Yaotomi Camera Store in Osaka Revisits 120 Format With the Diana F+
4 10When it comes to film photography, the spotlight is usually on 35 mm film. But of course there are other film formats to experience, including 120 film!
Often a bigger format means bigger gear, and that's probably why a lot of people associate medium format with "professional photography". But needless to say, Lomography 120 cameras are compact! If you have shot 120 film before, you will know that its image quality is unlike 35 mm, with a shallow-depth-of-field and great detail. 120 film also allows you to shoot different aspect ratios depending on the camera.
With its popularity waning, we knew medium format was in trouble, so last year we decided to reduce our 120 film prices. We also started a new project, asking selected members of our Lomography Partners to take photos using our iconic Diana F+ 120 camera. For the first edition in Japan, we have enlisted staff members Mr. Kawatake and Ms. Wakabayashi of Yaotomi in Osaka.
Hello and welcome to Lomography Magazine! Please introduce yourselves and your store to our readers.
Kawatake: I'm the manager of Takatsuki station store. The store is close to Takatsuki station and we offer a wide variety of services including photo printing and ID photos.
Wakabayashi: I am a staff member at the Osaka central store. We have a wide variety of film. If you like photography please follow my Instagram too!
How was your overall experience shooting with the Diana F+? How did it compare to the experience of shooting other more conventional medium format cameras?
Kawatake: Usually medium format cameras are big and heavy, but this Diana F+ was lighter than I expected. Since I had used a Diana camera a long time ago, it gave me a nostalgic feeling. I had to pay extra attention not to get any camera shakes as the shutter speed is 1/60 second.
Wakabayashi: I chose bright scenes to get as much sunlight as I can. The camera itself is quite light, and I saw some people saying, "what is that camera?" on the street as it's a cute camera.
Which film stocks did you decide to shoot and why?
Kawatake: I tried LomoChrome Metropolis this time. The low saturation colors this film renders is quite different from other color films, so it was a refreshing experience. Contrast wasn't too high, and the colors turned out just the way I like.
Wakabayashi: I created retro-vibe photos incorporating the Diana's vignetting with LomoChrome Purple and Color '92. I chose these films based on the concept of playful photos.
What's your favourite feature of the Diana F+?
Wakabayashi: The multi-exposure function, for sure.
Kawatake: Next time I would like to try the bulb mode with a tripod.
What advice would you give to first-time Diana F+ users?
Kawatake: You can experience having fun with the zone focus. This camera is not for fast shooters, but when you nail the focus you can see the full potential of 120 format. A little advice here – when you put the Diana F+ in your bag, make sure to wrap it with a cloth or something to avoid the shutter accidentally firing.
Wakabayashi: This camera is a good choice for artistic expressions, so make sure to ulitlize wide-open aperture, vignetting, multiple-exposure, and lens flare. Keep in mind this camera needs sunlight to get good pictures!
What do you like about medium format?
Kawatake: That I can work with shallow-depth-of-field. Medium format also allows me to really focus on the expereince of shooting film.
Wakabayashi: I'm a 35 mm shooter, but 6×6 ration is a wonderful choice for portrait.
What are your hopes for the future of 120 film?
Kawatake: I wish more people would realize how much fun you can get with this big format.
Wakabayashi: Easy-to-use cameras and film would be great.
Thank you, Yaotomi, for participating in this fun project with the Diana F+. Please make sure to check out their Twitter, Instagram and website.
written by kota_97 on 2024-04-14 #gear #places #partners #medium-format #120-film #diana-f #partners #lomochrome-purple #lomochrome-metropolis #lomochrome-color-92 #saving120film
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