How can people like holgas?

Markok765 · Aug 2, 2006

Ive seen some great art done with them, but for the normal person, why would you buy one? there all plastic, plastic lens, viggeting LIGHT LEAKS? 2 shutter speeds and apetures?
THey say the faults is what you like, but id prefer my 35mm pand shoot than a holga.

Thats my rant!

For MF in getting a lubitel off ebay.

So, how can you like them?

Leon · Aug 2, 2006

it doesnt take much to get it to do what you want - they're cheap and a great tool to have in your armoury. But if you dont like it, that's fair enough - it's just not the camera for you.

Jim Jones · Aug 2, 2006

Markok765 said:
So, how can you like them?

I appreciate them because lot of other photographers' Holga pictures make even my photos look good, and I can use all the help I can get. For those who can't afford a good Argus C3 or can't make a optimized pinhole camera, the Holga may be a poor, but viable, second choice.

arigram · Aug 2, 2006

The same way people like bitter beer instead of sweet wine, or horror films instead of happy end romances or spanking and bondage instead of gentle carresses, or Dostoyevski instead of Dan Brown and so on...

People have different tastes and especially artists that seek something specific or something out of the ordinary.

If Holga aren't to your liking, they aren't to your liking.
The things you mentioned are exactly what people look in Holgas.

If you want to try out MF cheaply get an old folder in good shape or a cheap TLR like a Seagull.

I have both a Hasselblad and an Holga. Those two are not interchangable, they are of the opposite spectrum.

reellis67 · Aug 2, 2006

I think it also has to do with the look of the negatives - for some subjects, the interesting effects can add to the flavor of the print. Like any other treatment, you have to match your subject, your goal, and your methods to get the best results.

- Randy

clay · Aug 2, 2006

I agree. The Diana is a much better camera.

Markok765 said:
Ive seen some great art done with them, but for the normal person, why would you buy one? there all plastic, plastic lens, viggeting LIGHT LEAKS? 2 shutter speeds and apetures?
THey say the faults is what you like, but id prefer my 35mm pand shoot than a holga.

Thats my rant!

For MF in getting a lubitel off ebay.

So, how can you like them?

Markok765 · Aug 2, 2006

clay said:
I agree. The Diana is a much better camera.

the haslblad is even better

reellis67 · Aug 2, 2006

'Better' is completely subjective. Is a Hummer better than a two seat hybrid? Perhaps, if you need to drive off-road and aren't worried about gas costs. Is the ubiquitous Hasselblad better than a Mamiya? Perhaps, if you have the money to spend on the lenses you need to make the images you want, but not if you have a limited budget and still want to photograph. Everything depends on a large number of variables and there is nothing in the world that is the 'best' at every application...

- Randy

Markok765 · Aug 2, 2006

reellis67 said:
'Better' is completely subjective. Is a Hummer better than a two seat hybrid? Perhaps, if you need to drive off-road and aren't worried about gas costs. Is the ubiquitous Hasselblad better than a Mamiya? Perhaps, if you have the money to spend on the lenses you need to make the images you want, but not if you have a limited budget and still want to photograph. Everything depends on a large number of variables and there is nothing in the world that is the 'best' at every application...

- Randy

True

Andre Noble · Aug 2, 2006

Holga's are a fad - and that's it. Like tattoos, the Rubic's cube, and Cabbage Patch dolls.

In a few years all Holgas will have taken their rightful place - the trash.

Bighead · Aug 2, 2006

For me, its a way to let go of some of the technical aspects of photography. Something I think many photographers need to do. Also, you don't know what kind of negative your going to get. It makes me force myself to make something out of very little. Use the creative juices a little more. Also, sometimes its nice to go on a bike ride, with some gear, and not have 40 pounds of junk.

Mike Kovacs · Aug 2, 2006

I think people's opinion depends a lot on where they come from photographically. I'm at my best shooting nature and I can't think of any reason why I would ever even consider using a Holga for subject material like that. I'll stick with an 80 year-old plate camera for those times I feel like switching things up.

There are some fantastic Holga shooters out there - Sam Liu comes immediately to mind.

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Aug 2, 2006

Don't worry Marko, you don't even need a Holga to do vignetting on your negatives, you do that with your current equipment very easily!

