Current Love: Diana Mini En Rose

My Pink Baby!

I really wanted to start expanding my camera collection and start handling the "big boys" of Lomography. But I was loyal to the 35mm format so I thought it would be a while before I can get my hands on a "Level 2" camera.

And then I discovered the Diana Mini. As soon as I found out that it used 35mm films and had the square shot/half-shot options I went CRAZY.

This camera was a bit of a splurge. Really the first time I invested on a hobby. I was suppose to buy online but I couldn't find anyone who had stocks. So I bought mine at Team Manila. The package contains the Diana Mini, Diana F+ Flash (cheaper if no flash but absolutely worth it to have one), Camera Strap, Color Gels for Color-splashing, Diana Plug-to-hotshoe adapter, and the Diana Mini Book.

The first time I used my Diana Mini, I was honestly disappointed and started regretting my choice to buy it. I took 24 shots since I tried the square format but only 12 came out. I still don't know what caused the other 12 to get destroyed. Maybe I was using the wrong settings and the photos got overexposed. There were some really great and surreal shots but I wasn't satisfied.

Film: Fuji Sensia 200 (Color Slide, Cross-Processed)

Colorsplash and Multiple Exposure :)

Despite the weird angle, LIGHT LEAKS!

I love this :)

Hi Friends!

I was losing hope (drama! haha). But really, I was starting to think that this was going to be a waste.

And then I read a blog post about a guy's first experience with his Diana Mini. He said that he too had a disappointing first roll because he was still figuring out how the camera behaves. But when he tried using it in a "Don't Think, Just Shoot" moment at party, he saw its beauty. He said that you just need to give it a chance. So I brought it with me at our summer outing and literally shot away!

Film: Fuji Superia X-tra 400 (Color Negative)

Hi crazy friends!

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What came out is now my current favorite roll. It was so crazy and fun and I loved every single one of the photos.

So what did I get from this experience? Lomography is still a trial and error hobby and that you just have to be patient will all your "testing". Kaya nga experimental photography eh haha. And don't worry too much about how you take your shot and wanting to get the perfect angle. Sometimes I get the best photos when I don't think about how it will look like when it gets developed.

I recently used my Diana Mini last October for our Korea trip and I'm just wait for my schedule to free up so that I can have my rolls developed. Really can't wait! :)

To end, YES, the Diana Mini is still worth it. Just be prepared for its mood swings. Lomography was right to name it after a girl hahahaha :P