Holga Panoramic -- my final verdict

[@qvisionstudios]

I like how you referenced that each camera has a "Signature". This is something we need to embrace and celebrate as each camera/lenses combination is unique. One camera is not better than an another, just different! Much like everyone else here, I have a bevy of cameras ranging from digital to analog in various formats and from different manufacturers. Each has a unique personality that gives me pleasure in their own way of how they capture and produce images.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yeah, and then, when you get to know the camera and its characteristics, it motivates and steers you to go to certain situations and take certain kinds of pictures. So a good "signature camera" doesn't only take interesting pictures but also affects your photography and what kind of choices you make even before pressing the shutter. And that, I think, is very powerful!

[@andre.kuzminsky]

A very good comparison. The pictures taken with Holga capture the mood. Whereas Graflex simply demonstrates technical perfection. Love Holgas 😍

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks. That is a good summary. 😊

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I always enjoy your videos. You're so thoughtful and I really appreciate you actually posting photos taken by the camera you're reviewing. One of my pet peeves is when reviewers talk about the camera but never show even a single photo taken by it. Thanks for all your hard work! Greetings from Prescott, Arizona.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, Steve. I think you MUST show photos in a camera review. It's a must. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

@@ShootOnFilm IKR? I had a film camera reviewer get mad at me for leaving a comment suggesting they post photos from the camera they reviewed. They told me if it was so important to me, then I should post photos from the camera in their comment section 🤣 Thanks again!

[@Dahrenhorst]

For that format I use Kodak 3-A Special cameras, which were build around 100 years ago. They can easily be modified to accept 120 film and than provide negatives in 6x14cm format. The advantages over the Holga: a real lens (you can get them with a Tessar lens), a real shutter (the Optimo 1A had a range of T, B, and 1 to 1/300 s) and there is even a version with a coupled rangefinder (to my knowledge the first camera ever with such a device). The main advantage: it's a folder, you can actually put it into the pocket of your winter coat or your summer jacket (if these are larger pockets). In their time, they where sold as Folding Pocket Kodaks (F.P.K.). When I'm out for a photo trip I have always two of those on my wheelchair, one loaded with b&w film and the other with color film. I use them for landscapes, cityscapes, architecture and full body portraits. The disadvantage: a good one without light leaks through the bellows, a Tessar lens, the rangefinder and one of the better shutters will cost up to twice as much as such a Holga, depending on their condition - what is a bargain, when you take into account that these cameras did cost approx. 110 USD in their top version as described above, what is more than 2,000 USD in today's money. If you're only out for the format 6x14, you can easily find simpler versions of the 3-A for 50 USD or less, though. Some knowledge how to repair light leaks in bellows, and how to CLA old shutters and lenses would not hurt with cheaper copies of such cameras.

[@ShootOnFilm]

That is an awesome choice -- if that's what you are after. But here is what makes a Holga totally unique for me: The Holga lens is a Jekyl and Hyde; it has a reasonably sharp middle and helplessly soft corners and soft sides. This feature drives my composition as only the things in the center are in focus. As we see everything relative to other things the fact that there is such a huge difference between the center of a picture and the sides makes the center look actually sharper than it is. A good camera -- like my Graflex that I often use with my roll film back (instagram.com/p/COjy2uuHCX0/?) has everything in focus, just like my Graflex pics in the video, but that's not what I'm after at all. It is this dual nature (SOFT-SHARP-SOFT) that I really like in all my Holgas. I was initially worried that a Panoramic Holga would be too good and try to be sharp in the corners. But with a wide aperture, it now works exactly as I want. A perfect lo-fi camera! I can control sharpness and softness not only with the focus but also with the position of the subjects in my frame. A very powerful feature that almost no other camera has! 🙂

[@Dahrenhorst]

​@@ShootOnFilm I can totally understand that. I have three Wollaston lenses made by Reinhold Schable in the US, which have exactly the same effect, probably even more pronounced, depending on the aperture installed: a little stopped down quite sharp center and almost unrecognizable edges. Fully open everything is blurred and barely recognizable, heavily stopped down the edges also become reasonably sharp. I use(d) them to make pictorial portraits with my large format cameras. However, nowadays I mostly prefer overall sharp pictures, though.

