How to Load a Holga Camera

[timbotones24794]

PLEASE HELP: When I load the film, do I wind until the number 1 is on the edge of the window, or centred?

[bicycleghost41]

@timbotones24794 centred

[U23Drocs]

Kai, i just got a holga and my mask has the number 12 on it, but i don't know if this means i would get 12 shots out of the roll or not, how can you tell that you got the right mask for 12 exposures per roll?

[kaituba]

@U23Drocs The 12 exposure mask has a square opening, the 16 exposure mask is a tall rectangular opening.

[U23Drocs]

@kaituba ok cool i defiantly have the 12 exposure mask then! thanks bunches

[themadscientest]

120n or 120s? im trying to decide? i know ill eventually have a 120n but should i jump on a 120s?

[kaituba]

@themadscientest The cameras produce nearly identical images, but there are several advantages to the newer 120N model. If you don't feel the need for them, then go for the 120S. The 120N has built in foam tensioners in the film bays, which help keep the exposed film roll tight. Without them, think massive light leaks! The 120N has a built in tripod socket and with the additional B shuttter setting, gives the camera the ability to do long exposure photos.

[themadscientest]

@kaituba isnt the new one more light tight?

[kaituba]

@themadscientest Yes, I believe it may be true. I don't feel the need to tape the edges of the camera back seams of the 120N like I usually did with the 120S.

[themadscientest]

@kaituba totally went for the 120s... gonna buy a 120n after my birthday and ill just have both because i have both an old diana f without b and a diana 151 with b and having more than one kind of a toy camera isnt a bad thing due to the "fingerprint" quality of the lens and leaks.

[herrmikman]

they lost my spool in the photoshop !! what do i have to do now ?

[kaituba]

@herrmikman No worries! The now empty film spool from the roll you just unloaded becomes the new take-up spool. Transfer it from the left bay to the right, and you are good to go.

[TypicalMeTypicalMe]

thank you thank you thank you!!! <3

[IreCasta97]

Hi, I just bought a Holga 120N Camera and I'm waiting for it to arrive on the mail. I am not very experienced with this types of cameras so your videos really help a lot! I also purchased a Split Image Filter Lens Set, a Soft Surround Filter Set, and a fisheye lens. I was wondering if you could talk about some of those products? :)

Also, I like the light leaks effect and I have researched and found out most people don't? How can I keep the light leaks without ruining all my pictures? Thanks! :)

[SabrinaCrapCaptain]

does this work the same with normal film cameras?

[kaituba]

@SabrinaCrapCaptain This works with similarly made cameras. It depends on what type of camera you have. 35mm is a little different. I have a variety of how-to load videos. If you need help with your camera, let me know what kind it is, and maybe email me a photo if you aren't sure. (contact info is on my website at dianacamera)

[SabrinaCrapCaptain]

@kaituba how to know the kind? It's a samsung panaroma and it's pretty old. I bought it at a thrift store so it wasn't in a box.

[SabrinaCrapCaptain]

@kaituba its the Samsung Panorama Slim Zoom 1150 Film Camera (7660363)

[kaituba]

@SabrinaCrapCaptain The Samsung 1150 is a typical 35mm point and shoot with all auto operation. It requires two CR123 batteries. To load, drop the 35 mm film cassette into the left compartment, and pull the leader across to the take up spool. There should be some kind of marking or arrow showing how far to pull the film leader. Close the back and the camera does the rest.

[00watermelon]

Hi, thank you so much. Your tutorial was really very helpful. I just have one question: when I take pictures, it doesn't move to the next number, so, lets say I'm on 3, would I wind to four to take the next picture? What if I don't? Would I have overlapped pictures? Isn't that an overexposure?

Bear with me here; my questions may sound really dumb, but I'm trying to learn!

[kaituba]

@00watermelon Yes, after you take a picture, wind the film to the next nubmer. If you don't you'll get double exposures (or more). If both scenes are brightly lit, you may get some overexposure.

[fuckiraq12]

what ISO do u like to use??

[kaituba]

@fuckiraq12 I like using ISO 400 films. They give me the best all around results. I occasionally go with a ISO 160-200 film if I know in advance I'll be shooting in bright daylight such as summers at the beach and so on.

[fuckiraq12]

@kaituba thank you so much you have been very helpfull.and great videos

[freakinpineapple]

I'm deciding between the Holga 135 and the Holga 120n Camera

which one would you recommend ?

[kaituba]

@freakinpineapple I prefer the Holga 120N, but If you haven't worked with a film camera before, I like to recommend the Holga 135 for beginners. Check out my blog post... bitDOTly/kGetStarted -replace the DOT with a . - sorry, but youtube doesn't allow links in the comments.

