The Mighty Holga

When I started with lomography, my initial task was to purchase a camera. It was a relatively difficult task, because there are so many to choose from. I tried to narrow down my options by crossing out those cameras that are expensive (as per my personal standard), leaving me with a handful on options. Actually, it left me with one: the Holga 120N. I wasn’t sure yet if I will enjoy lomography as much as I imagined, so I was looking for a really cheap camera. If it does not work out for me, at least I did not invest much.

The Holga is a good camera to start with. It is very affordable. More than that, with Holga, you take a huge leap backwards, where you can escape all the chaos of the modern world. This camera spells a lot of fun, if you know how to roll with the punches.

There is nothing impressive or technologically fancy about the Holga though. In fact, it would seem prehistoric compared to today’s digital cameras. It is huge, it is clumsy, it has substandard lens (PLASTIC!), its two aperture settings does not work, and it leaks! Despite all the flaws you will find in this camera, it has an amazingly huge cult following! More and more people are discovering it; and once you get your hands on this baby, you won’t look back again!

Cracking the Holga Mystery

So, what really is the fuzz about this ugly duckling of a camera? Why are there so many people crazy about it? Why does the mere mention of its name evoke certain emotions?

It's Automagic!

Above is a photo of Al Gore, taken by David Burnett, in one of his speeches during the time he ran for presidency. This photo won the 2001 Eyes of History competition of the White House News Photographers Association. Yes, it was taken by a Holga! The thing about this camera is that, it can take seriously beautiful photographs; bordering on magical. It is magical in the sense that, it can turn the realities we see through our eyes into something dreamy or abstract or unnatural, if not supernatural. However, you have to play your part as well. Your choice of subject and timing are also very crucial. Shooting on a gray day can leave your image dull, and a soulless subject can result to a soulless photo. Eventually, as you become accustomed to using this camera, taking photographs become more instinctual rather than a complex cognitive process. As per my personal experience with carrying the Holga around, I get the itch of clicking the shutter when I have a colorful subject under a bright lit sun. Whenever possible, I get as close to my subject. It is can also capture amazing landscapes! It can amplify the day’s already dreary or gloomy mood or give something modern a retro/vintage feel.

Unpredictable

Any photographic endeavor is a partnership between the photographer and his camera. To a certain extent, it is arguable that the camera is only as good as the photographer. I cannot exactly say this with the Holga. With this camera, nothing is what it seems, no matter how much you control it (if you can), it tends to have a mind of its own. This unpredictability often times result to surprising images, beyond what you can imagine.

First of all, you have limited options with the Holga. You have four focusing mode, two shutter speeds, two aperture settings, one of which does not work, leaving you with only one effective aperture, and a view finder that does not exactly find the views. This challenges any photographer to focus on the subject and his perspective. Ironically, despite lack of options, many of us who have been pampered by digital and automatic technology may struggle with the Holga’s fully manual mechanism in the beginning. You will find yourself asking a lot of questions. Were you able to remove the lens cap, did you advance the film, is the focusing right? But, you do not have to worry so much; about it. Part of the Holga’s mystique is its unpredictability, which results partly due to its unmodern technology, which you will eventually adapt to, but unlikely to fully understand. Besides, even if you ran into a Holga accident, there is a good chance that it’s a happy one. I don’t even know how I got the image below.

Complex Simplicity

The Holga is a dead-simple camera. You do not need to be an expert to figure out how to operate it. Its unsophisticated design is probably key to how the photos come out. Ironically, despite its simplicity, there is so much you can do with it, in terms of modifications. Because it is relatively cheap, one can have courage to take it apart and modify it, without the fear of dismantling it to the point of no return. I have had my Holga for 2 years now, and frankly, there are still so many things I’d like do with it. I sometimes feel that the possibilities for this camera are endless. Let us look into some of its major design features that make the Hogla a gem, and see how they can be possibly exploited for our visual pleasure.

