Unloading the Holga 120 camera

[lenadrt88]

does this apply to the newer version of holga 120cfn? i saw videos that they wind it before taking pictures? i'm confused. need some help :)

[kaituba]

@lenadrt88 Yes, this video applies to the newer 120CFN. The improvements to the camera does not change the basic operation. Most people will wind to the next frame after taking a picture, so that the camera will be ready the next time they pick it up to take a picture. You could advance to the next frame right before taking the photo, if you want to. The important thing being that you consistently do the same thing every time, so you won't have to guess if you've advanced the film already.

[sdtfruggfh]

So you don't have todo this in complete darkness? or have i ruined my film

[kaituba]

@sdtfruggfh With 120 film, you can unload in subdued light. If you must change film out in the field, use your body to shade the camera and film.

[alexlouder]

what is wrong with your left hand dude? nice video though.

[00watermelon]

Hey, what about unloading a Holga 120N with 35mm film? I got a converter for it, but my Holga doesn't rewind. How do you manually rewind??

[kaituba]

@00watermelon Look for my video for Unloading a DIY 35mm in a Holga or Diana. bitDOTly/kDIYunload  -replace the DOT with a .

[bassplayer94can]

Hey Kai, you know the spnge inside the holga? I kinda lost it. Then i tried to replace it with a piece of scoth-brite(bright?)Cause the film that I took ut of the camera was kinda loose.. Anyway I opened the back of my holga and that's when magic happened. The scoth-brite was vanished!! So was the first one... And the film was kinda thick. So maybe it's rolled inside the film? That is soo annoying :/ Can I just use my holga without that sponge??

[kaituba]

@bassplayer94can Yes, the sponge got wrapped up in the roll of film. This has happened to me too. The sponge is there to keep the roll tight. You can use a bit of cardboard, like one of the flaps from the film box, and fold it over 2 or 3 times. Then tuck it under the takeup spool. This will keep tension on the spool, so it will roll tight. It's a good idea to put a bit of cardboard under the film spool too.

[covrace]

For eliminating light leaks, which is better: The spool that came with the Holga 120n or the spool you get when you buy film. I've read that the holga is a little loose. Your thoughts?

[kaituba]

@covrace The film spools are usually better, but the Holga comes with a decent spool. It only matters on the first roll, because after that, each new takeup spool is from the previous roll of film.

[kaituba]

No, there isn't anything particular about 120 film that you need to tell the lab. Did you find a local lab to process the 120 film? Your local drugstore 1-hour lab can't handle 120 film. If you can't find a lab nearby, look up Dwaynesphoto or Swanphotolab on the internet, they process by mail.

[jbilnoski22]

@kaituba yes, i know of some professional labs in my area that can process the 120 film. thanks!

[jbilnoski22]

I am ready to develop my first roll of 120 from my new Holga. Do I need to give any special instructions when dropping the film off to be developed; I shot 12 exposures, for 6x6?

[queerpriestess]

Damn! I should have watched this first. I totally fucked up.

[Neequu78]

Hi Kai, I have another quick question. Holga suggests you use gaffer's tape to seal all the possible light leaks. Do you personally tape yours up? They said you would still get light leaks, but not as much. Any thoughts?

[Neequu78]

So I got my 120 film out, and was ready to put my 35mm adapter on. The inside of the camera under the battery is all white and powdery, corrosion. Any ideas for cleaning the inside of this thing?

[kaituba]

@Neequu78 Soap and water will work fine. A little baking soda can be used if there is a lot of battery acid in the compartment. It will neutralize the acid.

[Christoff87]

@Neequu78 Next time use high quality batteries i.e. duracell, not the cheapo ones. To prevent corrosion don't touch the metal ends with your fingers. Replace new batteries while holding them in a cloth or tissue.

[originofexia]

ah! so thats how it is! thank you very much!

[originofexia]

so basically to unload the film you need the spool. but what if i want to take another shot after my film was used up? i will need another spool or develop my film first so that i can use my spool back, right? is there any other way so that i can use my 1 and only spool after the film roll used up?

sorry i'm just really stupid at this

[kaituba]

When you first load the roll, the new roll of film gets dropped into the left compartment and it winds onto the empty spool in the right. When the film is finished. You remove the exposed roll of film from the left side and move the now empty spool from the left side to the right. You then drop a fresh roll in the left compartment and start over. The process is self- sustaining.

[gl600]

Hey,

I know that if you are unloading a 35mm film you have to do it it in the dark... is that not true for the 120 film?

Thanks!

[kaituba]

No, you can unload 120 film in day light. If outdoors, shield the film with your shadow. Direct sunlight can flash your film.