After cutting off lots of heads and feet (in my photos!) when using the 35mm Back+ on my Diana, I finally came up with a simple way to get great shots -- even if you forget that you're shooting a different format!
The Diana 35mm Back+ is a great investment for the Diana F+ as it makes your camera more cost effective — and means that you don’t have to go through so many rolls of film! I received one for my birthday in June and I really love it, especially the sprocket hole option. The only downside is the adjustments that need to be made to the framing of the photo.
These are necessary because 35mm is a different format than the usual 120 film, so not all of what you see through the viewfinder will end up in your photo. Of course, I always forget to keep the subject to the middle of the frame, and have had many disastrous photos where I forgot to adjust!
To avoid this, I came up with a very simple solution:
Step One:
Use electrical tape to cover the top and bottom of the viewfinder. Masking tape or duct tape works just as effectively. I covered approximately 6mm on each side and this seemed to work well.
Now, what you see through the viewfinder is what you will get on your film. It’s very easy to remove and replace if you are switching between formats.
Step two:
Get shooting, it’s as simple as that!
While most of my shots are now lined up correctly — thanks to the fact that I no longer have to trust my rubbish memory — there are a few which are only saved by the fact that I had the sprockets developed!
To counter this I would lower the top piece of tape slightly. Overall though, this has definitely added to my enjoyment of the 35mm back, and I was able to take so many photos on my recent holiday. I love the freedom of 36 exposures per roll!
Finally, this is a good step to take even if you yourself have no trouble remembering to adjust your framing. This way, if you lend your camera to a friend, or ask someone else to take a photo, you don’t have to try and explain format ratios to them before they click the shutter!
Enjoy!
You can finally use 35mm film with your Diana F+ camera with the Diana+ 35mm Back! This unique accessory allows you to shoot ALL types of 35mm film, and you can have four different image formats, including panoramas and sprockets! Get your own Diana+ 35mm Back now.
17 comments
boylescaleb
reminator
very nice!
-niek-
raejk14
Thanks guys! :) @boylescaleb I buy the development from the Lomography online shop, and choose the Sprocket hole option :)
raejk14
Thanks guys! :) @boylescaleb I buy the development from the Lomography online shop, and choose the Sprocket hole option :)
boylescaleb
castiana
great !
marcustegtmeier
This is a great tip!
ram
Great! I´ll try!
benedan
Great tips!
sudhashunmu
amazing tip and pictures........dual treat
megzeazez
Thanks for the tips!
dropsintheriver
really good tip! I was disappointed with my first 35mm diana roll as I forgot about the square viewfinder but I'll make sure I do this next time!
kotek911
do you have a tip for making DIY masking when using 35mm film so it could take 36 exposure..?
now, my diana F+ just using standard 16 exposure (120mm format) and when i combined it with 35mm film i only get 28 panorama exposure..
thanks for this tip anyway! :)
juampis
brooks
Absolutely great & useful tipster! :)
miniatuurmensje
Very useful, thank you! I had the same problem with my first roll.