What I Learned from Shooting with a Holga for a Month

[@matt_phistopheles]

I don't have a Holga but I have a 3D printed pinhole camera that I use from time to time. In the beginning it was just for fun but when I look back at my most favorite pictures from this year then there are a lot of pinhole images on the list. I've never expected that and I'll definitely shoot it a lot more next year. It's really a good way to learn that perfectionism is just a tool, not the end goal.

[@Distphoto]

Agree, perfectionism can make great work but also hinder progress. SOme of my favorite shots are far from "perfect" whatever that even means!

[@neal3k]

I shoot Holgas a lot and I have some tips. For really snappy photos, force a 46mm filter adapter to a 720nm infrared filter (I used 46 to 49mm for my existing IR filter). Screw it firmly and it will make it's own threads. To shoot hand-held, use the regular shutter speed and push your infrared sensitive film to ISO 1600. My favorite is Catlabs 320 Pro as it is inexpensive, good looking, and has numbers on the backing paper ;that are easy to read through the red window. I push from ISO 200 with Catlabs. Rollei, JCH Streetpan, and Ilford IR will also work. For night photography, I modified a spare Holga by removing the shutter and using the lens cap for long exposures, much like the early photographers. That way I don't have to bother with 3D cable release adaptors or keep up with a cable release. I like Catlabs and Foma films because of their price, high quality, and easy to read numbers on the backing paper. For great color, I use Kodak Gold 200. I have a whole article on 35mmc entitled Holga Tips from a Holga Nut. Also an article on the Holga micro 110 camera.

[@Distphoto]

Great tips, thanks! Gonna have to see about the infrared as I have some Rollei itching to be shot. Can you do this with a R72 handheld? seems it would be underexposed. Maybe on a super sunny day? Gonna check out your site can you post a link? Thanks again!!!

[@neal3k]

@@Distphoto As I mentioned above, you can shoot hand held at the normal Holga shutter speed but you need to push your film to ISO 1600.

[@josephasghar]

It’s actually got one shutter speed and two apertures at f8 and f11 or thereabouts. You of course know that. I have pretty much the same cameras as you, but my most used are my Holgas. There’s a whole page of Holga prints on my website, including long exposures done with a 3D printed shutter cable mod. I absolutely adore this camera…

[@Distphoto]

Would love to check out your work... do you have a link you can share? Love the idea of the shutter release too.

[@sbills]

Thanks!

[@Distphoto]

@@sbills Thank you Steve!!!

[@sbills]

I ran a few rolls of film through my Holga with decent results. I agree, when you need a change of pace, that's a great camera to use. Also love the idea to use it in bad weather and I think I want try using mine in the rain and snow this winter. I also have the Michael Kenna book with his Holga images which I highly recommend. Probably my favorite photographer is Keith Carter who used/uses Hasselblad cameras including the Flexbody. If you haven't seen that work you should take a look at it because those images are amazing, especially the reason behind it.. I'm currently looking for a Hasselblad Flexbody Kit to go along with my 500CM.

[@Distphoto]

@@sbills I was checking out the book as well… so inspiring! Will look into that Flexbody as well have not seen it. The film with my Holga I develop for 30% more typically to get some contrast back. For really overcast and snowy (dull) days it is more of a push with 400 speed film but can look really cool. Faster film might work better but is more cash. I have a brick of expired delta 3200 I am going to mess with.

[@AustenGoldsmithPhotography]

You've almost convinced me to try mine again . I took a few ok shots and loads of bloody awful pix I had to use ND filters to try and regulate and control exposure

[@chriscard6544]

this is why I gave up with the Diana F+, I prefer to have some control on my photography. I prefer to play with tilt and swing on large format.

[@CD-kc5op]

Great video! So, a bunch a newbie questions coming your way... this is a 120 camera? What size negatives does it produce? I have a square negative carrier for my Besseler 23C that I assume is a 6x6 that i hear about a lot. Can a Besseler 23C print medium format? I have been REALLY interested in trying medium format, this seems like the perfect way to try that out and experiment with the development and processing of that... does that seem true? Thanks!

