Fuzzy 6x6 or Sharp 35mm?

[@CalumetVideo]

I love Steve’s channel, he is not hyping equipment, he is sharing technique just as Bob Ross teaches one to paint, Steve teaches one to photograph and develop the eye.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@neileverett5183]

Beautiful images and a great video Steve. Very enjoyable and inspiring to watch 👍.

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks 🙂

[@robintaylor6677]

Beautiful images as always, have to say that your channel is by far my favourite as the gear doesn't matter it's all about the ability of you the photographer. Hope you have a very merry Christmas and thanks for sharing.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robin and seasons greetings to you too 🎄

[@robertgordon6362]

Your Holga images are some of your best square images ever. Thank you.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robert 🙂

[@my2004rt]

Beautiful photos! I always enjoy your videos.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you very much!

[@krystianogorek9117]

Photos captured with Holga are absolutely amazing.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Absolutely stunning Holga images Steve

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Christine.

[@michael195b]

Great pictures, love the vignette

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael.

[@fabiomelloni1396]

Excelente como siempre, un placer ver tus videos y tus fotografias. Feliz Navidad!!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and a merry Christmas to you too 😊

[@jstrangelook]

I find that working with limitations makes photography so much more fun, I like this about film photography in general, especially with cameras like the holga and pinhole cameras. What I love about them is the lofi look they give. I once shot with a canon 5d mk2 and a feeling of boredom just came over me, like I had too much freedom with this camera, up until then I’ve been shooting with older dslr cameras and I don’t think I’ll ever need anything new they sell today. Love the videos, been watching on and off for a while now.

[@SteveONions]

I do shoot digital from time to time but it does leave me feeling a bit cold. When I use a film camera I get a lot more engaged with the subject.

[@RadekRunowski]

Love your channel Steve, and this video is one of my favourites this year; amazing photos, both 6x6 and 35mm. Have a great Christmas. All the best, Radek.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Radek, hope you have a lovely Christmas and New year too.

[@johnjon1823]

Very nice images, I think they may be among the best I have ever seen on this channel, not that there weren't other great ones, but these, to me at least, are superior. Great video, excellent work.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you John.

[@motorvelo]

When you said there was no colour or definition in the sky above the sand I said there is the picture. The monochromatic cold sky against the warm sand and the way the cloud patterns mirrored the shape of the lighter sand that was a gift. Still I guess because you were shooting on B&W film rather than digital you were limited in your choices shot to shot. That’s why when I shot film I had one OM1 body loaded with B&W and one with colour transparency. What a blessing having digital with a RAW file is.

[@SteveONions]

I often pack a digital camera with me just in case something colourful crops up. On this occasion I wanted to keep it simple and only have mono options, but I agree there were a few good colour shots in there.

[@luismartins3262]

Let's see... two blokes with cameras and tripods, taking pictures handheld on a very windy day. Yep, looks like you both have adopted my style of shooting! But shooting low to the ground, against the wind, on a sandy beach? If I was there I would have waited for you guys at the nearest coffee shop.

[@SteveONions]

😀 I was a bit miffed not to use the tripod to be honest but it was only really there for the evening shots that didn’t materialise. There’s no cafe there but we did frequent the very nice coffee van that turned up.

[@azfactor7875]

You were certainly able to make the qualities and limitations of the Holga work well for you in this setting. I couldn't help but wonder how some of those shots would render as lith prints. And the F800 with the Delta 400 at those crops allowed the grain to contribute to a very dreamy, fantasy world. You were well rewarded for putting up with less than pleasant conditions.

[@SteveONions]

I used to love printing Holga shots as lith prints but the darkroom is sadly out of action at present. There’s also a real lack of lithable papers these days, my personal favourite was Kentmere Fineprint warmtone.

[@azfactor7875]

The surest way for a product to disappear from production is to have a fondness for using (consuming) it. Hope you get your darkroom back in service.

[@oldfilmguy9413]

As we say in the states, your mastery of the Holga "really knocked it out of the park!" Many beautiful shots including with the Nikon, but the Holga really was made for these types of images! Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

I do like what the Holga can do, even if it is just a cheap collection of plastic parts.