[hidoko12]

hello.. my name is kai :D hehe. great videos

[kaituba]

@hidoko12 Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[MattCat8]

Hey i got a 120s from someone and it only came with a 16 mask do you thing its worth getting a 12?

[kaituba]

@MattCat8 The 120s did not come with a 6x6 mask.It works fine without it, if you tape the sharp edges of the camera where the film passes over it.

[YeaMadisonYea]

Ahhhh! I I put the 6x6 mask in but after a few pictures I realized that the film was upside down and I was counting by the numbers for the other mask. What should I do?

[kaituba]

@YeaMadisonYea Your film isn't upside down. Upside down numbers is normal. If you have the film counter set to 16 with the 6x6 mask, you will get 16 photos with the images overlapping on the left and right edges. You can can either shoot out the roll, or switch the film counter to 12 and finish the roll correctly. If you aren't too far into the roll (2-3 exposures), switch to 12. If you are way into the roll, you might be better off leaving it.

[damoneugenerich]

OMG! Thank you so much! Now I can actually go and load film and shoot after 3 years because I couldn't figure the film out!

[asianpersuasion83]

great video, can't wait to try it on mine when i get it. Thanks heaps :)

[Darsoid]

hey kai, the way i load the film i have, the only way the number one shows up first is if it's upside down, or if the 16 comes first..?

[kaituba]

@Darsoid Upside down is normal. 16 comes first? That shouldn't happen, unless you are trying to load an exposed roll of film.

[PetiteFarfalla]

hey, i just loaded my holga and i now have noticed that i forgot to load the batteries first! is there any way i could get the film out again without destroying it, put the batteries in and then put the film back in?

[kaituba]

@PetiteFarfalla You can unload the camera in complete darkness and rewind the film onto the film spool. Then turn on the lights and install your batteries and then reload the camera. If you have already taken any photos, be sure to advance the film to the frame you were on.

[iSpinify]

Is it me, or does the sound of opening the film wrapper and breaking the paper seal sound satisfying to me?

[flowerscouldbloom]

I've got a holga 120CFN, the manual says with the mask inside I choose 16 but on the mask there's a number 12 on it. so which number do i choose? please help :(

[kaituba]

@flowerscouldbloom If the mask says 12, and the opening is square, then it is a 6x6 mask and you will get 12 exposures (set the counter window arrow to point at the 12). The 16 exposure mask opening is about 4.5cm wide x 6cm tall.

[magicalpixieABBY]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. :3

[nefaco]

Hi Kai!

Thanks for all your briljant video's!

I have found a Holga 120 SF, but there is no Mask inside, can I still load the film in to it ?

Thanks in advance!

[kaituba]

@nefaco The original 120SF cameras didn't come with a 6x6 mask, so you are fine. You might want to tape up the slots on either side of the film chamber, as light tends to leak through them and put little rectangles in the photos.

[crazedwalnut253]

@kaituba they just ran out of lca+ rl. Apparently I bought the last one!

[crazedwalnut253]

Do you have a lomo lca?

[kaituba]

@crazedwalnut253 Not yet!

[StopRuiningAutumn]

you make it seem so easy, but when i insert the film and turn the spool, it always seems to become loose and the film gets out of the spool and doesn't turn anymore.. ): any ideas? also, when i put the film (on the left side), the lower side seems to be higher than the upper one. i don't know why, is it due to the sponge or something?

[kaituba]

@StopRuiningAutumn If you keep getting misaligned film, then try holding your finger lightly on the takeup spool as you first advance the film. Advance the film until you see the arrows that point up and down. This will allow you to get the film leader firmly set on the takeup spool.

[SophomoricHumor]

thank you so much! i just got my holga 120CFN in the mail, and i havent bought any 120 for it yet, so ive been shooting some 35mm with a little makeshift mod. im excited to get some 12o!

[sjbrightwell]

Thank you so much for this - just got my first Holga this week, and have been totally confused about loading the film right.

[kaituba]

@sjbrightwell Thanks for the feedback. Have you seen my Shooting with Holga video? 

[dwsRonak]

@sjbrightwell where do i get a holga

[underlinedluke]

This video is enormously helpful and informative. Thank you!

[pj221]

I just successfully loaded my first roll of film into my Holga. Thank you very much.

[spiritif17]

this is very helpful, but my film advancer is going backwards to wind it up- i probly put it on a setting when i was winding my last roll up by now i forget, any ideas where it is? thanks!

