Diana f-stops

[Overrank]

Last year I bought a Sinomax Diana clone, which is probably my funnest camera. However I'm wondering if anyone knows the f-stops on the lens. I've been using 400 speed film which seems a pretty good match for what's on the lens, but it would be interesting to know what exactly are the f/stops (and shutter speed).

There's an interesting story about this brand of Diana here - https://www.lomography.com/magazine...h-the-prolific-camera-collector-allan-detrich (and look for Maud Ramadan). Puts the "Shot on iPhone" campaign into context.


The camera


Photo from it - Kentmere 400, scanned on Epson V550

 

[FrancoD]

I would think that the Sinomax i just a re-badged Diana, in other words the exact same camera with a different name. They were also sold or given away with many more names .

According to Wiki :

The 3 aperture version of the classic Diana/Diana clone has apertures of f/11, f/13, and f/19, and it takes 32 mm clip-on filters. The Diana Deluxe variant offers f/9, f/16, and f/22, and takes a 46–49 mm step-up ring, unusual for such a low-end camera.

I think that by classic they mean the type 151 , yours should be that.

However another source states:

The lens is simple plastic meniscus lens with some vignetting. Light leaks are frequent, often you had to put black tape over the seams. Each frame is 4cm x 4cm, so a roll of 120 film gives 16 frames. Focusing is done by turning the lens' index to 3 zones, 4-6ft, 6-12ft, or 12ft to infinity. There are 3 F-stops, sometimes said to be random, around F4.5, F8 and F11 due to less sensitive film in the 1960s and smaller towards the end of production (F11, F13 and F19). Several variations in top-plate and lens-barrel style appeared.

https://www.plastikcam.com/diana_classic_revue.htm

N151 stamped on the lever with Made In Hong Kong.



I had a Diana or a clone when I was a kid. An uncle of mine gave me a few box and folding cameras and probably that Diana type too. Never used any of those but most likely that was the start of me playing with cameras , something that later on became my profession . (buying and selling them).

 

[Overrank]

Thanks. I have a feeling that mine is closer to the F4.5, F8 and F11 because of the couple of rolls I’ve put though it I don’t think I’ve had a single shot be underexposed, and where I live is much more of a f/4.5 place, even with 400 ISO film and 1/90s shutter ! In the summer when there’s a bit more to range I’ll try some test shots at all those values and see which looks right.



I’d had a Diana when I was young (I recently found a photo of me wearing it on a day out) but had never actually used it with film. I think they were seen as toys, which is a shame as they’re much more capable. I’m hoping this year to really give it a spin when the weathers warmer / brighter.

 

[FrancoD]

Yesw, it was considered to be a toy camera mostly given away as a promotion (under the promoters brand) . Even the Riders Digest had their own version .