I've Jumped Without Looking...
...into the world of toy cameras. This is my new Diana F+. And that's 120 film. As in medium format.
I've been wanting one of these for months, and I finally taken the plunge. It's an early birthday present to myself. I have to admit that I'm overwhelmed...120 film? What? And when they say it's a toy camera, they mean TOY. I've already had a part snap off. I haven't yet figured out yet if it was a part that's SUPPOSED to snap on and off.
I've been "toying" wth the idea of doing a one-roll-a-month kind of a project to keep film and processing costs at bay. I may end up eventually getting the 35mm back because 35mm is so much easier (and cheaper) to get developed and scanned than 120 film.
This may be the one time that I actually read my manual because I seriously have no idea what I'm doing.
Friday, May 22, 2009 at 12:05AM | Permalink | in Diana F+, Photography tagged 120 film, diana f+, medium format, toy camera 
Reader Comments (9)
You got it! I'll bring my 8-frame lomo and we'll see what we get!
i've been wanting one of those for a year or more, too. but the idea of using film...to me is quite a barrier... looking forward to see what you come up with!!
Oh, I have a Holga that I, also, just jumped in one day and bought. Of course, I have yet to develop any film! I'm not even sure where to go for 120 film development these days...??
Funny, I'm not sure if mine is broken, either!
(And I just just just bought my very FIRST digital SLR. I am SO excited!)
I love my old Canon 35mm, although I haven't used it in a few years. It is probably close to 25 years old. It might even have film in it yet. Medium format film intimidates me a bit. More power to you!! =)
I got a Holga for Christmas. I've only shot maybe 5 rolls of film so far, but I've had some happy surprises. I haven't really shot film since high school and had kind of forgot how much I enjoy it. I'm with you on the 120 film though: it does get pretty expensive. Here are some of my Holga photos if you're interested.
how exciting - i got the diana f+ a few months ago (after ogling it for ages), and you are going to love it! i do have a suggestion, though, when you go to shoot 35mm - don't bother buying the special back! it's way overpriced, and the camera is SO easy to modify yourself - i used this video as a guide:
35mm Film In Your Toy Camera
i found some foam that was part of the packaging from a new watch, and it was the perfect size to wedge the film in place. a bit of black electrical tape works to cover the counter window on the back, and you're good to go! you can use this site to get an idea of about how far to advance the film for each shot:
35mm Film Advance Guide for Sprocket Hole Photography
takes a tiny bit of trial and error with that part, but 35mm is so much easier (and cheaper) to develop. you can see some of the resulting photos in this flickr set. good luck, and have FUN! it's a great camera. :)
Hey Sarah! Love the Diana. I have a couple of old toy cameras and love the whole "treasure box" nature of them. The light leaks, distortion, vignetting...you never know what little prize you'll get. I believe the model you picked up has a pinhole setting, no?
You might be interested in learning how to spool that film and process it at home. TONS more satisfying and MUCH less money. It's really super-super-super easy. You don't need a darkroom at all. -Just a bag, spool, tank, and minor amount of chemicals.
I have a Holga and it is very addictive. I've shot some 35mm on it, but I prefer the 120. I prefer the 120 film. it's actually easier for me to use. Good luck with your new camera!
Hi! I also live in Chicago and have a roll of 120, from a holga, to develop and have no idea where? Did you ever find a place in the city that does it?
Thanks,
Ellen