A Tip To Avoid Wasting a Frame

I'm trying to keep the simple tricks and tips going, because its the best way for me to keep the blog active at the moment.

I hope you are enjoying them, and If not, then please leave a comment and offer some constructive improvements. Bear in mind that I don't actually have that much time on my hands at the moment.

Today's Holga tip involves the lens cap, and a common mistake that you might make.

Many new (and even sometimes old and experienced) Holga users will take photos with the lens cap on. That's fine, but here is the real crime...They advance the film as soon as they have seen that they took a picture with the lens cap on; They feel they have made a mistake!

But Wait there a second boys and girls!

With the lens cap on, the Holga will have captured nothing but darkness, so there will be nothing on it at all. Its like taking a photo in a completely dark room. The film won't capture any light.

Therefore you can save your own error quite easily. Take the lens cap off, and you still have the frame in tact to use.

A frame is not wasted when you take a shot with the lens cap on, so do not advance!

Labels: Advancing, Common Mistakes, Film, Tips, Tricks

Share |

3 Reasons Why The Holga Strap Is Awesome

I've been out a few times with my Holga recently, and I've noticed one very important thing.The strap on the Holga is one of its most useful features.

I've been running without a strap for some time, keeping the Holga in my bag until I need it, but since I got my girlfriend a Holga as a gift I've really started to notice the advantages of having one.

1. You Don't need a Bag

The first thing is that you don't need a bag any more. You can probably shove some film in your coat pocket, along with your tape. Lightening the load is always good in my opinion, especially if you are on a bike or travelling in cramped conditions.

2. You Are READY

Having the Holga round your neck ensures that you are ready to take a shot. The last thing you want when you see something cool about to happen is not being able to get the Holga out of your bag in time!

3. It won't get Stolen

Crooks will go after anything these day, and the last thing you want them to take is your new Holga 120CFN from your bag. Keeping it around your neck has the added advantage of security.

That is all for now. I hope you will be searching around your old Holga boxes to find the straps! More tips and tricks coming soon.

Strap Image from:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/52922917@N00/383668867/

Labels: Lessons, Strap, Tips

Share |

One Tip That Will Improve Your Holga Photography

Want to know how to greatly improve your Holga photography over night?

Well the truth is there are no complex tutorials or guides, the answer is simple: You need to take your Holga camera with you, everywhere you go.

Think of all the things you see when you are out and about. Think of the things that you miss, when you don't have your Holga.

Getting into the habit of taking your Holga absolutely everywhere with you will open up a completely new world of possibilities.

Trust me, Make room for it in your bag!

Labels: Lessons, Tips, Tricks, Tutorials

Share |

Taping For Maximum Light Leaks

If you read my previous post then you will know that using tape on the back of your Holga is a sure way to reduce those light leaks, but some of you want the security of tape, while getting as many light leaks as possible.

Don't worry, there is a solution for those of you out there. The trick is to tape in key areas with as little tape as possible.

Check out the images below for a guide. I've used yellow tape just to make it obvious. Because we are trying to get maximum light leaks you could use clear tape, but it might leave sticky residue.





The areas I have taped give the back of the Holga maximum security, while letting in as much light as possible. Notice that most of the seams are left uncovered!

You may also want to avoid taping up the advance window on the back as sometimes that can let some light in.

On an opposite note, if you want to stop all the light leaks then check out my post - Reducing 99% of light leaks with tape.

Thanks very much for reading my post and blog!

Labels: Light Leaks, Tape, Tips, Tricks

Share |

The Go Holga Project - What Happened?

A few of you have started to remember about the Go Holga project that was supposed to happen way back in 2009. Everyone contributed £1 and I bought and painted a Holga.

The only problem was, when trying to complete the aperture hack, (to cut a long story short) I messed up, so for a while I didn't really know what to do.

The good news is a few weeks ago I set about fixing her and the camera is usable again, but only with the larger aperture.

This shouldn't be a problem: If its sunny, use a slower film, if its overcast just pop in some 400asa.

My plan for now is to do a mini project around the United Kingdom. If that goes well I will then plan one for the USA only, and if that goes in maybe the rest of the world.

I have some names for the UK project, and will be posting the camera out soon.

Thanks to everyone who made it possible by contributing, and sorry if you're not going to be a part of it right away. It will happen one day though. I promise!

Labels: Go Holga, Project

Share |

Custom Holgas To Be Sold Here Soon

Over the next few weeks I will be making a few custom Holgas, that I will be letting go to you.

I'm currently trying to save up for a few holidays that I will be going on this year and need all the money I can get. Therefore I will be selling them through the blog.

As this is going to be a regular theme in the blog if it takes off, I'm going to be 'launching' it with a competition. There may be a nice little prize for the person that wins ;)

Stay tuned for news on that.

I hope you are all enjoying your lo-fi photography. I'm just on the verge of buying some new developer and film so that I can perfect my home developing.

A lot of you have been e-mailing me, asking about scanning negatives. I will make a post on this as soon as I can.

Sorry its been a little quiet here recently, but I've not had any time to post.

Labels: Custom Holgas, News, Scanning Negatives

Share |

Top Things For New Holga Users To Be Aware Of

When you are new to the Holga, its good to know all the main things that could possibly go wrong.

I by no means have named absolutely all of them here, but I think these are the main problems that you need to prepare for.

If you have any ideas of your own then please share them in the comment section.

1. Your Back Could Fly Off

Be aware that the back of your Holga is prone to flying off, so make sure you add some sort of security.

The metal clips are now much better on the newer Holgas but personally I would also add a little bit of tape on the sides just to make sure.

You might also be interested to read my post, My Holga Back Flew Off. Will My Film Be Ok?

2. Your Focusing Could be Off

Make sure you always check your focusing before you shoot. I got into the habit of always having it on infinity. That way I always know where it is when I go to take a shot. Then if the subject is closer I know to move it, and if its not I know not to bother.

Off-focusing can cause blurry subjects, and although we want a blurry element, we want to keep that to the edges and not the main focus of the shot.

Continue Reading »

Labels: Newbies, Preparation, Tips

Share |

How I Motivate Myself To Use My Holga

Ever get into one of those zones where your just don't feel like picking up your Holga for months on end?

Well don't worry because its a perfectly natural feeling and it happens to us all. The key to overcoming these phases in your Holga photography is to motivate yourself to get out and use it again. That's easier said than done though.

I would like to explain some of the methods that I have used over the years to get myself buzzing about my Holga again. Hopefully, if you are stuck in one of these ruts, this will help you to climb out.

Continue Reading »

Labels: Motivation, Tips

Share |

Go Holga For 2 More Years!

Good news readers, I've just renewed the domain goholga.com for two more years!

That means we'll be around until at least February 2012.

Thanks very much for the continued support and I hope you continue to find the blog useful and fun!

Labels: Domain, News

Share |

My Holga Back Flew Off. Will My Film Be Ok?

Will your Holga film be ok if the back of your Holga accidentally falls of? The answer is usually yes. Depending what frame you are on, you should continue to use the film as normal.

That frame and possibly the next will not come out, but remember, the rest of your film is safely wrapped up on the left hand side so don't worry too much.

My advice is continue to shoot the film and see how it comes out. I would be very surprised if it ruined the full film.

For more FAQ's please view our FAQ labelled posts.

Labels: FAQ, Newbies

Share |