[@henkpeter1755]

Nice collection of images Steve, I like the images at 3:42 (low close-up) and 9:34 (black line from low position) best. Thanks for another entertaining video.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@davidwalsh566]

Steve, you nicely demonstrate the advantages of using simple cameras in difficult conditions: both the Holga and the F80, in their different ways, allow you to concentrate on composition and not worry too much about settings. Who would want to be scrolling through menus in such cold and windy weather? Robin, perhaps? Some lovely results with both cameras. Thanks for another year of sharing your adventures in photography through such enjoyable and inspiring videos. Merry Christmas!

[@SteveONions]

The fewer controls the better when it comes to cold weather and strong winds. I have used a digital camera there at times but my favourite shots have all been with B&W film.

[@runninblue9415]

Great advert for getting off the couch, and film, and your skills. Obviously 👏

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😀

[@scottchenoweth4937]

I am stunned by how good the Holga shots are. I know you have a lot of time with one. This makes me want a Lomo Sprocket Rocket for panos. I'd need a sprocket hole film holder for my Valoi camera scanning setup, but it would be inexpensive fun. My only 6x6 rig is a Hassie 503CW with an old 40mm and an 80mm T*. Never a grain of sand shall they ever meet. I am getting high blood pressure just thinking about it.

[@SteveONions]

I took my Hasselblad 501CM to that beach about 15 years ago and got sand into the focus mechanism of my 50mm CF/FLE (£200 repair bill followed).

[@scottchenoweth4937]

@@SteveONions Noooo! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you & yours.

[@yurymelnikov3644]

As always a very motivating video. I watched it tonight and we are having a storm today. What a coincidence! 😀 Thank you, Steve. Merry Christmas!

[@SteveONions]

You are so welcome!

[@jasongold6751]

Thank you for wonderful photos! The Holga shots are stunning! Love the video! Bravo Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Jason, all the best for the holiday season and 2025 👍

[@yelkao8]

Brilliant Steve, always worth watching. Merry Christmas

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and a merry Christmas to you too 👍

[@joseluisavilagonzalez9626]

Stunning photography! Congratulations.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you so much 😀

[@raybeaumont7670]

Cheers Steve - some interesting photos there. I like your results from the Holga! I've recently been playing with an old Pentax Optio digital compact - 3 megapixel - with some quietly good results. It's all about enjoying the different thought processes while using these things. Have a safe n happy Christmas! Best from the Rhondda

[@SteveONions]

Some of the really old digital cameras have a distinctive look, not only the low resolution but the limited dynamic range. With modern devices delivering ever more detail and sharpness it’s nice to go in the opposite direction at times.

[@BarwickGreen]

You got some cracking shots with both cameras.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@iNerdier]

I maintain lith prints from your Holga is some of the best work you do.

[@SteveONions]

I’d agree, Holga and lith prints go together perfectly.

[@MarkS-f7i]

Great stuff again. I feel fuzzy and sharp both had their place. With the sand blasting straight into the Holga,, gritty in both senses of the word.

[@SteveONions]

I was fairly pleased with both looks to be honest but on balance I should have stuck with the Holga.

[@danncorbit3623]

Marvelous images. My favorites were the path with split rail fences and the abstract patterns in the sand. A tour de force showing the role of the photographer in conjunction with understanding of the equipment

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dann, I always enjoy shooting with the Holga even if it is a bit hit and miss (and there are a lot of misses!).

[@JimNorman-op1cv]

That beach is a great location for any format or equipment. Love the images from there.

[@SteveONions]

It really is a great location Jim, the skies are nearly always strong and working with wide open spaces is such a change from my usual forests.

[@SloopJohnBeeRockabilly]

I know what you mean when you said with the Holga you don’t have to concentrate on photography, as in complicated settings etc, but that IS photography and and as usual you accomplish it very well. Wish my dunes shots matched yours man. They do until I look in post!🤷‍♂️🤣👍📸

[@SteveONions]

I find that every time I use the Holga I respond to the subject far better than I do with a ‘better’ device. It’s probably because I have so little control over the camera that I spend all my time trying to get the composition right. It’s always a revelation that despite a single shutter speed and aperture the negatives come out so well.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Excellent video, Steve. Some really fine images to boot. Thank you for creating and sharing these videos. They are most enjoyable and I learn much from them. A couple of years ago, after watching one of your videos, I asked a local camera shop if the had a Holga camera. They did, but the price sure had gone up since you bought yours. In any case, it was neat to find that they are still available. Not that I need one. Cheers.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James, Holga’s do come in and out of fashion fairly regularly and I go through spells of using them before forgetting about them altogether.

