Holga 6x6 Mask

arigram · Oct 10, 2009

The Holga I got many years ago in a Calumet in Cambridge, MA, only came with a 6x4.5 mask. The only way to do 6x6 is to remove it completely.

- Can I mod a 6x6 mask? Considering the solid bevel design, it doesn't seem that easy.
- Can I (shudder) buy one?

Q.G. · Oct 10, 2009

Isn't that the way to do 6x6 in the Holga, not use a mask?

arigram · Oct 10, 2009

Q.G. said:
Isn't that the way to do 6x6 in the Holga, not use a mask?

I've read that Holgas (now) come with 6x6 masks as well.
I am just concerned about scratching the film, flatness and light leaks. I know, I know, its an Holga, but I love the look with the 6x4.5 mask and would like a certain dose of stability.

dwdmguy · Oct 10, 2009

My holga came with a 6x6 mask and if/when I remove it I get sort of a pano frame which blends into the next frame.

Jeff L · Oct 10, 2009

Mine came with a 6x4.5 mask only too. I got the 6x6 mask off eBay from Hong Kong. It was incredible cheap, had free shipping and arrived far faster than I thought it might. It came with a new camera back aswell. Not sure why as the old and new back were identical.

Soeren · Oct 10, 2009

Mine came with the 4,5x6 mask only as well. Remowing it to shoot 6X6 proved no problem in this case. In theory the focus should be a bit off but I have not had that problem in practice. The 4,5X6 mask can be cut to make a 6X6 mask, in fact I have seen that mentioned somewhere (toycamera.com?)
Best regards

arigram · Oct 10, 2009

So, my Holga is the 120S, the original one, which misses some luxuries.
The updated 120N has the 6x6 mask and other useful stuff like tripod mount and bulb exposure.
I found one in EBay for a good price (23 US bucks and free shipping) so I can continue my lomo fun with less trouble.

Jon Shiu · Oct 10, 2009

I prefer not to use the mask. In fact, I found the focus to be better without the mask. I just put electrical tape over the edges at each side to protect from film scratches and cover the slots that leak light onto adjacent frames.

Jon

Silverhead · Oct 12, 2009

It's funny--the mask totally destroys the ambiance of a regular Holga (IMHO). However, conversely it works quite well with the Holga Stereo camera...the traditional soft borders don't really add anything to the 3-D effect.

arigram · Oct 12, 2009

Can you guys post examples of a 6x6 image with another without the mask?

winger · Oct 12, 2009

arigram said:
Can you guys post examples of a 6x6 image with another without the mask?

These are with the same version of the Holga that you have, Ari. I took the mask out and haven't had problems with scratches (as far as I've noticed). I do get uneven vignetting, but have tried to modify that by putting black construction paper inside - hasn't quite lined up, yet.

arigram · Oct 12, 2009

Terrific photographs Bethe!
For one they hardly look like they were made by a dirt cheap plastic toy.
You have convinced me to try without the mask.
I prefer the square anyway and it would great if I didn't have to turn the camera all the time.
Plus the circular vignetting is more cool.
I did order that second Holga from Ebay, but as it was a good price and as one could always use a second Holga (one BW, one color), I don't regret it.

Valerie · Oct 12, 2009

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(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Ari darling, these were done with the same Holga as you have.... mask removed and well-taped back.

winger · Oct 13, 2009

Thanks, Ari! I like them, too (and a few others). I really haven't used it as much as I planned to, but have had fun with it. I bought mine back when they were $16 US. I have been thinking about the newer version, too, because I'd like to have the bulb option.
Valerie, yours were cool, too!

arigram · Oct 14, 2009

Always inspirational Valerie.

Probably though you can't insert the mask if you have taped the opening, right?
I am planning to go on the street carrying two Holgas, one with color and another with BW and it would make my compositing life so much easier if both were squares.

Holga 6x6 Mask

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