[kaituba]

@spiritif17 I am not sure I understand what is happening. On a Holga 120 camera, there really is only one way to wind the film, and there aren't any settings to change the direction. Which camera do you have?

[forever4luvf4]

So when you tape that red window of holga, how do you know how to advnace your film? I mean like how do you know if you wind to the next frame.

[kaituba]

@forever4luvf4 You uncover the window. The tape is there to protect the window from light, but you remove it when advancing the film.

[EliRod003]

@kaituba

Using the frame that you chose, does that mean you can only take 12 pictures? And do you think a drug store, like CVS pharmacy, will be able to process 120mm film?

[kaituba]

@EliRod003 Yes, the square frame gets you 12 square images. Drugstores and 1-hour labs in general, will not be able to process 120 film on site, but may be able to send the film out. Ask your local lab if they can do this.

[EliRod003]

@kaituba. Can you take multiple exposure photos with a holga? I saw your Diana multi exposure vid, and I wasn't sure.

[kaituba]

@EliRod003 Yes, the multiple exposure on a Holga is essentially the same. You shoot the 2nd exposure without advancing the film.

[Filrox]

so with one roll of 120 film, you only get 12 shots before you have to replace rolls? (if using the 6x6 frame)

[naomislittleworld]

Thank you for your very easy to follow video- I have succesfully loaded my Holga for the first time. Although whilst waiting for the symbols to appear I was confused by the fact mine is a different make so they used circles to throw me off!

evil Ilford ey?

Thanks!

[susanbunch1980]

Excellent video! Expert advice! You should upload your video to Ewisdomtv

[ninjasuzuki]

do holga's need batteries? cuz for some reason I just got this new holga today and the flash isnt working, help me before I lose my mind!

[queerpriestess]

@ninjasuzuki

The Holga itself doesn't need batteries. But the flash does. [Don't know for sure--I don't use one.]

[parkerphil20]

hi,im kinda confused between diane f+ and holga 120,which one do you think is worth the investment,also ive heard the diane is pretty flimsy.

thanks

[ElDopadromo]

Hell yes ! thanks!

[heartstation1234]

my camera new and when i advance the wheel to get to my next frame, its really hard to turn, its really tight. is it like that to new holga?

[kaituba]

Tightness can happen if the film is binding up. This happens if the film is slightly misaligned as it winds onto the takeup spool. You can tough it out and keep going, unless the winder knob gets too hard to turn at all. In this case, take the camera in a completely dark room and pop off the camera back. Wind the film back onto the film spool and start over. Reload the camera, making sure it is lined up. If you were on the 3rd frame, wind to frame 4.

[rtask]

do you have to load the film in the dark?

[kaituba]

No, film loading and unloading can happen in daylight, but it's best not to do it under a bright sun. If you can't find some shade or somplace where the light is subdued, use your body's shadow to shield the camera while loading or unloading.

[longyellowbanana]

Hi i'm new to this lomography thing and i'm gonna get a 120 GCFN soon. When you finished putting the film in place and cover the back. You start to wind it up till you see the number 1 rite? Then you can take your photo, after you take the picture, how do you proceed to take the next photo?

[pandabear1923]

you wind it until you see the no. 2 then take another picture.

[pandabear1923]

oh my god, thank you for uploading this.

helped a ton!

:)

[Jeeves1729]

Thank you so much for this video! it was very helpful :)

[rorrt]

Thanks so much for this video, im currently on a photography diploma course, and we're finally using film, and its one thing to have the theory, its another to see it.

i also have the 120N, and i tend to leave the back, and sides, but there again i always have the cap on, and in a big dark pocket on my coat.

[russ143]

this helped me so much, THANK YOU!

[Astro87]

Is the film used in this video Kodak Ektachrome 64?

[Ahkany]

im confused about winding?

okay so if you put the masking tape on the window, how will you be able to see what number youre on?

i mean you can remove and then put back the tape, but wouldnt that expose the film anyway?

with the window being all open and stuff?

ME = CONFUSED haha.

[angelicafun]

thank you so much! i have a problem though, my film is Konica Minolta (i kind of went all around my city to find it) and i was loading it but i cannot seem to find the number it is supposed to show. i cannot find any information about that particular film, so i was wondering if you knew something about it. i turned the knob for a while and it showed something like "start" on the frame window then these dots appeared. are those supposed to be my numbers?? i would love it if you could answer it.

[kaituba]

I am unfamiliar with Konica film, but most manufacturers put some marker to warn that the frame number is coming up. The dots are are probably the warning markers for your film that the frame number is coming up. Carefully and slowly advance your film and you should see the number come up. It will probably be upside down, but don't worry, that too is normal.