Holga 120N Specifications

• Size: 22cm (8.65in) x 17,5cm (7in) x 9,5cm ( 3.75in)
• Weight: 730g (1.6lb)
• Format: all 120 medium format film (color negative, slide, b &w); you can also use 135 film using the appropriate modification.
• Lens: Plastic 60mm, f/8
• Focus: manual zone focus with four distance settings
• Approximate 35mm format equivalent focal length: 38mm
• Aperture settings: f/8, f/11 (This is defective, there is actually only 1 aperture setting: f/8)
• Shutter speeds: 1/100, "B"
• Uncoupled advance & shutter release for m ultiple & partial exposures
• Standard tripod thread
• Accessories included: 1 strap, 2 Frame size masks, 1 Take up spool
• Other Holga 120 Models
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• Holga 120FN (With flash, powered by 2 AA batteries)
• Holga 120CFN (With color splash, powered by 2 AA batteries)
• Holga 120GN (With glass lens)
• Holga GFN (Glass lens, with flash, powered by 2 AA batteries)
• Holga GCFN (Glass lens, with color splash, powered by 2 AA batteries)

Plastic 60/8 Optical Lens

The primary reason for the dreamy image quality produced by the Holga is owed to its dead-simple multi-element plastic lens. Holga defies one of the contemporary standards of a good photograph, an image that is sharp. Most photos taken by a Holga come out soft, despite any effort to focus it. It also results to vignetting or darkening around the edges. Any expert knows that vignettes are a sign of a poor lens, but this is just what others seek for. It’s like seeing something in a dream, or that moment when you first open your eyes in the morning. It is refreshing! A new day! A new life! Did I mention that the lens is plastic?

Hocus Focus

The lens has four focus settings – portrait (3 ft.), small group (4-6 ft.), big group (8-10 ft.), and infinity. It’s just a matter of guestimating. You may not even pay attention it. If you want to modify it to 2 ft. close up focus mode, there is a procedure for that.

6 X 6

How often do you see a square framed photo? If you are less than 50 years old and has not really been into lomography or photography, there is a good chance that you haven’t even seen one. This is one of the things Holga is popular for. There is just something in the square image that makes it eye catching. Maybe it is the fact that it is different. It’s square man!

120 film format or medium format film is used in a Holga. It is four times larger than the typical 135 film. This assures that your 120 images will outrun its 135 counterpart in the richness, resolution and depth!

The box actually has two masks, a 6 X 6 cm which will give you 12 square photos, and a 6 X 4.5 cm for which you can have 16 rectangular shots. Actually, you can even make your own mask! If you want it to be 6 X 1 cm, or take the shape of a puzzle, it’s not an impossibility.

You may have one dilemma though, how to load that 120 film! Don’t worry, just watch these videos of how to load and unload it.

Shutter Speeds

There are two settings for shutter speed in your Holga; “N” for the standard daytime shooting speed of 1/100, and “B” for Bulb mode. With bulb mode, you can have the shutter open for as long as you want! Coupled with a reliable tripod or a flat stable surface, this gives possibilities to photograph subjects at night. If you don’t have a tripod, but have steady hands, shoot anyway; a little blur won’t hurt, it might even come out beautiful and perfect. Use “B” to capture the hustle and bustle of city streets by night, or fireflies and dancing lights!

I once held my Holga’s shutter open for 1 minute during a fire dance presentation. This is what came out, a ball of fire!

Uncoupled Advance and Shutter for Googol Exposure

The Holga is fully manual. After each shot, you have to turn the advance wheel until the next frame is in place for your next capture. You may also choose not to do this and just take another shot which will overlap the previous one. If you are not yet satisfied, then repeat it again and again until your heart is pleased. Multiple exposure galore!

In advancing the film, you can do so to one full frame, or you can just advance it partially. Doing this will result to pseudo-panoramic-partially-overlapped images! Blows your mind!

Other Things to Know

The Holga’s aperture settings do not work! There is a slide that apparently lets you choose shooting modes if the conditions are sunny, or cloudy. It does not work. The Holga’s constant aperture is f/8 (for cloudy but bright if your film speed is 100; but generally, the Holga loves the sun). For some reason, this was never corrected by the manufacturers. If you do not believe me, then go ahead buy one, dismantle it, and see for yourself.

