I just bought a Holga 135BC camera... first time I've used one of this sort, I was wondering if anyone had?

Question

any tips & tricks, advice, etc for me. Im a absolute beginner..I even need to know the simple things like winding film, things to look out for, what makes a better picture, using the multi colour flash. Also... can you get fish eye lens to fit the 135bc? I want to know everything!

Answer 1

I have lots of Holga experience, but with the 120 medium format film model. I have never used the 35mm models so I can't address issues pertaining directly to using that film format.



In general though, the two cameras are the same as far as how they go about taking photos. First, keep in mind you have little to no exposure control. The little cloudy / sunny switch is worthless. It does nothing for you so just forget it is there. The camera has a shutter speed of about 1/125 and an fstop of about f11. Nothing is precise about the cameras. Also, the rangefinder window is close at best to what the lens actually captures. Use film no slower that ISO 400. My preference is to use black and white film only. I just feel it fits the look of the photos obtained with the camera. The flash is useless over about 5 feet. If using black and white film, you will have no need for the color wheel. If you do use color film, there is no specific reason or occasion to use the color wheel. It is there just to throw a color cast on the entire photo, I just never saw the point of it myself. Experiment with the multi exposure ability of the camera. Try to think of how two photos could look together in the same frame. You can get some real interesting shots like this. In dim conditions, instead of using the flash which is almost worthless, use the BULB mode and just hold the shutter open a second or two.



Be ready to have LOTS of bad photos. The more you use the camera the better you will get at it, but even when you are decent at using it, you will still get some shots that do not come out. That is just the nature of a camera in which you have no exposure control. Using 400 speed film gives you some more cushion on exposure than lower speed films.



There are plenty of sites dedicated to the Holga. Just try to google the name, as well as Lomography.



Here are some of my Holga shots if you want to browse:

http://www.lightanon.com/-/lightanon/gallery.asp?cat=92459



Good luck and have fun!



steve

Answer 2

I've just ordered one myself. I have lots of tips and tricks for the Holga 120 and Diana cameras on my website, and when I've had a chance to check out the Holga 135, I'll post some tips for that camera too:

http://www.dianacamera.com/



I'll also post some basic how-to videos for the camera on my channel at youtube:

http://youtube.com/kaituba



You can get a fisheye lens for the Holga 135, but I've only seen it on ebay. Look for the Holga Fisheye FEL 135.



The Holga 135 is a primitive 35mm film camera, but in the hands of a photographer with a few basic skills in composition, it can take some photos that are quite beautiful.



When using the camera, pay attention to what's in the frame. Don't let anything in the frame that distracts or pulls the eye away from your subject. Quite often, you can help improve a photo by merely moving over a few feet, or changing the angle you are facing. Take lots of photos, and don't expect every one to be a masterpiece. Think of it as trying to get your first 100 mistakes out of the way. Once you've done that, your photos will improve. When you get your photos back from the lab, take a look at them and see what's working and what's not working in the images. Then go out and put into practice what you've learned.



Be patient, it takes a little time to gather the skills it takes to become an excellent photographer.



Good luck!

Answer 3

Holga Tips

Answer 4

Invest in a light meter. If the light meter gives you a reading of 1/125th at f/11 you should be okay, otherwise don't expect miracles.



Buy a book... don't expect to find out everything without making a few mistakes.



I don't know for the life of me, why you would buy something like that without some experience.

Answer 5

1