I got so burned out on mindless digital photography, I sold my digital Fuji to an old man named Henry and bought myself this Holga and a huge batch of expired 120 and 35mm film.

There aren’t many cameras that can take such a beating and still survive. I have dropped this several times, my toddler daughter has gotten hold of it, and it still looks and performs as it did the day I bought it.

Helpful hints: get yourself some tape, because the metal clips that hold the back of the camera on slide all the time. And you DON’T want to lose your precious images simply because you didn’t secure the camera!

The camera will probably come with a 6×6 mask already inserted, and the 6×4.5 mask wrapped in plastic. I believe the older Holgas never had an actual 6×6 mask, only the 6×4.5 (that meant you had to tape up the inside so the edges wouldn’t scratch your film). The other great thing about this 6×6 mask is that it holds your AA batteries in so you don’t have to tape them up. It does reduce the risk of light leaks, so if you are going for that, it might not happen in-camera (but I got leaks while unloading the film, so there’s always a way!).

I suggest investing in the cable release that will allow you to comfortably do long exposures shots without holding your breath and praying. Of course, get yourself a tripod, because this model has a mount already - no need to mod it!

Also, tape up the little switch on the bottom, the one that enables the “Bulb” feature. I have had entire rolls ruined because I was shooting in the daytime and had inadvertently slid the button over to “B.”

Most importantly - have fun with this camera. It takes a few rolls to really get to where you feel comfortable, so if your first roll or two makes you want to cry, we have ALL been there before.

This is truly my favorite camera in the world. I have a great digital ultra-zoom and really wanted a digital SLR but couldn’t afford it. A friend suggested the Holga–a step in the absolute opposite direction–and boy am I glad I got it. I was so BORED with Photoshop and digitalization. I really wanted to create pictures, not spend mindless hours in front of the computer. Holga gives me just that. It’s quirkiness is what makes it so wonderful, from the light leaks to the vignetting. You truly never know what your film is going to look like, but it’s almost always interesting. Black and white film is incredible in it! I suggest the filter set that comes with red, green, yellow and blue filters. I have gotten some truly wonderful results using the red filter with black and white film–so contrasty it’s sick! The Holga has renewed and revived my interest in photography. Since I couldn’t make my pictures perfect I figured I’d embrace the imperfections. Thanks Holga!

5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE IT
This camera is definitely a one-of-a-kind! I have loved every shot taken with the Holga, although sometimes I forget to secure the backing on with tape so my pictures become…

5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a fun camera!
This particular Holga comes with a colored filter wheel for the flash which is a ton of fun. It’s very lightweight and small so it’s easy to carry it around everywhere you go…

2.0 out of 5 stars
the flash doesn’t get the job done
Don’t get this item unless you plan you plan on not using the flash or only plan on using it when you are 2 feet from the subject.

4.0 out of 5 stars
So far, so good
The shipper sent the item on time and it was in the condition expected, brand new. I love the camera so far, but have yet to develop the film