Light leaks (???) Holga 120 WPC

[MTGseattle]

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.

 

[hyperf8]

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

 

[Hassasin]

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

Good to now this is actually possible to try.

 

[Arthurwg]

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.

 

[warden]

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.

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.

 

[Hassasin]

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.