what are Diana cameras? really?... They are pretty crappy cameras, a toy camera, a carnival camera, a promotional camera, a cheap camera.

So whey all the hubbub bub? Why is it that I see people going gaga over this piece of crap toy camera and paying upwards of 100-200 U.S. for one? Well... we really don't know...we think they must be rich people that have money stuffed in their mattresses. But seriously, there is no marketing genius out there filling our heads with fuzzy pictures with vignetted edges... and it isn't as if they are that hard to find, even though they have been out of production for a quarter of a century.

The fact of the matter is that the mystique of the diana cameras come from her faults, its technical disabilities, its light leaks, its vignetting, and of course that cute blue top, all make up her charm. Perhaps one of the main reasons why they can be so pricey are because they are one of a kind, no other camera makes images just like a Diana camera.

What would seem to be the biggest bit of information that people just aren't aware of is that even though we affectionately call them all "Diana cameras", there are in fact dozens upon dozens of cameras with differnt names. Even though their names are different, there are some that are built the exact same way.

Why then do we call them all "Diana cameras"? most likely because cameras with the name "Diana" on it were the most common one distributed around the world, particularly in North America where an infux of photographers used the "Diana" cameras for creating photographic artwork. Other than that it must be just a collector thing, people must have a genuine Diana camera, not a clone or imitation. So from here on in, you should be aware that when I refer to "Diana cameras" I am in fact also referring to her many sisters and clones.

We at toycamera certainly wouldn't put up our noses at the sight of a "Windsor", "tru-view", "Stellar", or "Anny" camera, we know its one in the same, the same crappy toy camera as the Diana. Why then all the different names for the same camera? It is not likely that there was any real genius from the folks at the Great Wall Plastic Co. they sold different cameras with different names depending on where they were shipping them to, or would put on the logos of companies to be sold as promotional items. They were given away at carnivals for prizes and sold on convenience store racks.

Just like a bad horror movie, the Diana camera has several sequels and spin-offs. Some of these include the "De Luxe" version of cameras that shoot 6x6 cm negatives complete with hot shoe, 127 TLR's, 120 TLR's, and of course the "Flash" versions of cameras that come with a cheap plastic flash unit. So you are on the lookout for a Diana camera, what should you look for? Well if it isn't clear yet, DON'T LOOK FOR A DIANA!!!, look for one of her clones, for a complete list of names see this link

Also, be aware that many Diana cameras are built for use with 620 film, which differs from 120 only little, but can make life difficult if you want to use it with 120 film.

As a last note, there is no better way to find out about a Diana camera than to get one and experiment with it and above all HAVE FUN WITH IT!!! After all it is a toy camera, if you take it too seriously people might try to lock you up in the looney bin...