Holga 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco)

Comments about 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco):

This model (in yellow) is my second holga, my first one lacked a tripod mount, and lacked the B/N selector on the bottom that lets you take long exposure shots at night (use a tripod!) My foam tension add on's are still just fine after shooting about 7 rolls on my new holga- and are much better than the old -edge burned negatives I suffered a few times with my old holga -I also take the film out a bit BEFORE it's off the other roll, otherwise the tensioner doesn't do much (can't do much in that case).
On my older Holga, I used to use electrical tape to tape the seams -I have not bothered with that on my newer model and don't seem to have any light leaks -or at least not that I noticed.
I gave away my original Holga, to an aspiring photographer- all real photographers should appreciate what it is rather than what it isn't.
the Focal Distance is OLD SCHOOL, Mountain, big group, small group, individual -all in symbols- and besides the B/N switch on the bottom about the only other setting is for CLOUDY or SUNNY- and yes, you have to guess focal distance which is GREAT for creating SOFT focus Shots (and SURPRISES too when you get things developed)- Double exposures ARE possible, and while mine have been accidents- that doesn't mean yours will be accidental. -Overall, I LIKE MY UPGRADED HOLGA very much! -and yes it's plastic, that's why they call it a toy camera product segment.

Comments about 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco):

This is such a quirky cool camera. Even the manual admits its flaws are features. Haven't gotten our first roll developed yet, but we're really excited. Great low cost camera and great conversation piece.

Comments about 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco):

Fun for getting back to the basics.

Comments about 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco):

The simplicity of this camera lies in the fact that it is a piece of junk. After loading one roll of film the foam film tensioners tore right out.

That said. If you're reading this review you probably know a thing or two about Holgas. This is par for the course.

What you are really looking at is a toy camera, famous for it's horrible construction. They have fascinating light leaks, soft focus, inconsistent lenses, etc., etc.

It's an ART camera, not a camera for taking an all important portrait of your great grandmother to be passed on for generations. (Unless of course, your great grandmother happens to enjoy Lomography.)

Comments about 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco):

This is my first medium format camera and for the price it was worth it!

Comments about 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco):

Using this is easy, gives great photos with the light leaks, plastic lens. It can take some experimenting but you will enjoy the photos you end up with. They make you work sometimes but that is all the fun. Great for art photography.

Comments about 173-120 Holgawood 120N Medium Format Camera (Casablanco):

Fun and cheap. Make sure to look closely at the results of your first roll – you might want to tape up the back a bit to keep the light leaks down.