Holga!?! What's that?

I've noticed that every time a thread gets posted with Holga photos, there are many questions. I have only used a Holga a few times, so I have many questions myself. I thought it might be helpful to start a thread just for the purpose of talking about Holgas and letting people ask questions about these strange little cameras. So, if you have been scratching your head when you see the word "Holga," or if yours isn't doing what you expected, here's your chance to ask. Ask whatever you want. I'm new to Holgas myself, but I'll answer what I can.

I'll start with a couple of things I've been wondering about. Feel free to answer one of my questions, or ask another. Here goes...

1. How do you get the extreme vignetting seen in most Holga shots? I've been disappointed to find very little in mine. (See below) Is this because I have a rare specimen, or do some people actually modify the Holga to create more vignetting?

2. I have trouble scanning my Holga film. My scanner looks for edges in the negative strip in order to divide it into how ever many images are on the section of film I'm scanning. Many times my shots have undefined or overlapping edges, and the scanner errors out. I don't think the designers had Holgas in mind. Does anyone have a recommendation for tricking my scanner into dividing the film where I want it to?

Thanks,
Paul

Paul,

I don't have any answers for you re: Holgas. But depending on what scanner you have, you can usually manually determine what area the scanner scans in. Sounds like you have it on "automatic" try looking for a manual option or setting and trying it again.

I think this is a great idea for a thread, btw. You guys fill it full of information and I'll make it an FAQ!

Rick

Paul,
My first question is, tell me what you are doing with your Holga?
What model do you have? 120S, 120N, etc?
Then I'd like to know if you are using the 6x6 mask that came with the camera.
If you are, don't use it. If you bought one from www.holgamods.com, then I'd say keep it, but I am guessing you didn't buy one from there.
Then what scanner are you using?
Brian
The only reason people look at Holga posts so much is because they ROCK!:cornut:

Am I the only one wondering "What exactly IS a Holga?" or just the first one to tuck her tail and ask?

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Originally Posted by ladybugamanda

Am I the only one wondering "What exactly IS a Holga?" or just the first one to tuck her tail and ask?

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Well..
A Holga is a camera, it shoots 120 film, and they are often thought of as "toy cameras".
To see a picture of one check out www.holgamods.com, or my site, which has a picture of one of my personal Holgas, that I have personalized.
Further questions? Just ask!
Brian

Thank you! Ya'll are always so good about answering questions!

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Originally Posted by ladybugamanda

Thank you! Ya'll are always so good about answering questions!

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You bet!
We're photographers, we're here to help our fellow photographers!
:thumbsup:
Brian
:ihih:

Brian / Rick,

I'm using a Canoscan 8400, flatbed. It has a negative holder that holds a strip long enough for three 6x6 frames. In the scanning software, I tell it I'm scanning MF negs. During the "preview" stage is where it gets hung up. I never thought to look for a manual way to scan them. I'll try that. Maybe I should try different software?

Brian, I have a 120FN. I am using the 6x6 mask...I'll take that out. Do I need to modify anything to create a make-shift pressure plate? Doesn't the insert hold the film flat? Or, do I want it loose? I tape it up around the film back and a little on the front, but that's it. I haven't noticed any light leaks at all, I guess because of the insert.

Thanks for your help.

Paul

Paul,
I don't know anything about that particular scanner, but perhaps it is cropping the negative some. If there is a manual way to scan, I would suggest that.
I would suggest you take out the 6x6 mask, hold on to it, but don't stress about it.
No pressure plate is needed, I don't do that.
For suggested mods, check out www.toycamera.com, look at the articles section at the top.
But feel free to email me directly too if you have any questions.
Brian

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

...I would suggest you take out the 6x6 mask, hold on to it, but don't stress about it. No pressure plate is needed, I don't do that...

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Thanks, Brian. I'll give this a try. I was a little frustrated because my photos just looked like plain old bad photos, with no character.

Paul

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Originally Posted by photophorous

Thanks, Brian. I'll give this a try. I was a little frustrated because my photos just looked like plain old bad photos, with no character.

