How to Use the Diana F+ Flash

[gtisk]

Hey Kai! Is it true that this flash isn't the best for shooting with the fish-eye lens? Have you used it with such lens?

[kaituba]

@gtisk I haven't use a flash with my fisheye. I think that the "problem" has to do with the fact that there aren't any flashes that can cover the field of view of a fisheye, so unless you are shooting a subject close to the camera (2-3m), the flash isn't very effective.

[BLayerable]

I have a problem with this flash!

The battery is blocked into the flash, what can i do???

[itsmarylou]

Oh and, thank you for your informational videos about the camera, it really helped me when I first got mine!

[itsmarylou]

I have the Diana Mini with the Diana F+ flash. Is the flash supposed to have a high pitched whining sound when it's loading? It sort of discourages me to use it because it hurts my ears. Does anyone else's flash do the same?

[javflo2204]

Can you use a nikon flash with a Diana f+?

[kaituba]

@javflo2204 You will need the hotshoe to Diana plug adapter (available from Lomography), but most any hotshoe flash is usable with the Diana.

[TheCebi333]

mitico!



[AreLp13]

thank you so much!

[MrStardog123]

That you so much I can't tell you how much I appreciate this video

[glittergirl221]

I got my flash set up and when I test it it works, but when i try to take a picture it doesn't :S PS. your videos are really helpful! :)

[Someskaterdude17]

will this flash work on the lomo fisheye 2?

[theexelentsone]

1 people dont know how to put the battery :)

[HeitzelSkatesAustin]

Do You Have A Filckr? I Would Love To See Your Photos. Great Videos Keep It Up!

-Thanks!

[AshleyTsai0722]

介紹閃光燈如何充電, 加濾色片, 置換其他閃光燈,

語氣平穩操作清楚, good.

[pwjayson]

i just got the diani mini recently for my birthday. however when i try testing out the flash, it doesn't work. i look at the lightbulb and all I see is a little stream of electricity.Is it broken?

[kaituba]

@pwjayson Does the ready light on the flash go on (orange glow on the back of the flash)? Have you installed a fresh battery? Does the flash work when you press the test button (Fire Away button). Where are you seeing the "stream of electricity". On or off, the flash bulb is inert and shouldn't be doing anything until the flash is triggered.

[pwjayson]

@kaituba I just bought a fresh pack of batteries. The ready light turns red, and when I push the test button, no flash in sight. I see a little tiny bit of flash. Not sure whats up. lol

[kaituba]

@pwjayson From your description, he flash sounds defective or broken. Does the flash work if it is unmounted from the camera? If it works when not mounted, then it may be a camera problem. If it doesn't work in either case, then contact Lomography and explain to them the problems you are having.

[clockwerkkilla420]

Thank you so much, you have made this a ton easier thank you for your patience!

[U23Drocs]

if you buy the F+ Deluxe package do you get the hot shoe adapter and the prong to hoshoe adpater?

[kaituba]

@U23Drocs Yes, the Deluxe package includes the hotshoe prong, and the diana flash to hotshoe adapter. Be aware that use of the Diana Flash on a DSLR is not recommended, as the high triggering voltage of the Diana Flash may fry the DSLR's delicate electronics.

[U23Drocs]

@kaituba thats fine, was gonna be using it on a time magazine camera, so i think its fine cause thats a cheap-o camera Lol

[kaituba]

@U23Drocs Yes, you are correct. The Diana Flash on a Time magazine camera will work fine.

[TheNauded]

awesome i just attached my speedlite 430ex to the diana, never realized the multi-flash purpose, but what happened to your left hand?

[DackIsBack]

Or maybe it was your camera hmm, I hate that high pitched electronic whine, my ears are kinda sensitive to that frequency range.

[DackIsBack]

Holy shit discharge that capacitor...

The coil whine was making my ears bleed lol...

[StaceyGeoghegan]

You have made this so easy for me now. Thankyou!!

[rosannamfan]

Do any of you know if the color splash flash comes with the Diana f+? Or the jelly filters? If not can I purchase them on lomo website?

[kaituba]

@rosannamfan The Color Splash flash must be purchased separately. The little filters come with the Diana F+ flash. If you have a standard flash, you can buy a sample booklet of gel filters, and tape then over the flash head. I have a link for the gel filter sample book on my website at dianacameraDOTcom  -replace the DOT with a . Look in the Where to Buy section.

[andreguu]

could i use this flash on a DSLR or is it dangerous?

[kaituba]

@andreguu It's not safe for your DSLR. The triggering voltage on the Diana flash is unregulated and it's possible for it to cause damage to your DSLR electronics.

