[PROCESS] WE ARE THE (HOLGA) MODS

26May07

WE ARE THE (HOLGA) MODS

Given its simple and friendly nature, the Holga is uniquely suited for all manner of modifications and tinkering. Here’s a few to get you started! If you have some of your own, then shoot them over to us at holga@lomography.com .

1. The Lenshood by Mandi

   There really couldn’t be an easy Holga Mod! All the hard has been done
   and all you just have to download it!
   The idea of this here Lens Hood is to save your masterpiece shots from
   evil flare spots. It will do it’s very best to protect your Holga from
   extreme-angle light reflecting inside the lens from the front and side.
   As long as you keep the light source out of the frame, you should be
   able to shoot towards the light without getting unwanted sun flare.
   And these are no ordinary, average-Joe lens hoods. Oh no no no! They
   are a collaborative project using Mandi’s Vorsprungdurchtechnik and
   Michael’s cutting-edge graphic design. With 4 funky designs to choose
   from, you will be the envy of all fashionistas and camera-watchers the
   world over.
   Just click on this link to download your very own free, Designer Holga
   lens hood. All you need then is a printer, a pair of scissors and a bit
   of sticky tape.

   Download Lenshood PDF Version 1
   Download Lenshood PDF Version 2
   Download Lenshood PDF Version 3
   Download Lenshood PDF Version 4
   

2. Pinholga by Daniel

   For anyone Lomographer who has wanted to build their own pinhole but
   either doesn’t have the time (or is frankly too lazy) to do it from
   scratch, Daniel’s Pinholga is an easy 3 step wonder.
   The Holga’s ‘B’ setting and adaptability makes it the perfect camera for a pinhole modification.

   Gently, unscrew the lens (don’t worry, you can screw it back on later!)

   Tape the pinhole into the Holga.

   All you need now is the Holga cable release adaptor, a cable release and a tripod. You’re done!

3. The Paper Mask

   Here’s a very simple modification. The idea is to create a mask which
   sits inside your Holga and projects its rough edges onto the film. Take
   some paper or cardboard (approx 8×7cm), fold it down to 6×6x7cm, rip or
   cut out the center, and then tape the whole thing. You can use it
   instead of the regular 6×6 plastic mask – but you’ll need to tape the
   batteries inside. Shoot and enjoy the “I like it raw” edge style!

4. The Emperor’s New Clothes

   Tired of the black plastic look of your beloved Holga? Looking for a
   change? First, find some material you like and make sure you have
   enough of it. Then, check the measurements of the parts you want to
   cover. Mark your material and cut it out (if necessary). And then stick
   it on your Holga! Feel free to pair your new beauty with a gold chain
   or jewelry for a real sassy look. And for some extra tips:

   - Don’t forget to cut out a flap for the film exposure window
   - If you still own a lens cap, give it a new dress as well. But don’t forget to take it off when shooting!
   - Be careful with the glue
   - Choose extraordinary materials. Try clothes, fur, cotton wool, your
   favorite photo, sand, tin foil, simple cardboard (you can write and
   draw on it).

5. Signature by Mandi

   This brand-new technique is still being perfected by our expert Holga
   technicians. But the general idea is this: embed a small signature or
   character onto each shot that you take. Of course, this is easily done
   in Photoshop, but we are talking analog here! You should use the
   interior edge of your Holga’s interior frame to mount your signature.
   Try putting your initials in tin foil or gluing tiny letters to it.
   Whatever you place there will appear on in every shot. Bear in mind
   that the orientation will be reversed on the actual print.

6. Fignature by Mandi

   Like its kissing cousin, the Signature mod – this involves pasting
   small items onto your Holga’s film mask so that they will appear on
   every of your images. For this purpose, we used little tiny figures –
   the kind that are employed in H-O scale model railroad dioramas. Head
   to your local hobby store and check out their assortment, you’ll need
   the smallest figures that they have there. Buy a couple and some
   plastic cement glue. Remove the film mask from your Holga and carefully
   glue your figurines around the square edge. Be sure to do this away
   from the camera – you don’t want no glue on that shutter! Once it’s
   fully dried (give it 24 hours), then pop the frame back in and start
   shooting.

7. Half-frame Holga by Buzzy Sullivan

   The right tools for the job: Holga, film, film box or thin cardboard, scissors, and electric or gaffers tape.

   - Step 1: Remove the plastic film mask from your Holga camera. Cut up a
   film box or other piece of cardboard to the same length as the film
   mask, and half the height (or less than half if you want unbalanced
   frames).
   - Step 2: Feel free to leave a jagged edge in your cardboard – it will
   have a cool effect on the photos. Keep in mind that your edge will be
   magnified in the picture – so the more perfect that you try to make it,
   the less perfect it will probably look.
   - Step 3: Use some gaffers or electric tape to fasten the cardboard to either the top or bottom half of your Holga frame.
   - Step 4: Load your film as usual and go shoot. For composition, keep in mind that you are shooting half-frame.
   - Step 5: After your last shot, go into a dark room, a car trunk, or
   use a film-changing bag (about 10 bucks at most pro photo stores). By
   hand, roll the film from the take-up spool onto the original spool.
   This is easiest if you hold the spools together. Don’t forget which way
   is up and which is down on your film roll.
   - Step 6: Once your film is rolled back, then go into a lighted area
   and flip the Holga mask upside down – so that the cardboard if covering
   the opposite side.
   - Step 7: Load the film like normal and shoot the roll again (keeping in mind your half-frame composition).
   - Step 8: Develop as usual, smile, and repeat!!!

Powered by ScribeFire.

Filed under: art / performance / event, process   |  Leave a Comment
Tags: process