WHAT'S A HOLGA?
As many photographers have noted, "it's not the camera that takes the photo, it's the photographer."
A HOLGA is a plastic 120-film camera that is cheap, cheap, cheap (about $30) and built like it. There is no cheaper way to get into medium format photography. Some have expressed amazement that this contraption actually takes pictures. But take pictures, it does. 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. Holga photos have been winning awards and competitions in art, as well as news photography for years.
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 the focus correct, the image will look great. If you don't, the image will 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 tend to do... with some amazing, creative results.
As many photographers have noted, "it's not the camera that takes the photo, it's the photographer."A HOLGA is a plastic 120-film camera that is cheap, cheap, cheap (about $30) and built like it. There is no cheaper way to get into medium format photography. Some have expressed amazement that this contraption actually takes pictures. But take pictures, it does. 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. Holga photos have been winning awards and competitions in art, as well as news photography for years.
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 the focus correct, the image will look great. If you don't, the image will 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 tend to do... with some amazing, creative results.