[angelicafun]

thanks a lot for replying! i'd better try it again to see what it is all about! i'm too excited to play with my holga :)

[novanine]

Very helpful, thanks very much!

[keyfretter]

Thanks for this, Kai - it's very helpful *seeing* someone do this, rather than just reading about it.

[PhotoWickham81]

Your video was extremely helpful! You should make one on how to unload the film! :-D

[kroontjetyla]

where can i get 120 film?

[kaituba]

Check your local pro photo supply store, or online, google Freestyle Photo Supply or B&H Photo Video Store. Freestyle has some of the best prices I've found for 120 film.

[chrisnjake06]

Hi im just wondering if you can upload your pictures onto your computer with a Holga?

[kaituba]

The images are on film, not digital, but you can scan the prints with a flat bed scanner, or if you have a special scanner with a transparency option, like an Epson v500 or 4490, you can scan your film. This is probably the most economical option.

[jannie789]

Thank you! Your video is very helpful :)

[iluvhellokittyo]

whats the difference between 12 and 16 film count?

[tomhargreavescom]

12 is used when you have the 6x6 mask in as the 6cm width will allow for 12 frames.

16 is used when you have the 6x4.5 mask in as the 4.5cm width will allow for 16 frames.

so basically, the 1.5cm difference adds up to an extra 4 frames on the film.

[kaituba]

With the Holga, the 12 frame option will give you square images about 6x6cm. With the 16 frame option, you use the rectangular mask and get images about 4.5cm x 6cm. Quality wise? Not much difference, except you don't get much vignette in the corners.

[kaituba]

Also check out Mark Beltran's turn chart:

flickrDOTcom/ photos/mark-beltran-is-great/1­87049845/

Again, replace the DOT with a .

and remove the space between the dotcom slash and photos.

Sorry, but youtube doesn't like links in the comments, and they get a little weird when you try and post them, even in this way.

[xinister]

hi! I bought an adapter for holga so I can use 35mm film.

How do I wind to the next shot because there's no window or anything. How will I know if it's time to take a picture again?

[kaituba]

Check out Nicolai Morrison's excellent click chart on exactly how many clicks of the winder knob to the next frame.

go to photondetectorDOTcom/tools_ref /135-advance/

replace the DOT with a period, of course.

[onurokutan]

What kind of color film would you guys recommend for more dreamy looking pictures?

Thanks.

[jjkaf2]

have a question I axsidently broke a small part in the camera where you insert the film(not the part where you reel the film=its on the left of it, holds the film in place) It can still take up film put Im afraid it will damage the film let alone the camera any suggestions?

[kaituba]

I'm not sure what part you broke. The pin at the top of the film compartment on the left side? If so, not to worry. Maybe put a piece of black tape over the opening, but it shouldn't affect the film or camera too much.

[jjkaf2]

I think you anserd this question before but what if you see the number upside down?

[jjkaf2]

what if the film isnt reeling?

[VanBuranko]

nice tutorial, vv easy to understand. thanzz

[jkshipley3]

Thanks so much for this video! I just got a Holga today and was lost.

[knoble06]

i have a few quetions if you don't mind... i just loaded my camera and it is brand new, do i have to tape up the cracks or do you think i should take some without taping it and then tape it to feel it out? also is there a suggested time frame to use my film up? thanks for the video!

[pangoo]

im so stoked on my Holga, its duct taped and loaded ready to shoot! I got It for a whole $3 from an old 2nd hand store :D! its now my plastic baby

[Hailtothetheif42]

where can I purchase these cameras? If you dont mind me asking where did you purchase yours?

[kaituba]

I have 2 Holga 120N cameras. I bought 1 from my local photo supplier (Glazer's in Seattle) and the other online from Freestyle Photo Supply, you can find them if you google their name.

[Crecerelle7]

Thank you--I just unpacked my first Holga and this is really helpful. One question: my take-up spool seems to rattle around a lot more than yours does, and the instructions suggest pushing a thin piece of cardboard underneath the loose end. Any advice about the necessity or specifics of that?

[kaituba]

That's in the instructions now? It works. Take a little bit of cardboard, (the end of your film box or cereal box thickness), take a piece about 1/2" x 3/4" or 2cm x 3cm and fold a bit under. Tuck that under the bottom end of the take up spool. That will remove some of the rattling around.

[slaveoftheheart]

when you see the number 1 is it supposed to be upside down? have i put the film in the wrong way? does it matter?

[slaveoftheheart]

ignore this comment. there was already a response from kai on this vid explaining why the numbers are sometimes upside down.

