The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator is a pinhole camera from Lomography. It was introduced in June 2009 as a revolution in pinhole photography. Instead of one hole, like normal pinhole cameras, this pinhole camera has a full 3 holes through which light falls onto the film. Not only does it look very similar to the Diana F+, but it also has some of the features of the popular plastic camera.
Instead of a lens, a normal pinhole camera has only a tiny hole through which light falls onto the film and exposes it. The hole is just 0.227 mm, which corresponds to an aperture of f/128.
The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator allows two or three pinhole exposures to be captured on one image. There are three settings: only one open hole, two open holes side by side, or 3 open holes arranged in a triangle.
Crazy color effects can be created with the included color filters that attach between the film and pinhole.
The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator does not have a fixed exposure time, only a bulb mode where the exposure time has to be set by holding down the shutter release itself.
Since a pinhole camera does not have a lens, it is not necessary or possible to focus.
The pinhole camera supports three film formats, two of which require additional accessories. Natively, the Diana Multi Pinhole Operator supports all types of medium format film and can capture either 12 images (5.2×5.2cm) or, with a mask, 16 images (4.2×4.2cm) onto the film. An additional panorama mask that attaches inside the camera allows for endless panoramas.
The backs for the Diana F+ can also be used with 35mm film (Diana+ 35mm Back) or Fuji Instax Mini film (Diana Instant Back+). The Instax Mini Film* is an instant film still available from Fujifilm.
For blur-free shots, there is a thread for a tripod on the bottom of the camera. The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator has a connection for the Diana flash. With an adapter, external flashes with a hot shoe can also be used.
Of course, this camera also has a viewfinder. Through it, however, you can only roughly see the subsequent image, since it is not connected to the lens/holes, as with an SLR camera.
The Diana Multi Pinhole Operator is made in China from lightweight plastic. The fully mechanical pinhole camera does not require batteries for operation.
Included are the pinhole operator, 2 masks, 6 color filters, instruction manual and stickers There is only one edition of this Diana in black with yellow top.
If you do a lot of pinhole shooting, you will have a lot of fun with this camera. For those for whom one hole is enough and rarely take pinhole shots, a Diana F+ with pinhole function will also do.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Pinhole camera |
| Film format | 120, 35mm, Fuji Instax Mini (additional accessories) |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Rotary knob |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 60 mm |
| Focal length | 29 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/128 |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Connection for Diana F+ Flash, Hot Shoe (with adapter) |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | China |
FAQ about the Diana Multi Pinhole Operator
How many holes does this pinhole camera have?
Unlike a regular pinhole camera, the Diana Multi Pinhole Operator has three holes, allowing for multiple exposures on a single frame. You can choose to use one, two, or all three holes simultaneously.
What kind of film does the camera use?
It primarily uses 120 roll film for medium format photos, but with additional backs, you can also use 35mm film or Instax Mini film for instant photos. The camera gives you different picture sizes depending on the film used and any masks you include.
Does the camera have a shutter speed setting?
No, it only has a bulb mode. This means you control the exposure time by holding down the shutter release button. You'll need to experiment to find the correct exposure time.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, it has a connection for the Diana flash, and with an adapter, you can also use external flashes with a hot shoe. This is helpful in low light conditions.
Is it easy to focus with this camera?
No focusing is needed because the Diana Multi Pinhole Operator doesn't have a lens, just pinholes. The images will have a characteristic soft focus effect typical of pinhole photography.