Customer Reviews

Holga Polaroid Instant Film Back

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Since the specs on the Amazon isn't really clear about what films this Holgaroid could take, I'm going to post up the complete list here; this list comes from the Holgaroid instruction "booklet" which is merely a 8x11 double sided, photocopied paper with actually well-written easy to follow pictured instructions of how to install and use the back.

Unlike the first version of the back that only takes the 8.3x8.6cm format films, this one takes 8.5x108cm films (like Fuji100c). Here's the complete list of what films the back could take:

8.3x8.6cm formats -- Viva color, Type89, Type88, Type87, Type84, Type82. This format will expose the entire film and you will get a full frame image.

8.5x108cm formats-- FP-100C, FP-100B, FP-3000B, Type690, Studio125i, Type669, Type664, Type663 and Type667. You won't be able to take a full frame image with this format. Approximately 80% of the film will be exposed--this is becuase the film is bigger than the other, smaller format. If you don't use any masks (a little platic piece that came with the Holga camera), you get a little more exposure area.

Fuji films are the easiest to find--many local camera shops still carry them. Polaroid 690,669,664, 663 films are still widely available online and from B&H store in NY.

In terms of the quality you could get with this back--it's a hit or miss. You'll have to play around with it (A LOT) to get used to getting the right exposure. I've only used the back with Fuji FP-100C & B and FP-3000. I am finding that I've had more success taking stills by pressing the shutter a few times. Even with the FP-100s, I get better results if I press the shutter a couple of times (double exposing the film). If I shoot indoors, low light, I use the bulb mode and have the shutter down for about 10-15 seconds, depending on how much light there is, of course. With the 3000 film, I can't take pictures outdoors since it's too sensitive to light--all my shots turned out white. I use in only indoors. I haven't tried Polaroid films since I can't find any where I live.

One thing that I don't like about the back is how the image is not centered on the Fuji film--about a quarter on the right side of the film is black--sure, this effect is a unique character of the back with Fuji films, but I still prefer my exposure to be centered and vignetting to be more even on four corners. Even then, I still love this back for my Holga. It's gratifying and exciting to see the results (especially when you've nailed the correct exposure!).

Updated (August 7, 2009)
I've sent my camera and the back to be modified-- the camera lens will be repositioned, shutter release cable added, and part of the back will be cut out to get fuller and centered exposure to the Fuji films.

So, the polaroid back for the holga is amazing... I have been shooting Fuji instant film with mine and the colors turn out great. Just be prepared to do bulb shots if you're not in bright sunlight. This product is very easy to figure out and install, actually way easier than spooling the 120 film that holgas normally take.

I must admit I went back and forth in my mind before plunking down $150 for this thing. Not counting the cost of the film, of course, which is not cheap. I so far have only used Polaroid 669, and that will run you just north of $1 a shot. And it probably will not get cheaper in the future. Fuji makes instant film for this also. I can confirm that Fuji FP-3000B film absolutely works with this back as I just developed a shot 2 minutes ago. So you have other choices besides Polaroid film.

Anyway, in spite of the expense, I absolutely love it! There is just something about the quality of the photo that I cannot duplicate with my Nikon Dxxx. The colors are great and the results are as sharp or sharper than anything I get with my digital. However, this is not intended to be a film versus digital debate - you can read about that anywhere. For me, my Holga and dlsr complement each other and serve totally different purposes.

I admittedly have an addiction to acquiring camera gear, accessories, etc. that far exceed my needs. Too much of it sits in their boxes never to see the light of day. But since I bought the Holga Polaroid back, I find that I not only pick up my Holga every single day, but I do so with a renewed sense of joy and anticipation. That is the true measure, in my opinion, of the worth of any product like this.

It is as simple to use as any similar type back. It attaches via your camera's slide rails and it adds a tripod mount. Just pop in your film, don't forget to move your dark slide, and you are good to go. As is evident from the product photo, it obscures the finder, but it comes with an external finder you can attach to the top of your Holga. Works well enough.

I highly recommend this product because it adds a huge new dimension to the Holga photography experience. I rarely ever used film cameras because I simply don't like waiting for my results, having to drop off/pick up film. This product erases that substantial barrier. It can get a little pricey with the cost of film and all, so just be aware of this going in and enjoy.

Works like a charm, glad I made the purchase. Holgas are Gods gift to photography and the Polaroid attachment is the icing on the cake.

Exercise your Photographic imagination and have fun.

Buying this was a bit of an impulse. I have several other land cameras, and became interested in instant backs (for pack-film, in this case) adapted to fit classic cameras. The Holgaroid is bulky, and it can be difficult to get your exposure time right, and it can be tough in low-lighting situations, and the lighting shield is a necessary annoyance. But it works as you would expect it to, and has been a welcome experiment for a camera that seems to be all about the DIY experimental spirit.

does anybody know if i can use the holga 149120 soft surround filter set or the holga 150120 split image filter lens set w/ the filter and lens holder on this polaroid or is it only just for the film camera?

I was hesitant to spend so much on an accessory that costs nearly 5 times more than the camera it attaches to. But after using it for the last few days I'm totally happy with it.
The Polaroid back is very easy to use and set up. The included instruction book is satisfactory but I was slightly confused on how exactly to load the film. Specifically I couldn't tell if you were supposed to feed the black backing paper through the rollers or just close the cover. A quick Google search found that I wasn't alone in the confusion and you most definitely should NOT feed the paper through the rollers. Simply pulling the white tab after exposing the Polaroid feeds the film through the rollers automatically.
The viewfinder is kind of useless. It helps to give you a general idea of your framing but I noticed my images are a much wider angle than what I'm seeing through the viewfinder. This hasn't been a problem since I feel it's in keeping with the general idea of the Holga camera, you never quite know what you're going to get.

This was awesome! I totally love seeing instant prints from images shot. The only part that stinks is only 3/4 of the 120 film is exposed. A tripod is highly recommended. I would also recommend a flash for night or dark shots.

This fuji 100c and 100b does not fit in this particular film back for the holga. it is too long. go the polaroid site and read the pdf on what fit in here.
great camera simple to use! i love it!

Okay, it is like this.... this is a review from someone who is so much into cameras its insane.... The film back and the Holga are the most essential...the absolute icons of photographic excellence. I love contrast and color, i love vignetting I love the dreamlike images i get with this set. I do not see digital pictures giving me that. Film is the best image storage and instant is the best this is the greatest pictures instantly but old style photography with romantic dreamy images. This is true Raw format haha. Be hip be cool get this instead of whatever else you will be so happy and impress your friends and family,most of all impress yourself.