I kind of get annoyed with people who criticise certain types of photography such as lomography. In my mind a photo is an image created with light and the method you choose to do that is totally up to you. Unless you are shooting for a client then you should shoot whatever makes you happy.
These cheap cameras have taught me more about photography than any of my "expensive" gear. With let's say a phone, or a holga you have to really flex and work hard on getting the shot and it makes you think about your photos, and when I do get a perfect photo, it really makes me happy that I could get something really cool out of something that is basically plastic.
Was just thinking about putting together a video on the Holga with some of my favorite images I've made with them over the years. Awesome as always, Ted! New space is looking good too!
I found a guy on craigslist that had a box of cameras for 40 bucks back last year. I went and got them, end up with a working holga, ansco ShurShot, and a Polaroid 101. I love the ShurShot. Its very inspiring. I plan to use it for street photography, but haven't yet. Mostly because developing film is so expensive where I live, because only one place that still does it. But, I am going to started developing film, which you two have inspired me to do! So thank you!
Holga's are a lot of fun. You can really get some interesting effects out of it. Some of my favourite pictures were taken on a Holga lens. I have mine on e-mount.
I'm 60 and am just getting back into hobby photography after dropping it about 30 years ago. The Holga has been a simple economical fun way to get my feet wet again and Ted's AOP UA-cam video's have been invaluable in getting me up to speed. Been a learning curve to get going with medium format since I only dealt with 35mm in the '80's. But again, kudo's to Ted for his wonderful help he's put out in these video's. THANKS TED!!!!!!
Before Holga started coming out with all the bells and whistles, I bought my first Holgas from Randy! I got so into shooting with Holgas that I stopped shooting 35mm altogether. For me, it was a 1st step into medium format photography. After my collection of Holgas, I bought a new Mamiya 645 Pro TL and then a mildly used Hasselblad 500 C/M off of eBay. It's too bad they're going out of production, but it's a good thing I held onto a couple of them. Maybe some day they'll be worth as much as $50!
Got mine for $3.00 from value village a couple months ago. Was a nice find considering the used stores are recognising the inflating value of film cameras. Fun to put 35mm through. Take funky wide angle.
At SCAD we had almost a whole semester using a Holga. What a great discipline. One really learns how to see the light so you know what film to use. Some hated it. One complained when she used a high ASA and went to shoot on the beach and was upset everything was blown out. I still have mine and use it when I get tired of all the fancy controls on DSLRs as well as tired of lugging heavy cameras around.
I just saw this video for the first time yesterday! And tracked down the podcast episodes mentioned, about the awesome worldwide Holga project you organised. Inspiring stuff 👍
Great video! Ive gone a bit Holga and Diana lately, love them! My current lineup is Holga 135BC (Mint green) Holga 120 S Holga 120 N Holga 120 GCFN (Glass lens, 4 color flash) Holga 120 GTLR (Glass lens, TLR, 4 color flash) Holga 120 Jack Edition (2007 White Stripes limited edition)
I admit, I am a youngster, but I have used a Holga before; all the way back in high school. I would be honored if I could take part in this Holga Project. I'm getting my own soon!
There’s nothing like constraints to make people creative. Funny too how “old gear” videos are often more fun than “latest gear” videos. Great work. Thanks.
One of the very first film cameras I purchased was an Ansco B2 Cadet (from eBay about 5 years ago for $10 -- with film inside!) and I had a great time with it. Film to me at that time was all about wild exploration and pleasant surprises through inconsistencies and variability...I had no idea what I was doing. Each trip to the lab was like Christmas morning! Thanks for the great video -- I may well get that Cadet back into use.
I remember one client brought me a film done with this dual lens... It was fun trying to build the masks and workaround to process that film and print it with the equipment I had in the store.... Good time. Thanks for sharing. ( I know the video is 2 years old, but I just discover your channel)
Ted, I wanted to get a Holga but to keep my pack as small as possible I opted for a similar 35mm camera(so I'd only have to carry one film size). I wound up with a Kodak Pony 135, which has a few more features than the Holga but similar optics and handling. I stumbled across the Pony in an antiques shop in Bay City, Michigan while working on a ship heading through, and it took me two more port stops to find a place that sold film. Great little camera, though my girlfriend shoots with it much more than I do at this point.
I've got a couple of old Argus 35mm cameras that have many of the characteristics that you talked about, and the resulting funky images have their own appeal to me. One of them is very heavily vignetted but the center focus is sharp. My all-time favorite though is the first "real" camera that I bought, a Rollieflex 2.8F. It has visible moss (fungus) on the lens, but still takes very sharp pictures. I don't have the space to spare any more, but I used to have a full black & white darkroom setup and really liked the medium format. Never had a Holga, but my very first camera when I was a young child was a Kodak Brownie box camera. I don't have the camera any more, but I do have the photos I took with it.