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@Dahrenhorst interesting. And those lenses sound really groovy. One trick I also use for the effect is free lensing. Especially with my 4x5 Graflex SLR. And I agree that currently most cameras are just after sharp and clear. And only that.

[@danncorbit3623]

Nice arrangement of otra. Born in Idaho, I am fond of tmhcr. Loved the wide Holga images. I didn't recognize the graphlex music. I usually recognize them all but you stumped me this time.

[@ShootOnFilm]

The Graflex music was a simple jazzification of tmhcr. And such, a bit sacrilicious, I think.

[@frozenf8]

I love your Graflex photos, and also the Graflex itself. More videos about it please 😊

[@ShootOnFilm]

Excellent. Thanks for this input. I’ll keep that in mind.

[@maxencelemoine4190]

I have to stop watching YT videos about film cameras... I found out about the holga 120WPC a few months ago and bought it, love it, and now I found abour the holag 120 panoramic and I want it too... Beautiful shots !

[@ShootOnFilm]

Buy them all!!!! Let's hoard!

[@maxencelemoine4190]

@@ShootOnFilm I have to stop watching YT videos about full cameras, I am too weak...

[@ken.gibson.photography]

I really enjoyed the comparison. It speaks to how much difference a camera can make in both the capture and presentation of an image and mood.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks. Yeah, I find that very interesting!

[@paullacotta5645]

Always get good information from your videos. Thank you so much.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks for watching. These are fun to make :-)

[@Joe_VanCleave]

I really liked the results from the Holga, well done!

[@ShootOnFilm]

It's a great camera!

[@ejorbe]

Thanks for this video! I was wondering about how the Holga panoramic would be for my next camera. Now I have more information to make a decision. Also, great choice of songs! Haha

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks. it is what it is. I kinda like it. And choosing these songs, its the most fun part for me :-)

[@mjgreeneaudio]

Always wonderful and informative Ari. And nice John Denver reference. 😂

[@ShootOnFilm]

😊 thanks for watching!

[@davidletz9123]

Also "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson.

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@davidletz9123 Willie Nelson for President!

[@davidletz9123]

@@ShootOnFilm Actually Ari, you could run for president...your campaign slogan could be "A Holga in Every House."

[@tedphillips2951]

Thanks for the review, very helpful. Waiting for a download album of your piano music I really like your presentation of the songs.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Haa. Thanks thanks. An album, well….😊

[@nazahamed5860]

as usual, i bought a camera and then looked them up on youtube for reviews 😂 . i just bought the holga 120 pan at a flea market for 50 dollars in a New Old Stock condition. i have the holga 120 for about 10 years now and enjoyed it very much in between using those normal, boring mainstream cameras. i also have the lomography sprocket rocket panoramic camera but the idea of using medium format films on a plastic lens really aroused me 😂😂😂 great video sir 👌👌👌

[@ManyDoors777]

Those are beautiful photos!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks!!

[@ChrisConner1]

Inspiring as always. Greetings from Watsonville.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks. And thanks for watching!

[@genegoranov5865]

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. (Eccl. 9:11) It may seem far fetched, but I felt this text when I watched this video. Don't want to elaborate on this.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Amen

[@JourneysEnd1750]

After waiting 8 months for my Holga Pan I was anxious to try it out and really came to the same conclusions about the camera as you have. I am having fun with it however and look forward to using it some more. Thanks for uploading your thoughts and some samples with the 120 pan.

[@ShootOnFilm]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!!

[@RichardSmith-cn9mx]

The Holga wins hands down, perfectly suited to the subject. Low wide flat area, no need for the extra foreground and sky. Al that was needed was in the pictures. Super!!!

[@ShootOnFilm]

:-) Yeah, I think this is where the camera and the subject supported each other quite well.

[@ClassicalRips]

Love the music you played at 3:55

[@roastbeefy0weefy]

loved the music and the shots

[@ShootOnFilm]

:-) Thanks for watching -- and listening.

