After waiting a couple of weeks to receive this new plastic toy from Hong Kong, I was anxious to give it a try! Why? Because unlike the previous holga 135, the bc (black corner) model actually tries to duplicate a vignetted edge look much like the holga 120.
The BC model operates much like its older brothers & sisters, a manual zone lens focus, bulb and normal modes, a sunny and flash/ cloudy aperature mode, 2 different shutter speeds, a hotshoe for those not so nice days, camera tripod mount, and the coup de gras a shutter release that accepts a regular - yep regular cable release.
Unlike its older brothers and sisters that haven't been modified, the viewfinder is located in the middle top of the camera body for a more accurate aim, & a mechanical frame counter in the stead of the "red window of fear".
Many if not all of the accessories from the Holga 120 models fit the Holga 135BC. I personally got the chance to try out the prism filters and colored filters that fit my 120 version and was pleased to find that the lens diameter was the same for the filter holder and after closer inspection found it was the same lens set up as the 120. I look forward to trying out the fisheye set up, but I will have to wait until I have a few bucks to get that gizmo.
I found shooting both color and color process black and white a cinch, while I have yet to try slide film.
I was also happy to find that there are no light leaks, but dissatisfied with the amount of room you have for the film cassette - it take a little jiggling to get your film out because of the tight fit!
On a scale of 1 to 10 for toy cameras I would have to give it an 8! I definately will have more fun this camera as the there is many more things to try like double exposing negs, fisheye etc.
This camera would be rated a 10, however the set up is more complicated to use than a reg. 35mm plastic cam. You must always remember to check your settings for each shot, which means measuring distances (if by eyeball only), and conditions. Not to mention remembering that the shutter release is active all the time which could pose a problem if you forget to advance the film and finally the tight fit for the film cassette.
If there is anybody wondering if they should purchase one, the answer is yes! If your looking for a easy solution to changing a camera back on the larger holgas, this is your camera! If your looking to reuse some of the accessories from your Holga 120 this is your camera. If your looking for color and contrast exaggeration this is your camera.
And finally if you want your film back in an hour, THIS IS YOUR CAMERA!!!
[this is good]
Posted by: robbie1209 | 02/10/2009 at 01:18 PM