Hi Ted, I've been watching your videos of a while now and I just want to let you know that I really love your channel. Your enthusiasm is contagious and it makes me want to get into film photography. I recently got a Holga and I am super excited to shoot with it! Thanks for making these videos Ted.
I've seen some stunning photos from the Holga! But I am never truly convinced by the argument that the work you put into it inherently enhances the experience of the output. Never been a big fan of that, it feels like retroactive self-reasoning for all the work you put in.
I got a Agfa Clack. It's a very basic medium format camera that kan be picket up cheap second hand her in The Netherlands. I schold get sum film for it and take it out again.
I understand what you mean about getting creative when using minimalist camera with strong limitations. You try to overcome some of these limitations using your imagination and you make good use of some of the imperfections which on the other hand, opens up a whole new world. Nowadays people are dependent on the versatility of in-camera settings. Their exhaustive range blinds the art of bypassing the limitations by creative manoeuvrability. The art of experimenting can be less tempting when you have an array of dials that can do the things for you - just like presets. I would suggest people to get out of their comfort zone, and voluntarily try out alternative solutions. Like the setup of your new studio. I can't wait to see it all finished. Thanks Ted for staying true to the creativity of photography!
For me, the Brownie #2 box camera. I had one of those before "moving up" to a Brownie Hawkeye, which I still have. Old folding cameras are also a trip as you are dealing with screwy shutter speed (1/5, 1/10, 1/25 sec) and very limited apertures. Focusing is strictly SWAG, but the results can be surprising.
Was flipping thru You Tube and saw this. Great video! It inspired me to buy a Holga, and I just acquired a brand new Holga120 CGFN, with a built in flash and glass lens.
I've never had a holga, but I have a Lubitel twin lens .... cheap piece of plastic, but a lovely look to the shots from it. I loved the video Ted ... keep up the great work.
I took the lens out of a little keyring toy camera which took a 110 film cassette an glued the lens into the bodycap of my Panasonic GH2, turning it into a sort of digital Holga. The effect is amazing!
@@EdEditz, nifty images. Interesting flare. A pinhole lens cap could be interesting too, shot at 25000 ISO so you don't grow mossy waiting for the result.
Anything that reduces the purchase and enjoyment of film is a sad day. This was a camera that introduced film to a new group of shooters. Holga ending its run is another challenge for the film industry.
With sensors improving every year, and film processing becoming more expensive, film is a dinosaur technology. It is likely the producers of wooden-spoked automobile wheels felt the same sadness for the obsolescence of their industry.
I never used a holga, however, I do own a few agfa clicks and clacks... They are fairly similar, and have no settings whatsoever. And yes, they still work!
Thing is you can have everything a Holga has with the millions of vintage medium format cameras that are more readily available than the Holga. Only with much better picture quality and better feel and look.
@@Frisenette Or you can save the expense of film by adapting a random lens to an interchangeable lens digital body. Those flush with cash could squander $600 on a retro Petzval ready-made in their choice of mount.
Hey there, I'm planning on doing some multiple exposures on my holga. Can I rewind the film after finishing shooting and then shoot again or I just have the option of shoot twice then advance it?
Great video as usual Ted. I have thought about making a video (my first on UA-cam - Yikes!) about good alternatives to Holgas and Dianas. I personally have great results with Agfa Clacks (6x9) and Zeiss Ikon folders. Maybe you should do one on this subject also.
When I was a kid in the 1960s F.W. Woolworth (if you even know that store chain ever existed) sold a japanese plastic camera for "one dollar". It actually had quite a few settings but only one shutter speed. A lot of my early pictures were from that camera. Given the plastic lens the outer edges of the photos were always blurred.
I couldn't resist and opened up ebay and bought a Holga 120N. Thanks a lot Ted 😭😁😁😁 Now I'll be playing around with my recently bought Diana F+ (Lomography) and the Holga. What to do with my Nikon D5200 and Olympus OM20?? ;-)
Nice to hear the Holga Project get some mentions. :-) That was a fun thing to be part of, and the images turned out pretty okay I think. After that I've been saying that I should get into that sort of stuff, but haven't gotten around to it yet. With Holga going out of business I better get to it! Should be easier come this spring though, my photo club is getting a brand new darkroom fitted in our new space...so it should be easy to snag one of the older members to teach me how to do it! :-)
I have the Holga 120S (since '03) but it's only recently I learned that there are some newer models that have the square plastic bracket option. Mine only has the rectangular bracket.