[@garybatch4102]

New respect for the Holga panoramas. Very nice!

[@ShootOnFilm]

:-) I like this thing!

[@kempiakdieter]

Hey, although I shoot digitally, I always enjoy watching your videos. I'm looking forward to the video where you show the photos using the Holga panorama camera in portrait mode. 😊

[@ShootOnFilm]

Got you. Like this? instagram.com/p/CjLE8psgGA0/? Here is some: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmqsh32BeJqMaKc

[@kempiakdieter]

@@ShootOnFilm Landscape vertical or trees vertical could be exciting 😊

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@kempiakdieter instagram.com/stories/arijaaksi/2980088791877860566?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= 😊

[@marklawson8346]

I think the holes pictures are more dramatic brilliant Ari 👍🏻

[@ShootOnFilm]

You mean Holga pics -- yes. I agree.

[@ericcornell3243]

loved the John Denver cover in the middle!

[@ShootOnFilm]

John Denver to music is what medium format is to photography. Spot on!

[@patsirianni7984]

Holga is surprise photography hit the shutter and hope for the best. Tapping helps to get less leaks

[@robertpillow47]

Thanks for producing this channel! Is there something inherent in the Holga Panoramic lens that enhances contrast? The tonality is more or less the same in the surface and trees in the Holga and Graflex shots. I would attribute any difference in the two views of the surface and trees to the sharper lens of the Graflex. However, I would like to know if the dramatic difference in skies between those two shots is the result of changing weather or some sort of orange, red, or yellow cast in the Holga lens. Thanks!

[@ShootOnFilm]

The difference in the sky is the day. It was more even and white on the Graflex day. In addition to the lens and camera, the developer affected these images, too, at least partially. The Graflex pic was developed with an XTOL copy (Fomadon Excel) that produces fine grain and low contrast negatives. The Holga shots I developed using Rodinal 1:100 and semi stand that produces bigger grain and added contrast. Not a lot, but some.

[@robertpillow47]

@@ShootOnFilm Thank you!

[@constantinestewart7416]

Thanks for the photographic journey, the Holga images are much more moody compared to the Graflex. The Country Roads tune is a nice accompaniment to the story too. Now what happened to the books?

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks thanks. The books!! 🙂I've printed a bunch of silver gelatins on fiber-based paper. When they dry they get really curvy and twisted. I use those books as weights to straighten them up! So, my books are a bit busy at the moment -- but they'll be back!!

[@kstrohmeier]

Greetings from Kansas. I am curious about the tshirt you wore in the last segment about the Graphflex pictures. I couldn't make out the full context of the logo on the tshirt.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Haaa, that's funny. It says "Kansan Filmiradio", which is Finnish and translates roughly as "A film radio for the people". I'm hosting this film photography podcast -- unfortunately in Finnish language only. "Kansan" is a genitive form of "the people", i.e. "the people's"

[@baggerrider8073]

I really like the panoramic shots, but for me that stretched out format doesn’t work as I mostly post photos in a digital format. A very interesting comparison and I always enjoy your presentations. Today I’m planning on developing my first 2 rolls of HP5 shot on my recent acquisition of a Rolleicord Vb using Rodinol 1 to 100 semi stand. I hope they prove there are no issues with the camera. Maybe the photographer but not the camera!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yeah, I meant the same thing in my video when I said I do have not so much use for panorama. It really doesn't work digitally. But, panorama prints are awesome! Good luck with you Rolleicord!!! 🙂

[@baggerrider8073]

@@ShootOnFilm I agree with you Ari. By the way, I bought the Rolleicord based on your recommendation and I am ordering a Holga 120 as well. The camera store still has some new ones for around $30 US even though they are not made anymore. I’ll be curious to see the “signature” of my Holga. Have you heard of a Mamiya Univeral Press medium format camera? I happened to see a KZbin video of a photographer who bought one with a wide angle for landscape photography. It has various interchangeable film backs as well as lenses. They are fairly inexpensive right now from Japan sellers. His photos looked very good.

