Diana Mini or Holga 135bc..?

I get a lot of Google searches finding my blog with this question and recently I've had a few people email to ask me which I would suggest so I've decided it's time I have somewhere that people can actually find some information on here to help them decide.

Although I'm not going to answer this question for you - just help you decide - I'm not actually sure I could decide between them if I had to pick. Luckily when I decided to get my Holga 135bc (way back in June 2009) that was the only 35mm camera option, the Diana Mini didn't exist, so I didn't need to choose.

The good news is that they are both great little cameras 

so which ever decision you make, I don't think it will be the wrong one and to be honest, if you love them as much as I do, you'll probably end up getting both anyway...

So, how are these cameras similar?

~  Price ~

When I got my Holga 135bc, it was much cheaper but due to the popularity of Lomography recently, I can safely say that there isn't much difference in the price of these two cameras anymore, even on Ebay. I don't think that's a bad thing though as it makes having to decide on price alone irrelevant.

The Diana Mini can be a bit more expensive if you want the flash included, so if you do want a flash, that is worth considering however I don't think it's completely necessary for either camera to have one as they both work better in natural light anyway.

~ Mechanics ~ 

Essentially these cameras are very similar - they are both plastic, they can both do multiple exposures, they both have a bulb setting, distance focusing, two aperture settings (sunny or cloudy) and take 35mm film. So if you want to get experimental with your photos, both of these cameras are perfect for that.

 

What are the differences?

~ Size ~

Though I wouldn't say that this is a deciding factor - it's worth mentioning that the Diana Mini really is indeed mini and that it can be quite fiddly at times whilst the Holga 135 in comparison feels much chunkier and sturdier.

~ Formatting ~

The Diana Mini offers two formats - the half frame and the square format. Whilst the Holga just offers the one, the regular rectangular format to fit the 35mm negative.

This can be a deciding factor between these cameras and I can personally say that one of the reasons that I love my Diana Mini is the square format - it really suits the camera and it's results. So if you're looking for the square format in particular then the Diana Mini might be for you.

~ Ease of Use ~

I've written before that it took a lot longer for my Diana Mini to win me over than my Holga 135bc and the Diana Mini is temperamental, it has to be said - I've had issues with loading it, the bulb setting and the advance mechanism, especially in the half frame mode. However, I wouldn't let this put you off - all this requires is practice, patience and research - the Diana Mini micro site has lots of useful videos which I highly recommend looking at and once you've got used to your Diana Mini the results can be constant and glorious.

The Holga 135bc in comparison is much easier to pick up - the loading is quite simple, the buttons aren't as fiddly and the advance mechanism is study. If you're looking for a camera that you can pick up and learn quickly to get the results that you want, then perhaps the Holga 135bc is the camera for you.

~ The Results ~

If you're going to base your decision on anything, then it should really be on this.
Someone once said to me that each camera I use is like a different side of my personality and I think they were right. I use different cameras when I'm in different moods, when I want to share different things and despite being very similar cameras, the results are where these two cameras differ the most.

First we'll look at the Holga 135bc...

The Holga 135bc has an added mask inside the camera that creates the gorgeous vignetting (the 135 doesn't have this but I don't have that camera to compare). The colours and contrasts with the Holga 135bc I've always found to be strong and vibrant, even with softer films like Kodak Portra NC or expired film. The focus is sharper than the Diana Mini with clear lines which create great depth whether the subject is close or further away.

Now the Diana Mini...

In comparison to the Holga 135bc, the Diana Mini results are much softer and dreamier... with subtle contrasts and grain and less vignetting. Yet the Diana Mini is also capable of beautiful colours and focusing, everything just seems more subtle in comparison. With the half frame option you can take double the amount of photos per roll, but I think this camera produces it's best results with the square format.

~ To Summarise ~

The Holga 135bc is a sturdy, reliable camera that is easy to learn and produces images with strong contrasts, gorgeous colours, beautiful vignetting and clear focusing. I always think that this camera captures things almost exactly as I see them.

