What film should I use for my Diana or Holga?

Plastic cameras like the Holga or the Lomography Diana+ prefer films with ISO400. The ISO rating refers to the speed of the film.

For 120 cameras, what you need is 120 film, with a rating of ISO 400.

For 35mm cameras, you need 35mm film, with a rating of ISO 400.

There are several films that fit this bill, in Black and White, and Color.

For the 120 cameras, I recommend going with a major manufacturer, like Kodak, Ilford or Fuji, because they all use light colored backing paper with black numbers. This is good because it makes reading the frame number through the red counter window much easier.

BW films:
Kodak - Tri-X, Tri-X Pro 320, T-MAX 400
Ilford - Delta Pro 400, HP-5

Color Films:
Kodak - Portra 400VC, Portra 400NC
Fuji - Fujicolor Pro400H

These aren't special films, so you don't have to buy these films specifically. If you can't find anything on this list, just find something with an ISO rating of 400. You can use ISO 200 if your lighting conditions are bright. If you have a Diana, adjust your exposure the next aperture. If using ISO 200 film, if it is bright outside, use the semi-cloudy aperture setting. If it is semi-cloudy, use the cloudy setting. This is because the ISO 200 film is twice as slow as the ISO 400 film and needs more light to get the proper exposure.

I would suggest that you find a film that is easily available to you, then use it for several rolls. For those of you just starting out using film, be aware that film is a little more difficult than digital photography. It's easy to forget how many mistakes you make with your digital camera, because those mistakes are easily removed with a push of a button. With your Diana or Holga, you will see every mistake you make. Don't stress about it. It's all a part of learning how to use your camera. Be patient, and learn from your mistakes. If you aren't sure what you did wrong, ask. It's the best way to learn.

35mm film is easy to find. Many places with 1-hour labs will stock it. Check your local drugstores. It's less common now, but occasionally, I will find a supermarket that still stocks 35mm film.

You can buy 120 film, as well as 35mm film, from photo supply stores that cater to the professional photographer. If you live in a larger city, this should be no problem. If there aren't any such stores nearby, check online. I'm not sure which country you are in, but in the US, the unboxed rolls from Freestyle Photo Supply are some of the cheapest. It's also cheaper if you by the 5-roll propacks.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/

I also recommend BH Photo Video store.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Crosswalk

Camera: Diana+
Film: Tri-X 320

Removing the Diana+ Lens

Removing the Lomography Diana+ lens the first time takes a little bit of elbow grease. If this is the first time that you have removed the lens, it may seem that the lens is not going to move or that it is stuck. What you must do, is grasp the lens barrel very firmly, look at the dots on the barrel of the lens and give a very sharp, but quick twist. The lens only needs to move about a 1/4 inch, and it is only necessary to apply enough force to overcome the initial resistance. Be firm. Once you have removed the lens, it will get easier to remove with use.

Check out the youtube video showing how to do this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAUXdZAT3wM



All my how-to videos can be seen on my youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/kaituba

No Parking

One of my favorites taken last year.

Camera: Diana+
Film: Tri-X 320

Night Photography with Holga.

It's been a long while since I've done a night shoot. The lights on a wall going up as part of the new Beacon Hill light rail station was cool, and I knew if I didn't get out there, the image would disappear as the construction progresses.

I was out a little after 11 PM, and I was surprised by how much foot traffic passed by. I have always found it interesting that during the day, when there are tons of people out and about, no one will bother you or approach you if you've set up a tripod and camera. During the night, you'll always find at someone who will suddenly veer in your direction to see what you are doing.

Image will be posted when the film is processed.