Problem with my Holga (suprise suprise).

Mearns · Feb 3, 2008

Hey guys, I recently got a Holga 120N and the hotshoe either doesn't work or is incompatible with my Nikon SB600. I'm guessing the former so I'm trying to dismantle it. I've taken the lens out and I'm having trouble taking the top off the camera to get under the hotshoe to check the connections. I take out the screw on the left (opposite the film winder) and that side comes free. But I cannot figure out how on earth to take it off. it seems to be stuck on where the winder is.

I've applied considerable force but it just will not come off!

Somebody please help. I really want to use my flash with this camera!!!

thebanana · Feb 3, 2008

I've only dismantled one Holga, but I did so by unscrewing 2 small screws found inside the body. the front section came right off, exposing the wiring for the flash, and also the shutter mechanism.

Are you using a flash that can be set to "manual"? I think that is the only way to use it on a Holga.

Mearns · Feb 3, 2008

thebanana said:
I've only dismantled one Holga, but I did so by unscrewing 2 small screws found inside the body. the front section came right off, exposing the wiring for the flash, and also the shutter mechanism.

Are you using a flash that can be set to "manual"? I think that is the only way to use it on a Holga.

I've taken the lens and everything out.

I have the flash in manual, I've tested the flash by making contact between the centre and front pin with a piece of wire...
I've crossed the wires that connect to the sutter plate and it doesn't trigger the flash so my last options is the base of the hotshoe... I need to get in there. How do I do this?

Thanks

thebanana · Feb 3, 2008

No idea, but you might try Randy at Holgamods. http://www.holgamods.com/

He knows these thing inside and out.

Jon Shiu · Feb 3, 2008

Hi, I believe there is another screw on top under the winding knob, but you can't get to it unless the knob is broke off. On the 120S you can pry off the front nameplate to see inside. Not sure about the 120N though.

Jon

notmatt · Feb 3, 2008

You have to lever out the winding knob with a screwdriver (or similar). This generally breaks the knob right off, though it's relatively easy to glue back together if so.

Alternately, the Holga nameplate can be detached; there's actually a hole behind there on a lot of modern Holgas (all 4 that I've done this to, anyway), presumably to make installing the flash easier on the FN models. Or you can cut yourself a hole that can be covered up with the nameplate. This should let you see the connection to the hotshoe, though probably not do much to it.

[Jon Shiu beat me to it]

Mearns · Feb 3, 2008

Thanks everyone... I've go through the name plate first... Cheers again

pauliej · Feb 5, 2008

Holgas are made to be assembled very cheaply, NOT to be taken apart easily (if at all). But, some take them apart for various reasons. It sounded like you checked the hot shoe for continuity, and it seemed to be ok. Do you (or a friend) have another model flash you can try, to see if the problem could be using the Holga and your particular flash unit? I dont know how to get the winding knob off, and others indicate you can break something if you do it wrong (or even do it at all). It's not a 50yr old Leica or some other family heirloom, so you wont be out a lot if you break it, but be very careful if you do.

Remember, things are a lot easier to hack than to UN-hack.

Paul

Problem with my Holga (suprise suprise).

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