The Mighty Diana Mini
written by breakphreak
on September 17th, 2009
, 5 comments
(5 votes)
When me and my girlfriend opened the box, one thing was clear: Diana Mini is extremely cute and funny (especially to us that love much the bigger Diana+ ). I’ve managed to load the film and started shooting right away.
First, the film is endless. You can permanently release the shutter time after time and load a new film only at the end of the day. Or tomorrow. Or next week. Especially if you are a multiple-exposure freak (or even PHreakier).
Second, if the bigger Diana+ had been optimized for 400 ISO (or even 160 ISO if the sun is bright enough), its compact nephew works surprisingly well with 100 ISO at the same lightning conditions (and sometimes needs to be switched to the “cloudy” aperture).
Third, the camera still has some learning curve: with half-sized frame the landscape becomes portrait and vice versa (i.e. if you hold it “as is” you will get the portrait frame – longer edge vertical). Also, it takes some (short) time to get used to the frame switching mechanism. The viewfinder feels also a bit smaller.
Fourth, the tradition is inherited and Diana Mini is the only camera (AFAIK) that allows square frame size on 35mm film.
Fifth, no need for a special adapter to attach the cable release: everything is already there, all you need is to screw the cable in and start shooting right away.
To summarize, the Diana Mini is handsome, unique, gentle, well-assembled irresistibly looking camera from an aristocratic family with a good reputation :) It has lots of features to support your own creative research, it is practical, it is compact enough and lightweight to reserve a honorable place in a pocket or on a strap right around you neck :)
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