Had a Diana camera exactly like the first one you refer to. Got it as a premium at a gas station for a fill-up back in the mid-60's. I believe they were Russian.
Hey Ted, really pleased that you posted a video on this subject because I have been working my way through your back catalog and was really intrigued by the Holga Project. The only problem is that I can't see any of the photos. When I went to the page it looks like the code is broken (at least from my Safari on Mac), I can read some of the text but no photos display. Is this just me or can I view them another way? Also, I have just received my first Holga (very timely) curtesy of yourself & Matt Day, so I plan to do my own Holga Project where I might share the camera with a few friends and see what results each of us comes up with. I'll be sure to send them in to you if it works out. Anyway, thanks for all the hard work. Chris
I'm bummed they stopped making Holgas. I recently picked up a 135BC that takes 35mm film and adds a nice vignette. It's great there's a community around Holgas. I hope it lasts for a long time.
Thank you for all your videos you are doing for all of us. I am one of many fans you have. I love your videos. Please keep doing the great work you are doing.
I have an old Woca (a glass lens Holga) and the ordinary Holga. To this day, there is no software or digital camera that can duplicate the look you can get out of a Holga.
I find it funny that the way I took pictures for most of my life is cool again. Holga sounds really similar to the cheap cheap Kodaks we all had. Guess what's old is new again.Kind of glad I always liked film photography .
I got a 35mm holga and enjoyed using it but haven't used it in a while. I might give it another go. That box camera looks interesting, I have always fancied one.
It will be interesting to watch over the next while to see if Lomography buys the Holga. I mean they took over production of the LCA and the Lubitel long after production stopped in St. Petersburg.
That stereoholga looks insane! I do think the holga is just a camera to mess around with and that it shouldn't be a first and only camera for a beginner. I think they would stop shooting film after a few months out of frustration if this was their only filmcamera.
You should really try out the Ferrania EURA, a simple bakelite camera with features close to the holga but has a real glass lens coated just like a standard one.
Wow. I had one of these Holga cameras that I picked up from a Goodwill thrift shop 10 years ago, but I didn't see it as a valuable camera due to it having a plastic lens and feeling rather cheap, so I donated it to the church to sell. I paid only $15 for a bag of miscellaneous things in it, of which the Holga camera was included in the mix.
It was cheap but it was expensive.. that's been my trouble with Holga. I got a 120FN in 2008 and still love it in 2019. But for processing at ~$2 per image it's hard to push the shutter on a $20 toy camera with $20 toy camera results. Processing one roll of film costs more than the camera! Now you can pick up circa-2000 prosumer 35mm bodies for $30-$40 on ebay and get really pro results at more like 50¢ per image.
Nice to see you're back making videos in the new studio,looks very interesting.Would that be a guitar creeping into view,bottom r/h corner,what would it be I wonder? Anyway really looking forward to more videos.Regards Max.Australia.
I got into using the Diana when I enrolled into a photo class taught by A.E.Fournet. she uses nothing but Diana's and she's very good. Even the company that makes the Diana's made one just for her. She her books.
I have a very odd peculiar question. I am slowly getting myself into photography but don't know the right camera. I don't know if anybody else has ever had this thought but what is the right/best camera...how do you know what camera to pick for what shot...are you not afraid that picking one camera may result in a different result and thus a wasted shot/opportunity?
Greetings, I know this video was posted several years ago, but if you get the notification from UA-cam about my post, I have a few questions concerning the Ansco box camera you mentioned. I have an Agfa Ansco something or other as well as a Kodak Tourist that I want to try out and was wondering if they both take 620 Vs 120mm? Also, I saw some different size inserts I want to say on BandH and was wondering if you knew if they still make them and if they would fit in a box camera? Also, I think I may have seen you once before at CCD! Merry Christmas!
Its only been a couple of weeks since the news about Holga and already Ebay prices are going up. I have several Holgas and never paid more than $10 used, today only 2 under $10 are listed when before it would be dozens, (starting price or less). Otherwise its a sad end to a great era in film.
Good to hear and see you again. I've recently been working with a Mamiya 23 Standard 6x7 90mm f3.5. Despite what Ken Rockwell had to say I havd found it quite nice and sharp to shoot with. The included film back didn't have a dark slide, but the super did. Did a test roll the other night triggering off my remote flashes, in preparation for a family photo next to the Christmas tree. Keep on going ted. Look to try the panoramic shooting as you described.