Paul

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Paul,
I would recommend you find subject to photograph that will allow your character to come out the most.
Let me know what else I can do!
I am sure Megan will chime in at some point too.
One more thought...
Do you have a contact sheet? What does it look like? Is there any vignetting there?
What about the negatives too?
Don't forget Brian's first rule of Holga photography, "Have Fun!"
Brian

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

...Do you have a contact sheet? What does it look like? Is there any vignetting there? What about the negatives too? ...

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I don't have a contact sheet but from the few negs that came out exposed correctly, the vignetting just looks like a regular camera lens with one too many filters on the end...fuzzy in the corners. It looks nothing like the hard black, randomly shaped, vignetting in most Holga shots I see.

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

...I would recommend you find subject to photograph that will allow your character to come out the most...

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Good advice, but hard to follow. :)

Paul

My only other advice to you Paul, would be to buy another Holga!
You can never have too many Holga's!
I currently have four, and I know Megan has about that many too!
Brian

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Originally Posted by photophorous

Brian, I have a 120FN. I am using the 6x6 mask...I'll take that out. Do I need to modify anything to create a make-shift pressure plate? Doesn't the insert hold the film flat? Or, do I want it loose? I tape it up around the film back and a little on the front, but that's it. I haven't noticed any light leaks at all, I guess because of the insert.

Thanks for your help.

Paul

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Paul, I'm so glad you started this thread! :yesnod:

A link of instructions to modify your holga is at this Holga Mod site. Scroll to the bottom to see how to modify the 6x6 mask.

About a week ago I started my own Photocolumn/FAQ/Gallery to showcase the Holga as well as some of my own Holga photography. Forgive me for tooting my own horn but if anyone is interested it is here.

Good Luck. :thumbsup:

That's a good website, there are lot's of Holga tips out there.
Dan's site is good too.
Use your favorite search engine and search for Holga tips.
If you aren't up to doing it yourself, let Randy do it at www.holgamods.com, there are lot's of great tips there too.
Brian

Also, if you decide to modify the 6 x 6 mask yourself, be sure to wet sand the cut edges so it won't scratch your film...

Not to bombard folks with modification info but another good do-it-yerselfer site is Holga Tune-ups and Mods.

FWIW, I don't mess with adding baffles or the swinging aperture. And I haven't tried to make the Holga focus closer... yet. :D

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Originally Posted by Max P D

Paul, I'm so glad you started this thread! :yesnod:

A link of instructions to modify your holga is at this Holga Mod site. Scroll to the bottom to see how to modify the 6x6 mask.

About a week ago I started my own Photocolumn/FAQ/Gallery to showcase the Holga as well as some of my own Holga photography. Forgive me for tooting my horn but if anyone is interested it is here.

Good Luck. :thumbsup:

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Thanks for tips! These are great links.

Paul

Something else I just thought of Paul.
If you look at all of my Holga photographs, I don't always have the vignette and or other abberations.
How is this so?
Tell me and we'll both know.
But, I remember reading a thread somewhere about how light leaks and flares can happen with a Holga.
I hope I can explain it well.
If you push the shutter release button down slightly, you'll get a light leak and if you do it fully, with the lens cap on, you'll get some too.
The light comes in along the shutter release button.
Try it, experiement with it.
But don't get frustrated and have FUN!
Brian

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

Something else I just thought of Paul.
If you look at all of my Holga photographs, I don't always have the vignette and or other abberations.
How is this so?
Tell me and we'll both know.
But, I remember reading a thread somewhere about how light leaks and flares can happen with a Holga.
I hope I can explain it well.
If you push the shutter release button down slightly, you'll get a light leak and if you do it fully, with the lens cap on, you'll get some too.
The light comes in along the shutter release button.
Try it, experiement with it.
But don't get frustrated and have FUN!
Brian

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I'll try it with out the mask and see what happens. It makes sense to me that the mask could be "protecting" the film from a lot of the light leaks, so maybe when I remove that I'll get more sporadic results. With the mask in, light would have to leak from the back of the camera to hit the film...or right around the shutter itself. I'll shoot a roll soon and we'll find out. :)

Paul

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

If you look at all of my Holga photographs, I don't always have the vignette and or other abberations.
How is this so?
Tell me and we'll both know.