The Diana Mini is a small, delicate camera which is temperamental, yet with patience and practice can produce dreamy images with soft contrasts, lovely lighting and colours with an almost magical, vintage quality.


 It's evident from all the photos above that both of these cameras can produce beautiful photos, especially in bright, natural light. Although the mechanics of the cameras are very similar the lenses in both cameras are different, and it's these differences that will influence your decision on which camera to get and how you take your photos.


 ~ Other 35mm Cameras to consider ~

Of course, if this is your first 35mm camera then there are other choices to consider as well as these two cameras....

The LC-A+

Lomography is very quick to suggest this as a first camera for Lomographers, and it is an amazing camera - it has extra features to the Diana and Holga including more aperture settings and a light meter which allows for the correct exposure in each photo (though no bulb setting). The contrasts and balance of it's photos are always spot on and the focus is clear - however, this camera is a hefty price. One that I do think is worth it but perhaps not for your first venture into 35mm cameras or if you have a limited budget.

Superheadz Wide and Slim

This camera is simple. It has one shutter button, a fixed wide angle lens and that is it.
The colours are vivid with great vignetting and the results can be fun as well are artistic.
If you're worried about all the settings on the Diana Mini or Holga 135bc then perhaps this is the camera for you, although you can't do multiple exposures. This camera is cheap and also comes in a fun variety of colours.

La Sardina

Again, similar to the Holga 135bc and Diana Mini in mechanics, it's plastic, it can take multiple exposures, it has a bulb setting, distance focusing, a fixed aperture and takes 35mm film. However, this camera has a wide angle lens which produces great vignetting and interesting results. Another contender if you are looking for something a bit more artistic and varied.

~ See Also ~

This Flickr thread has a great description and more information on the cameras I've talked about above.

Guide to Toy Cameras on Shrimp Salad Circus!

Today you can find me over at Lindsay's blog - Shrimp Salad Circus as part of her Photography Month with a short and simple

Guide to Toy Cameras

As I was writing this post it made me realise that I have so much more to say about using toy cameras and 35mm cameras in general, this is really a very simple introduction into it... but I hope you like it. I'm going to try and think of a way to share more with you soon, what do you think?

My other happy place...

This weekend we had visitors and a free morning, so we went for a visit to the National Media Museum in Bradford... although I do love the entire museum, especially the gallerys, one floor in particular is exactly what I imagine my happy place to look like.

The Kodak Gallery...


So many cameras!!

I can happily spend ages walking around ohh and ahhing at cameras. And I get especially excited when I realise that I have another one thats in the museum that I didn't have the last time I went (two this time, woop!!)

Top Bloggers Who Use Analogue Cameras... Part 1

This list was originally put together as a Lomography article (which you may have already seen here) but I love all of these blogs so I think it's only fair I share them here too!!

So here you are, in no particular order, is the first part of my favourite bloggers that use analogue cameras list...

A Polaroid magician, DJ and retronaut, Cesar’s blog is all about beautiful and inspiring photography, great music playlists, and a gnome with the ability to make you smile whenever he appears on your screen. That’s pretty much everything that you want from a blog.

Susannah has an amazing blog which expresses her passion for photography, writing and her unravelling e-courses. A self confessed Polaroid addict and very proud aunt, Susannah’s blog is the perfect balance of creativity, wisdom and instant photography.

Although Katrina’s blog is predominately a resource for web graphics, blog bling and tutorials, Pugly Pixel is also home to Katrina’s personal snapshots, which include her amazing Diana Mini photos.

Written by the lovely Anna, Much Love is a blog that celebrates everyday things through photography and the sharing of amazing finds. As well as using a number of cameras, Anna uses a variety of films that let her share her view of Australia.

Jen is a dedicated Holga fan, sharing amazing resources, fantastic interviews with other Holga users, and of course, her own gorgeous photos on her blog. A must see if you have the camera!

