Diana F+: A Dozen of Possibilities – Part 2: Frame Sizes

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Before you start using your Diana F+ you have to decide which frame size to use! It’s up to you to choose between two different square formats. With negatives in size of 46.5 mm x 46.5 mm you’ll get 12 shots and with the 42 mm x 42 mm frame, you’ll get 16 shots per roll of film. Insert the correct mask before you put the film in. The format can’t be changed while you’re shooting.

The classic shot that the Diana is known for often has vignetted and blurry edges. Those are lost or at least reduced when you choose the smaller format. Another effect is that the shooting angle gets smaller. Using the 75mm standard lens, the angle is about 44° (46.5 mm x 46.5 mm) or 40° (42 mm x 42 mm). Here you can see photos for comparison:

75 mm Standard Lens 46.5 mm x 46.5 mm and 42 mm x 42 mm

In a close distance the effect is a bit smaller:

75 mm Standard Lens 46.5 mm x 46.5 mm and 42 mm x 42 mm

Shots will overlap when you don’t insert the mask. This can result in impressive panoramas:

Pictures from the Diana F+ Microsite

A large number of interchangeable lenses and accessories (sold separately or as a set) can increase the potential of the Diana F+ immeasurably. I have tested those possibilities for you! Keep your eyes open for my following articles in the series and make sure to read Part 1: The Camera.

written by dopa on 2014-07-21 #gear #review #frame #diana-f #size
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One Comment

  1. poglad
    poglad ·

    "The classic shot that the Diana is known for often has vignetted and blurry edges. Those are lost or at least reduced when you choose the smaller format." Well, the classic Diana camera only supported the smaller size. I did some experimenting last weekend with a Diana 151 and a Diana F+, both taking 42mm square images with a 75mm lens, and... congratulations to Lomography, I have to say that the results were virtually identical! So yes, you get more vignetting and more blurry edges if you use the larger size, but you do actually get *exactly* the classic look if you use the smaller size. I was very reassured to discover that the F+ really does honor its heritage!

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