WHAT'S A HOLGA?
A HOLGA is a plastic 120-film camera. It cost about $30 and is often referred to as a "toy" camera. It is the "little camera that could". The pictures it takes can be amazing. The cameras idiosyncrasies (light fall-off, light streaks, vignetting, distortions, double exposures- as in failing to advance the film, accidentally, etc.) have actually become its trademark... and virtue among its many aficionados.
To take a picture one has very few things to do... translation: there are few choices. There is only one shutter speed, allegedly 1/100 of a second. The aperture (only two) is determined by whether it is sunny or shady. And to focus, one must decide if a representation of one person, family of three, a gathering of nine persons (some refer to them as bowling pins) or a mountain best represents the image that he/she is about to shoot. Then, you dial the focus ring to the corresponding icon. If you get all the settings correct, the image will look great. If you don't, the image may still look great. A camera for all occasions... and fun.
The Holga mantra seems to be: Don't take your Holga too seriously. And that is just what kids... and professionals tend to do with some amazing, creative results.
A HOLGA is a plastic 120-film camera. It cost about $30 and is often referred to as a "toy" camera. It is the "little camera that could". The pictures it takes can be amazing. The cameras idiosyncrasies (light fall-off, light streaks, vignetting, distortions, double exposures- as in failing to advance the film, accidentally, etc.) have actually become its trademark... and virtue among its many aficionados.To take a picture one has very few things to do... translation: there are few choices. There is only one shutter speed, allegedly 1/100 of a second. The aperture (only two) is determined by whether it is sunny or shady. And to focus, one must decide if a representation of one person, family of three, a gathering of nine persons (some refer to them as bowling pins) or a mountain best represents the image that he/she is about to shoot. Then, you dial the focus ring to the corresponding icon. If you get all the settings correct, the image will look great. If you don't, the image may still look great. A camera for all occasions... and fun.
The Holga mantra seems to be: Don't take your Holga too seriously. And that is just what kids... and professionals tend to do with some amazing, creative results.