Released in late 09, the Diana Mini camera is the baby sister of the cult classic Diana F+. This little girl has style pouring out of every orrifice and enough features to satisfy even the fussiest of lomographers. But, unlike the classic Diana which uses 120 film, the Mini uses 35mm film. So not only is it small enough to keep in your pocket or around your neck always, a stylish accessory and easy to use, it's also not going to blow the budget. 35mm film can still be picked up pretty much anywhere and you won't struggle to find someone who can develop it.
With a flick of the small switch on the back, you can switch between the classic, retro square frame to the awesome half-frame (an added feature) meaning the amount of shots you can take on one roll is instantly doubled! As Lomo points out, it's almost like you can shoot forever.
Long exposures are also now a possibility with the "B" setting. Push the little switch on the side of the lens to "B" and hold that pretty little shutter open as long as you like. Spin it around to create pretty light streaks. The possibilites really are endless and all you need to do it switch it back to the "N" setting to return to simple shots. The tripod mount and cable release attachment (a Diana first!) just make it that little bit easier. Other options are multiple exposures and overlapping frames. The fun never has to end.
Not only can you choose exposure settings but with the Mini, you can now choose your own focal distance from a choice of four, ranging from far in the distance to right up close.
I've had my little girl for a little under two weeks now and I've only removed it from around my neck to sleep. Even then, it was like tugging heart strings; I could never be without it now. Despite having the half frame option, and it was used, my favourite is still the classic square frame. The above shots are some from my first roll develop.
Before making the plunge and buying her, I'd wanted her since her release was announced and I've trawled the web reading everything about her but my ultimate favourite website was another blog. Diana Mini Love is an amazing blog dedicated solely to the Mini written by London based Elle. It's fun, it's informative and I've spent a good deal of my online time here. I wait patiently for new posts and I'm sure you will too. |
posted by AnalogAlex at 
