie here?

I am currently leaning towards getting a Diana F+ from Lomography Asia. I like the smaller size and weight of the Diana compared to the Holga. The Diana also has the ability to do pinholes, whereas the Holga needs to be modified.

However, I do believe I will tend to shoot more 35mm film than 120 (and possibly do some sprockets as well). Can 35mm film be used on the Diana as easily as the Holga?

I also foresee using a flash occasionally (and possibly also the Lomo ringflash). I currently have a Nikon SB-600. Can it be used on either the Diana F+ or Holga?

Lastly, what are the costs like? The cameras themselves are roughly the same prices, but I am unsure about related costs. There are some threads floating around with regards to film and processing, but it's somewhat hard to organise it coherently.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[gangeslim]

holga got more accessories eg. polaroid back, 35mm pano adaptor, flash, filters, lens etc
and constantly adding more
tat's a big plus

 

[sumlom]

yeah... i would recommend the holga too...

 

[sloth]

Buy both One at a time so you have time to enjoy them properly. Everybody values different things and sees the world differently (hasn't lomography taught us that? ) so it would be hard to say which one you really come to like over time. Once you get the hang of it you will probably enjoy medium format film too. I started 35mm, and I eventually sold out to not just a Holga, but a proper medium format SLR system as well, that's how much I liked it.

I'll sum up the costs for you. Prices are approximate and may vary.

Medium Format
Slide film: $5.20 to $8
Negative film: $4-$7
B&W film: $4 to $6

35mm
Slide film: $8-$12
Negative film: $4 and up
B&W film: $4 and up, maybe $7-8

Developing Cost (usually same for med fmt and 35mm)
Slide film: around $6, I have seen it go as high as $10
Neg film: As low as $3, can be as high as $5-6
B&W film: I do my own so I have no idea - my 'running cost' of chemicals is 35 cents per run.
Which is not too bad


SB-600 will mount in the hotshoe of the Holga and fire. If it has a manual power control, you should be able to use that as well. Obviously, NO i-TTL support.

I played with a Canon 430EX in my Holga.. it works just fine, although you have to note that it fires TWICE - once when you press the shutter and once when you release. The second firing has no effect, but it is normal. You have to pre-set your power level and you basically have to guess what is a good level to set it at because there is no way of knowing. But that's half the fun. I've even stuck a wireless transmitter in the Holga to check if it works.. it does. Wireless off-camera flash: Now coming to a Holga near you!!

 

[quoppy]

Thanks all for the advice. Will probably see if the Holga can fit into my pocket before deciding. If not there's always those vintage folders...

 

[invisibl3]

holga definitely cannot fit inside your pocket .... its too big... even a holga 135 can't fit in a pocket unless you're talkin bout sidepockets...

 

[machiavellian]

why hide your cameras?
show em off bro! people respect holga yo!

 

[sumlom]

yea hang it on ur neck! so fellow alternative photographers will walk up and say hi!

 

[ndroo]

I love the Diana more than the Holga

 

[quoppy]

Arr. I would prefer to save money and shoot 24x24 on 35mm film. Been checking out some smaller cameras (Tenax, Taxona etc.) that do that as well, now too many choices...

 

[machiavellian]

I love the Diana more than the Holga

which explains why you got 6 dianas!!!

 

[ndroo]

which explains why you got 6 dianas!!!

:embrass: :sweat: :sticktong