Loading a Holga Camera

It is recommended to load and unload 120 film in subdued light to prevent any unwanted exposure.

Loading the Holga 120

1. Remove the clips from the sides of the camera to open the back.
2. Select the mask for either 16 images (6 x 4.5cm) or 12 images (6 x 6cm) and insert into the camera. Shooting without a mask also yields 12 images and can lead to more intense vignetting.
3. If the Holga has a built in flash unit, install 2 AA batteries under the film mask on either side.
4. Slide the arrow on the back cover to point to the corresponding image count for the mask that was inserted.
5. Make sure there is a take up spool on the right side of the camera and break the seal on the new 120 roll of film and insert on the left side of the camera.
6. Place pressure on the bottom of the new roll of film and pull out the paper backing. Insert the tapered edge into the slot in the take up spool.
7. Turn the film advance knob a couple of turns keeping the film tight to prevent any slack.
8. Please note that it is important to keep 120 film tight to the spool. This protects the film from exposure since it is not in a canister. If you have an older Holga or the foam padding has fallen off, inserting a piece of cardboard under the film spool can keep the film tight.
9. Replace the camera back and make sure the clips are in place. It is recommended to put a piece of tape over the clips to prevent the back from slipping open.
10. Turn the film advance knob until the number 1 appears in the counter window on the back of the camera. Holga is ready to shoot.

Loose Film:Unlike 35mm film, 120 film spools have no light-tight canister to protect them from exposure; the only guard against the sun is its thin paper backing. If your film is not rolled tightly, light can sneak in under the loose paper causing light leaks or even fogging.

Unloading the Holga 120

1. After shooting the last frame, either 12 or 16 depending on the mask used, turn the film advance knob until the film and paper is completely rolled onto the take up reel.
2. Open the back of the Holga. The exposed film should now be in the right film chamber. An empty film spool will be in the left film chamber. Save the empty spool, as this is now the new take up reel for the next roll of film.
3. Extract the full take-up spool from the right side of the camera. Make sure that the film is wound tightly around the spool. Fold the tapered end under itself as directed on the paper backing then seal the film with the provided adhesive tab.

Loading the Holga 135

1. There are no masks included with 35mm Holgas. To load the film, pull up on the film rewind knob. The back cover will pop open.
2. Insert a new roll of film in the film compartment on the left side of the camera.
3. Pull the film out of the camera until the tip of the film reaches the take up spool. Then insert the tip of the film into the slot on the take up spool.
4. Turn the film advance slightly so that the teeth catch the sprocket holes on the film.
5. Snap the cover back into place and turn the film advance knob to advance the film until it cannot turn any further and then press the shutter.
6. Repeat this until the number 1 appears in the frame counter window. The Holga is ready to shoot.

Unloading the Holga 135

1. When the roll of film is finished, put the lens cap on the camera to avoid any double exposures.
2. Push down on the film rewind release button on the bottom of the camera.
3. Turn the film rewind knob clockwise. There will be some tension while turning the knob. Keep turning the knob until there is no tension, indicating the film is rewound.
4. Pull up on the film rewind knob. The back cover will open and you can safely remove the film.

Taping your Holga

The unpredictability of a Holga is primarily due to the light leaks. Many Holga owners look forward to the light leaks but for those who are not a fan, taping up the Holga is another option. The best tape to use is black gaffer’s tape or black photo tape which is readily available at most photo and studio lighting retailers and even hardware stores. The tape is re-positionable and generally pulls off cleanly. There are no guarantees to completely make the Holga light tight but following these recommendations may complete the task.

Camera Back

Run pieces of black tape along the seam where the back fits onto the body.

Metal Clips

Cover the metal clips that secure the camera back. This will prevent them from falling off the Holga, especially when you use the camera strap. Some choose Velcro strips instead of tape to hold the clips in place, resulting in easier access while changing film and less tape residue left on fingers.

Behind the 6x4.5 Mask

If you have a standard Holga 120, removing the mask reveals two holes above the lens that can cause light leaks. A single piece of tape can cover them both.

Film Counter Window

The most notorious light leak in the camera comes from the film counter window. Cover the window with a piece of tape. Fold the tape at the end to create a convenient pull flap.

Protecting Holga

Keep the camera in your camera bag to minimize the impact of unwanted light.

Painting the Inside of your Holga

Although the inside of the camera is black, it is a semi-shiny, almost lustrous black, which can reflect unwanted light that manages to make it inside. This can be countered by painting the interior of the camera matte black, which cuts down on reflections.