Everything Reminds Me of You is the personal photography blog of Elle, also of Diana Mini Love fame. As well as taking photos with her Diana Mini fame, Elle experiments with her other analogue cameras, trying out new films and capturing the details of her life around London.

Fieldguided is a collection of thoughts, inspirations, DIY projects, love letters and stunning photos that you wish you had taken. With beautiful tones and attention to detail, Anabela shares her life through her blog wonderfully.

This blog is a delight and although not well known (yet), Michelle’s severe case of wanderlust, her addiction to film photography and romance with books are a wonderful read. Sharing her amazing photos of Singapore and other places she has visited, Michelle experiments with different cameras and films and documents it perfectly.

Here Comes the Sun is the online scrapbook of inspiration of Amanda Thomas, which focuses on film photography, everything vintage, handmade products and fashion. She also documents her adventures with her Husband, who also shares her love for analogue photography.

A fun, great blog by Ana, a 20-something super geek and engineer who loves taking photographs and has a silly Boston terrier and wiggly French bulldog. Whether posting her digital or analogue photos, Ana’s shots are fun and delightful with a passion and spark for life that shine through her entire blog.

Aren't they great, I feel so inspired reading them!
I'll be sharing part two soon too...

Oh my...

Dane from Tornadoes and Tigers posted about these amazing little paper camera templates from Mel Stringer's Lil' shop...

and all I can think is that they would make the most amazing wedding favour boxes! Cute!!

{All photos from Mel Stringer's shop}

Around Kirkstall Abbey with Adele Part 2

Thomas and I love Kirkstall Abbey and it's always so fun sharing it with other people. We had the perfect evening for walking around on Saturday too - the sun was shining, we took so many photos and we had fun, yeay!!

{All photos taken by Thomas. I love him.}

p.s. my little giveaway of some black and white prints ends tomorrow, don't miss out!

The Wiebners...

You may or may not know that I have a degree in Interior Design and although I don't do much designing (at the moment) my heart still skips a beat when I'm reading amazing design blogs and I see interiors that are just beautiful.

So, I'm incredibly excited to be sharing this discovery with you - I want to live in this shop! Unfortunately its in the wrong Lancaster (its in US not UK, boo)

Joel and Rita Wiebner are a husband and wife photography team who have been photographing together for over 12 years and they love everything photography related... and as well as having a store, they also have an Etsy shop and a photography business where they shoot weddings and portraits.

Here is what Joel had to say about their store.

"My wife and I are photographers and this store is our selfish little indulgence. We stock the store with items that we love ourselves. The entire store is photo themed from frames to vintage cameras to vintage photography and all kinds of other goodies"

Isn't it amazing?! I love it!

Do you live near here? You should go visit and say Hi for me!

All photos taken by Joel and Rita Wiebner and borrowed from this post where you can read more about their shop.

New cameras!

On Saturday we went to the St Gemma's Hospice vintage fair and I have to admit, it was fairly amazing... though I am probably just saying that as they had one full table of cameras for me and one full table of records for Thomas.

However I did find the most amazing bargain ever!

A fuji instax 100... for £4!

I saw it as soon as I walked in the room and pretty much shouted 'Thomas, grab that camera, NOW!' Haha, classy Rhianne!

Although the table was full of goodies (some of which I already had which I guess isn't a suprise) I was quite taken with my other camera find... my first TLR camera.

I've never seen this camera before but after doing a little research I found out its from 1954 and was very popular after the second World War. We had too much fun Saturday afternoon attemping to take TTV photos...



I think I might have to borrow an DSLR so I can try to take TTV photos properly like Cassia's lovely photos in her shop... I love how they look!

Hello!

I'm back!

And so far, I'm feeling so relaxed and rested... Let's hope that lasts longer than a day. I'm so excited to be back, even though I really enjoyed a break from practically everything in my life, it's good to return to things and remember that I enjoy them.

