Holga

[rover]

So, I have been doing some research on the Holga. Surprisingly I have learned that there are now many versions of this classic semi-light tight box. CFN, GFN, GCFN..... For their top of the line models, the GFN and similar, the Holga optical team formulated something new, a glass lens. Who'd a thunk it? I guess my main concern, as it is with anything new, is this glass lens really an improvement over their classic 1 element in 1 group plastic lens design? Will it cause a strange and unnatural sharpness unbecoming in Holga photography? If you were so fortunate to attain ownership of such a legendary machine, would you choose the classic plastic lens, or the fancy non-flexible glass one? Has anyone used a glass lensed Holga?

[Rich Silfver]

I thought the glass lensed Holga was the Woca.

And here's a bunch of Holga photos: http://pbase.com/terriwu

[Laika]

Originally posted by Rich Silfver
I thought the glass lensed Holga was the Woca.



That’s my understanding as well. I think there are four models in total (?) the standard Holga, the glass lensed Woca and then a version of each with a built in flash. I've got a std holga I've worked over and its sitting on my shelf with a half exposed roll of Fuji NPZ in it. Next to it is a Diana clone (Asiana) with a half exposed roll of XP2 in it .... I got too many toys as my girlfriend often tells me :D

[Pherdinand]

If you have a girlfriend (in the close vicinity), your half-exposed rolls should be easy to finish.

[Pherdinand]

the last frame (non-holga though)

[rover]

The top of the line current Holga line

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15248&item=3843493144&rd=1

[KirkT]

Hmm, "The Last Frame". That sounds like a good name for the online PDF magazine. Nice photo as well Pherdinand.

[Laika]

Originally posted by Pherdinand
the last frame (non-holga though)

Your girlfriend/friend Pherdinand? Very pretty and a nice shot :)

[digitalox]

I just the glass version WOCA myself a couple of weeks ago, sans flash. It was pretty fun but I'm having trouble scanning the negs on my flatbed.

[rover]

Scott, do the images with the fancy glass lens still have that mystical fuzzy mood of the basic Holga?

[RML]

A Holga, modified to load 135 film, is very nice thoug a little limited in its use (especially having only 1 or 2 shutter times).

But I like the plastic lens. I don't care much for a "dreamy" look but the the very varied OOF is so nice. Even ordinary scenes can get interesting:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/3110/password//sort/1/cat/618/page/1

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/3109/password//sort/1/cat/618/page/1

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/3108/password//sort/1/cat/618/page/1

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/3107/password//sort/1/cat/618/page/1

[rover]

See, we normally research equipment looking for the newest and best of everything. For some reason I wonder if new and best is a bad thing for a Holga.

[Pherdinand]

:angel: thank you, laika

[digitalox]

Somewhat, Rover. I'll post a few this weekend for ya'

[vladhed]

Originally posted by KirkT
Hmm, "The Last Frame". That sounds like a good name for the online PDF magazine. Nice photo as well Pherdinand.

I think that would make a good category under gallery.

Kids are also a good source of "Last Frame" subjects:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/2074

[jdos2]

I got a pink magic marker someone could use if they were to want to do some decorating on their Holga?

[dostacos]

I got a pink magic marker someone could use if they were to want to do some decorating on their Holga?
sorry I am holding out for the black one with the red LIECA dot on the front.... :D

it is in the showcase at Freestyle in Hollyweird with a bunch of other "modified" Holgas

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

sorry I am holding out for the black one with the red LIECA dot on the front.... :D

it is in the showcase at Freestyle in Hollyweird with a bunch of other "modified" Holgas

Like this one?

http://www.asc.upenn.edu/usr/cassidy/leica%2Dh/

[dostacos]

Like this one?

http://www.asc.upenn.edu/usr/cassidy/leica%2Dh/

IIRC the dot is in the other side,but yeah that's the idea

[ywenz]

Here're a couple shot from my "top of the line" Holga, complete with a color wheeled flash unit.

http://www.pbase.com/booggerg/image/48078011.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/booggerg/image/48078762.jpg

[john neal]

I have used both Holga and Woca over the past couple of years - it's odd, but the glass lens in my Woca gives much more vignetting and radial distortion than the plastic one in my Holga.

I think it depends which position in the mould tool your particular lens comes from - get an average one and you experience all the nice Holga distortions, get a good one and it's actually a bit too good.

I would suggest having a look at this site: www.toycamera.com lots of interesting stuff over there and a great place to learn about all forms of toy cameras.

[fgianni]

Like this one?

http://www.asc.upenn.edu/usr/cassidy/leica%2Dh/

I WANT ONE!

[lubitel]

I have a holga GFN (with glass), its the only hogla I've used, and I think the results are very typical holga. I doubt that there is much difference to the plastic one. May be glass doesnt get scratched as easy though? Take a look at my site http://www.yevglad.com/photo/holga.html

[ClaremontPhoto]

Is this the camera you can load 35mm in and expose right over the sprocket holes?

[fgianni]

Is this the camera you can load 35mm in and expose right over the sprocket holes?

Yes, but you can do that probably with most other MF cameras, I have done it just with the HOLGA, but am planning to try my Certo 6 sometimes.

[ClaremontPhoto]

I scoped it on the net.

The camera comes complete with:
"1 Roll of Black Opaque Tape
The perfect solution for light-leaking seams that you want to cover."

How classy. What great customer service. If I bought a Bronica RF645 instead would I get free black tape to cover the light leaks? Or would I have to go out and and buy my own?

[ClaremontPhoto]

Thank you.

That over the sprockets thing is pretty nice.

[lubitel]

If you want a great holga -- This guy makes different adjustments to make them better cameras

http://www.holgamods.com/

[wlewisiii]

I've got a message sent to him asking about just buying his modified shutter and lens. I figure it could be highly entertaining to then mount that on a lensboard for my Speed Graphic :eek:

Superwide, not enough coverage for 4x5 and the glories of the plastic lens anyone?

William

[XAos]

I bought the woca, and got the model with flash. Dont. The flash uses AA's but they're inside, it just adds weight and cost to a cheap toy camera. The ones without the flash have a hot shoe - a much better solution.

As for holga qualities - I think it still has plenty even with the glass lens. It's still a single element lens with plenty of vignetting and other holgaesque qualities. This is one of my first shots with the holga.

[fgianni]

Here (http://www.pbase.com/fgianni/image/45285403) is a picture taken with my Holga