Jul
07
2006

First Holga photos

holga photography

I recently picked up an all-plastic Holga camera and a couple rolls of 120 film. I just got the first roll of photos back from the lab.

This is the first time I've shot on film in more than two years, probably closer to three. It's a bit strange to flip through actual, physical prints instead of just scrolling through iPhoto.

People tout instant gratification as one of the main advantages of digital. You know whether you got the shot as soon as you release the shutter. And I agree that's very convenient, especially when you have limited time with a subject, so you want to make sure you get it right. But the combination of Holga's unpredictable results and a two-day wait for processing makes for an exciting reveal when you finally open the envelope for your first glimpse of your glossies (or mattes).

Holga photos, group 1

Holga photos, group 2

There wasn't anything too out of the ordinary on this set of black and white photos. Holgas are known for light leaks and other "problems," which is all part of the charm. I wonder, though, how my color prints will turn out when I get my second roll back from the lab. There may be oddly exposed areas that don't show up in black and white. Plus, it's a roll of 120-speed film instead of the black and white's 400.

My Holga links and more Holga photos

6 Comments

How old is that camera?

Posted by Kyle on July 09, 2006

Mine's new, but the camera was first manufactured in 1982, and I'm willing to bet the process hasn't changed much (if at all) since then.

Posted by curt on July 09, 2006

A coupla questions, dude...

1) Where'd you get it?
2) What model do you have? (There is more than one, right?)
3) How much did you pay? (If you don't mind me asking.)
4) Who develops 120-speed film in your area?

My soon-to-be-unemployed self is on the lookout for new hobbies. Heh.

Posted by Sara on July 13, 2006

Sara:
1. I ordered it from B&H (bhphotovideo.com)
2. 120N. Some models have a built in flash and I think there is one other feature that you can get, but I can't remember what it is.
3. $20 for camera, around three bucks for each roll of film
4. There is a place called E Six in Atlanta. Just look around (or google) for professional photo places, I'm sure there's somewhere in Seattle that will do it.

Posted by curt on July 13, 2006

Dude, we've got to get that bug fixed that cuts off the first few letters of your replies in IE.

Posted by rob on July 14, 2006

Hey Curt - your post inspired me to drag out the Holgas in the department out of mothball and start shooting with them - gave my students an assignment with them even - from what I've seen of them (they turn them in this Thursday) it's been a great success! I took some pics up at Granite Tors with mine and I'm really pleased with it - first time I've played with one myself!
Oh also - did a little research online - I didn't know this - you know those old Kodak Brownie Hawkeyes that you see at all the garage sales? As long as they have a 620-film spool in 'em, you can use 120 film in them, just the 620 film spool has to be the take up roll. Gonna play with mine tomorrow.

Posted by Jason on August 02, 2006

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