+Howard Kurtus For your purposes it would be. But it depends on what you are looking to go for. There are alot of people who would argue that Jackson Pollock was wasting paint.
My first camera was an Ilford Sprite not much different to the Holga really! That was along time ago but it taught me the basics, I love the smell of the film! Memories!
what books do you recommend for learning more about photography? books of any kind? i'm not entirely sure what you mean by changing the film.. but i picked up taking photos on my iphone but i do want a literal camera, but i don't want to spend like 300$ on a camera when i know little to nothing about real photography.... i want to pick one up before they're all gone... but what else would i have to purchase? ah thanks in advance, i know i asked quite a bit. i really do love taking pictures and my iphone does justice but i want to move further with this hobby. :)
"Grock" A process Michael Valentine Smith went through when confronted with a concept, idea, process, event, statement, question, etc. that he wanted to assimilate, understand, become one with beyond what we Earthlings could possible comprehend. For a greater comprehension of this and other things, read, "Stranger In A Strange Land" by Robert A. Heinline.
Does the Holga 120N really have to be spray painted flat black on the inside if you have a 6x6 mask? Can a person not Spray paint it and still have usable pictures? Reply
While I understand the appeal of a camera, or any creative device, having limitations and thus bringing a challenge and making you learn and work for results, to be that's no justification to like it. To me it's just bad, like a toy camera. And I don't mean that in a pretentious way, like "You need SLRs and high-end lenses." and so on. But why go through the trouble with its flaws. The bad construction, the bad viewfinder and lens, the inconsistencies, etc. - Why not go with a camera that's just a tier above it, but does the same? - Let's say, I use an Olympus Trip... Apart from the film-format, it's the same principle but a lot higher quality and more neatly designed and produced. - OK, maybe it's slightly more predictable and it doesn't really apply as much character to the film, but I'd choose that over any hassle the Holga might give me. I just have to say "No, thanks!" to that and move up a slight bit, and it probably costs as much if not less.
Kodak 35 and Argus models A through C have plenty of character, and they have literally been through the war. Thrift stores and ebay have many for sale cheap.
well right now they are about $40 at B&H - for another $40-60 you could buy a used TLR and actually have something you could use for the rest of your life - to me it doesn't seem rational for someone truly interested ...just my 2C worth...
I kind of get annoyed with people who criticise certain types of photography such as lomography. In my mind a photo is an image created with light and the method you choose to do that is totally up to you. Unless you are shooting for a client then you should shoot whatever makes you happy.
These cheap cameras have taught me more about photography than any of my "expensive" gear. With let's say a phone, or a holga you have to really flex and work hard on getting the shot and it makes you think about your photos, and when I do get a perfect photo, it really makes me happy that I could get something really cool out of something that is basically plastic.
7 years later, found the holga being sold on amazon, kinda crazy, i think the fan base really kept the product alive
Was just thinking about putting together a video on the Holga with some of my favorite images I've made with them over the years. Awesome as always, Ted! New space is looking good too!
Thanks Matt! Do it!! The Holga is a beautiful thing.
I found a guy on craigslist that had a box of cameras for 40 bucks back last year. I went and got them, end up with a working holga, ansco ShurShot, and a Polaroid 101. I love the ShurShot. Its very inspiring. I plan to use it for street photography, but haven't yet. Mostly because developing film is so expensive where I live, because only one place that still does it. But, I am going to started developing film, which you two have inspired me to do! So thank you!
So valuable for somebody who just got one of these. Thank you!
Holga's are a lot of fun. You can really get some interesting effects out of it. Some of my favourite pictures were taken on a Holga lens. I have mine on e-mount.
HOLGA IS RISING FROM THE ASHES BOIS
Someone found the molds! Its coming back!
I'm 60 and am just getting back into hobby photography after dropping it about 30 years ago. The Holga has been a simple economical fun way to get my feet wet again and Ted's AOP UA-cam video's have been invaluable in getting me up to speed. Been a learning curve to get going with medium format since I only dealt with 35mm in the '80's. But again, kudo's to Ted for his wonderful help he's put out in these video's.
THANKS TED!!!!!!
How is it going?
Before Holga started coming out with all the bells and whistles, I bought my first Holgas from Randy! I got so into shooting with Holgas that I stopped shooting 35mm altogether. For me, it was a 1st step into medium format photography. After my collection of Holgas, I bought a new Mamiya 645 Pro TL and then a mildly used Hasselblad 500 C/M off of eBay. It's too bad they're going out of production, but it's a good thing I held onto a couple of them. Maybe some day they'll be worth as much as $50!
