Well I haven’t posted anything in a couple days. I have been busy meeting people, plotting my next move, and reading a lot. The above is a composite/collage I made from some of my photographs shot over the past several years. It kind of shows that I am not someone that is hung up on a particular style, method, or subject. I used this collage as a backdrop for my Photography Twitter Page (@photoindica). If you have been following me on my @pkoduri Twitter account please consider following @photoindica.
Unfortunately for me I did not have pieces of foam lying around so I improvised. Instead of foam pieces I used a Bic ballpoint pen. I cut two pieces (you will have to experiment just a little to get the right size) and made notches on one end of each piece to fit into each end of the 35mm film spool. Make sure that the film is centered while you experiment, you will just have to eye ball it.
I then inserted the pieces of Bic pen on either side of the film spool and loaded it into the camera.
Make sure you absolutely remember to do this: I made sure that the film counter window is tapped up on the outside and inside with black electrical tape. You will have to do this because unlike 120 film which has a paper backing 35mm film does not have one. If you do not cover the counter window the film will be exposed to outside light – which could be very bad.
Once you have the lid closed tape up areas (Like in the photo above) to make sure that there are no more light leaks or eliminate any accidents.
Well before your mind wanders in the wrong direction, Holga is a cheaply built plastic camera with a crummy plastic lens – and the primary reason why many like it. No two cameras are the same which is a testament to the absolutely horrible quality control procedures if there are any to begin with. Despite its short comings the Holga has endeared itself to many artists and serious photographers with its quirky and sometimes other worldly results.
I purchased my Holga in 2004 for some $20.00. Unlike other cameras that might quit working in freezing cold winters of midwest, Holgas are remarkably reliable. With just one shutter speed and aperture setting there is nothing to worry about other than getting the photograph. Just the other day I took it out, loaded it with my favorite 35mm Black and White film and went for a walk at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Using a film smaller than the recommended format gives you some interesting results. In this case you will notice, assuming that you still remember what a developed 35mm film looks like, the area with sprocket holes is also exposed giving it a cool border effect. Many spend ungodly amounts of money to get the same effect in Photoshop – oh the irony.
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About PK {Prabhakar} Koduri
PK is a marketer, thinker, and fine art photographer from Indianapolis, IN. This blog is a primary source of information on all his projects and personal thoughts on photography and any other subject that grabs his attention. And yes you will see the occasional off-topic post on here as well.
