The Holga 135BC is a toy camera that has become popular among photography enthusiasts for its unique and artistic effects. In this article we’ll be reviewing the Holga 135BC and explore its features and capabilities.
Qualities of Holga 135BC
First, let’s talk about the design of the camera. The Holga 135BC is a plastic camera that is lightweight and easy to carry around. It has a retro look that is reminiscent of old film cameras, which adds to its charm. The camera is available in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, blue, and yellow.
Holga 135BC is also known as the lomography camera: Lomography is known as the style of pop photography based on the quirky cameras by the Austrian camera manufacturer known as Lomo.
One of the standout features of the Holga 135BC is its lens. The lens is a plastic meniscus lens that produces a distinct, soft-focus effect. This effect is created by the lens’ optical properties and the way it diffuses the light entering the camera. The resulting images have a dreamlike quality that is difficult to achieve with other cameras.
Another feature of the Holga 135BC is the option to shoot in either 35mm or 120 film format. The camera comes with a frame mask that allows you to shoot in either format. The 35mm format allows for up to 36 exposures per roll, while the 120 format produces 12 exposures per roll. Shooting with 120 film produces larger negatives, which results in higher-quality prints.
This camera also has a built-in flash that is useful for low-light situations. The flash can be turned on or off, depending on your preference. However, the flash is not very powerful, so it is best used in close proximity to your subject.
One downside for some photographers might be the fact that Holga 135BC is a fully manual camera. There is no automatic exposure or focus, so you will need to set these parameters yourself. This can be challenging for beginners who are used to point-and-shoot cameras. However, it also allows for a greater level of creative control over your images.
Reasons Why People Love The Holga 135BC
Unique and artistic images
The plastic lens and soft-focus effect produce images that have a dreamlike, vintage quality that is difficult to replicate with other cameras. The resulting images often have vignetting and light leaks that add to their charm and character.
Creative control
It’s a fully manual camera that requires the user to set the exposure and focus themselves. This allows for a greater level of creative control over the images and encourages experimentation with different settings.
Lightweight and portable
Because it’s a plastic camera it is also lightweight and easy to carry around. This way it serves as a great option for travel photography or for taking photos on the go.
Nostalgia
Because of its’ retro design and reminiscent of old film cameras, Holga 135BC will evoke feelings of nostalgia for many photographers. It is also a reminder of the simpler times when film photography was the only option.
What Film Do I Need For Holga 135BC?
The Holga 135BC camera is compatible with 35mm film. There are many different types and brands of film available for the Holga 135BC, each with its own characteristics and qualities. Here are some popular options:
Color Negative Film
Color negative film is the most common type of film used in the Holga 135BC. It produces images with vibrant colors and a wide dynamic range. Some popular brands of color negative film include Kodak Portra (35mm), Fujifilm Pro 400H (120mm), and Lomography Color Negative 400 (35mm).
Black and White Film
Black and white film is a classic choice for the Holga 135BC. It produces images with a timeless quality and a range of tones from pure white to deep black. Some popular brands of black and white film include Ilford HP5, Kodak Tri-X, and Fujifilm Neopan, which are all 35mm format.
Slide Film
Slide film, also known as positive film or transparency film, produces images with high contrast and saturation. Slide film is more difficult to use than negative film because it has a narrower exposure latitude and requires precise exposure settings. Some popular brands of slide film include Kodak Ektachrome (35mm) and Fujifilm Velvia (120mm).
It is important to note that different films have different ISO ratings, which determine their sensitivity to light. The Holga 135BC has a fixed shutter speed of 1/100th of a second, so it is important to choose a film with an appropriate ISO rating for the lighting conditions you will be shooting in. For example, if you will be shooting in bright sunlight, a lower ISO film (such as ISO 100) would be appropriate, while for low light conditions, a higher ISO film (such as ISO 400) would be better.
How To Use Holga 135BC?
Using the Holga 135BC is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are the basic steps to using the camera:
Load Film
Open the back of the camera by sliding the latch on the side and insert the 35mm film. Make sure to align the film with the sprockets and close the back securely.
Set your ISO
Set the ISO of your film by turning the ISO dial on the top of the camera to match your film’s ISO rating.
Focus your camera
The Holga 135BC has two focus settings – one for portrait (P) and one for landscape (L). Rotate the focus ring on the lens barrel to select the desired focus setting.
Set Shutter Speed
The Holga 135BC has a fixed shutter speed of 1/100th of a second. No further adjustment is needed for the shutter speed.
Frame and Shoot
Look through the viewfinder to frame your shot and press the shutter button to take the photo. Wind the film to the next frame using the film advance knob after each shot.
Remove Film
Once you have finished shooting all the frames on the roll of film, rewind the film using the rewind knob on the bottom of the camera. Open the back of the camera and remove the film.
It is important to note that the Holga 135BC produces unique and unpredictable results, so experimentation and creativity are encouraged when using this camera.
The soft focus and vignetting of the lens, as well as the light leaks that may occur, add character to the images and create a vintage look that cannot be replicated with digital cameras.
Although it has some limitations, such as its manual controls and weak flash, the Holga 135BC is a great option for anyone who wants to experiment with film photography and explore their creative side.