What is the Holga Camera?

While the Diana camera was invented by the Great Wall Plastic Factory, Hong Kong, in the 1960's, the original Holga was invented 20 years later by Mr. T.M. Lee of Hong Kong. He created the camera as a cheap alternative for the people of China, as the majority of people were poor. The Holga 120S (Standard) provided a camera that used the most common film of the time, 120mm film and included features such as a fixed shutter speed, adjustable focus, plastic 60mm f/8 meniscus lens, two-position f-stop switch, hot shoe, and 6x4.5cm film mask. It did not take very long for the camera to migrate to western countries. Initially utilised by artistic photographers, it has now been embraced by amateur photographers worldwide.

The Holga allows more variation then original Diana, while still producing the vignette, blurred and unpredictable results that this form of photography is known for. With the success of the Holga 120S, the company decided to upgrade and include bulb mode, film counter, 6x6 frame mask and a plastic lens which were previously not included. This upgraded model became the Holga 120N (New or Normal). One of the best features of this camera is the inclusion of two frame masks. With the 6x6 mask you can shoot 12 square frames per 120mm film and with the 6x4 frame mask you can shoot 16 rectangular shots. Another interesting feature of this camera is the plastic lens rather then glass. With contradictory results, the lenses can produce sharp or blurred photos and even vignetting. This ensures a truly 'Lomo' inspired photo.

After the Holga 120N, came some variations to the same theme. Firstly using medium format; 120FN(In-built Flash), 120GFN(Glass lens, In-built Flash), 120GN(Glass lens), 120CFN(In-built Colour Flash), 120TLR(Twin Lens Reflex View Finder), 120PC(pinhole) etc. And Lastly 135mm Format; 135BC(Black Corners), 135PC(Pinhole), 135TIM(Half Frame) etc. With the addition of the 35mm film capability, the Holga has become more affordable as 120mm film is now quite expensive to develop. Of course the Holga has a range of attachments including flashes, lenses and filters.

I highly recommend Holga, as it provides a cheap and varied way to produce the most amazing, one of a kind photographs, and when it comes down to it, that is what Lomography is all about.

Source : Ezinearticles