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Why do you have to put the holga 35mm back on instead?

Holga 35mm or Holga CFN 120?

  • I'm deciding whether to get the Holga 35mm or the Holga CFN 120 (called the Holga Black). I don't know too much about photography or Holgas, but I love the photos they produce. http://microsites.lomography.com/holga/family/holga-35mm http://microsites.lomography.com/holga/family/holga-black I don't know much about film and I'm curious as to which one has easier to find film, but I'm guessing it's the 35mm. Do drugstores develop 35mm film? And where can I buy some? How much does it cost? Do drugstores develop 120mm film? Where do you buy it/for how much? I was drawn in by the Black because it comes with the wheel for color tints and it has flash. Do you know of any website that sells the 35 in some sort of kit with color tints/and a flash? Urban Outfitters sells one, but it's $188 and that's over my budget (which is about $70). Please tell me any personal opinions too! Which one do you like best?

  • Answer:

    If you are new to film photography, you should consider starting with a lo-fi 35mm film camera. Why? 1. Lower cost of film. You get more frames per roll, and if you are a beginner, the way to get good at shooting with film, is to shoot lots of it. I find that when beginners use 120 film, it's higher costs and higher cost of processing keeps them from shooting because they are very much aware of how much each shot costs. 2. Easier to find. 35mm film is much easier to find than the 120 film used in the Holga 120 cameras. I see it in the drugstores, as well as few grocery stores (although that is becoming a much rarer experience). 3. Easier to get processed. Most drugstores and large big box stores like Target or Walmart still have 1-hour labs, but only for 35mm film. You will have to find a local lab to process your 120 film, or send it out. 4. Lower cost of processing. It cheaper to get your 35mm film processed. If you skip the prints and just get the roll processed and put on CD, you can cut the cost down even more. Tip: If you want prints, then you only pay for the ones that came out. This keeps the cost of processing down. Take a look at one of these 35mm cameras: Holga 135 or 135BC Similar cheap lens and operation as the Holga 120 cameras. 1 aperture setting (yes, the camera has 2 settings, but they are identical), 2 shutter settings, N (1/100 sec) and B (Bulb setting) tripod mount, cable release socket If you want the corner vignetting like on the larger format camera, get the Holga 135BC. Sample photos: http://www.flickr.com/groups/holga135bc/ Superheadz Black Slim Devil This is a clone based on the popular vintage Vivitar Ultra Wide and Slim. It has no exposure controls and no flash option, but with it's wider than normal lens (22mm) it is capable of taking some outstanding photos. Sample photos: There really isn't a good Flickr group for these cameras yet, so the sample photos are from the Vivitar UWS http://www.flickr.com/groups/57074580@N00/ You can get a regular flash unit for the Holga, and then buy a gel sample pack. You will then have many different color filters that you can simply tape to the front of the flash unit, for much cheaper than buying a Colorflash unit. Gel Filters: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/45184-REG/Rosco_950SBCNG0103.html I have Out of the Box Videos posted on my youtube channel: Superheadz Black Slim Devil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwBJYQvEDrU Holga 135BC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMHCqJ-Cgd4 Whichever camera you choose, remember that the point of lo-fi photography is to have fun and don't sweat the details! For tips for lo-fi cameras, check out my website: http://www.dianacamera.com/ For how-to videos for Holgas and Diana cameras, check out my youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/kaituba

wristenk... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Yes, the 35mm film is more readily available and easier to get processed most anywhere, however, I prefer the 120 format Holga. You simply lose much of the aesthetic look the Holga produces when you use 35mm film. The disadvantage though is that you will have to order the 120 film and send it out to be processed, so you are looking at considerably more time and effort to use the 120 film. You have to make the decision if the cost and convenience factor with 35mm film is worth giving up what the 120 film gives you. As for the color wheel Holga, I frankly see that as nothing but a goofy gimmick. Actually, I prefer black and white film with the Holga, but even with color film, I see no reason to be putting a color tint on the entire photo. Also, the built in flash on the Holga is VERY weak. It is only good for a few feet, even with ISO 400 film. It is a harsh, ugly flash, and you will be far better off to get the Holga remote cable release kit, use Bulb mode, use a tripod, and hold the shutter open for dim light exposures. You will get far more interesting shots in that manner. The built in flash is sometimes helpful for a little extra fill light outdoors in shadows. I use the Holga 120FN. You can browse some of my shots here: http://www.lightanon.com/-/lightanon/gallery.asp?cat=92459 steve

Steve P

It is 120 format not 120mm. Lot's of great questions. 35mm C41 film can be developed on site at most independent 1 hour labs. 120 format film is going to have to be sent out to a large lab or you do it yourself. I personally prefer the look of 120 format Holga pictures. I buy my film online at B&H and Adorama, so 120 and 35mm film are equally available to me. Figure $3 to $7 a roll. I like XP2...it's around $4 for 120 film. Kodak Portra 400 is around $4.50 in 120.

Mere Mortal

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