Got mine for $3.00 from value village a couple months ago. Was a nice find considering the used stores are recognising the inflating value of film cameras. Fun to put 35mm through. Take funky wide angle.
At SCAD we had almost a whole semester using a Holga. What a great discipline. One really learns how to see the light so you know what film to use. Some hated it. One complained when she used a high ASA and went to shoot on the beach and was upset everything was blown out. I still have mine and use it when I get tired of all the fancy controls on DSLRs as well as tired of lugging heavy cameras around.
If you want real discipline, learn to draw.
That Holga project is fascinating. An museum exhibition featuring the decorated cameras and the map, sounds really enjoyable.
I just saw this video for the first time yesterday! And tracked down the podcast episodes mentioned, about the awesome worldwide Holga project you organised. Inspiring stuff 👍
Now I want one of those Holgas just for those funky pano shots you made. Those shots are freaking awesome!
Great video! Ive gone a bit Holga and Diana lately, love them! My current lineup is
Holga 135BC (Mint green)
Holga 120 S
Holga 120 N
Holga 120 GCFN (Glass lens, 4 color flash)
Holga 120 GTLR (Glass lens, TLR, 4 color flash)
Holga 120 Jack Edition (2007 White Stripes limited edition)
I admit, I am a youngster, but I have used a Holga before; all the way back in high school. I would be honored if I could take part in this Holga Project. I'm getting my own soon!
There’s nothing like constraints to make people creative. Funny too how “old gear” videos are often more fun than “latest gear” videos. Great work. Thanks.
One of the very first film cameras I purchased was an Ansco B2 Cadet (from eBay about 5 years ago for $10 -- with film inside!) and I had a great time with it. Film to me at that time was all about wild exploration and pleasant surprises through inconsistencies and variability...I had no idea what I was doing. Each trip to the lab was like Christmas morning!
Thanks for the great video -- I may well get that Cadet back into use.
Glad to see the 'hand' above your camera shelves Ted and I love my Holgas too. Yes! Let's do another holga project!
I remember one client brought me a film done with this dual lens... It was fun trying to build the masks and workaround to process that film and print it with the equipment I had in the store.... Good time. Thanks for sharing. ( I know the video is 2 years old, but I just discover your channel)
Ted, I wanted to get a Holga but to keep my pack as small as possible I opted for a similar 35mm camera(so I'd only have to carry one film size). I wound up with a Kodak Pony 135, which has a few more features than the Holga but similar optics and handling. I stumbled across the Pony in an antiques shop in Bay City, Michigan while working on a ship heading through, and it took me two more port stops to find a place that sold film. Great little camera, though my girlfriend shoots with it much more than I do at this point.
I've got a couple of old Argus 35mm cameras that have many of the characteristics that you talked about, and the resulting funky images have their own appeal to me. One of them is very heavily vignetted but the center focus is sharp. My all-time favorite though is the first "real" camera that I bought, a Rollieflex 2.8F. It has visible moss (fungus) on the lens, but still takes very sharp pictures. I don't have the space to spare any more, but I used to have a full black & white darkroom setup and really liked the medium format. Never had a Holga, but my very first camera when I was a young child was a Kodak Brownie box camera. I don't have the camera any more, but I do have the photos I took with it.
Hi Ted, I've been watching your videos of a while now and I just want to let you know that I really love your channel. Your enthusiasm is contagious and it makes me want to get into film photography. I recently got a Holga and I am super excited to shoot with it! Thanks for making these videos Ted.
I heard they found the molds for these at one of the factories. Hopefully they're coming back.
The Holga is, by far, my favorite camera as well! Great video! 🥰
I've seen some stunning photos from the Holga! But I am never truly convinced by the argument that the work you put into it inherently enhances the experience of the output. Never been a big fan of that, it feels like retroactive self-reasoning for all the work you put in.
I got a Agfa Clack. It's a very basic medium format camera that kan be picket up cheap second hand her in The Netherlands. I schold get sum film for it and take it out again.
The Holga is how I remain loose. I love to go on a walk and take it with me.
I understand what you mean about getting creative when using minimalist camera with strong limitations. You try to overcome some of these limitations using your imagination and you make good use of some of the imperfections which on the other hand, opens up a whole new world.
Nowadays people are dependent on the versatility of in-camera settings. Their exhaustive range blinds the art of bypassing the limitations by creative manoeuvrability. The art of experimenting can be less tempting when you have an array of dials that can do the things for you - just like presets. I would suggest people to get out of their comfort zone, and voluntarily try out alternative solutions.