[@ShootOnFilm]

@@baggerrider8073 I've seen a Mamiya Univeral Press and held one in my hand. Actually, one of my friends owns one. But I, unfortunately, have no personal experience other than those casual encounters ...

[@williamshaffer9216]

I've been on the fence about buying a Holga but now I think I want the Panoramic Model! What happened to the Book Sculpture that was on top of the Piano??? Great Video!!!

[@ShootOnFilm]

🙂I've printed a bunch of silver gelatins on fiber-based paper. When they dry they get really curvy and twisted. I use those books as weights to straighten them up! So, my books are a bit busy at the moment -- but they'll be back!!

[@stevest55]

Hi Ari, I love panoramic photos and like most photographers who do, the X-Pan or Fuji equivalent comes to mind. Due to price and very likely the inability to repair these cameras today, I shy away from them. Then I can shoot 3x6 with my Hasselblads (501cm and 503cw) and the 50mm CFi lens, but that is just cropping. It still doesn't look like a pano. But there is another. The Widelux (35mm version). I remember seeing these cameras 25 years ago and thinking what an odd camera. Even gimmicky. Who would want to own one. Looking at the advertisements in my old photography magazines from 1999, the Widelux sold for USD1,650 new. That was rather expensive back in 1999. But now I am drawn to images created with the Widelux due to its beautiful distortion. For me, it epitomizes what a panoramic photograph should look like. One day - hopefully soon - I will own one.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Widelux is an awesome thing. But rather expensive. My current panoramic option, in addition to this Holga are these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmbOppethd-brJo

[@letmebereal]

Nice video first time here.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks for coming

[@Narsuitus]

What lens were you using on your 4x5 inch large format camera? When I compared images from my 4x5 inch large format camera with 90mm lens to my Holga Panoramic with 90mm lens, the images from my 4x5 were superior.

[@SilntObsvr]

That's an interesting outcome with the Holga Panoramic. I like the panoramic aspect ratio -- I occasionally load 35 mm film in either a 220 back for my RB67 or one of my 6x9 folding cameras (frame spacing is a little haphazard in that case), but I really need to either find a bargain on a 6x12 back to fit my Speed Graphic, or get my 3D printer back in operation and print one. Then I can select what lens I want -- a +8 diopter (= 125 mm) meniscus from a surplus house will do pretty much what a Holga's plastic lens does, but I'd also have options to use the lenses I usually use on 4x5 film -- 135 mm and 150 mm Tessars, or my 150 mm Componon that converts to a 265 mm by unscrewing the front lens group from the shutter. Plus a 105 mm Agnar triplet I took off a dead 6x9 folder...

[@ShootOnFilm]

A 6x12 Graflex backs are a good option. But weight and size wise it is a different territory. But yes, there are many options then for lenses.

[@rmchenryphoto]

Good stuff. I used to shoot good old kodachrome in a 4x5 crown with a 6x9 roll film back. Great for landscapes.

[@ShootOnFilm]

That is an excellent option. I have a 6x15 back for my Graflex. 😊

[@seandwyer3598]

Hey, Ari, I really like those panoramic shots-especially the grainy skies. Which developer did you use for these? Rodinal? And regular or stand development?

[@ShootOnFilm]

For Holga panorama pics it was 1:100 Rodinal, an hour semi stand.

[@rbrowning8088]

Did you use HP5 in your Holga Pan 120? ...rb

[@AndersBjornTH]

I noticed there is also available an Holga pinhole panoramic camera

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yeah, saw that too. Could be interesting. 🙂

[@michaelsherck5099]

If asked before seeing the pictures I would have assumed that I would have liked the pictures from the Graflex better. But that would have been wrong. The pictures from the Holga grabbed me and still haven't let go. I think that you and the Holga panoramic camera were made for each other.

[@ShootOnFilm]

There is something very intimate and organic in those Holga pictures. Its hard to explain, but it is more than just "poor image quality". It is a very interesting camera.

[@RogerHyam]

How are you printing these panoramas or are you just scanning? You'd need a 4x5 enlarger to darkroom print I guess?

