Holga stuff
Got this information from a post at lomomanila.ph
This applies to the Holga 120S at least.
Holga Camera - technical specifications and working methods
Specifications
Lens: plastic optical lens, f8 / 60 mm
Shutter: Leaf shutter
Shutter speed: 1/100 second
Apertures: f8 (cloud/sun), f11 (sun)
Film format: 120
Frame formats: 6 x 4.5 cm (with insert); 6 x 6 cm
Focus: aft to infinity
Film
Due to the minimal exposure controls on this camera, it is best to use films with a wide exposure latitude.
Black and White:
for general daylight shooting or flash - Ilford HP5 (ISO 400), Ilford Delta 400 (ISO 400), or Kodak TMax 400 (ISO 400);
for overcast days to brightly lit rooms, no flash - Ilford Delta 3200 (ISO 3200)
Color neg.:
for general daylight shooting or flash - Fuji NPH (ISO 400), Fuji NHG II (ISO 800) or Kodak Pro PPF 400 (ISO 400).
Frame Format
Holga cameras come preset to expose at a 6 x 4.5 cm frame format. Change the format size to 6 x 6 cm by
1. Opening the camera back and removing the 6 x 4.5 plastic mask.
2. On the camera back, slide the format arrow above the red frame number window from 16 to 12. You may need a flathead screw driver or small coin to nudge the slider.
Taping up the camera
Due to the flimsy nature of the Holga, the camera needs to be taped in various locations to reduce light leaks and prevent film scratching. Use black photo or ‘gaffers’ tape. If this is not available, use black electrical tape.
1. After removing the 6 x 4.5 frame format insert, tape over the left and right edges of the 6 x 6 frame. You will notice a slight roughness along the ridge; unless this is taped over, and thereby smoothing the edge, film can get scratched as is is transported from one side of the chamber to the other.
2. Make a flap to cover the red frame counter window on the camera back.
3. Consider taping all four edges of the camera back. This can be inconvenient when changing rolls, but is often worth the trouble.
Focus distances
Head and shoulders: about 3 feet
Small group: about 9 feet
Large group: about 18 feet
Sewanee: 30 feet to infinity
Loading Film
Load and unload the camera in deep shade or subdued light. Along with the normal procedures described by the manufacturer, some extra steps need to be taken after opening the camera back:
1. Transfer the empty spool from the left to the right chamber.
2. Insert the film spool into the left chamber.
3. Insert a small piece of folded paper or card (the sleeve used to wrap 120 roll film works well) between the bottom of the film spool and camera base in order to keep the film taut as it is wound on. The insert should create just enough tension to allow comfortable advancing of the film.
4. Remove the seal on the roll, hold the roll in place with a finger, pull the leader out about 4 to 5 inches and insert it into the take-up spool on the right.
5. Rotate the film advance knob a couple of times. Make sure the film is advancing comfortably and parallel to the top and bottom edges of the film chamber.
6. Close the back, tape it up, and advance the film to frame number 1. You will see ‘1′ appear in the red frame counter window.
Unloading Film
Unload in deep shade or subdued light.
1. Rotate the film advance knob until you feel a release of tension. The paper backing around the film should now be completely wrapped around the take-up spool in the right chamber.
2. Open the back.
3. Gently remove the film.
4. Fold the tab over it self ( about 1/2 inch or less), moisten the seal and wrap it tightly around the film. Store in a cool dark place until ready to process.
see also :
http://www.alternativephotography.com/articles/art012.html or
http://www.nyip.com/tips/topic_holga0802.php
http://www.lightleaks.org/images/ll3_sample.pdf
http://www.f1point4.com/f1point4/black_white/index.html
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