Film cameras I own and use - Part 2 - The Holga 120N
Welcome to part 2 of film cameras I own and use. And if you happened to have read my previous blog you might have guessed that the next camera I would discuss would be the Pentax K1000. With that camera being fairly similar in basic function to the Pentax MX previously discussed in part 1. I decided to cover the Holga 120N instead and put the K1000 on hold for a bit. I have owned the Holga 120N for just over three years and in the past year I recently started using it a bit more often. Now other than the fact that it also uses film, it is quite a different experience than using the Pentax MX or K1000. This is a camera that is constructed mainly of plastic and takes 120 medium format film instead of 35mm and is fitted with an adjustable all plastic single element 60mm f/8 lens.
 
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| At $40.00 the almost completely plastic constructed Holga 120 has become bit of a cult classic. |
The Holga 120 arrived on the scene around 1982 and over the years in its various iterations and model numbers this inexpensive plastic camera has become quite a cult classic. Known for the propensity of not being super light tight, which is generally the expected function of a camera. The Holga 120 is notorious for its light leaks, resulting in various shaped artifacts upon ones final images. Combine that with the dreamy look of images captured by a very simple plastic lens and you have the formula for a camera that has charmed a large number of film photographers for years.
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| Using electrical tape helps to seal the seams on the camera back and sides where light can sneak in . |
Now if you are one who does not favor flare and glare all over your photographs, and without a doubt, not all photographers appreciate the look of light leaks on their final images. Myself being one of those photographers who can absolutely do without light reflections all over my images, but at the same time love the dreamy look of images captured by this camera's simple plastic lens. Fear not for there are a few easy fixes to help reduce or eliminate the chance of light leaks allowing one to enjoy the lens itself without the added distractions and what has worked for me is some black tape ( I use electrical ) and a bit of flat black spray paint on the film mask.
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| In addition to taping the film back I also put a piece of tape across the aperture switch. |
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| Spray painting the film masks with flat black paint helps to eliminate potential light refection. |
Some Holga users go even further and paint inside sections of the camera while making sure to cover and protect the shutter mechanism compartment. I did not have to go that far with my copy of this camera. Simply using some black electrical tape and a bit of spray paint on the film mask did the trick and if you would like to check out my latest Holga video, I explain my process of making my camera light tight. I have Included the link below.
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| My latest video about the Holga 120N |
For those who enjoy all the stray light artifacts then just simply skip the tape and paint and shoot away as is. That is the beauty of this camera, you can use it as is or modify it to your own artistic taste. For me it's all about the lens and the results rendered from the single element plastic lens. The dreamy look of images which are sharp in the center and soft at the edges. The way the lens vignettes also renders some very special looking images, thereby creating photos that have made this camera a favorite of many film photographers and then again maybe not so much for some others. Let's not forget that old adage, "art is a mater of personal taste". That being said I'm all in for trying to eliminate as many light leaks as possible. That way I can fully appreciate the beauty of this lens as well as concentrate on the types of film and the techniques used to capture images using this simple plastic camera.
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| Image captured on Kentmere 400 film developed in Rodinal |
As far as this camera goes there's not a whole lot to it. It has two shutter settings, N which is approx. a 1/100 of a second for hand held photos, a B ( or bulb ) setting for long exposure times, a tripod socket, a hot shoe for flash, a manual film advance and an adjustable lens with two aperture settings, Sunny - approximately f/11 and cloudy - f/8. You adjust the the lens by simply guessing the distance to the subject and then set it to one of the icons that represents a specific distance. The distance settings or icons are represented by a single person ( approx. 3 ft ) a 3 person icon ( approx. 7 ft ) a group Icon setting ( approx. 20 ft ) and a mountain icon representing the infinity setting.
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| Lens distance setting and aperture selector switch |
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| The Shutter selector is located on the bottom of the camera as well as the tripod socket |
With the Holga 120N having a B setting, a tripod socket and a flash shoe there is definitely room for experimentation but the procedure of taking a handheld photo is fairly straight forward, set the shutter switch to the N position, set the aperture to either the sun or cloud icon, select the distance setting on the lens, look thru the viewing window and then snap the shutter. The film you use is generally determined by the lighting conditions. I generally stick with a 400 ISO film which works nicely for sunny and slightly overcast days. If it is a heavy over cast day one could try using something faster such as an 800 speed film. If you develop your own black and white film you can push your film in development to accommodate the lighting conditions which can add an extra bit of versatility when using a camera like this. It's all part of the fun and adventure.
That's pretty much it for the Holga 120N, a very inexpensive fun film camera indeed and if you have come this far I thank you for checking out my blog and if you like, check out my gallery below or check out my latest Holga video on YouTube and once again thanks for viewing my blog (-:
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Click here to view more Holga 120N Photos