Test Rolls: Holga 135 Camera Review
Holga cameras started being produced in the early 80’s to provide an inexpensive option for the average person to take photographs. Originally, it was only made for 120 film. At some point down the line, likely because of the rise in popularity of 35mm film, a new 35mm version was created. It is a very cheap plastic camera, considered by many to be just a toy. And yet, it is beloved by photographers who want to embrace unpredictability and that unique Holga look.
So, what is a toy camera capable of?
My Holga 135 in all its plastic glory.
I own both the 120 and 35mm versions of the camera. On a recent trip across the country, I wanted a camera that was lightweight and easy to use. I decided to take a chance, and brought the Holga 135 along with me.
Why was that taking a chance?
Holga cameras are unpredictable. From unavoidable light leaks to exposure inconsistencies, you never quite know what you’re going to get. I always cover the seams of the film door with black electrical tape, and yet somehow I still have the occasional photograph with a streak of light going through it. I may take two photos consecutively using the same settings and in the same lighting situation. Somehow, those two photos may not come out the same. And sometimes, there’s no photo at all! Out of the 5 rolls I shot in the Pacific Northwest, each roll had blank spots on the film where the camera somehow didn’t capture the scene.
I took this photo indoors at Pike Place, expecting it woudn’t come out. Surprise!
So, what’s the appeal?
Photos taken with the Holga have a unique look to them. Many would describe it as “dreamy.” There is often a heavy vignette, with a softer focus around the edges of the frame, though this may be more pronounced on the 120 camera. Of course, the tones of your photographs depend on which film you are using in the camera. Holgas all take ISO 400 film, and in the images shown here, I used Kodak Portra 400.
Notice how the Space Needle seems out of focus at the edge of the frame.
While 400 speed film normally allows for excellent handling in a variety of lighting conditions, Holgas are designed to be used in sunlight. The cameras are extremely simple: there is a setting for cloudy or sunny lighting, a setting for bulb or normal shutter speed, and a basic focal length setting illustrated by icons of a mountain for infinity and a person or flower for more closeup shots. Although there is a setting for cloudy days, even the manufacturer admits that it might not make a difference if you make an adjustment. With my 120 version, even using the cloudy setting, photos taken on non-sunny days just don’t come out. With my 35mm, the cloudy setting actually seems to work. It’s different from camera to camera, so you’ll have to experiment. One technique I used to use heavily for suboptimal lighting conditions was to take multiple exposures of the same composition. You can press the shutter button as many times as you want for a single frame. Sometimes it resulted in some cool looking shots, but often it didn’t work as planned.
It’s worth the effort to find out if your Holga can handle cloudy lighting
The beauty of a Holga is that you don’t have to think too much about what you’re doing. Sometimes that can be a welcome break from having to worry about shooting in manual mode on an SLR. Even though I lost quite a few shots that just didn’t come out, I don’t regret taking the camera with me on my trip. Some beautiful images came out of the Holga 135, as I had hoped, so it was worth the risk to bring something on the more unpredictable side. In addition to that, I also had a Minolta SLR loaded with black and white film. It felt like a good balance for me.
A favorite photo from the trip.
Overall, I love Holga cameras. My advice would be that if you need something you can rely on completely, this is not the camera for you. But if you are willing to play and experiment, and like the aesthetic, this is a very affordable option to take some very cool photographs.
