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  Q. Holga Toy Cameras
           Asked by Christopher Peace    (K=1340) on 11/26/2005
Just a week ago I bought a toy camera, very interested in the whole cult movement of these things. I took a buch of pictures, and in all honesty, they turned out like any normal shot you'd get from a disposable camera, no light leaks or anything. How do I get the scary, grainy, vignetted effects that I very often see people getting on this site?

My first experiment was shooting with 400 speed color film. Today I removed the plate because the booklet it came with said I'd get more vignetting. What speed should I be shooting? What type of film? I would really appreciate any help on this one, because its an art form that really interests me, and as of right now, I'm pretty disappointed.

Thanks guys,

Chris Peace


    


Stefan Engström   (K=24473) - Comment Date 11/26/2005
Removing the 645 plate and using it for sqaure format will certainly help getting some vignetting. 120 film does not appear that grainy even with 400 ASA, you can always try faster film, or push what you got to increase grain size. Just make sure you have light conditions that work for your film speed (although a little overexposure never hurt you). As for the light leaks - what can I say, you probably got your hands on the one non-leaking one that is made every year. Get another one and hope you are not so unlucky the next time :-)




Arvin Alston   (K=1236) - Comment Date 2/10/2006
I use 125Xpan from kodak. 400 iso is too high and my pictures turn out crappy and over exposed.

Also spay painting with matte black on the inside will give you more contrast.

Also applying a 46mm red filter is good for bright day shots and you want to slow down the shot to get a good even exposure.

With the Holga there isn't any speeds I shoot and go... check out my porfolio and see. I love my holga.




Arvin Alston   (K=1236) - Comment Date 2/10/2006
I use 125Xpan from kodak. 400 iso is too high and my pictures turn out crappy and over exposed.
Also spay painting with matte black on the inside will give you more contrast.
Also applying a 46mm red filter is good for bright day shots and you want to slow down the shot to get a good even exposure.
With the Holga there isn't any speeds I shoot and go... check out my porfolio and see. I love my holga.





Slavomír Musílek   (K=354) - Comment Date 2/21/2006
Best way to get unexpectable results from any camera is to shot on slide a develop them as negatives. Just get Fuji Provia 100F, expose it, and tell to your lab that you want Cross process with +1 or +2 stops, means cross and push. Expect anything :)




Grav Weldon   (K=34) - Comment Date 6/13/2006
Regarding the Holga, the closer you are focusing the greater the amount of vinetting and tunnel vision effects. I use a Woca with a 6x6 mask swiped from a Holga 120? WHy you ask? Better center resolution. Also, the mask keeps the flash batteries from falling out and the flash red light from flashing the film. If you want light leaks, leave the mask off. Thats about it. I use toys for spontenaity, not necessarily for the "Holga Effect." I like using a 1950's Isola. two shutter speeds + bulb, and two true f-stops. Only the subtlest light fall off at the edge of the frame yet as sharp as many midrange cheap MF cameras. Good stuff.

Alvin, if you are shooting non c-41 black and white, just pull back you development times by 10-20% This will tame those high lights while keeping all that groovy shadow detail. WIth c-41 overexposed is a good thing in my opinion... at least up to 3 stops. However, I print my own stuff and that does make a difference. Peace.

Grav



Shot on Holga with Neopan 400



fp student   (K=42) - Comment Date 10/22/2006
Hi. I love your photographs. May I ask..how do you use 35mm film in a Holga? I thought they were all 120 format...
Thanks.




fp student   (K=42) - Comment Date 10/22/2006
Hi. I love your photographs. May I ask..how do you use 35mm film in a Holga? I thought they were all 120 format...
Thanks.
oops...sorry for the duplicate post...i am new here..this is directed at Arvin Alston

Thanks




Arvin Alston   (K=1236) - Comment Date 10/23/2006
there are a few places online that will help you out. Here is some
http://shop.lomography.com/holga-backup/35.html
http://www.theverb.com/holga/modification.htm

hope this can help.
arvin




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