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Photo Frame Size Mechanism
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What happens if you take the plastic frame size mechanism out?
Does that make the frame size larger? How many shots does that give you compared with leaving it in?
Posted at 6:58PM, 11 October 2006 PDT
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I think (but im no pro here) that it makes the frame size 6x6...and the number of shots are the same though (12).
Posted 68 months ago.
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The oldschool Holga comes with only one frame : a rectangular one that takes 16 shots per roll (push the frame-window slider up so that the arrow on the slider points to "16" when using this frame, so the numbering on the roll is seen correctly).
A popular modification is to cut the rectangular frame so that the opening is square. With the wider opening, your Holga will take 12 square-format shots per roll (push the slider down so it points to "12"). The newer Holgas save you the trouble and come with a square frame as well as the rectangular one.
You can load your film without a frame at all. This will give you 12 exposures per roll, and the photos will be basically the same size as those taken with the square frame installed ... but with a much softer edge. Bright light will cause significant "bleed," since the photo is no longer constrained by the frame :
You'll still be able to fit 12 frames per roll, since the plastic bracket that the frame normally rests on will probably stop your photos from overlapping on the sides. Additionally, if you're intending on shooting without a frame, be sure to tape over the edges of that bracket, as it will come in contact with your film and may scratch it when you advance the film. The film may be a little looser against the film plane, too, so your photos may be a bit more out of focus. On the other hand -- it's a Holga. You won't notice. ;)
Good luck!
Posted 68 months ago.
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Oh, and one last note : the canted sides of the frames normally block off the film from the rest of the camera body interior, so without a frame, you may find that you're getting a lot more light leaks. You'll probably want to tape up the interior of your Holga (as well as the outside, of course) if you want to minimize those. The most common leaks revealed by shooting without a frame come from the two little holes that live right above the lens, which are normally blocked by the frame. Just stick a piece of tape over them.
Some people spraypaint the inside of their Holga with matte black paint to reduce light leaks (and increase contrast, and all kinds of voodoo). Your mileage may vary.
Posted 68 months ago.
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callmeoblomov -
Do you mind if I quote your replies and picture for my Holga site?
Posted 68 months ago.
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yep, what callmeoblomov said, good advice.
I take my 4x5 right out, and put hockey tape around the perimeter of the square to prevent film scratching.
Posted 68 months ago.
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with the 6x6 mask in my first holga pictures were disappointingly normal - i took it out, put a bit of tape in the sharp bits and all that lovely madness began...
Posted 68 months ago.
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squarefrog :
Sure, be my guest. The image I linked to that shows the holes above the lens is actually from Randy's holgamods site, though.
Originally posted 68 months ago.
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callmeoblomov edited this topic 68 months ago.
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What's the best kind of tape to use, guys? My black electrical (?) tape melted and comes up sometimes and leaves adhesvie streaks on my film!
What about using a really fine nail file and sanding those sharp parts down? Anyone tried that?
Posted 68 months ago.
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with the 6x6 mask:
without the 6x6 mask (no taping):
you be the judge. =)
Posted 68 months ago.
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Yeah, electrical tape will melt all over. You can try photo tape, which is basically lightweight black masking tape with a residue-free adhesive. It's meant specifically for sealing up light leaks, so it's main virtue is that it's thin but opaque (and doesn't leave adhesive behind). There are loads of brands : here's one I pulled off the web at random.
Gaffer's tape works well, particularly for more heavy-duty use like on the outside of the camera. Gaffer's tape is a vinyl-impregnated cloth tape, so it's extremely durable. Since it's meant for use on theatrical lighting and cameras, it'll stand up to high temperatures and still release without leaving adhesive residue behind (no more melting stickiness). Great stuff -- though it may not be quite as lightproof as photo tape, so use two layers.
Posted 68 months ago.
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