What film does the Holga 120 take?
All the Holga’s that have “120″ in it take 120 film. This includes all of the following cameras we stock: Holga 120 N, 120 CFN, 120 GCFN, 120 TLR, 120 PC, and 120 WPC. This means that any film listed in the following link is suitable for the Holga 120 series of cameras:
http://shop.lofico.com.au/category/120-mm
What film does the Holga 135 take?
All the Holga’s that have “135″ in it take 135 film. 135 film is otherwise and more commonly known as “35mm” film! This is the most common and most popular format of film that is easiest to have developed. This film is compatible with all the following cameras that we stock: Holga 135 BC, 135 TIM.
This means that any film listed in the following link is suitable for the Holga 135 series of cameras:
http://shop.lofico.com.au/category/35-mm
Can I use 135/35mm film on a Holga 120 camera, and vice versa?
The short answer is NO, however some Holga 120 cameras (all 120′s except for the WPC version) can be modified to take 35mm film! A 120-to-35mm kit can be purchased separately that basically will let your camera take 35mm film.
There are two types of kits available, the Holga version, and the Superheadz version. Check out these links for more info: the Holga version and the Superheadz version. They are priced with considerable difference as each has different capabilities and functions, make sure to check out both before deciding!
With these kits you can basically get the best of both worlds with one camera – be able to shoot 120 film or easily switch to 35mm by putting on the 120-to-35mm kit!
Which one should I get – Holga 120 or Holga 135?
There is no definitive answer to this question – it all comes down to personal choice!
The Holga camera that is considered to be the most “classic” one is the Holga 120 N (previously it was the 120 S when that was still in production). Most people often start off with this one and then move on to experiment with other types.
The trade-off with the Holga 120 is that you need to use 120 film, which is both more expensive to buy and more expensive to develop and print in comparison to the standard 35mm film – some consider using 120 film an enjoyable experience worth paying for while others go for the more economical 35mm film. The choice is really up to you!
If you still can’t make up your mind, consider getting a 120-to-35mm kit so you can get the something out of both worlds!
Is the Holga Fisheye 120 lens also compatible with the Holga 135′s (or vice-versa)?
In short: The Holga Fisheye 120 lens is only compatible with certain 120 models, and similarly the Holga Fisheye 135 lens is only compatible with certain 135 models.
Help! All my photos are coming out overexposed!
Make sure that you aren’t taking your photos in BULB setting.. as that basically means that the shutter stays open for as long as you hold down the shutter release.
Secondly, check to see that your shutter is working properly – you can test this by just peering through the camera with the back open and pressing down the shutter to see that it opens and closes smoothly.
Light leaks with the Holga? Do I need to worry about this?
The general answer to this question is… no! You may have read online amongst many guides about modifying the Holga that the first thing you need to do is to tape it all up with black tape, however this shouldn’t really be necessary any more!
This step was necessary once upon a time however but it was mainly referring to batches that were made a lot earlier than those available on the market today. Earlier models such as the Holga 120 S and even some Holga 120 N’s constructed were prone to light leaks, however the ones constructed nowadays are much more light tight.
Of course.. best way to find out if you need to tape yours up, is to shoot an experimental roll! Chances are you’ll find your pictures won’t have light leaks in them.