Holga (Toy Camera)

My second string camera is a Holga, a cheap $50 plastic camera with a plastic lens. There are no apertures to select, simply “sunny” or “overcast.” The film winds super loose so I’m always in danger of destroying a roll of film with overexposure whenever I pop the back of the camera to remove film. These light leaks can make or break an image. It’s difficult to compose a shot with it’s off-center view window. I sometimes have to use gaffer tape to make sure the camera back doesn’t pop off when I’m out and about. But there’s something so charming, nostalgic, and unexpected when using what many dib a “crappy camera.” The vignetting, the softness on the edges, and the complete uncertainty are not something you can easily duplicate with digital or Photoshop. That’s why the Holga has become one of my favorite things. Here are a few of my favorites, leak leaks, blurriness, mistakes and all. It’s all about embracing the unexpected and unplanned.