Here is a fairly straight forward tutorial video showing how to simply adapt a toy camera (a Diana + in this case) that usually takes 120 (medium format) film to take 35mm film. Even though I’m using 35mm in my Diana + here, this should be achievable in just about any medium format toy camera you might have. Why do it? Because you can and because you get some cool image to the film edge looks! addit: (see some resultant photos from the first roll).
To work out how far you need to advance the film there is a handy guide at photon detector – remember if you have the 4×4 mask in your Diana + the turns will be for the Diana, Agfa Isoly guide. Without the mask (i.e. with 6 x6 exposures) work off the principle that you will need to advance a little bit more between frames. As the film is wound on you need to turn the advance a little bit less each time as the film bulks up on the take up spool. * Please note that my estimation of 3/4 to 1 full turn as stated in the video is inaccurate and will result in overlap – with a traditional Diana and a Diana + with the 4 x 4 mask in work on 1.1 turns at the beginning of the roll reducing this to approx 0.8 turns towards the end of the roll. In a Diana + without any mask (ie 6 x 6 exposures) work on 1.6 turns going down to 1 turn. Also, I needed to tape the leader of the 35mm film onto the take up spool, something not obvious or mentioned in this video (sorry). Have fun!
35mm Film In Your Toy Camera from artpunk on Vimeo.
6 Comments
hi. your video is very2 helpful!!! may I know what do you use to hold the 35mm film? are those sponges?
Hi Naziri, yes the packing on either side of the 35mm cannister is sponge, but any kibd of packing msterial will do, I kbow of people who use folded cardboard. I’m glad you found the tutorial helpful!
I understand how it works but, how do you know to rotate the film to the right spot after you snapped a picture. Because the transparent side at the back will be covered to prevent exposure and 35mm film doesn’t show you the number of film that are in use. One more thing is, once you finished, how do you roll it back to be developed?
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Interesting post and not something I had ever thought of doing! Going to have to give it a try, the results sounds intriguing. cheers P
I must admit, I was reading through your post wondering WHY you would want to do this. But then I clicked on over to the images that you’ve produced and I’ve got to admit they’re pretty funky.
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