Light leaks (???) Holga 120 WPC

I first tried a Holga back in '99. I too did not think light leaks were part of the charm and proceeded to tape/fix the camera. As others have said, it was $20.

As to 6x12 if one already has the means to shoot 6x12, there's not much point i.m.o. If one doesn't have a roll back that can enable 6x12 there's not a more budget friendly option.

My holgapan 120 is also modified to take a 90mm view camera lens. Mine does not have any light leaks (it was fine pre-modification as well).

As much as I recall, the "weak points" in almost all Holgas have been the back retention/strap lugs and the red window. 1 piece of tape, and a rubber band fixes both "issues."

If one is simply after pinhole photography, I think there are too many options to discuss but laser drilled aperture sets can still be found which lets one turn any lens cap or body cap into a pinhole lens.

insert black yarn into the gap all around the back door...worked for me on the 6x12

hyperf8 said:

insert black yarn into the gap all around the back door...worked for me on the 6x12

Click to expand...

Good to now this is actually possible to try.

I've used Holgas extensively over the last several years and have produced many large prints from them. I call them the poor man's Hasselblad. I tape all around, but oddly the biggest leaks seem to come from the cold shoe on top of the camera, which I also tape, plus tape in the the interior where the cold shoe mounts with two holes facing down, from which light can potentially strike the edge of the film. I also use one of the plastic masks that used to come with the camera, either 6x6 or 645. That seems to help a lot.

Arthurwg said:

I've used Holgas extensively over the last several years and have produced many large prints from them. I call them the poor man's Hasselblad. I tape all around, but oddly the biggest leaks seem to come from the cold shoe on top of the camera, which I also tape, plus tape in the the interior where the cold shoe mounts with two holes facing down, from which light can potentially strike the edge of the film. I also use one of the plastic masks that used to come with the camera, either 6x6 or 645. That seems to help a lot.

Click to expand...

My worst Holga leak was from the shutter itself and so no amount of taping would fix it. A friend and diehard Holga person correctly diagnosed the problem and mailed me one of her extra shutters. Perfect. Now the camera is a keeper.

I'll continue to monitor market, but I'd be lucky to see one for $20 (there as one when I started this thread, but it went before I got to it). Just saw one going for 60 + S&H. Might end up working out a 3D concept instead. For now the Horseman 6x12 back seems to cover my immediate needs, even if overall size/weight of the kit is in multiples.