Topic: Using the Diana Mini with 35mm film

[Diane Peterson]

I am actually liking this little camera..especially like that it can shoot square over 35 mm film..means I can get it developed anywhere I happen to be..and I like the results..this from a road trip to Montana to hear cowboy poet Ian Tyson..well worth the 12 hour drive (one way)..and it just so happened there was a big fair in town so got to shoot a few rolls with this little camera..Kinda light and feels "delicate" but I tend to be careful with my cameras so as long as I don't forget and through it in the bottom of my bag I will prolly be okay!

[Phil Bebbington]

These are lovely, Diane. The colour is great, as is Montana!

[Francois]

I know the Mini is a very underrated camera...
Besides, it's as cute as puppies

[Mojave]

I might have to consider this camera. These are awesome and I totally dig the square format. Didnt know you could get that from a 35mm. I mean, I didnt realize the mini's did that.

[Francois]

Yep. They do that and half frame.
The half frame framing is extra sensitive to the way you align the camera (I use the lens barrel as a guide).
Also, if you have big hands, you might have problems with the controls (like when I tried with mittens)...
Other than that, it's a fine camera (though it's on the fragile side).

[Mojave]

Thank you Francois! How are they fragile?

[Francois]

Thank you Francois! How are they fragile?

Well, I have the feeling the winding mechanism is a bit "loose". Feels very plasticky and probably easy to over torque. That's probably it's only real weakness...

But the back closure feels as secure as can be (much better than a Holga). The shutter is snappy

[Mojave]

Thank you so much Francois! I totally get it. I might have to take my chances on that, and besides, Im pretty good with super glue. 

[sapata]

I am actually liking this little camera..especially like that it can shoot square over 35 mm film..means I can get it developed anywhere I happen to be..and I like the results..this from a road trip to Montana to hear cowboy poet Ian Tyson..well worth the 12 hour drive (one way)..and it just so happened there was a big fair in town so got to shoot a few rolls with this little camera..Kinda light and feels "delicate" but I tend to be careful with my cameras so as long as I don't forget and through it in the bottom of my bag I will prolly be okay!

Diane... these pictures are really great ! How did you get them so well scanned ? Normally you get to see lots of grain (more noise actually) on 35mm  but yours looks like 120 neg. First picture is brilliant !

[Diane Peterson]

Sapata..thank you!...just scanned them in my epson scanner..and I use the vuescan software..it always seems to do a good job and I have been using it for 10 years!(not at home right now so don't remember which scanner I used but it was an epson) just dumb luck I guess..I was really happy with the results..I hope the next roll I shoot turns out as well..maybe I will take this camera to Ecuador..though worry about breaking it when stuffed in my backpack..:<)