Like the setup of your new studio. I can't wait to see it all finished.
Thanks Ted for staying true to the creativity of photography!
For me, the Brownie #2 box camera. I had one of those before "moving up" to a Brownie Hawkeye, which I still have. Old folding cameras are also a trip as you are dealing with screwy shutter speed (1/5, 1/10, 1/25 sec) and very limited apertures. Focusing is strictly SWAG, but the results can be surprising.
Was flipping thru You Tube and saw this. Great video! It inspired me to buy a Holga, and I just acquired a brand new Holga120 CGFN, with a built in flash and glass lens.
I've never had a holga, but I have a Lubitel twin lens .... cheap piece of plastic, but a lovely look to the shots from it.
I loved the video Ted ... keep up the great work.
Loved this episode, thought that Holga was just a toy camera never knew what you could do with it, thanks for the video.
Great video Ted! I always found the Holgas interesting. Can't wait for the room tour! The place is looking awesome.
I took the lens out of a little keyring toy camera which took a 110 film cassette an glued the lens into the bodycap of my Panasonic GH2, turning it into a sort of digital Holga. The effect is amazing!
That sounds pretty interesting! Do you have any pictures of if, and pictures you made with it?
@@EdEditz, nifty images. Interesting flare. A pinhole lens cap could be interesting too, shot at 25000 ISO so you don't grow mossy waiting for the result.
@@stephenarling1667 That would be cool to see. :)
I LOVE Sally Mann's photography
Anything that reduces the purchase and enjoyment of film is a sad day. This was a camera that introduced film to a new group of shooters. Holga ending its run is another challenge for the film industry.
With sensors improving every year, and film processing becoming more expensive, film is a dinosaur technology. It is likely the producers of wooden-spoked automobile wheels felt the same sadness for the obsolescence of their industry.
New place is looking good Ted! :-)
I never used a holga, however, I do own a few agfa clicks and clacks... They are fairly similar, and have no settings whatsoever. And yes, they still work!
Thing is you can have everything a Holga has with the millions of vintage medium format cameras that are more readily available than the Holga. Only with much better picture quality and better feel and look.
You can always f*** with the picture in interesting ways, in-camera or in Photoshop. Use colour filters, shoot through transparent stuff etc.
@@Frisenette Or you can save the expense of film by adapting a random lens to an interchangeable lens digital body. Those flush with cash could squander $600 on a retro Petzval ready-made in their choice of mount.
Hey there, I'm planning on doing some multiple exposures on my holga. Can I rewind the film after finishing shooting and then shoot again or I just have the option of shoot twice then advance it?
Great video as usual Ted. I have thought about making a video (my first on UA-cam - Yikes!) about good alternatives to Holgas and Dianas. I personally have great results with Agfa Clacks (6x9) and Zeiss Ikon folders. Maybe you should do one on this subject also.
When I was a kid in the 1960s F.W. Woolworth (if you even know that store chain ever existed) sold a japanese plastic camera for "one dollar". It actually had quite a few settings but only one shutter speed. A lot of my early pictures were from that camera. Given the plastic lens the outer edges of the photos were always blurred.
I couldn't resist and opened up ebay and bought a Holga 120N. Thanks a lot Ted 😭😁😁😁
Now I'll be playing around with my recently bought Diana F+ (Lomography) and the Holga. What to do with my Nikon D5200 and Olympus OM20?? ;-)
Nice to hear the Holga Project get some mentions. :-) That was a fun thing to be part of, and the images turned out pretty okay I think. After that I've been saying that I should get into that sort of stuff, but haven't gotten around to it yet. With Holga going out of business I better get to it! Should be easier come this spring though, my photo club is getting a brand new darkroom fitted in our new space...so it should be easy to snag one of the older members to teach me how to do it! :-)
Loved your photos Tomas. Glad you were a part of it! Better get one soon!
I have the Holga 120S (since '03) but it's only recently I learned that there are some newer models that have the square plastic bracket option. Mine only has the rectangular bracket.
Druh is a Polish camera and you can buy one wery cheap in Poland.
Thumbs up for using the word "Grok"
Stranger in a Strange Land
Had a Diana camera exactly like the first one you refer to. Got it as a premium at a gas station for a fill-up back in the mid-60's. I believe they were Russian.
Hey Ted, really pleased that you posted a video on this subject because I have been working my way through your back catalog and was really intrigued by the Holga Project. The only problem is that I can't see any of the photos. When I went to the page it looks like the code is broken (at least from my Safari on Mac), I can read some of the text but no photos display. Is this just me or can I view them another way?
