The Debonair is a Diana clone. This means that the medium format camera is a version of the Diana, not the Diana F+ from Lomography, but the predecessor of it.
It was built in the 60s to 70s by the Great Wall Plastic Factory in Hong Kong. In Germany, the plastic camera was distributed by Mewa Industries. The camera is almost completely made of plastic and did not cost very much at that time.
The Debonair is black, the top part with the viewfinder and the film spooler is a green-blue-turquoise color. Around the lens is printed “Debonair” and “Super-Lens No. 809”.
The Debonair is quite simple in design. It is loaded with normal medium format film. On this it exposes 16 images with a size of 4.5 by 4.5 cm. Through a small window on the back, as with most medium format cameras, you can see the current frame number.
Once you have taken a picture, you move on to the next number. The film is transported by a wheel on the top of the camera.
Like the camera, the lens is made of plastic. Focusing is done by turning the ring on the lens in three steps, 1 meter to 2 meters, 2 meters to 4 meters and 4 meters to infinity. Depending on the lighting conditions, a slider on the bottom of the lens barrel, the correct setting can be selected (Turbid, Cloudy, Sunny).
The plastic lens provides the dreamy lo-fi look that is typical of the Dianas.
In terms of exposure times, you have the choice between 1/100 second and Bulb mode, where the shutter remains open as long as the shutter release button is pressed. Double or multiple exposures are possible without problems, by pressing the shutter button several times without advancing the film.
A flash or tripod cannot be connected to the Debonair. However, the Debonair is equipped with a viewfinder, but it is not connected to the lens, as in the case of an SLR camera, for example.
Films for the Debonair
Roll films are exposed in the Debonair. Fortunately, there are still some manufacturers of medium format films. A medium format film for color exposures is the Fujifilm PRO 400H*. A possible black and white film is the Kodak T-Max 400*.
The price on the packaging for this one is listed as 2.5 DM + 11% VAT. Based on this information, it is obvious that it was sold between 01.07.1968 and 31.12.1977. During this period, the tax rate in West Germany was 11 percent.
Sample photos
All sample photos were taken with the Lomography Earl Grey B&W 100 120.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 45 mm x 45 mm |
| Focal length | ? |
| Widest aperture | ? |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 1 m to 2 m, 2 m to 4 m, 4 m to Infinite |
| Exposure times | 1/100 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Hong Kong |
| Estimated value / Used price | 17,33 Euro 31271614415281618920 Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of April 28, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 15,00 Euro (16.24 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 15,88 Euro (16.24 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Debonair
What kind of film does this camera use?
The Debonair uses standard 120 roll film, which is common for medium format cameras. It exposes 16 images, each measuring 4.5 x 4.5 cm. You can find both color and black and white films in this format.
How do I focus the camera?
Focusing is done by turning the ring on the lens. It has three settings: 1-2 meters, 2-4 meters, and 4 meters to infinity. There's also a slider on the lens to adjust for different light conditions.
Is the camera made of metal or plastic?
The Debonair is primarily made of plastic. This was a common material for inexpensive cameras produced during the 60s and 70s. The plastic lens contributes to its characteristic dreamy, lo-fi look.
What are the shutter speed options?
The camera offers two shutter speeds: 1/100th of a second and a bulb mode. In bulb mode, the shutter stays open as long as the shutter button is pressed, allowing for long exposures.
Can I use a flash or tripod with this camera?
No, the Debonair doesn't have flash or tripod mounts. It's a simple, basic camera designed for easy, handheld shooting. The viewfinder is built-in and is not connected to the lens like an SLR.