PHOTOGRAPHY: Holga VS Diana?

Question

I'm in the market for a medium format camera.
So far I have discovered the Holga w/a color flash and the Lomography Diana+

DOES ANYONE WITH MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA EXPERIENCE HAVE A SUGGESTION AS TO WHICH ONE WOULD BE BEST FOR ME? (and if not these two, feel free to suggest a different camera)--AND CAN YOU COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE HOLGA AND DIANA FOR ME?


more details: I prefer a camera with a manual focus, and one that can easily be modified or has options for accessories (such as filters, etc.)



THANK YOU!!

thanks everyone for your answers so far! they've been very helpful!! :)

I just wanted to add that I like the "artsy" look that the cheap camera's with light leaks make... I already have a nice digital camera, and am just looking for something "different" to play around with.

Answer 1

If you like the results you get with a diana or holga camera then stick with those cameras because if you choose a hasselblad, mamiya, rollei, pentax or any brand of pro medium format camera you are going to get totally different results. In fact the results are so different that it would be like comparing a VW bus to an Ferrari Enzo(both of which are good cars, but very different from one another). In terms of which is better a holga or a diana, both are equal in their lack of craftsmanship. As far as options and accessories, neither camera has the options that say a professional medium format camera has. If you do decide to get a pro medium format camera you may want to check out keh.com

Answer 2

It is my understanding that the current Holga and Diana cameras are being made by the same company. They are known for their poor quality and workmanship. Please understand the light leaks, inconsistent shutters, lack of adjustability, poor lenses, etc. are their drawing point. Many find the images they produce charming and artistic. Let me give you some suggestions for real medium format cameras. A Yashicamat 124 or 124g is a nice 6x6 Twin Lens Reflex--while it doesn't have interchangeable lenses Yashica made some decent close-up and wide-angle auxillary lenses. You should be able to get a nice one in the $200 range. A little more expensive are the Mamiya 645 and Pentax 645 cameras. I recently picked up a Pentax with 80 and 150mm lenses, and both 120 & 220 film inserts for less than $600. The Mamiya will be in that $400-$600 range. If you want the capability, the Pentax 645N has autofocus, but is more expensive. Mamiya, of course, is still making film cameras, so that might be be appealing. There are more woth looking at including Bronica, Fuji, Kowa, and Rollei. Try KEH or ebay for pricing and buying. Good Luck

Answer 3

If you're serious about your medium format camera, don't waste your time or money on a Holga or Diana.

These are toy cameras which can be used to produce an artistic effect due to their poor lenses, light leaks, and other problems.

For a good medium format camera which won't break the bank, I'd suggest looking for a Rolleicord IV, V, or Va. All of these are excellent German-made cameras with superb lenses, none of which should cost you more than $100.

At one time, nearly every professional owned at least one Rolleiflex. The Rolleicord is a less-expensive version of the Rolleiflex, without some of the fancy features. They're built every bit as well(I have one of each), and nearly as nice to use.

Answer 4

I've never heard of a Diana but the Holga has a reputation for having problems with light leaks and vignetting. There are some people mostly artists who like this camera for the random effects it creates but I wouldn't suggest it for someone who looking to so serious photography. Personally I own a Mamiyaflex camera that I bought used that takes really nice photos. It's an old camera that is fully manual and requires a light meter.

If price is an issue you might want to take a look at Kiev 60 or Kiev88. These are cameras that are manufactured in Russia.
I was considering getting the Kiev 60 which is similar to a 35MM camera but bigger. Check them out at www.kievusa.com

Answer 5

Although both have their fans, the Holga and Diana are "toy cameras", hardly suitable for serious medium format photography.

Look for the Mamiya C330 Twin Lens Reflex (TLR). It has interchangeable lenses and is totally manual. You'll need a hand-held light meter. I use the Minolta Spot Meter M but Pentax and Gossen and Sekonic are excellent choices.

If you find the C330 a little too pricey, look for a Minolta Autocord TLR. No interchangeable lenses but a major money saver. Mine is over 50 years old and still produces excellent images.

Another alternative is the Yashicamat TLR.

Pentax offered the SLR 6x7 which looks like a 35mm SLR on steroids.

Mamiya offered the RB 67 Pro-S and the Mamiya 645.

Of course, if money is no object you can look for a Hasselblad.

Invest in a good quality tripod because medium format photography doesn't lend itself to hand-held work.

Plan on setting up a darkroom. Unfortunately its becoming more difficult to find local processing for 120 film. Since you're planning on using it you may as well do it yourself. I recommend the book "Object & Image: An Introduction To Photography, Third Edition" by George M. Craven. You can also find plenty of books on medium format photography on line.

I guarantee that you will attract onlookers using any of the aforementioned cameras, especially the TLR models.

Answer 6

My niece showed me a Holga--and I felt it was more like a toy camera. I am not even sure if all the settings can be adjusted, or set.