Kerik · Aug 2, 2006

Bronicaguy said:
Holga's are a fad - and that's it. Like tattoos, the Rubic's cube, and Cabbage Patch dolls.

In a few years all Holgas will have taken their rightful place - the trash.

I doubt that... The plastic camera movement has been going strong for nearly thirty years. And I'd say it's stronger now than ever. Hardly a passing fad. It's not my main axe, but every once in a while I find shooting with one of these 'toys' an absolute blast. You may hate them, but the aren't going away any time soon. BTW, didn't Bronica go bye-bye?

Markok765 · Aug 2, 2006

mhv said:
Don't worry Marko, you don't even need a Holga to do vignetting on your negatives, you do that with your current equipment very easily!

Now thats just rude! Damn rubber lens hood

DBP · Aug 2, 2006

First you ask if you should get one, now you want to know why anyone would. Personally, if I were going for the unpredictable and fuzzy look, I would just use an old box camera rather than spend money on a Holga. Look at Marcy Merrill's Junk Store Cameras site for lots of good examples. As for the Lubitel, get a Ciroflex instead - it's a better camera, doesn't leak, and is probably cheaper after shipping.

ann · Aug 2, 2006

i was going to pass on replying to this thread, but perhaps because of the heat or old age i am back.

markok, you need to be careful with calling others rude, when you yourself are rude and disrespectful on occasion.
People try to help you and you make excuses , disregarding valuable and helpful information.

with regard to toy camers; all holgas do not leak and all work done by holgas is not necessarily bad just as all images using a lecia are terrific. The proper tool in the hands of someone who knows how to use it and get the most from it , is the bottom line.

I have seen terrific work from a toy camera and crap. Terrific work from a Lecia and crap. The need for people to make sweeping global comments about one being superior or other are missing the point of the photographer and their vision.

To consider one is better than another based on camera name becomes a disservice to photography.

There are photographs on this site, and the photo world in general i don't "get or understand". does that mean the tool used fail, or just the fact that the work does not appeal to me?

More and more these types of threads feel like trolling; (at least to me)

Schlapp · Aug 2, 2006

I have no Holgas but rather like the effect. I use a homemade bendy lens - interesting results. And yes, this is just a fad for me but it is an enjoyable one!
see http://boxesbellows.blogspot.com/

Michel Hardy-Vallée · Aug 2, 2006

Markok765 said:
Now thats just rude! Damn rubber lens hood

Nasty, yes. Rude, I don't think.

Markok765 · Aug 2, 2006

Could be both

Markok765 · Aug 2, 2006

Schlapp said:
I have no Holgas but rather like the effect. I use a homemade bendy lens - interesting results. And yes, this is just a fad for me but it is an enjoyable one!
see http://boxesbellows.blogspot.com/

I like those results

JBrunner · Aug 2, 2006

Bronicaguy said:
Holga's are a fad - and that's it. Like tattoos, the Rubic's cube, and Cabbage Patch dolls.

In a few years all Holgas will have taken their rightful place - the trash.

Holgas are a pretty long running fad, if thats what they are. I like my holga, for different reasons than my 8x10. For 17 bucks its hard to beat, if you like what they do. If you don't, I don't see a reason to knock it. I have seen fantastic pictures come from holgas, but they certainly aren't West Coast. Maybe thats kinda nice, sometimes.

HeliH · Aug 2, 2006

You said it Marko: "there all plastic, plastic lens, viggeting LIGHT LEAKS? 2 shutter speeds and apetures?"

Yes, but those are just a small part of it.

And I really do not understand people getting so nervous or terrified or ever scared about Holgas. What can be so scary in a little plastic box? Why do you care, or why should people explain? Why do you shoot on that little 35 mm format ?

I don't care what camera people use, the result is what matters. And the fact that we, people, are different and enjoy different things, is just a good thing.

Markok765 · Aug 2, 2006

HeliH said:
\
Why do you shoot on that little 35 mm format ?
.

Because i cant afford equivelent quality Mf bodies and lenses.

HeliH said:
= What can be so scary in a little plastic box? .

The plastic box! My pentax body is all metal outsideeven the film counter.
Mabye thats why it lasted 20 years

Sparky · Aug 2, 2006

I think Charlie the Tuna would have something to say on the topic.

How can people like holgas?

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