Smooth Operator... The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator
written by ouroborosx
on June 11th, 2009
, 19 comments
(8 votes)
I remember seeing an early prototype of the Diana Multi Pinhole Operator a few months ago when visiting Vienna, and naturally I was intrigued. Well, let’s be honest… as a total Lomography geek for the past 6 years, I was salivating and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, ok? When I finally got to try this new smooth operator out a few weeks ago, I was not disappointed. Seriously, this is the most fun and exciting pinhole camera I’ve ever shot with. First off, it’s a great stand alone pinhole camera. But this would hardly be enough reason to get one because you can of course shoot pinholes with your regular old Diana+ camera. So Lomography has taken it to the next level with 2 and 3 pinholes, each shooting an image out of phase with the others, which with the addition of the multi-colored filters creates effects that can only be described as psychedelic. All you have to do is look at the amazing results to see that this camera is no ordinary pinhole machine… this is camera psychedelic! This is truly an analogue trip of epic proportions!
Shooting with it is a snap. You can change filters in seconds, adjust pinhole settings like you would aperture on the Diana+, and it’s a simple one lever shutter that opens smooth and efficiently. Shooting square images allows you to use any surface for a stable shot, even sideways, and the wide body allows for holding the camera still between fence posts, railings, or any other opening big enough for your tiny pinhole to squeeze through.
I shot with several different films at different speeds, and the camera was very generous with exposure times. Using dark filters allows for a much longer exposure. And the light filters, shot with 400 speed film, only required 2-3 second exposures in the sun. The camera comes with a nice exposure guide, but I would feel comfortable stretching those times out for real prolonged pinhole effects, because you’re not likely to really burn out your frame with 1 or 2 seconds of extra exposure because of the diffusion with the filters.
All in all, I can’t recall ever having more fun shooting with a pinhole camera. The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator is a must have for anyone who wants to experiment with pinhole effects, loves bright bold colors, and gets excited by endless possibilities of creative Lomography.
I can’t wait to try it out next with the 35mm back and Instant back! Too much fun!
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