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.