Also, I have just received my first Holga (very timely) curtesy of yourself & Matt Day, so I plan to do my own Holga Project where I might share the camera with a few friends and see what results each of us comes up with. I'll be sure to send them in to you if it works out.
Anyway, thanks for all the hard work.
Chris
I'm bummed they stopped making Holgas. I recently picked up a 135BC that takes 35mm film and adds a nice vignette. It's great there's a community around Holgas. I hope it lasts for a long time.
Thank you for all your videos you are doing for all of us. I am one of many fans you have.
I love your videos. Please keep doing the great work you are doing.
Thanks!
always loved how passionate you are about holgas! really need one or something like it to try? new studio is looking very good though Ted!
I can recommend trying the LOMO SMENA 8M, a LOFI 35mm camera.
Just picked up a CFN in a charity shop - with time I hope to grok it in fullness. Thanks for the video!
I have an old Woca (a glass lens Holga) and the ordinary Holga. To this day, there is no software or digital camera that can duplicate the look you can get out of a Holga.
I find it funny that the way I took pictures for most of my life is cool again. Holga sounds really similar to the cheap cheap Kodaks we all had. Guess what's old is new again.Kind of glad I always liked film photography .
Nice and simple medium format camera similar built like my old Agfa Click 1 - 6 × 6 - camera made from bakelite.
If you do that project of mailing around cameras again -- please remember me and add me to the list!!!!
I got a 35mm holga and enjoyed using it but haven't used it in a while. I might give it another go. That box camera looks interesting, I have always fancied one.
Just bought the Nikon P900, just subbed! Thanks for all the info on your channel!
It will be interesting to watch over the next while to see if Lomography buys the Holga. I mean they took over production of the LCA and the Lubitel long after production stopped in St. Petersburg.
That stereoholga looks insane!
I do think the holga is just a camera to mess around with and that it shouldn't be a first and only camera for a beginner. I think they would stop shooting film after a few months out of frustration if this was their only filmcamera.
You should really try out the Ferrania EURA, a simple bakelite camera with features close to the holga but has a real glass lens coated just like a standard one.
Wow. I had one of these Holga cameras that I picked up from a Goodwill thrift shop 10 years ago, but I didn't see it as a valuable camera due to it having a plastic lens and feeling rather cheap, so I donated it to the church to sell. I paid only $15 for a bag of miscellaneous things in it, of which the Holga camera was included in the mix.
It was cheap but it was expensive.. that's been my trouble with Holga. I got a 120FN in 2008 and still love it in 2019. But for processing at ~$2 per image it's hard to push the shutter on a $20 toy camera with $20 toy camera results. Processing one roll of film costs more than the camera! Now you can pick up circa-2000 prosumer 35mm bodies for $30-$40 on ebay and get really pro results at more like 50¢ per image.
Nice to see you're back making videos in the new studio,looks very interesting.Would that be a guitar creeping into view,bottom r/h corner,what would it be I wonder? Anyway really looking forward to more videos.Regards Max.Australia.
Glad to have you back!
I was at the Sally Mann reading as well. I was in line for a signed copy =) Love her!
Lovely passionate promo for the Holga.
Laughed out loud when you said "this camera takes NOTHING in focus". Great video, Ted.
I'm glad I have one tattooed on my arm then so it'll never go away :)
Ted, do you have a Kodak Brownie? If so can you do a video on it maybe showing some of the techniques with the filters and results. Thanks.
I keep passing over these in the camera store. I guess I need to pick one up
Hurry up
+Michael Dunn Will go on Friday
I got into using the Diana when I enrolled into a photo class taught by A.E.Fournet. she uses nothing but Diana's and she's very good. Even the company that makes the Diana's made one just for her. She her books.
Great video! I used to follow your video podcasts on iTunes. Nice to see you on UA-cam!
Killer video Ted! Is a 35MM Holga worth it? I've seen them go super cheap (like 99C to $10 cheap)
Will be getting some accessories and maybe a Super 23 too.
I have a very odd peculiar question. I am slowly getting myself into photography but don't know the right camera. I don't know if anybody else has ever had this thought but what is the right/best camera...how do you know what camera to pick for what shot...are you not afraid that picking one camera may result in a different result and thus a wasted shot/opportunity?