[justfr3e]

My flash doesn't even work when it's not attached...is it normal? like it's always charging and the sounds becomes really annoying...I think my flash circuit may be defective...shooot.

[kaituba]

@justfr3e If the flash doesn't work, as in, the red light never comes on and it just makes a high pitched whining noise, check your battery. It may just need a fresh new battery.

[justfr3e]

@kaituba ohh...no the red light is on, I also have the high pitched whining noise but when I press the button nothing happens...

I also changed my battery but I still have the same problem. Never mind thanks for your help tho ;)

Just sent an e-mail to lomography...I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Btw thanks for your video they are really helpful! :)

[kaituba]

@justfr3e If the red light does come on, and the flash doesn't work on camera or when you press the test button on the flash, then there is probably something wrong with the flash unit. Contacting Lomography is the right move.

[Ehm9]

Just a quick question that's been on my mind lately... I want to try using the flash on my diana mini with the N setting but I don't know when I should actually hit the fire button and the shutter... should I hit them both at the same time? or one after the other? oh, btw, this channel is really useful :)

[kaituba]

@Ehm9 If using either setting, N or B, with the flash mounted on the camera, there is no need to trigger the flash separately. The camera uses the contact prongs to close the circuit and trigger the flash when the shutter release is pressed. If it's not working, then your battery may need to be replaced. If it is still not working with a fresh battery, your camera flash circuit may be defective.

[Ehm9]

@kaituba So when I press the shutter, the flash is suppose to fire away on its own right? thanks a bunch! though I think I may have to find a replacement flash... I tried hitting the shutter with the flash on and attached and its not flashing :|

[Ehm9]

scratch that...it's working! thanks so much! now I get to enjoy my diana mini flash privileges as well :)

[kaituba]

@Ehm9 Check the flash battery. If it's run down, it may not charge the flash enough to be triggered. If the flash triggers when the "Fire" button is pressed, but not when plugged into the camera, then the circuit in the camera may be defective. If the camera is new, contact Lomography and let them know what problem you are having. They may have a solution, or if under warranty, may chose to replace it.

[kaituba]

@Bananantics Use a smaller aperture (sunny) or slower ISO film

(smaller ISO number, 100, 200 or 160) Replacement gels? Get a filter

sample book from BH photo video and cut them down to fit. (check out

my where to buy page on dianacameraDOTcom -replace the DOT with a .

[themdog1295]

hello, i have a diana F+ and my rolls arent that tightly wound..., is that normal?

[kaituba]

@themdog1295 That's normal and ok if you don't mind light leaks. If you want to avoid light leaks, then you should see my video on the Diana Mod for better loading.

[themdog1295]

@kaituba ok thanks, what one is that called?

[kaituba]

@themdog1295 The video is called Diana Camera Mod - Better Loading - bitDOTly/kDianaMod -replace the DOT with a .

[themdog1295]

@kaituba ok thanks you:)

[mesophyllcell]

does the flash for diana f+ also work for diana mini? thanks!

[kaituba]

@mesophyllcell Yes, the flash for the DianaF+ also works on the Mini.

[Iconology]

did you buy the flash on its own or in a pack? I really want the adapters as i already own a lc-a+ and have just bought a diana f+. Awesome video. Really helpful!

[Iconology]

did you buy the flhas on its own or in a pack? I really want the adapters as i already own a lc-a+ and have just bought a diana f+. Awesome video. Really helpful!

[kaituba]

@Iconology The flash and adapters came with my Diana F+.

[sujushinee1406]

hye there...i just got my diana f+ and i dunno how to use the flash when i'm going to take indoor pic..do i need to click the shutter and the flash button on the same time???

[kaituba]

@sujushinee1406 When the flash is plugged in and turned on, it will trigger when you trip the shutter. No need to do it separately.

[georgiexx9015]

do all diana f+ cameras come with the gels? are they free?

[kaituba]

@georgiexx9015 The gels come with the flash unit. If you need gels, you can get a sample gel booklet from BH Photo Video for about $2. They will have to be cut down, but you get a huge selection of colors.

[bryanwbeauchamp]

Thanks for making this video. I Love my Diana and have already had a lot of fun with it, but I was struggling trying to figure out how to insert the flash gels.

[moviesunrated]

These Diana cameras look rather cheap for how much they are.

Do they feel cheap to the touch?

[kaituba]

@moviesunrated The camera build is similar to the original Diana cameras, so yes, they feel pretty flimsy. They are a little better than the original, in that the quality of parts are much better. They aren't built to take a beating, but mine lives in my camera bag most of the time. If you need a more sturdily built camera, go with the Holga.