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yes, I have a 4x5 enlarger. But these were just film scans. I took the pictures just a few days ago ... and haven't had time to go to my darkroom quite yet.

[@lewiya7439]

I actually bought one today XD For me different aspect ratios like 6x6 are one of the interesting things about film. Sure you can crop in lightroom to 1x1 but that's no fun. So im very exited to see what kind of pictures I can make in 6x12. (Also to other panoramic cameras are ridiculously expensive...)

[@ShootOnFilm]

A good choice. A lot of fun!!!

[@ggaffrey8573]

Ari, how do you print the panorama negative.

[@ShootOnFilm]

I have a 4x5 enlarger. 6x12 (13) image fits in :-)

[@stephensmith8325]

Good choice of tunes

[@ShootOnFilm]

:-)

[@brineb58]

Cool to see the two camera's rendition ... on a computer screen they don't seem so far apart, but I actually like the Holga images better!!!

[@ShootOnFilm]

Me too. But really, the same spot two days apart. So a lot of similarities. 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@JaimeGFX]

wait. are we supposed to wind it 2 frames every shot o_O

[@ShootOnFilm]

Yes. 1-3-5-7-9-11

[@JaimeGFX]

@@ShootOnFilm whoops 🤭

[@skipwilliamsnj]

Neither is better to me. Both have their positives and negatives. It definitely makes me want to get out my 3-D printed 6x12 camera with the 90 Angulon.

[@ShootOnFilm]

😊 that would sound like an awesome thing!

[@ralphvandergeest]

I like these on the road Holga pics a lot: they give a sense of loneliness in an endless expanse of nothingness.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Thanks, thanks. I like pictures with melancholy and simplicity.

[@jamesrice670]

Here's something interesting as well: using a Holga Panoramic for some street photography in a busy metropolitan setting. The looks on the subject's faces would likely be astounding as they see that super-wide plastic beast pointing towards them! Haha! I'm betting you could make that beast sing in such a setting, even though you don't prefer to photograph people.

[@ShootOnFilm]

That is an interesting idea. I’ll try it!!

[@stephenm103]

That country road you turned on took you (and the rest of us) someplace wonderful and unexpected. In a way, the Holga was a bit of a "country road" as well - unplanned - full of uncertainty and discovery. Speaking of discovery, I stumbled into this little gem recently - - - if you havent seen it already, it's very well done and relevant for those of us who spend too much time staring into the ground (glass). kzbin.info/www/bejne/on_IeJ6glqynj5o

[@ShootOnFilm]

Oh very nice video. Thanks for showing it!

[@SRC1711]

Hello from Kerala, India. Upon watching your videos, I am hooked to B&W film photography and have stopped using my mirrorless cameras! Your video are great and make be think creatively and artistically. I ave bought a Hogo panorama, however the shutter is very stiff and much oictures are shaky. Now I watched this interesting video on KZbin about modifying the shutter for using a cable release and the B setting on the Holga. I have put a link to the video which I think would be interesting to watch.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnPPgH6NhMiSjKcsi=aOiRUk4S0WwqH8Ry 0:30

[@ShootOnFilm]

Excellent. Do you know why the shutter is so stiff? Have you tried to clean it? It is fairly simple mechanics.

[@SRC1711]

@@ShootOnFilm thank you for the tip, I will try that. And thank you also for your reply.

[@johnleebold8894]

Country Road JD

[@ShootOnFilm]

Take me home :-)

[@j.granger1120]

A camera that teaches you to take panoramic photos and not buy shitty cameras.

[@buyaport]

In many countries it is strictly forbidden to operate electronic devices while driving. Good that the Holga is purely mechanical. A real loophole for all those (photo) non-conformists.

[@ShootOnFilm]

Exactly! No laws broken!

[@Thepuffingyank]

thank you i really enjoyed seeing your prints. in case you are interested. theres a channel called "smartereveryday" he has a couple of videos of a tour of kodak

[@ShootOnFilm]

I spend some time with Destin last summer. He visited Finland with his family. Such an awesome guy and the entire family!!