The Holga…

Every photographer who has been creating images for a while gets to the point where “something different” is desired. Partly, it’s a response to ward off stagnation, and partly a response to try a new approach…perhaps even one that is not exactly “controllable.” That’s where a little plastic camera from China comes in. At about $40 or so, the Holga is strictly an “analog” camera, and comes in several different versions. No batteries, no meter, no autofocus. It’s just a box that catches light. There are two shutter speeds, and two aperture settings…both pretty slow in camera terms. It holds 120 mm film, and can create up to sixteen images on a roll, but I prefer the twelve image setting. It’s a square format too, which is a departure from the norm. Light leaks, lens blur, flare and vignetting are not uncommon, although the newer version is “tighter” than the older versions. The plastic lens has no coating and it can be surprisingly sharp. The new ones also have a threaded socket for tripod mounting, something I have yet to explore. It features a hot-shoe which allows for a small flash to be mounted…think very “old school.,” although some newer versions have a built-in flash. No TTL (Through the Lens) metering here though, so a bit of experimentation (or a flash meter) are in order. Focus is attained by guesstimating the distance to your subject: One person, three people, a large group, and of course landscape setting. With the wide variety of films still available, it’s a fun toy to experiment with…one which has allowed me to create some of my all-time favorite images. When you are in the mood, give it a go.