[sillystringgs]

hi, i'm a diana f newbie and i just wanna ask how do you know when to use the flash? for example indoors/outdoors/N/B. if you could reply i would really appreciate it, thanks :)

[kaituba]

@sillystringgs The camera works best without flash outdoors in sunlight. Use the flash when under low-light conditions. Indoors, evenings, night. (N setting, Cloudy aperture.) You can also try the B setting wit the flash, for some interesting effects. (Slight blur with the flash freezing some action). The shutter stays open for as long as you hold the shutter down, but don't prolong it too much, or you will overexpose the film.

[sillystringgs]

@kaituba thank you so much! your videos are extremely helpful :)

[CyanMagentaJaune]

Hello!

I'm French and I will use Google translation.

I just got a Diana, but I was wondering how to remove the flash battery.

Indeed, she blocked the air and it is too deep for the flash on.

Thank you very much =)

[kaituba]

@CyanMagentaJaune Google translation did not do well with your second sentence. I am not sure what problem you are having. Is the battery door stuck? It may appear from the video, that the door slides out in one smooth action, but it slides a little bit (2 or 3mm), then lifts up and away from the flash unit. If this does not answer your question, please try again! What problem are you having with the battery?

[Vlogcassandra]

dude u have really hairy hands



[adposanmofnad]

how do i take off the flash unit without breaking it?

[ericashinyi]

I was wondering if the Diana flash works well with a Nikon D3000? Since it does have a hotshoe?

[kaituba]

@ericashinyi While the flash will mount on the Nikon, it's not a good idea. The new digital cameras are very sensitive to the triggering voltage that the flash units output. There's a good chance it will overload and fry the electronics. It's best to use the built-in flash or a flash made for your camera. If you are looking to use the gels with your flash, you can try affixing them to your flash unit with a little bit of tape. remove the gel before closing the flash unit, or it might jam.

[eatmyheartout8]

very helpful video, really needed to know about the coloured gels.. thanks! oh and Merry Christmas

[ConnecticutsBest]

can you do a tutorial on how to load the camera with film and what film you need for it. thank you so much for this video it was a life saver!

[kaituba]

@ConnecticutsBest There is a how to load video, Loading the Diana+.

bitDOTly/kDianaLaod

For which film, check out my blog post on the subject, bitDOTly/kWhichFilm. Replace the DOT with a . Sorry, YouTube doesn't like links.

[xloveboats]

you saved my day! i had no idea what to do...! :D thanks!x

[kellykristine23]

OMG Thank you sooooo much! I was wondering how the heck you put those gel inserts in.

[greenher0es]

thanks for the videos regarding the diana mini. really helpful for amateurs like me! :)

[onnawufei]

Thank you! I couldn't figure out how to use the gel filters on my own. You are awesome!

[ohyeahitslana]

You are my hero :D

[Marcotsu]

The sound of the flash starting up is so cool"

[45bang]

@Marcotsu i alwies thought it sounded like iron man.. haha

[ROCKERTAV8]

i bought a Diana Flash.. but it didnt came with the 12 filters gels... ),: damn ebay....! do you know where i can find those filters gels?

[kaituba]

@ROCKERTAV8 You can buy a gel sample book and cut them down to fit your flash. Go to my website at dianacameraDOTcom and go to the where to buy page. (replace the DOT with a . - sorry, YouTube doesn't like links.)

[LovePrettyPrincesses]

when i put on the film i did it with lights? did i burn it?

[kaituba]

@LovePrettyPrincesses You can load the camera with the lights on. Subdued light is best. Avoid loading your camera in bright daylight. If you have to, shield the film and camera with your shadow.

[BreadBowlBanana]

my flash is attached already, how do i take it off? do i just pull it?

sorry haha i just got my diana today

[kaituba]

@BreadBowlBanana Yes, if it's the Diana F+ flash, just grasp it and pull it up and off.

[staufftoy]

hi, i have a diana f+ as well and replaced it with a 35mm back. i haven't had a successful picture yet :( films do not contain anything. Why is this happening? do u know?

[kaituba]

@staufftoy Check the shutter to make sure it works properly. (see the shutter repair video). Check to make sure the aperture isn't set to the P (pinhole) setting. For proper camera setup while shooting, see the Shooting with Diana video. Also make sure the film is correctly loaded and going thru the camera.

[fairical]

hey i was wondering how do u replace the color gel...because wen i got mine there was a red one already in place..and im scared i might break it. because my color gel is at the back where i flick the switch for 12-16 place.

