My First Time: First Shots with the Holga 120FN
March 16th, 2008 | Published in Creative, Featured, Photography | 6 Comments
My first time out with the Holga was quite an experience. I really enjoyed the simplicity of the camera and perhaps allowed that simplicity to complicate the process in which I normally enjoyed.
After using a Nikon D80 to take photos, I found the viewfinder of the Holga to be awkward at best. It was odd and made me feel uncomfortable with the shots as I tried my best to frame them. With the D80, I was able to see directly through the lens, focus, frame, and capture what I wanted. The Holga presented some new challenges and for someone such as me who is used to relying too heavily on the “auto” mode of the camera, it should not have been too surprising that the first 2 rolls of film were more of a disappointment than anything else.
I started by taking a roll of color film (Fujicolor Pro 400H) and a roll of black & white (Ilford Delta 400). I did not apply any of the color filters that I purchased with the camera as I wanted to see what the shots were like without them first. I was saddened as I rapidly flipped through the first roll, which was color film. Most were out of focus completely or the focal point itself was totally off. For example, I attempted to photograph a flower outside my home. The flower was blurry yet the house behind it was in focus. Oh well.
What I have learned is a new appreciation and desire for photography. The first two rolls, which nothing to jump up and down about, have stirred up something inside me and I cannot wait to take the Holga for another spin as she feels much more comfortable now.
Below are the shots that I liked out of the two rolls. 16 shots. Not too bad for the first test run. Some shots of a house that you will see were taken in Jackson, Georgia. The frame of the house, front, and two chimney’s were all that were standing. The entire back of the house was gone. The Holga really captured some texture and a creepy feeling inside. There was a grittiness, a truth, that the camera enhances in such a way that cannot be duplicated digitally.
By the way, I am in need of a good scanner that can scan negatives as there are additional details that I would like to capture from the print. Throw recommendations at me.
If you would like to comment on an individual photo, drop me a comment here or hit me on Flickr. The photos below have also been added to the photography section.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:02 pm (#)
you’ve sparked my interest Dub…these 1st shots with the Holga makes me wanna try something different from digital for the first time. I absolutely love the eery, nostalgic feel. Great job and thanks for intriguing me :)
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:47 pm (#)
The analog aesthetic of the Holga is indeed attractive from an artistic standpoint. The lack of quality produced requires the artist to maximize composition and lighting to balance the lack of fidelity. THis looks like a fun camera.
You have stumbled onto a fun little tool for your artistic arsenal and I am looking forward to seeing more work.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:59 pm (#)
for a scanner, try the epson 4990. they’re discontinued, but around > $300 on ebay. can do 35mm, 6×6, 4×5 and 8×10. the quality isn’t drum scanner good, but it’s very decent for the price.
if you have the cash, aim for the epson v700 or v750. avoid any microtek or any non-epson flatbed scanners.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:56 pm (#)
Actually, I have been doing some research and talking with a few other folks who have the Holga and scan their own film. I went with a Canon 8800F. It was between that and the Epson but I opted for the Canon. I also found a local place that develops the medium format negatives for $3/roll. I can’t wait to test it out.
April 10th, 2008 at 6:50 pm (#)
can you tell me who’s developing for $3/roll?
E-6 just raised their prices to $7.75!
April 10th, 2008 at 7:38 pm (#)
Sams in McDonough. A friend of mine uses them and has been more than happy. They said they also have a local professional photographer who drops off only medium format film. They dont print the roll, just develop the negatives. My Canon 8800F just arrived today so I will be good to go.