How to Use 35mm Film in a Holga 120 Camera

The Holga 120 is fittingly referred to as a "toy camera." Affordability makes it safe to tinker with and a variety of modifications provide endless possibilities! You can even shoot pictures with your Holga 120 using 35mm film. The result is 35mm pictures where the image takes up the entire film frame. This is everything you need to know about using 35mm film with the Holga.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Holga 120 camera
• One roll of 35mm film (brand and ASA optional)
• Rubber bands, preferably thin
• Soft foam - 2 chunky cubes
• Black electrical tape, or some type of opaque tape
• Flat strip of soft foam

Loading 35mm Film Into Your Holga

1. Slide down the metal clamps on either side of the Holga and remove the back cover.

2. If the 6x4 frame mask is in the camera, remove it.

3. Place a strip of opaque tape on the plastic runners on either side of the film exposure area. This will help to minimize scratches on your negatives.

4. Remove the take-up spool to the right of the film compartment. Wrap some rubber bands around both ends of the spool until there is a slot approximately 1.35 inches in length in the middle.

5. Take the film leader from your roll of 35mm film and stick it into the customized slot of the take-up spool. If you have trouble keeping the leader from slipping, secure it with a piece of tape. Wrap the film around the spool a few times, making sure to keep the film wound tight.

6. Place the take-up spool back into the compartment on the right.

7. Take your two chunks of foam and place them in the top and bottom of the film compartment on the left. Wedge the roll of 35mm film between the foam pieces. Make sure that the fit is snug and the film cannot move. Also make sure that your film is running straight across to the take-up compartment.

8. Tape the flat piece of soft foam over the roll of film for extra security.

9. Rip a small piece of cardboard off of your film box and wedge it under the take-up spool for extra security.

10. Use enough opaque tape to entirely cover the red exposure count window on the back of your Holga. The exposure counter is for use with 120 film, which has a paper backing. As 35mm film does not have paper backing, leaving the exposure counter uncovered would only serve to constantly expose your film to light, essentially ruining the roll.

11. Replace the Holga's back cover and secure with the metal clamps. Secure the clamps with tape if you feel it necessary.

Taking 35mm Pictures With Your Holga

1. Keep in mind that 35mm film is thinner than the original format. Looking in your viewfinder, take off about 20% from the top and bottom of the shot to get a better idea of what the film will capture.

2. Advance the film after each shot using the rule of 34. After each shot, turn the film advance knob until you've reached 34 clicks. This prevents your pictures from overlapping.

3. Shoot until you cannot advance the roll of film further. Keep the film inside the Holga until you are ready for the unloading process. As the film must be unloaded in complete darkness, it is important that you keep your Holga closed!

Unloading the 35mm Film From Your Holga

1. Take your Holga into a completely dark area such as a closet. Remove the back cover.

2. Pull the film cartridge out of the camera, being careful to not touch the film. Carefully remove the take-up spool from the right compartment.

3. Rewind the film by turning the small knob at the top of the film cartridge. Let the take-up spool hang. Turn the knob all of the film is inside the cartridge.

Tips & Warnings

• Should this method prove to be too tricky or time-consuming, consider purchasing a 35mm film adaptor kit from a photographic supply store.

• If you're concerned about wasting film and would like to try more accurate methods of film advancing, several websites like Photon Detector and Squarefrog offer printable 35mm film advance guides.

• Be sure to ask for a contact sheet when you have your film processed. This will allow you to see the full effect of shooting 35mm film with a Holga.