The Holga is one of those cameras that forces you to let go - to embrace imperfection, unexpected light leaks, and the beauty of unpredictability. It's a plastic medium format toy camera with a cult following, known for its soft focus, vignetting, and dreamlike aesthetic. But while it looks simple, using it well takes a little know-how.


If you're picking up a Holga 120N for the first time, here’s a quick step by step to get you started:


  1. Load your film carefully – The Holga takes 120 film, which can feel intimidating at first. Make sure the film is tightly wound as you load it, and advance it smoothly to avoid overlapping frames. Pro tip: tape the back shut to prevent light leaks from ruining the entire roll (unless you’re into that).
  2. Use high ISO film – The Holga has a fixed shutter speed of about 1/100s and two aperture options (f/8 and f/11, though they function nearly the same). This means you’ll need ISO 400 or higher for best results, especially if you're shooting in anything less than full sun. ISO 800 or 1600? Even better.
  3. Shoot in bright light – The Holga thrives in direct sunlight. If you’re indoors or in shade, a flash is non-negotiable. Some models have a built-in flash, but if yours doesn’t, a cheap hot shoe flash works just fine.
  4. Focus is a suggestion – The lens has four distance settings (portrait to infinity), but it’s not precise. Get used to guessing distance, and expect a little softness in every shot. That’s part of the magic.
  5. Advance your film manually – There's no automatic stop, so you’ll need to use the frame numbers on the film backing to know when to stop winding. Watch carefully through the little red window on the back.
  6. Expect (and embrace) quirks – Light leaks, vignetting, and soft focus are all part of the Holga charm. If you want more control, you can tape up the camera seams. But if you’re here for the raw, lo-fi look, let the Holga do its thing.


Once you’ve shot a few rolls, you’ll start to get a feel for what works (and what absolutely does not). It’s an experimental, hands on process - one that makes every frame feel earned. And if you’re ready to really dive into mastering this camera, we’ve put together a comprehensive digital guide available for purchase to help you get the most out of it!