holga panorama modifications

[asp.artist]

Hi, I've been working with holgas for panoramas for a bit, and enjoying it. But I'd like to enlarge the images more than just 2 or 3x. When I do so, the lack of sharpness overwhelms the image for me. I'd like something with a bit more focus to hang the rest of the image around. The holga film back seems to be one of the keys to making these images.
So, the question: does anyone know how or what other lens can be easily attached to the holga, either over the holga lens or replacing it. Or, perhaps a web site describing such that would help me. I've been working my way through the flicker site to no avail. I've got a Yashica lens taped over it now, but the weather is not cooperating for these tests.
Thanks for your help. An example image is attached.

Anne

 

[photomem]

I am working on a project to convert a 616 folder to a 120 panorama. I should be done in the next couple weeks and will report back my findings. It may be sharper than what you are currently using.

 

[mbsmith]

If I remember correctly, the Woca is a holga with a glass lens. Although I don't know whether it would produce the sharpness you are looking for...

 

[geoferrell]

Looks like your "arches" is a pretty good result. I think as with any Holga image, the lack of sharpness and using double-exposure techniques can make for great art that is not always predictable.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

You could chop two or three of them up and glue them back together to make an extra long Holga and replace the lens with something that has more coverage.

 

[asp.artist]

Thanks for the ideas. Reports on the woca glass lens are not good. But I'll try it anyway.
616 folder sounds like fun. Those will be great images!
I'll try some modifications with the lenses I have and see if there is an improvement. I'm just starting to think of cameras as tools you can modify, rather than just buying what you think you need. A whole new world!
Thanks

 

[Steve Smith]

Is this the 6x12 Holga? I was thinking about chopping one up to make a panoramic camera when I acquired a 65mm super Angulon. I ended up building something myself instead though (link in my signature line).

Any lens which covers (or almost covers) 5x4 would be fine.


Steve.

 

[asp.artist]

Great! Thats what I'm starting to think about. Your camera is beautiful. Patience while working with my hands is a virtue I'm just starting to practice.

Anne

 

[Jon Shiu]

One thing about the Holga is to check the focus. Mine was seriously out of focus with the mask in, and much sharper without the mask. I put electrical tape over the side rails to prevent scratching. You can check focus by putting a piece of frosted scotch tape across the back and looking through with the lens open on B setting. Also you can use this technique to find the focus for other lenses you put on the front.

Jon

 

[asp.artist]

Great! How to find the focus! I don't have the mask in, and its taped. One problem, I think, is the film being too loose, which would affect the focus. So, putting something on the film back might help. I am using 2 holgas. One is better at this than the other. And that's the one that is giving me problems.
Thanks

 

[werra]

I attached Schneider Super-Angulon 65/8 to Holga 120WPC pinhole body with some success. There were lot of internal reflections from shiny plastic to fight with, back cover closing mechanism is flimsy to say at least and at some great moment the tripod mount just broke off the camera. The lens did not hit something fortunately.