[JAStoxic]

if using 35mm roll(got the adapter) isit the same as the 120mm roll to use it? & can i ask how come you put the black sticker @ the back? dun rlly understand :x

[kaituba]

I'm not familiar with the Holga 35mm adapter, but it looks fairly simple to use. It will load a little differently. You won't be using the film counter window. You will have to count turns of the winder knob. Did the instructions say?

Why do I use the black sticker? That's velcro, which I use to hold the camera back on and to make a cover for the counter window. In strong sunlight, the light can burn through the backing paper and flash your film. I have a video on how I do this. Check it out.

[kaituba]

No. Either you need to keep winding until you see the number 1, or perhaps you overshot the frame number. Keep a close eye on it. If you end up on frame 2, then you were winding too fast and didn't see the 1. At any rate, the roll isn't ruined.

[holgaholic]

if i shoot without seeing the number 1 is the film ruined

[lifeisgood5800102]

Thank you!!!! Very helpful video.

[KatiePinkOwl]

This has been a Godsend. I got a shiny new red White Stripes model Holga for Christmas and loaded the film and promptly ruined it by shooting right away, not seeing the numbers, getting pissed, and ripping the film out. I wish I had the patience to watch this first! Thank you!

[Mrhappy48]

I have one more question, because the flim doesnt come with any container. And lets say I'm going overseas and I want to bring my Holga along. And if I finish using one roll of film at I want to change to new roll, how to I keep the roll of film from getting exposed, because it doesnt come with a container.

Thanks!

[kaituba]

A correctly wound roll of 120 film won't expose your film. When traveling, I carry my film in a zip lock bag. When I go through security, I pull the bag out and run it through the x-ray machine with my shoes. If I run it through with my camera bag, they will pause and look at my camera gear, which exposes the film to extra radiation, if I kept my film with my cameras. I also have a few 120 film canisters. These are black plastic cans with snap lids. A few bucks for 3, at my local photo store.

[Mrhappy48]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[Mrhappy48]

Hi! Your video helped me alot, but you see when I turned the advance knob after I saw '1' I saw '2' but it was upside down is it suppose to be upside down? Please help me!

[kaituba]

Upside down is ok. I don't know why, but some films are made with the numbers upside down.

[Audiosyncratic100]

do you think i should get a holga or a diana first? I'm a little bit worried about the holding the shutter open and guessing how to expose it. please reply. I have a fisheye and an lca+rl

[kaituba]

I usually recommend the Holga for beginners. The reason is that it is less expensive, and a simpler camera to learn with. (Fewer controls).

[Audiosyncratic100]

cool thanks!

[cooksterz]

Enjoying your vids on Holgafilming!

[IIIIFile13IIII]

does that need to be done in darkness? or can you do it like you did in light

[kaituba]

No need for darkness. Just avoid direct sunlight.IF outdoors, find a shady spot, or use your body to shade the camera while you change film.

[forestrootshakyknees]

you did it the hard way :P

[indonesiandiaz]

Hey, Thanks this is very helpful. but i have one question. If we wanna use 6x6 photo. Do we have to use the mask? if so, which mask? because they gave me two. One inside the holga, and the other is wrap by plastic in the box. Thanks before

[kaituba]

The new Holgas have 2 masks, one for 6x6 (12 photos per roll) and the other for 4.5x6 (16 photos per roll). You can use the square mask or go without for 6x6. Some people like shooting without the mask to increase the amount of distortion and vignetting due to the film not being as flat on the film plane. If you shoot without the mask, you should also cover up the little rectangular holes that the masks snaps into, as these can leak a little light onto your film.

[indonesiandiaz]

which mask is 6x6?

[scarface133]

Thanks!

[wahinesurfergirl]

Hey! I've got a question: my Lomo Holga starter kit (the multi-colored one) came with a black paper-like "film" I don't even know if it's a film itself, coz it just looks and feels exactly like a thin rolled-up sheet of black construction paper. Any idea what that's for? And does it really shoot and develop pictures?

[kaituba]

What you describe sounds like a roll of film, maybe Fomapan, a Czech film. It's probably Black and white film. Did it come in a box, or just loose? Film you buy from Kodak or Ilford, will be similar, except the paper backing will be yellow or white, and smooth. Go ahead and give it a try.

[wahinesurfergirl]

Yes, it came in a small box, which is part of my Holga starter kit. It doesn't have a brand. It was wrapped up in red paper, and when I opened it, it looked like a film roll, only it wasn't film. It's just a rolled-up black paper. Still have any idea what it is? Did your come with the same thing too?

[mharkish]

thanks it helped me!!!

[beaninthere]

Thanks Kai :) Very helpful.