Brian

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That's an excellent point Brian! I've noticed this as well. I have a theory :idea: and it depends on the focusing distance for the amount of vignetting seen. But really, I dunno, I'm just guessing...

Also, and this is off topic, each Holga has their own distinctive light leaks. For example, I've noticed Brian's avatar, and a few of his Holga pics, have that same light leak in the upper right corner. A sort of Holga DNA. if you will... :skep: :wink5:

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Originally Posted by Max P D

That's an excellent point Brian! I've noticed this as well. I have a theory :idea: and it depends on the focusing distance for the amount of vignetting seen.

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That's very possible!
I have pondered that long and hard it sounds quite reasonable.
Brian
:idea: :confused: :thumbsup: :D

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

That's very possible!
I have pondered that long and hard it sounds quite reasonable.
Brian
:idea: :confused: :thumbsup: :D

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I was also thinking it might have something to do with the relative location of the sun. Sometimes, the vignette circle seems to be shifted to one side or another. That's just a guess, though. I'll try to take notes on my next roll, so maybe we can learn something. :)

Paul

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Originally Posted by photophorous

I was also thinking it might have something to do with the relative location of the sun. Sometimes, the vignette circle seems to be shifted to one side or another. That's just a guess, though. I'll try to take notes on my next roll, so maybe we can learn something. :)

Paul

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The two of you have similiar thoughts I have had, so maybe there is something to them!
Yes, Paul please take a few notes, that would be good!
Brian

Does anyone have experience using diopters with a Holga for closer focusing?

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Originally Posted by Max P D

Does anyone have experience using diopters with a Holga for closer focusing?

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Read this... Close-up lenses for toycameras


I think Paul was asking about a pressure plate, Check This Article Out...

Good Luck!
Brian
:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

Read this... Close-up lenses for toycameras

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Cool site Brian, thanks!!! :thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

I think Paul was asking about a pressure plate, Check This Article Out...

Good Luck!
Brian
:thumbsup:

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Whoa, using a steel pressure plate in a Holga? That's highly unorthodox.:yikes: But if it solves Paul's problem I say go for it...

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Originally Posted by Max P D

Cool site Brian, thanks!!! :thumbsup:



Whoa, using a steel pressure plate in a Holga? That's highly unorthodox.:yikes: But if it solves Paul's problem I say go for it...

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I can't say I know of anyone who uses one, but why not!
I don't know if I'd call it unorthodox, it's the nature of the toy camera photographer to do something to their toy camera!
You have seen my red Holga right? On my website.
I have seen some "dressed up" ones that make mine look naked!
Brian

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Originally Posted by mtbbrian

You have seen my red Holga right? On my website.
I have seen some "dressed up" ones that make mine look naked!
Brian

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Brian, that camera is an attention-getter my friend! :D (I'm still rubbing my eyes from that red image seared into my brain :eek: :wink: ) What kind of response do you get from the public with that camera? My purpose in asking comes from carrying a so-called "high tech" digital camera which tends to intimidate folks IMHO. I'd think a plain-Jane Holga would have the opposite effect and most people would see it as some kind of amateur hunk of junk, so they would probably relax. Not sure how a red Holga makes people react?:confused:

Happy Trails

Max a.k.a Dan

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Originally Posted by Max P D

Brian, that camera is an attention-getter my friend! :D (I'm still rubbing my eyes from that red image seared into my brain :eek: :wink: ) What kind of response do you get from the public with that camera? My purpose in asking comes from carrying a so-called "high tech" digital camera which tends to intimidate folks IMHO. I'd think a plain-Jane Holga would have the opposite effect and most people would see it as some kind of amateur hunk of junk, so they would probably relax. Not sure how a red Holga makes people react?:confused:

Happy Trails

Max a.k.a Dan

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I haven't noticed any unusal recactions, if anything the red gives it more of a toy feeling.
I'll have to notice this when I am out.
Brian

Someone may have already asked this, but - do you use the square "chassy" thingy inside of your Holga? If so - take it out! It crops off a lot of the vignette and makes the edges clean and straight. Feh! Who wants clean, straight edges?! Not this Holgartist!

