How to Take Square Format Pictures With a Holga 120 Camera

Simple and inexpensive, the Holga 120 camera is prized by enthusiasts for its ability to produce dream-like, soft focus photographs. While originally equipped with a rectangular frame mask, many find that square format images capture the true beauty of Holga photography. Square format Holga images typically show more of the vignette effect in the corners, one of the main aesthetic qualities of the Holga camera.

Things You'll Need

• Holga 120 Camera
• 6x6 frame mask (optional)
• Black electrical tape, or some type of opaque tape

Instructions

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

2. Remove the 6x4.5 frame mask located in the center compartment of the camera. If you have the 6x6 frame mask (even basic models offered today come with two frame masks), simply insert it in place of the 6x4.5 mask. If you don't have the square format mask (or you want to try to increase the vignette effect) you can leave the masks out altogether and continue with the steps below.

3. Locate the two small holes inside the Holga on either side of the shutter. Cover them with small pieces of opaque tape to prevent light leaks.

4. Place strips of plastic tape on the plastic runners on either side of the frame window. Doing this will prevent scratching the film when advancing.

5. Load your film and secure the spools by wedging a small piece of folded cardboard (the film box works well) between the bottoms of the spools and the Holga. Without a mask, the film can sometimes slip out of place if not secured.

6. Replace the camera's back cover. Flip the switch beneath the red frame counter window to 12.