I've been toying with the idea of a Diana Mini or Holga 135

[wartree]

But how wide are these cameras, compared to a regular compact digital cameras (eg. canon a480).

I am finding a hard time to know if they are really worth it.

 

[ann]

what do you mean by "wide".


they will have a different look than the canon and a different application

toy cameras can be great fun and many photographers can produce terrific results as they understand how to use the camera and get the results they wish. It is more than just pushing a shutter and crossing your fingers *at least to be good*

 

[wartree]

by wide i meant the focal lenght.

 

[markbarendt]

Toy cameras are a hoot, their imperfections and unpredictability are what make them fun.

Just don't expect normal, sharp, repeatable, or well exposed results and you won't be disappointed.

They can make snapshots look truly special, they can do incredible multiple exposures, and they will make you want to tear your hair out because they will randomly ruin some shots.

 

[steven_e007]

The new price for the Diana and the Holga seem very high to me, for what you get.

I suppose it depends what you are after... but you can buy what I would call basic 'point and shoot cameras' in either 35mm or medium format very cheaply on ebeegeebay or just cruise around your local junk shops. Personally I'm into 120 rollfilm and I've had a lot of fun with a couple of Agfa Isola cameras that cost me about the same as the roll films they took ;-)

Box cameras, too, can be fun at very low cost.

For the cost of a 'toy' Diana new, you could buy a 'serious' second hand camera that would be very useable - but presumably the 'not quite in focus or properly exposed' quikyness is what you are after?

I'm most familiar with 120 rollfilm. Have a look at the Agfa Click, Agfa Clack, Agfa Isola, Agfa Isoly, Dacora Digna / Ilford Sporti, Bella 66 and hundreds of other telescoping front 120 rollfilm cameras.

In 35mm the choice would be even bigger....