[IRTOMM]

Dude i am completely sold now. Such a good vid!

[aurorapurpurea]

hey! do you have any idea where i can get a new plastic color gels? i lost them :(

[kaituba]

@aurorapurpurea Lomography doesn't sell replacement filters, but go to my website at dianacameraDOTcom

(replace the DOT with a . - sorry, youtube doesn't like links)

Go the side navigation menu and click on the Where to Buy link. There, look for the header:Replacement Color Gel Filters. I give a link to a place that sells sample books for gel filters.

[aurorapurpurea]

@kaituba thank you!!! :)

[danceshimmyshake12]

is a diana a good starter camera

if not do you have any ideas an other stater lomo camera i could use

[kaituba]

@danceshimmyshake12 The Diana F+ is a difficult camera to start with, mostly because of the 120 film. If you are unfamiliar with film, I recommend starting with a 35mm film camera. Take a look at the Holga 135, Superheadz Slim camera, or the diana Mini.

[Pop8MyHeart]

Do you have to use the pkug? what dif does it make?

[kaituba]

@Pop8MyHeart Assume you mean the plug. You use the plug if you want to mount any other flash unit with a hot shoe instead of the Diana F+ flash.

[kewyah]

can you use the the diana F+ flash with the diana mini?

[kaituba]

@kewyah Yes, the Flash works with the Mini.

[Pop8MyHeart]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[Neequu78]

Kai, I have a super important question for you. I received my diana flash, and will be getting my Diana in a few days. Can I use this flash on a Canon G9? It does have a hotshoe. I can't seem to get them to sync. Any ideas? Is there a setting I'm missing?

[kaituba]

@Neequu78 That's not a good idea. Today's modern digital cameras are much more sensitive to the triggering voltage on flash units. I'm not sure what the trigger voltage is on the Diana F+ Flash unit, but I wouldn't want to fry your Canon camera by accident. I wouldn't use anything other than an approved Canon flash or approved 3rd party flash on your G9.

[xShishu95]

@kaituba Kai, can the flash be used on a Nikon D3000?

[tubbiemel]

thank you for ur videos!!!! :)

really really useful!

i got a holga before but its not very user friendly... for noobs like me!

what would u say the difference are between a diana mini and a holga?

[missmollynz]

Kia Ora Kai, just wondering if the flas unit is compatible with the diana mini? Thank you :)

[kaituba]

@missmollynz Yes, this flash unit works with the Mini.

[missmollynz]

thank you :)

[louishat]

ok but you didn't show how the flash works attached to the camera and lots of people commenting this vid say it doesn't. I;m actually quite worried as I need to buy a flash to my diana mini

[vaelfr]

THAT IS SO AWESOME.

I'm awaiting the arrival of my Diana F+ deluxe kit, and I didn't realize that the hot shoe attachments would let you use the flash on other cameras. That is so exciting!

This is going to be my first time really shooting in film, so I'm really looking forward to trying it out. Also will be looking forward to seeing if that flash will work in the hot shoe of my Rebel XS.

Thanks for the great videos, Kai.

[jucardoso]

hi kai, just bought my diana flash+ today and was confused about the extra things that came and had no idea what to do with it. Thanks so much for this video!

[poshi12]

how much usually are the diana cameras?

[kaituba]

$50US for DIana+

$100US for Diana F+

$60US for Diana Mini

[blondechick16592]

You seem to know what you're doing, unlike me. I just got a Diana F+ and my flash (which came with it) won't work when it's plugged into the camera. It flashes off the camera when I push the fire button but that won't work when it's attached. It doesn't fire with the shutter button either. Help? It's sooo frustrating!

[jessicadaughters]

@blondechick16592 I have the exact same problem! :(

[blondechick16592]

@jessicadaughters It's making me soo mad. It works fine until I plug it in the camera, so I know it's not broken. If you figure something out please let me know ):

[jessicadaughters]

@blondechick16592 Me too. I think I'm going to just take it back to the London store and let them look at it. But I will let you know.

[kaituba]

Hello, It sounds like there may be a problem with the camera's trigger circuit if it works when it isn't plugged into the camera. I'm not certain if there's something that can be done about it, other than contacting Lomography and finding out if they can help you. I'm on the road at the moment, and will take a look at my F+ (it stayed at home) when I get back.

[DramaJunki3]

@kaituba hello.. im having the same problem as blondechick16592. what should i do? please help. hiks. T^T

[deegee1976]

thank you. your video is great help :)

[FuzzyBlueLitez]

ok, this is a little off topic, but i'm pretty new with the photography world and i wanted to know if, with a film camera like the diana f+, is there no way to view your pictures before you get them developed?

