How to Load 120 Film Into a Holga 120 Camera

For many years, photo enthusiasts have enjoyed the Holga medium format camera. These little plastic "toy cameras" are prized as much for their extreme affordability as their ability to produce unique and aesthetically pleasing pictures. While the beauty of the Holga is its simplicity, loading the 120 film can be a bit tricky, especially for first-time users. Follow these steps to get your Holga quickly loaded and ready to shoot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Holga 120 camera
• 1 Roll 120 film (brand and film speed are optional)
• Black electrical tape (optional)

1. Slide down the metal latches on either side of the camera to remove the back cover.

2. Break the paper seal on the roll of film.

3. Slide the film roll into the left compartment with the tapered end pointing toward the take-up spool on the right. Lock it into place by fitting the film compartment pin into the hole on top of the film roll.

4. While gently holding the film in place with your thumb, pull the film leader out and insert the tapered end into the large slot of the take-up spool.

5. Turn the take-up knob to ensure that the film is adequately wound on the spool.

6. Replace the back cover and slide the metal latches back into place. Taping both the latches down with the black electrical tape can help the cover stay in place.

7. Advance the film with the take-up knob until the number "1" appears in the red frame counter window on the back of the camera.

Tips & Warnings

• If your Holga does not have the squares of foam padding behind the film spools and you have trouble keeping the film in place, take a small piece of folded cardboard and wedge it between the bottom of the film roll and the camera. The film box can be used for this.
• Make sure that the film mask you have chosen (6x4.5 or 6x6) is in place before you begin the film loading process.
• Be sure to load your Holga out of direct light to avoid accidental light exposure to your film.