After you have loaded the film and put the back cover on, you slide up the lock. This lock can be a bit flimsy, so I suggest that you tape it up with a piece of electrical tape, just to be sure that it does not fall off, and expose the film.

There is a red window at the back cover to let you see the frame number as you advance it. Tape it up also with black electrical tape as it can potentially be a source of too much light leaks. When you advance the frame, remove the tape temporarily, and once it is set put it back on.

Do not rely on the view finder, it only show 60% of your actual shot.

Each Holga is distinct from other Holgas. Each of them has a signature of their own. Some leak, some have slower shutters, some are sharper. So treasure yours, because yours is one of a kind!

A Classic

Different people love the Holga for different reasons. The vignetting, the square frame, the soft images, its simplicity, its flexibility; there is just so many things to love about it. They say that when people are troubled, they tend to regress back to a previous state. Perhaps this is what Holga is all about. Holding it or seeing pictures taken by it, transports you back to a time when life was simple and free of complication, and for a fleeting moment, you become a child again.

Other cameras come and go, but the Holga has defied everything we know about cameras and photography, in general. It has been around for 3 decades, loved by many, and there is no sign that the devotion for this camera will wither away soon; and that’s what makes it a classic! It is timeless!

Lomography, as I Understand It

When people ask about what Lomography is all about, they tend to get different answers. This is probably because of Lomography’s unstructured and carefree image. There are ten rules (as some of you may have heard or learned) that somehow defy traditional photographic rules. The last rules, for me is the most interesting one. That is, to forget all the previous nine rules and find your own style or your own set of rules. Anarchy! Punk Rock, yeah! With this, it is difficult to put a fence or boundary to what Lomography is or is not. It’s more of a personal thing. Learn what you could, then define it yourself; forget what others say!

This is my personal take on it.

Lomography is history. I will not discuss Lomography’s history, ‘cause I have already forgotten the details. But I suggest that you read about it. There are plenty of sites to go to. What I am saying is that, it has a history; that it originated from something or somewhere or someone. Considering this point of view, the term Lomography came from a particular type of Rusian Spy Camera, which somehow had a cult following: the Lomo Kompakt Automat, or the LCA. Historically speaking, an image is a genuine lomograph if it had been take by this camera. It’s like taking a bunch of guys who are avid Nikon users, and calling their photography as Nikonography. Yes, it is a bit corny.

Lomography is more history. Eventually those early users of LCA organized themselves into some kind of organization, the Lomographic Society International (LSI). They promoted their art, and also, they marketed the not only the LCA, but also other film cameras, which share some of the characteristics of the LCA. As we now know, you can produce lomographic picture using LSI endorsed cameras.

However, others have taken the liberty of using other film cameras like the Vivitar UW&S, which is not LSI endorsed, and still consider themselves lomographers. There is nothing wrong about that.

Lomography is Film. All LSI endorsed cameras are film cameras, so it may be safe to say that a lomographic images need to be film base. This is another deviation from the contemporary trend in photography nowadays, which is becoming dominantly digital. Besides, it’s difficult produce the image quality of lomographs digitally, lest you use Photoshop or other digital altering software. There are however, those who label their work as digital lomographs. I don’t buy it though. If there is one thing the lomography is, to me, it is being digital.

Lomography is Philosophy. There is a certain approach to lomography that is somehow distinct. It is the attitude of being carefree. They say if that something wrong will happen, it will. That’s how it is in this art. One is discourage to think so much before and after taking a photo. “Don’t think, just shoot!” the rule says.

Unlike digital photography, where you can instantly see your output; erase it or take another shot if you are not satisfied, lomography does not give you that much control. A substantial percentage of lomographers are amateur photographers. Not everyone has complete knowledge and skill in judging light and how it will respond to the camera and film. So let it be. Let it surprise you! It is a good feeling.