[kaituba]

Welcome to the wonderful world of film photography, where you don't know what you have until the film is processed. If I can, I usually shoot a few frames of any subject, just to make sure I have something usable to print.

[pizza0502]

is there any video to show how to repair Diana+ Flash?cuz my flash is dead now...

[kaituba]

Sorry, but I don't have any quick fixes for Diana flash units. If you need a replacement, I suggest getting a hot shoe plug ($10) and then find an inexpensive flash unit from ebay or your local thrifts store ($2-10). This will be cheaper than replacing the Diana F+ flash unit (about $50)

[pizza0502]

oh ok...anyway thx for ur advice~!din think of use a DIY flash before~haha

[FilmInspirations]

Hi, your videos are really helpful. I have an off topic question, is it normal for my lock switch on the bottom of my Diana F+ to be sticking out a little? When I set it down, it won't balance perfect because of that.  Thank you!

[luvurazle]

Thanks so much...just wondering how this thing works!!!! now its so easy!!

[tylercain]

Thank you...this is great

[kaituba]

I don't know of any parts in the flash that are user replaceable. Contact Lomography and see if they have parts you can order.

I'll have to take a look at my flash and see if it's possible to work on.

[InneHaine]

Hey, if someone knows how to fix my little problem... it would be very very nice.

I think the lamp/bulb in my Diana F+ flash is broken. It won't flash anymore and I hear a little piece ticking inside the flash when I shake it. Is there a way to open the flash and replace the lamp?

Thank you and shoot shoot shoot :-)

[Irenerz]

can you use any type of flash on the diana F+ when using the hotshoe?

[paulineng01]

My boyfriend just bought my DianaF + camera for me today and this video was uber helpful, thank you Kai.

[aaaaabbey]

super helpful!

[Fatwinao]

isn't it i need to press the shutter of diana F and the flash fire away button at the same time when i take the photoes?

[euanandcalum1234]

you only need to press the shutter release and not the test button cos the flash fires when the shutter is open i.e the film is exposed

[Fatwinao]

how can i make sure that i ve already photo the pictures already???n do i need to press any button on the flash when i take the photoes?

[JLewDeth]

Your videos are so helpful, thank you for posting them!!

[maxrules247]

my diana doesn't have the two holes at top :P

[applesrfun]

the diana and the holga looks very pretty side by side :D

[LovelyLittleLeopold]

Thank you SO much for this video!!

I have a question (please bear with me as I am VERY new to photography):

I have often heard people talk about the plastic masks and these did not come with the Diana F+ I bought. Do I really need them if I want to have those really cool, scratchy, vintage, color tinted photos that look as if they're from the 60s?

Thank you again!

[rbwgrl01]

im from holland, amsterdam and just got the diana for christmas i really hope you could help me with this problem

(-.-) and please mind my english hahah ...

thank you so muchhh !

[kaituba]

If the flash works fine, then It sounds like the camera itself is malfunctioning. Unfortunately, I don't have an easy fix for you. Contact Lomography and see about getting a replacement.

[rbwgrl01]

hai kai thnx for all your videos ! it helped me out so much

i still have a problem do ... my flash only works without the camera... when i put it on the diana it does not sync with the shutter release :(

please help me !!!!!

[xxgcgdmcrtuxx]

you should do a video on the 4 or 5 (i don't have my camera in front of me right now)setting below the barrel of the camera. i don't know what each means. i know that the 'P' is for pin point but what are the others?

and what is the difference between "N" and "B". I don't understand the whole exposure thing.

but have a happy 2009!

and thank you for all your videos. if it wasnt for you, i would have given up on my camera.

[kaituba]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll add the exposure settings to the list of videos to do.

[adzab]

i'm getting these plastic beauty :)

[kaituba]

Is it offline? As with many shared webhost sites, it occasionally will go down due to reasons beyond my control, but my logs show no unusual activity for the past 24 hours. Is there some other problem I should be aware of?

[holgaholic]

whats is wrong with your website?

[manuelisai]

im a subscriber who has been watching your videos for the past year.

it seems as though your having fun with photography and producing some great results in the process.

maybe youll have some videos in the future focusing on the other aspects of photography as well; darkroom, shooting on location & and choosing film for a desired look/feel.

i am anxious to see what you have in store for 2009.

great channel, great website.

[kaituba]

Thanks for the kind comments. I have some fun projects in the planning stages, some along the lines you mention. I look forward to sharing them with you all in 2009!