LINKS
This manual is transcribed directly fomr the original Holga instructional leaflet. My comments and suggestions appear in
red Italics.
120 CAMERA
Instruction Manual
Taking Lens Focusing Ring Shutter Release Button Winding Knob Accesory Shoe View Vinder Aperture Changing Knob View Finder Eyepiece Picture Number Indicator Catch
FILM LOADING
Loading the Holga should be done in total darkness
Press the catches downwards. Remove the back. Break the seal of a rollfilm; hold the backing paper, engage the spool with the fixed pin and let it slip into its chamber.
-Use only ASA 100 film. The tapered end of the backing paper must point towards the empty spool. Pull out about 4 in. (10cm.) of the paper, keeping the full spool in its chamber with the thumb. Insert the end of the paper in the longer slot of the empty spool and give the film wind knob two or three turns in the direction of the arrow. Carefully align the paper with the camera edges. - Be certain to place a piece of cardboard from film box under take up spool Replace the back and slide the catches upwards. - Be sure to tape the catches in place. Otherwise the back could easily open accidentally. Turn the Winding Knob in the direction of the arrow until the number "1" appears in the red window. Now the camera is ready for taking pictures. - Tape all plastic seams w. black tape to prevent light leaks. Also place tape over the Picture Number Indicator window that can be moved when advancing the film. See light leaks page for more info.HOW TO TAKE PICTURE
Set the aperture according to the weather; Sunny or Cloudy.
- Use either if you didn't modify your Holga…they're both the same! See: Holga Surgery Made Easy for details. Estimate the distance from the object to the camera and set the distance scale accordingly. Now look through the view finder and compose the picture; press the shutter release button slowly downwards. A picture is taken. Turn the winding knob until the next number (of the film) is seen in the red window. The above process will apply until all 16 pictures have been taken.DON'T FORGET TO TAKE OFF THE LENS CAP!
FILM UNLOADING
- As with loading the Holga, I like to unload the camera in a darkroom or in a dark changing bag. Should the exposed roll of film be loosely wound, you can manually tighten it up on the spool in the dark.
Turn the winding Knob until the film is completely wound into the take up spool. Open the camera and take out the exposed film for developing.
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
The accessory shoe at the top of the camera is fit for all hot shoe type flash unit. After mounting the flash unit, flip the aperture changing knob to the (cloudy) position. The aperture of the camera is f/8, please find out the effective flash distance according to the Guide No of the flash (refer to the Exposure Guide of flash unit).
The camera should be set to Sunny for f 8. The flash might fire twice, once when the shutter release is pressed down, and again as it is released.
SOME SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS
Remember to take off the lens cap before taking a picture. The sun must always be behind you. Hold camera steadily and firmly against your face. Press down the Shutter Release Button gently. Remember to wind your film to the next number after snapping each picture. Loading or unloading of film must always be done in a dark place. DO NOT snap pictures in the shade or where there is insufficient light unless flash unit is used. Never take pictures at a distance of less than 5 ft. Do not take pictures of fast moving objects. Always clean the lens with a soft and smooth cloth.
- or feel free to grease it up with petroleum jelly or scuff it up a bit with fine grit sandpaper. Many toy camera enthusiasts complain that the Holga lens is too good compared to Diana and other toy cameras.SPECIFICATIONS
Lens: Optical lens, f/8 60 mm
Shutter: Leaf Shutter, Speed 1/100 sec
Film: Suitable for 120 colour or Black/White film ASA 100/DIN 21
Frame: 6cm x 4.5 cm
View Finder: Eye level, direct view finder
Focusing: Adjustable
Dimension: 140 x 102 x 76 mm
Weight: 200 grams
Accessory: One strap