gear

THE DIGITAL SOAPBOX OF ANDY CLEAVENGER

HOLGA 120N

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Email:  graycard18@gmail.com

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The Holga is further proof that making a great photograph HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW EXPENSIVE YOUR GEAR IS.

The Chinese made Holga costs $25, is constructed completely of plastic (yes, even the lens), has two apertures (f8 and f11), and only one shutter speed (about 1/100). You guess the focus by using a zone focusing system that is printed directly on the lens. The only guides provided are the icons you see below.

So those are its limitations. Now let me tell you what it can do that your average $2,000 Hasselblad can’t. The Holga is capable of an unlimited number of multiple exposures. How do you do it? Simple, just don’t wind the film. Next, the plastic lens delivers gorgeous bursts of lens flare that can make images look otherworldly and instantly nostalgic. Lastly, the Holga will let you overlap frames in order to blend one image into another one. My wife is a master at this technique. I’ve seriously never seen anyone who can compose multiple exposure images in their head the way she can. If you want to see what a Holga is truly capable of you owe it to yourself to visit her Holga art website and her Holga Weddings website.

It’s always amazing to me how freeing limitations can be.