diana+ 35mm film modification

 

very exciting times here over the weekend with the first successful photographs developed from my diana f+ modification. as a quick background, diana + and diana f+ cameras take a 120mm film - it's a medium format film with a protective backing paper which is numbered to indicate which frame number you are on (remember this bit, it'll become very important in a moment).

120mm film is usually more expensive than a standard 35mm film, and it also produces less photos per roll which is why i became interested in modifying my camera. before we start, i am by no means an expert and relied heavily on these two tutorials, the first by kai at dianacamera.com and the second by artpunk from the plastic lens. a couple of steps in these videos are explained quite quickly so i thought i'd put together a tutorial with photographs and written instructions should you wish to join in on the fun!

 

you'll need:

1. a diana + or diana f+ camera

2. your 35mm film - 400 ISO is recommended for diana cameras

3. scissors/craft knife, black electrical tape and a small square of tinfoil

4. cardstock {cut to approx. 65mm x 20mm)

5. optional: cup of tea

first up you need to take the back off your camera and cover the small red window. as previously mentioned 120mm film has a paper backing and it is through this window you can see which photo number you are up to. 35mm film does not have any protection and therefore this window needs to be completely covered {otherwise you'll end up with a "light" spot on all your photos}. 

 

simply cut a piece of tinfold - fold in half and smooth over the window. cover with black electrical tape.

next you need to tape your film onto the cardstock strip you cut previously.

 

it's worth experimenting a little at this stage to ensure a) that you have the film attached around the right way so that it unrolls from the right (shiny side up) and b) that the film unrolls across the centre of the shutter window. both of these points should be a little clearer referring to the photo below...

 

next you need to gently pull across your film and feed it into one of the slots on the sprocket. tape in place.

 

remember, the next time you will be "seeing" this tape again will be in total darkness so although you need to secure it, don't go overboard!

test that everything is running smoothly by winding the film a few clicks around as per usual.

voila! slide on the back and secure by switching the lever at the base of your camera to "lock".

so now you're ready to take your photos! but with the window on your diana taped shut how are you to know what photo you're up to? easy peasy! photon detector has taken out all the guess-work with a handy table {scroll to the bottom for diana cameras} complete with how many turns you need to make between photos. 

can i share a secret with you? i am a very spoilt diana camera photographer. my lovely assistant {it doesn't hurt he's an engineer!} kindly made me a chart - complete with tear off strips so i knew which number photo i was up to...

 

i know. that's true love right there! he also designed a sticker for my winding wheel that had 10 notches which were then numbered to make those 8/10 easier. i also added an arrow which does sound totally stupid but anti-clockwise i find an unnatural way to wind and i nearly had a terrible accident trying to go clockwise.

when you come to the end of your film you need to find a blacked out room or a film changing bag in which to rewind the film back into it's canister. 

your film is light sensitive, any amount of light will ruin your photos. 

i was lucky enough to borrow a film changing bag from the photography store but the owner had a great suggestion for how to do it without; at night under the bed covers! here's a video explaining how to rewind your film.

getting your photos processed can be a little tricky. i have finally found a specialist photography store in napier, photoworks {who i cannot recommend highly enough} who were able to process my negatives and then scan in (using a 120mm mask) so i could see the whole photo, complete with sprocket holes!

here's my favourites from my first roll...