Holga 6x6 Mask

[arigram]

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.]

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

 

[arigram]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[winger]

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]

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]

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

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]

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.