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Originally Posted by megan

Someone may have already asked this, but - do you use the square "chassy" thingy inside of your Holga? If so - take it out! It crops off a lot of the vignette and makes the edges clean and straight. Feh! Who wants clean, straight edges?! Not this Holgartist!

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I just loaded my Holga with roll of Kodak Portra 400 that expired in '01. :D I was using the square thingy before, but I removed it this time. When I did so, I remembered it covers the batteries, so I did a little taping to cover them up (too shiney). I hope to shoot the whole roll this weekend. Hopefully, I'll have something to post by the end of next week.

Thanks!
Paul

Here's what I've learned along the way to keep the batteries from popping out when you remove the thingy (because of course the battery contacts are flimsy at best!)

1. I take a small piece of black tape and overlap the ends, sticky side out, and line it along the inside of the camera where the battery will lay. This helps to prevent the batteries from popping out mid-roll at a most inconvenient time. They can and will pop out. ::sigh:: Like when I was photographing an up and coming boxer leaving the ring in jubilation after a spectacular knock out. I had such a great shot... and the Holga wasn't singing. :mad2:

2. I take a longer piece of tape and cut it into a small strip and tape across the battery at either end to hold it in.

3. More tape over, up, lengthwise, crosswise. Tape tape tape.

4. More tape!

The end.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by megan

Here's what I've learned along the way to keep the batteries from popping out when you remove the thingy (because of course the battery contacts are flimsy at best!)

1. I take a small piece of black tape and overlap the ends, sticky side out, and line it along the inside of the camera where the battery will lay. This helps to prevent the batteries from popping out mid-roll at a most inconvenient time. They can and will pop out. ::sigh:: Like when I was photographing an up and coming boxer leaving the ring in jubilation after a spectacular knock out. I had such a great shot... and the Holga wasn't singing. :mad2:

2. I take a longer piece of tape and cut it into a small strip and tape across the battery at either end to hold it in.

3. More tape over, up, lengthwise, crosswise. Tape tape tape.

4. More tape!

The end.

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I didn't even think about the batteries falling out. I put a bunch of tape in there, but only to cover the shiney stuff. I don't know how much it will help to hold them in. I'll be careful, and do a better job next time. Thanks for the tip.

Paul

Well, if they *do* fall out, it's easily remedied with deft fingers and a changing bag.
It's just a pain in the butt. Especially AFER you missed the shot. ::sigh::

What kind/speed of film do you use in your Holga?

I got a roll from my Holga developed recently, and discovered that I underexposed most of the shots, some badly. I was using 400 ISO, walking around downtown after work. I think I've learned that I need to stick with direct or very bright indirect sun. Does that sound right?

I'm also thinking that underexposure could be decreasing vignetting. Since the whole frame is so dark, there's not much contrast between the dark corners and the rest of the frame. Then the whole image gets brightened up. Has anyone else noticed this in underexposed shots?

Thanks!

Paul

Yup, that sounds about right. I use the flash when it's darker - and then it's not realy good for landscape or anything to far away. For that, I use a tripod and the Bulb setting. I got a souped-up Holga from Randy with a cable release.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by photophorous

clip......

2. I have trouble scanning my Holga film. My scanner looks for edges in the negative strip in order to divide it into how ever many images are on the section of film I'm scanning. Many times my shots have undefined or overlapping edges, and the scanner errors out. I don't think the designers had Holgas in mind. Does anyone have a recommendation for tricking my scanner into dividing the film where I want it to?

Thanks,
Paul

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Use your manual settings. I have never used the auto function on my scanner.

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Originally Posted by freygr

Use your manual settings. I have never used the auto function on my scanner.

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I'll give that a try with this new roll, as soon as I replace my faulty hard drive. :D

That's the beauty of Holgas isn't it? No upgrades, just a little tape, and... if it works, it works, if it doesn't, you spend another $20 on a new one.
::bliss::