The Jaybee: Diana's Cool Cousin
Jaybee by Jaybee
By Gary Moyer
6 Feb 2007
When I first started using toy cameras, there was quite a few to choose from. The one that was always at the top of the list was the Diana. How could I be a true toy camera buff if I didn't own the grandmother of all plastic cameras? I thought a quick trip to eBay should solve this problem but Diana's were going for big money-anywhere from 100 to 300 dollars US! Could this priestess of plastic really be worth the cash? I was almost convinced she was, until I met her cousin, The JayBee.
I am talking Diana clones people. The little cousins with funny names like Stellar, Lina, Future Scientist, and Snappy. In fact, there are over 90 documented versions. Now, don't get me wrong, the Diana is a wonderful camera, but don't actually have to own the original. Almost all the clones are exactly the same camera with a different names. This is how I ended up finding my beloved JayBee.
When the JayBee arrived, I held it next to a Diana original and there was no difference. Clones are made from pretty much the same mold; so despite the poor quality control on these cams, they all perform in a pretty similar way.
Using the JayBee , Diana, or any clone for that matter is basically the same. You need to load the 120 film and make sure to tape all the camera seams. They are very prone to light leaks, more than I really care for in my work. Now you are ready to shoot. You have a few choices to make before tripping the shutter. You get 3 aperture choices, sunny, partly cloudy, and cloudy. You also get 3 zone focusing along with an instant shutter speed and bulb setting. I find my best results come from using an ISO 400 speed negative film. You just get more exposure latitude with your cameras limited controls. The lens since it is uncoated plastic has a strong tendency to flair when shooting into the sun. This sometimes makes for some great effects.
The most important feature that I have left out is her beautiful plastic lens. Its the stuff dreams are made of. If you love sharp, well composed, and evenly lit photos, then this is not the camera for you. The Jaybee and her fellow clones are all about loving the imperfections of a plastic lens.They are almost like fingerprints, each with subtle differences. Some blur in the middle and some at the edges. You'll even get some vignetting at larger apertures. My Jaybee model has the most appealing lens qualities out of all the models I have tried.Rest assured, with patience and persistence, you can grab some memorable images with these low tech marvels. With a little practice they can be sublime.
Finally, you must be prepared to answer questions when shooting with a plastic camera in public. Be ready to talk plastic. Welcome them with open arms and invite them into our blurry world. So forget the fancy Diana label, grab one of her fun loving cousins, and embrace the blur.
C. Gary Moyer is a semi-professional photographer in New Jersey. You can find him online at scab-lab.deviantart.com.
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