I can't wait til my little plastic camera gets here on Wed! It's been a long time since I've used a film camera. Probably 12 years! And, I can't wait to see the amazing photos this little camera is going to take! I've been looking for some tips on how to use it properly and how to get the best results and I've read from multiple sites that your first roll is going to be terrible! haha I can't wait to see what I get! But I'm so excited to see what comes out! I've also been looking into a negative/flatbed scanner so I can just get the film developed and scan the negatives in myself. Looking for a good deal though, and will probably wait until we're in the house, and the desk and office area is set up before purchasing something and going to town using up film and getting them developed. But that's only 3 weeks away, so not THAAAT long. Yay!
I wanted to put together some tips I've found on how to use the camera properly here, so I can come back and find everything easily, so here we go!
From: http://www.dianaminilove.com/
"But don't let the lack of sunshine stop you taking lovely Diana Mini photos! Here are some of my tips for photography over the colder months...
Films:
- Switch to a faster film - try 400 or 800.
- Experiment with black & white film. (If it's grey outside you might as well embrace it!)
Camera and accessories:
- Use a flash. Try using it outside in the daytime too. But remember, the flash only illuminates your immediate foreground. Don't use it for things that are further away.
- Try long exposures in 'B' mode. Use a tripod, and a cable release.
Inspiration:
- Get outside and document the seasons changing around you.
- Stay inside and use your Diana Mini to document your everyday life.
- Take your Diana Mini somewhere warm for some culture: galleries, museums, stately homes. Check the photography policy, or at least be subtle.
Practicalities and how not to freeze your butt off:
- Regular stops for cupcakes and hot tea. (Like I need an excuse)
- Go for arm warmers or fingerless gloves for ease of changing films and tinkering with your settings."
From: http://www.daydreamlily.com/
"Tips for using the Diana Mini
- Ive found high speed film is the best to use with the Mini. So start with 400 or if its a nice sunny day try out 200iso.
- Shooting in daylight gets the best results for standard 400iso film. Most of my indoor ones came out very fuzzy as there wasn't enough light, so I'm now trying out the flash and faster speed films for indoors - will let you know if this helps.
- oh and check that the little switch is on "N" and not slipped over to "B" (unless of course you want the B setting) I wasted a whole roll of film with this switch wrong!!!
- Winding the film on is definitely not exact, just wind till you feel it has tightened and hopefully your at the right spot!! if your not then you will get some nice double exposures anyways...and be careful not to wind too tight as that can break the film....made this mistake too."
From: http://blog.sydneyjean.com/
"♥ Be really careful that the back of the camera is always locked on, mine has fallen off once or twice and I’ve lost some nice pictures
♥ ALWAYS check these 3 things before taking a picture: set focus distance, set the aperture, and make sure the shutter mode is set at N (unless you’re doing some crazy night shots with a tripod)
♥ Don’t try to force the film when you’re turning it, because it will snap.
♥ If you’re shooting in half frame mode, make sure your subject is in the center of the frame, don’t try any ‘rule of thirds’ fancy pants because the subject will probably get cut out of the picture.
♥ close up pictures don’t work haha, everything just gets super blurry.
♥ you will probably need a flash if you want to shoot indoors.
And most importantly don’t get frustrated and give up, stick with it! Apparently no ones first roll of film ever turns out. I know mine sure didn’t, one of the best parts about using film is the learning process! If you want some more info on the diana you can check it out right here."
From: http://microsites.lomography.com/dianamini/howto
Above is just a bunch of how-to videos that are a must watch as soon as it arrives!
Gaaaaaaah! I can't wait till it gets here and be prepared for tons of photos being posted here from it! I can't wait to get my digi camera out and available, and my new mini always near by (instead of packed up or somewhere I can't find it because there's just stuff everywhere!)!!
I CAN'T WAAAAAIIIITTT!!
Looking for tips...
,
itty
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