Update: 35mm film in a Diana+ Camera

This is a quick update on how to use 35mm film in a Diana camera. I haven't got all the kinks worked out yet, but this is what I've done so far.

These photos are from the first roll of 35mm film I tried running through my Diana+. I gave up on the eBay 35mm film adapter. In the Holga conversion, they use foam rubber, but that didn't seem practical because of the Diana's physical design. I used a wooden tongue depressor, cut to the height of a 120 film spool. A popsicle stick would also work, but I like the wider tongue depressor, because there's more area to tape to. I think it makes the 35mm cassette more stable. I taped the film to that, to position the cassette in the center of the film path. I didn't use the 16 frame mask.

From the first roll results, the first thing you notice is the red circle in the middle of the frames. I had taped up the open window from the inside of the camera, so I thought I hadn't done a good enough job. Then I realized that I had only taped the open window, not both counter windows. The leakage is from the window that was covered by the plastic counter slider. It isn't light tight, so next run, I'll be taping up both windows.

I had no idea how far to advance the film, but I had read somewhere on flickr, that 2-1/2 turns works for the Diana. That's about twice what you need. The width of each frame is about 11 sprocket holes. 2-1/2 turns is about 21 sprocket holes at the beginning of the roll to about 23 sprocket holes by the end of the roll (it changes as the roll increases on the takeup spool). Next time, I will try 1-1/2 turns. I made a mark with a sharpie pen on the winder knob, so I could tell how far I was turning it. I might have skipped a few details here, but I will write this up fully when I am done. I also will try and figure out how to use 35mm film with the 16 frame mask in the Diana+ and a vintage Diana camera.

Comments

[flashmxfreak]

Thanks for your post, I will try it too at first time.
The mystery is the correct winding for the picture frames. Is 1+1/2 enough?
Or does it to some overlaying?

Thanks Jan

http://www.flickr.com/groups/diana_plus/discuss/72157605756784912/72157606179030165/

[carpano]

Thanks for the update!

[kai]

I've heard complaints that 1-1/2 is too much, so I am guessing it will be enough to keep it from overlapping. I plan on shooting a roll this week and will check it out.

[flashmxfreak]

OK, so I will try 1-1/4 and I see.
I will inform you about result later.
Or maybe you will be faster than me.

[kai]

I found Nicolai Morrisson's excellent post where he has worked out the variable amount of turns to keep the film spacing even on a Holga. It will be identical for the Diana+.

http://photondetector.com/tools_ref/135-advance/

[Cameron]

http://www.theplasticlens.com/blog/?p=31

:-)>

[Cameron]

Oh, btw Kai, don't forget that the photondetector guide IS good, but with the different masking options for the Diana +, depending on what mask you use when shooting, the amount of turns will be different..

[kai]

That is true, the assumption with using the Holga turn guide is that the Diana is set-up for 12 frames, no mask insert.

[photographerthing]

i'm really new to film photography, but very interested in the camera diana+.
i was hoping to buy one, but i am unsure about the film.
since i don't exactly own a darkroom of my own, or have the skills to develop my own film, i was wondering if local stores (costco, walmart, walgreens) developed more then one kind of film?
supposedly, 35mm can be developed anywhere. but what about what diana+ usually takes?: the 120? is that common film to develop too?

sorry i might be asking so much. haha!~
but your site's been very helpful so far, and you seem like a good person to ask.
i hope you'll answer soon (:
i'm starting to save up allowance and stuff for this camera! lol!

[kai]

The Diana+ and Holga cameras use 120 film, which is still common amongst film photographers. Check your local photo supply store and ask them where you can get your film processed. Many local stores, such as your local drugstore or Costco, offer 120 film processing, but send the film out. This service isn't universally offered in all stores, so you would have to ask at your local stores to see if they can get that done for you. If none of that pans out, there are several places that will develop your film via mail.(www.dwaynesphoto.com, for example).

35mm film is very common, and can be processed almost anywhere.

I am planning on posting a how-to for 35mm film soon, as well as a review of the Lomography 35mm film back.

[blue]

hwo many pictures did you end up getting from this film?

[darío]

kai, your page and your post really helps me a lot

i bought my first camera ever, and its a diana +f. i read about the adaptation of a 35mm film in the diana, and ive tried with a b&w film yesterday.

the only doubt that i have its, after i load the 35mm film, with how many turns of the knob i can start to photorgraph?

thanks and greetings from mexico city

[Jess]

Is this for the new Diana or a vintage one? With the new Diana F+, should those windows still be taped up?

[kaiy]

This process will work in most 120 film cameras. I overstated the number of turns needed to advance the film, so look for the Holga 35mm turn chart at photondetector on the Internet.