I have the 150F. I loved taking dpuble exposures back then. I go with a Diana Mini now. But its not as fun as that big Holga. :)
Greetings, I know this video was posted several years ago, but if you get the notification from UA-cam about my post, I have a few questions concerning the Ansco box camera you mentioned. I have an Agfa Ansco something or other as well as a Kodak Tourist that I want to try out and was wondering if they both take 620 Vs 120mm? Also, I saw some different size inserts I want to say on BandH and was wondering if you knew if they still make them and if they would fit in a box camera? Also, I think I may have seen you once before at CCD! Merry Christmas!
mystery camera... the pics come out with very interesting light
Its only been a couple of weeks since the news about Holga and already Ebay prices are going up. I have several Holgas and never paid more than $10 used, today only 2 under $10 are listed when before it would be dozens, (starting price or less). Otherwise its a sad end to a great era in film.
Good to hear and see you again. I've recently been working with a Mamiya 23 Standard 6x7 90mm f3.5. Despite what Ken Rockwell had to say I havd found it quite nice and sharp to shoot with. The included film back didn't have a dark slide, but the super did. Did a test roll the other night triggering off my remote flashes, in preparation for a family photo next to the Christmas tree. Keep on going ted. Look to try the panoramic shooting as you described.
I got in to film and medium format because I'm a resolution freak not because of some fashion statement. Wouldn't the holga be a waste of medium?
+Howard Kurtus yes
+Howard Kurtus For your purposes it would be. But it depends on what you are looking to go for. There are alot of people who would argue that Jackson Pollock was wasting paint.
He stated the answer to your question in the video.
For you? Yes. For highest resolution get an electronic microscope.
synthesaurus "go ahead and turn a drumscanner into a camera"
My first camera was an Ilford Sprite not much different to the Holga really! That was along time ago but it taught me the basics, I love the smell of the film! Memories!
The cost to develop medium format is crazy these days!
+hoshnasi That´s why you should do it yourself. Easy and fun.
+Thomas Hedlund no more hobbies! Wife will leave me.
+hoshnasi Same here. My GAS has been dramatically curtailed.
+hoshnasi Another reason, why I never got married.
+hoshnasi
You have a very 'questionable' wife then, I will leave out the insults but seriously.
what books do you recommend for learning more about photography? books of any kind? i'm not entirely sure what you mean by changing the film.. but i picked up taking photos on my iphone but i do want a literal camera, but i don't want to spend like 300$ on a camera when i know little to nothing about real photography.... i want to pick one up before they're all gone... but what else would i have to purchase? ah thanks in advance, i know i asked quite a bit. i really do love taking pictures and my iphone does justice but i want to move further with this hobby. :)
Sweet! Sad indeed they stop producing cameras. What's your opinion on Lomo LC-A Ted?.. Would love to hear your opinion.
look like new holga is being sold now i have 6 holgas love um ,i allso have every lubitel type ever made and the komsomlets to .. jeff
Great video. Thanks !
Never shot a holga but I would be willing to do the challenge.
"Grock" A process Michael Valentine Smith went through when confronted with a concept, idea, process, event, statement, question, etc. that he wanted to assimilate, understand, become one with beyond what we Earthlings could possible comprehend. For a greater comprehension of this and other things, read, "Stranger In A Strange Land" by Robert A. Heinline.
I just brought my first two holga cameras! I brought the holga 135 35mm camera and the holga 120n. I was wonder what film you would recommend i use?
Is that a Korg MS-20 ?
Does the Holga 120N really have to be spray painted flat black on the inside if you have a 6x6 mask?
Can a person not Spray paint it and still have usable pictures?
Reply
Excellent video!
While I understand the appeal of a camera, or any creative device, having limitations and thus bringing a challenge and making you learn and work for results, to be that's no justification to like it. To me it's just bad, like a toy camera. And I don't mean that in a pretentious way, like "You need SLRs and high-end lenses." and so on. But why go through the trouble with its flaws. The bad construction, the bad viewfinder and lens, the inconsistencies, etc. - Why not go with a camera that's just a tier above it, but does the same? - Let's say, I use an Olympus Trip... Apart from the film-format, it's the same principle but a lot higher quality and more neatly designed and produced. - OK, maybe it's slightly more predictable and it doesn't really apply as much character to the film, but I'd choose that over any hassle the Holga might give me. I just have to say "No, thanks!" to that and move up a slight bit, and it probably costs as much if not less.
Kodak 35 and Argus models A through C have plenty of character, and they have literally been through the war. Thrift stores and ebay have many for sale cheap.
well right now they are about $40 at B&H - for another $40-60 you could buy a used TLR and actually have something you could use for the rest of your life - to me it doesn't seem rational for someone truly interested ...just my 2C worth...
Oh my goodness I want one. They're now selling on Ebay for no less than $60
I know it’s been over 9 months and you probably already found one but you can get a Holga on B&H for around $40 new.