[@VictorReynolds]

Now Steve, you have me wanting to buy a Holga! Great video!

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

I bought one a few weeks ago, not really convinced I would like it, but I do! There is something about the images.

[@SteveONions]

I have a love hate relationship with the Holga (and other toy cameras).

[@gerhardhoeger1048]

Great Pictures, Thanks!

[@SteveONions]

My pleasure Gerhard.

[@Bob-us9di]

Really good photos work because they get inside you - often emotionally - like great music. When these images landed on my feed earlier this morning I almost felt them - like listening to The Beatles 'Eleanor Rigby' or Mahlers 5th Symphony. There's a quiet impact that stays with you, engages you and makes you think. It's difficult to pin it down - composition, wonderful mid-tones, grain. FWIW I think Steve should publish a book of his monochrome landscapes - I'm sure a lot of people would happily buy one.

[@SteveONions]

I also find that the Holga (and other simple cameras) deliver images that somehow feel more like a memory and evoke a greater emotional response.

[@impressionsoflight9263]

10:35 “If only I owned an x-pan” 😉 Merry Christmas Steve.

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@SteveONions]

I did think about the Xpan while I was there 🤔

[@impressionsoflight9263]

I think for the amount of money that you need to tie up to have an x-pan you would be better off with an old 6x9 folder and crop to suit.

[@grzegorzradziejewski6114]

Beautiful photos, thank you for the video :)

[@SteveONions]

My pleasure 😊

[@joerg_koeln]

Bravo, excellent pictures. If somebody needs a proof why the photographer's eye is so much more important than the type of camera, he/she should have a look into your channel. I tried out the Holga, but the shooting experience was terrible, I prefer a more solid camera. Sold it after only one film. But I still like its concept of simplicity.

[@SteveONions]

The Holga is a bit of a pain to operate and annoyingly fragile ( the back is always trying to fall off). That said, the lens characteristics are rather wonderful and impart a dream like quality to most subjects.

[@northof-62]

Like all the shots! 8:10 "Hundred Acre Wood" 😅 My Konica Pop does the Holga services for me. Need to hurry out before the rain... Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

I love the look of the little Konica, also the Holga 135.

[@stuartbaines2843]

Caught the Season Well as usual 👍💨🎄

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stuart.

[@eltinjones4542]

Some nice ones there alright 📷👍

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Nice images

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks James.

[@buyaport]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience! Inspires me to take to the (Danish) North Sea coast the next couple of days... BTW: This autumn I got the Holga out again. I don't like it for B/W pictures (think they should be sharp), but its colour rendition is surprisingly nice, and the autumn colour pictures may be fuzzy but the colours generate the impression here (like in watercolour pictures).

[@SteveONions]

I’ve used the Holga a few times with colour print film and liked the results, just a shame the 800 speed materials are so expensive now.

[@oudviola]

Beautiful images! I don't associate northern England with sandy beaches, but will now. Is there a particular reason for using both HP5 and Delta 400 films on the same day?

[@SteveONions]

I’d have been better off using HP5+ in both to be honest, then they could all have gone in the developing tank together.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Nice expansive beach & sky! :-) And those pseudo-drone shots (courtesy of 360 cam) work really well.

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks!

[@terrysankey3982]

Loved the 'gritty' shots but was so disappointed that you didn't have a fold out unicorn in you 'Mary Poppins' camera bag..😂

[@SteveONions]

I foolishly packed the inflatable rock instead 😊

[@chriscard6544]

Im working on a series for a Zine. I use a 4x5 camera and an Holga 120. I cant decide but the Holga brings a real arty render.

[@SteveONions]

I do like that low res Holga look, it shouldn’t work so well but it does.

