Available Friday 8/28
The Holga 120GCFN takes the unmistakable lo-fi character of the classic Holga and adds two major upgrades: a glass lens and a built-in flash with selectable color filters.
Like the classic Holga 120N, the 120GCFN is a simple, fully manual medium format camera designed around experimentation rather than technical perfection. Expect the soft edges, vignetting, occasional light leaks, multiple-exposure possibilities, and unpredictable character that have made Holga cameras a cult favorite among film photographers for decades.
The difference is the lens. While the classic Holga uses a plastic optical lens, the 120GCFN features a 60mm glass lens for somewhat sharper rendering while retaining the characteristic Holga look.
The other big addition is the built-in flash. A rotating color-filter system lets you shoot with standard white flash or add red, blue, or yellow light directly to your photographs. Combine different flash colors with multiple exposures for even more experimental results.
Features
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Uses standard 120 medium format film
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60mm f/8 glass lens
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Built-in electronic flash
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Selectable white, red, blue, and yellow flash colors
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Shoots 12 exposures in 6×6 format
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Shoots 16 exposures in 6×4.5 format with the appropriate mask
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Approximate 1/100 second normal shutter speed
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Bulb mode for long exposures
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Sunny (approximately f/11) and Cloudy/Flash (approximately f/8) aperture settings
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Manual zone focusing from approximately 3 feet to infinity
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Multiple exposures are possible simply by firing the shutter again without advancing the film
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Standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount
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Camera itself is fully manual
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Built-in flash requires 2 AA batteries (not included)
Choosing Film
The Holga 120GCFN works with both color and black & white 120 film. Because exposure control is intentionally simple, your choice of film speed plays an important role in adapting the camera to different lighting conditions.
For sunny outdoor photography, ISO 100, 200, or 400 color negative or black & white film works well. ISO 400 is an especially versatile starting point for everyday Holga shooting.
In gloomy conditions or later in the day, faster film such as ISO 800 can provide additional flexibility. Indoors, the 120GCFN's built-in flash makes it considerably easier to keep shooting while also opening up opportunities for creative colored-flash photography.
Color negative and black & white negative films are generally the easiest place to start because their exposure latitude is more forgiving of the Holga's simple exposure system.
Color Flash
The built-in flash is one of the defining features of the 120GCFN. Choose standard white flash for more conventional fill or nighttime photography, or select red, blue, or yellow for an immediate color effect on the film.
For more experimental images, try making multiple exposures on the same frame while changing the flash color between exposures. Because the Holga does not force you to advance the film after each shot, layered and overlapping exposures are easy to create.
Film Counter & Light Leak Tip
The Holga uses the numbers printed on the backing paper of 120 film to keep track of your frames. Be sure to set the arrow on the rear film-counter window to correspond with the format you're shooting: 12 exposures for 6×6 or 16 exposures for 6×4.5.
The film-counter window is also a common source of unwanted light leaks. If you want more controlled results, cover the window with black gaffer's or photo tape between film advances. Folding over the end of the tape creates a convenient pull tab so the window can be uncovered briefly when checking the next frame number.
Light leaks are part of the Holga experience, so taping the camera is completely optional. Leave it alone for more unpredictability or tape potential leak points when you want greater control over the final image.
Loading 120 Film
Load and unload 120 film in subdued light whenever possible. Unlike 35mm film, 120 film is not protected inside a light-tight cartridge, so keeping the roll and its paper backing tightly wound is important to prevent unwanted fogging.
Install either the 6×6 or 6×4.5 mask, load the roll, thread the backing paper onto the take-up spool, replace the camera back, and advance until frame 1 appears in the appropriate counter window.
After finishing the roll, continue winding until all of the film and backing paper have transferred completely onto the take-up spool before opening the camera.
What's Included
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Holga 120GCFN Camera in Black
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6×6 film mask
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6×4.5 film mask
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Lens cap
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Camera strap
Requires 2 AA batteries for flash operation (not included).
120 medium format film sold separately.
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