Thank you so much to everyone who left a comment to see if I was ok - I'm sorry I can't go into more about the bad news - it's not really my news to share but I truly appreciate the comments and emails that I recieved, it really helped. I'm feeling much more able to deal with the news now even if I'm not feeling any better about the news itself and that's a step forward that I'm happy with.

I don't really know where to start now I'm back - I got some new cameras (eep, see one above), I took some photos, I saw a lot of Beatles related things, I played on the xbox (alot), I had a few lay ins, I watched Krufts and lots of films, I had a day in my PJ's, I caught up with some blog reading, I willed our daffodils in the garden to grow faster and I generally took it easy... oh and the highlight of my week was seeing Picasso's Weeping Woman - it was absolutely beautiful!!

I just noticed that I reached 650 followers, so please if you are new here (or you don't comment often, or you just want to...) say hi! I'd love to get to know you and check out your blogs! I'm still blown away that I have more than 10 followers, so thank you again to everyone who sticks around.

It's good to be back!

p.s. The rather lovely and beautiful Illy is having a giveaway of one of my prints on her blog, if you fancy winning one of my prints click here!

Oh my...

I love the new circle feature on Etsy... it's such an amazing way to find new things and Julochka (who also has a lovely blog) always finds the most amazing things including...

A camera set of japanese masking tape from FabHub!!

Um, wow! I need this in my life... in all the colours. Now.

You can add me to your circle on Etsy here - if you want to of course. I'd love to see what you love on there too.

Update: it sold! but dont panic you can get it on Cute Tape too.

p.s. you'll also see my almost unhealthy love of yellow and cameras in my favourites... my pinterest looks almost exactly the same, eep.

Camera Collection Part II: Polaroid cameras

Way back in October 2009 I wrote my first letter to polaroid cameras, determined that I would buy one... and now I have 7, haha!!


Polaroid Land Camera 340 Automatic

(sent to me by the lovely Adeline. I could happily look at this camera all day!)


Polaroid Land Colorpack 80


Polaroid Land Colour Swinger


Polaroid 600 Extreme Cameras


Polaroid 636 & 635 Supercolor

The Supercolor was/is my parents polaroid camera and the only one I've actually tried film in but I was disappointed with my impossible project film results (they look nothing like that now!) so I don't think I'll be trying the others out anytime soon which is a shame...

Camera Collection Part I: Kodak Cameras...

I'll admit... I have a soft spot for Kodak cameras.

My first digital was a Kodak thinking about it... and so was my first vintage camera. I can't pinpoint why exactly... they just look so lovely, so classic, like they haven't aged at all.

I have more kodak cameras than any other and I fully intend on getting more, specifically one (or all) of these! (gosh aren't they pretty?!)

Six-20 Box Brownie Junior

Brownie Cresta II


Brownie 127


Kodak Autosnap Camera


Kodak Colorsnap Camera


Kodak Instamatics

None of my cameras are in perfect condition which honestly, I'm perfectly happy with. I love thinking about who may have used them, what caused the slight mark on the front, or where it was dropped to take a chunk out of it... I don't collect them seriously, I enjoy finding them in charity shops or for a great price on ebay and I have them where I can see them and enjoy them.

We love 35mm cameras here in blog land!

First, I need to announce the winner of my diana mini giveaway! I meant to do it on Monday but life got a little on top of me, so sorry for the delay.

The winner of the diana mini white from Lomography UK is

Kathy Tran

Well done Kathy!!

Now don't despair, I'm writing this post specifically to tell you that there are more 35mm camera giveaways in blog land right now!

First up, the lovely Elle from Diana Mini Love (you know I love her by now surely) is giving away a superheadz slim camera in gold!

Is it wrong that I want a gold one as well as my yellow one? I don't think so...

And... the gorgeous Lauren from Busy Bee Lauren is also giving away a diana mini white!

Amazing right?

Oh my...

12 Polaroid Cameras

8 Voigtlander Cameras

10 Camera Drawings


Even as illustrations these camera collections, drawn by Glasgow based Christine Berrie, are absolutely beautiful.