[@Distphoto]

Yes, that is most likely the 6x6 carrier and that enlarger can print up to 6x9. if it is a condenser you just have to put the upper condenser stage on the 6x6 setting to get enough light coverage. The Holga I use is a 120 in 6x6. I believe it came with another mask for another size but I can't find it. I believe they make a 35mm and possibly a pano version as well. I love how these images print but it is an aquired skill and taste. I tend to use A Lot of contrast or Lith. but I'd start with giving the negs lots of development. This is all personal taste though. I love my Bessler 23c. they are great enlargers and I have owned a couple of them now. and thanks a bunch!

[@benthorne4148]

I shoot almost exclusively Holga 120 GCN, WPC and PAN, all with cable release mods and step rings for filters. Can’t get enough of never knowing what you’ll get.

[@Distphoto]

@@benthorne4148 Nice … gonna look into the cable mod and filter mount!

[@drewmenges8430]

I love the idea of the Holga. I have a 120N, but i think I got a bad one. I know they're all "bad" but mine is only sharp-ish near the center 30% of the frame. Everything else falls off so fast that it looks like i tried to do it in post. Maybe some might like the look, but I don't. I'd like to try the glass lens version someday to see if I have better luck. Great video, thanks!

[@Distphoto]

@@drewmenges8430 Ibthink that might be pretty typical. Seems the film does not lay super flat either so that could be part of it too. Did not know that had a glass version!

[@drewmenges8430]

@@Distphoto the 120 GCFN has a flash and a glass lens.

[@chrismcgathey7604]

Which black and white film stock would be recommended for daytime or overcast with the Holga 120n? Great stuff thanks for the insight.

[@Distphoto]

I use HP5 almost always. I also develop the film longer like 30% to get better contrast from the plastic lens. On real dull days you are essentially pushing the film so up development a lot or use a higher speed film. But for a sunny day I shoot HP5 on the "Sunny Setting" on overcast the same but use the "overcast setting"

[@robertkerner4833]

Start with 400 Speed film. Anything will do, what eve you can get cheapest.

[@ironmonkey1512]

"Perfect is the enemy of good"

[@Distphoto]

@@ironmonkey1512 indeed 👍

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

Michael Kenna is the film photographers antidote to Ansel Adams syndrome.

[@Distphoto]

@@EdwardMartinsPhotography try well said!!!

[@chriscard6544]

Im more into Carleton Watkins than Ansel Adams, Carleton could reconcilate us

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

​@@chriscard6544 what a sad story Carlton has. Poor guy, never caught a break.

[@robertkerner4833]

I have three: two regular 120s and a panoramic. They all behave differently in terms of light leaks. One lives in my car for whenever I see something quirky. With Holga and pinholes I’m making “art” I don’t expect it to be an accurate representation of reality. It’s impressionistic if that’s the right term.

[@Distphoto]

@@robertkerner4833 I have some pinhole cameras as well but have to say I like the Holga better. Lot reference light leaks. I have never really experienced anything noticeable with mine and never have taped it.

[@CharlesOConnor-q9k]

I enjoy your channel. Have to disagree on this one because for me when I press the shutter I make a deliberate action and create the result. For the camera to take credit for the result is not for me. I would only use it if I could reliably expect it to produce a predictable result each time.

[@Distphoto]

@@CharlesOConnor-q9k Appreciate the perspective. However, I would not give all the credit to the camera. It does take some skill and a learning curve to get good exposures, compositions etc… It’s just a totally different approach and mindset that I feel helps me grow as a photographer. It is also a lot of fun 👍

[@chriscard6544]

to me, everything that promotes film photography is good. I cant stand digital anymore.

[@Distphoto]

Trying to like digital on a daily basis... but it is hard. LOVE film 👍