However, it is best that one also knows enough about his or her camera before clicking the shutter. For instance, there are some cameras which are totally useless indoors. You should, at the very least, know that your camera has a better chance of capturing an image outdoors, when it is sunny. Being surprised is good, but the shock of learning that none of your 36 exposures came out is something we can avoid by reading and learning the basic of our camera. Everything else, leave it to chance! It’s a roller coaster ride, so let loose! Wrong angel? That’s a new perceptive! The image is not on the third portion of the frame? It’s about time you break that rule! Your friend’s head got cut-off? That’s how you like it, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind!

For those who have enough knowledge already, it is very tempting to think before shooting. That’s ok if you ask me. I do it sometimes, too. The images are just as surprising.

Lomogaphy is Dirty. It is not absolute, but many lomographs have a certain characteristic and feel of abstractness and distortion to it: edges that are dark (vignettes), blurry images, misplaced streaks of light, weird colors, and what not. These are defects actually, that many of us find amusing! Some of it is due to intentional misuse of materials. Poor lens quality, poor camera design, using the wrong chemicals in developing films, using films 6 years past their expiration date, shooting twice using the same frame; these are some of the reasons that make lomographs interesting. It is the art of doing things wrong, so it comes out right, and using defective gear, so that it comes out perfect! Got it?

But this is not absolute, like what I said. You can also use good lenses and proper film or chemicals. Lomographs or not, they are still photographs; beautiful ones! That’s what matters!

These are my personal thoughts. I do not mean to impose these criteria onto others. That is the reason why I have troubles in calling myself a lomographer. I don’t know if I really am. I don’t even own an LCA! I am happy to consider myself as a guy who likes photography, particularly those involving the use of film cameras and techniques of lomographers, plus some twists of my own. So, if you will do this, make it personal, thrown in your own twist! Be your own art!

Photo Fetish

My interest in photography dates back some 10 years ago. My interest was primarily due to some basic need to express myself artistically; I figured, photography was a good medium, and probably, less complicate compared to other arts. I was wrong.

Back then, I made some friends with some guys from a photo studio who did our college graduation shoot. I was also able to borrow an SLR camera form the brother of my friend, a Zenit 12xp. However, because no one can actually educate me on how to use the camera, particularly on how to manipulate exposure, I soon got tired of underexposed or overexposed images. In a roll of 36 exposures, I’d be lucky if 10 would come out right. I gave up on it faster than I got interested.

Jump forward to early 2008. I just bought a first compact digital camera, a Fuji Finepix F40 fd (which is a great camera). Needless to say, my interest in photography was being rekindled again; but this time, more of practical-slash-sentimental reasons, rather that artistic ones. It was about this time when I accidentally saw a TV program showcasing a kind of photography called, Lomography. I was instantly drawn to the images they produced. They were colorful and fun, sometimes depressing, and wonderfully distorted. There is a certain abstractness in them that catches one’s attention without much effort. To top it all, it seemed amazingly simple enough. They use film cameras which are devoid of complicated aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. And, most of all, they say that there are no rules! Someone made a comment that, if photography was music, then Lomography would be punk rock! I told myself, this is something which I can definitely do, or even excel in.

For the next few weeks, I would spend a lot time surfing the net for all things lomographic: its history, the art itself, the gears, and the fun and color. Had there been a widespread use of internet a decade ago, I may have not given up easily on photography; there is just a wealth of information nowadays, which is great. In less than a month I was able to buy my first film camera, a Holga 120N, whom I named Amanda. More research warmed me up to my first purchase even more. The first few rolls where a bit frustrating, but once you get past the first three to four rolls, you’ll start loosening up, and then… magic happens!

I have been shooting film for almost two years now. I have a substantial portfolio, and more than a dozen cameras. More than that, my general love for photography has grown deeper and broader. I am no longer confined with lomographic cameras, or its punk rock attitude, I simply love capturing moments in the time-space continuum! I love photography; with or without rules, in chrome, in black and white, in plastic lens, in film, in digital, in lomographic cameras, in vintage cameras, in DSLR, and yes, even in my 2 megapixel phone camera!

If you are also interested in photography, specially using film, and you are reading this, congratulations! You are on the right track, by educating yourself. I may not be the best person to talk about these matters, you I can definitely share a thing or two. So, go ahead and read on!