[@steve.ev.photography]

Great images. Light and grain. Can you please let us know the name of your backpack. I saw something similar on a kickstarter awhile back but can't find it now. Perfect for changing lenses on a sandy /muddy beach.

[@SteveONions]

The bag is a Thinktank Urban Access 13, designed to be somewhat anonymous and very flexible if you don’t want to take it off every 5 minutes.

[@jasondewar2188]

Your backpack does look useful! What model is it?

[@SteveONions]

It the Urban access 13 from Thinktank Jason.

[@DizinEire]

Never had a Holga, probably never will. But I have seen some really good photographs by Eddie Mallon with one. Like the pano crop @ 1040. One for the wall would be the Pole @ 1125😁 Cracking vlog Steve. Cheers, Diz

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Diz, I go through spells where I love the Holga then I won’t use it for a few years.

[@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495]

Hi Steve, great video as always and loved your photos! I just got a Holga myself, and I was wondering, what's the thread size on those filters you are using? Thanks in advance and have some lovely holidays

[@SteveONions]

Hi Fabrizio. Whilst there is no thread on the Holga lens you can bodge something like a 46-52mm step up ring onto it with a bit of brute force.

[@lensman5762]

Lovely images, Steve. I have had a week off work to use up my holidays (they won't let us carry them over or buy our unused holidays, Americans for you), so I wanted to get up there early one morning but the tide was high at 9 meters until the afternoon. What time of day was this, it looked well out??? Again, loved the photos. And before I go, have a great Christmas and New Year.

[@SteveONions]

We arrived around 09:30 and the tide was fully up around 12:30 (but it wasn’t a particularly big one). Ideally we like to have low tide around sunset so we can follow the water out as far as possible and get a lot of clean sand.

[@photog1529]

The Photoshop remove tool was specifically developed to remove the unsightly wind turbines. At least that's what I was told. 😁

[@SteveONions]

I’d ask it to add more wind turbines 😀

[@hks9489]

Steve takes a rubbish camera and makes spectacular photos. I take a spectacular camera and make rubbish photos. Yin and Yang

[@SteveONions]

😀😀

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Leave a link to your photos.... I bet they're not rubbish

[@stevef2114]

Holgas are fine if you develop yourself. Otherwise i find them completely useless. If they have a set shutter speed of 1/100th (or some say 1/40th) with f8 aperture, on a cloudy day like you had, you would be getting around 400th would you using sunny 16 rule, which would well under expose your shots with iso400 film. If you rated it at 100 so you use the sunny 16 rule, you must of done development adjustents as they would be over exposed. Have i got that right?

[@g-r-a-e-m-e-]

Personally I develop film from the Holga, or other similar setups, using Rodinal 1:50 in semi stand development.

[@tedcrosby9361]

Stand development will help minimise the problem of exposure accuracy. To get somewhere near correct exposure I use a one stop ND filter which effectively means the camera has a four stop range, or as Steve mentioned you could use color filters for b/w.

[@SteveONions]

The negatives from earlier in the day were very thin and needed work in Lightroom to extract detail from the shadows. The later ones were fine but that’s just part of the Holga experience and often the shortcomings make for excellent results.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Never understood the point of the Holga at all...... UNLESS Steve O'Nions is shooting it 😅 Brilliant images. Quick general question on Ilford FP4... I've got a roll but never shot it before. Is it worth giving it a bit more than 125 exposure? Do the blacks fall off as rapidly as Tmax or does it behave more like HP5? (Other than the spped obviously)

[@SteveONions]

Hi David. When I’ve shot FP4+ I tend to give a little more exposure and curtail development slightly, especially in bright light. It is not overly contrasty and has excellent tonality, especially when printed in the darkroom.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

@SteveONions cheers for that Steve.... Have a great Christmas

[@withadogthroughlife903]

Стеве, отличное видео, атмосферные фотографии. Спасибо за такое мотивирующее видео! Береги себя.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@MezeiEugen]

Lets make idiotic comparations.

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@grahambell1959]

Super video, Steve, Particularly love your panoramas. Your videography is outstanding, too.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Graham, that’s very kind of you to say.