29 January 2006
What are these cameras?
The Holga and the Lubitel are affectionately known as "toy cameras". Toy cameras are usually assumed to be medium format cameras, but not exclusively so. You know those tiny digital cameras that fit on keyrings? They're toy cameras. A toy camera is a camera that you shouldn't expect too much of. Generally the assumption is that a toy camera has one shutter speed and a plastic lens. It's the sort of camera you'd give a child. If they broke it, you wouldn't care.
Toy cameras are generally sold for very little money and, especially in the case of the Holga, often need assistance in the way of tape to eliminate light leaks. Why do people use them? Because (A) they're the cheapest way into medium format photography and (B) they're often capable of providing strangely and/or surreally good photos. Have a look at the galleries at toycamera.com or at digital sucks. The following is a Holga photo.
As you can see, it's pretty soft. I have some more Holga photos here.
Toy cameras are generally sold for very little money and, especially in the case of the Holga, often need assistance in the way of tape to eliminate light leaks. Why do people use them? Because (A) they're the cheapest way into medium format photography and (B) they're often capable of providing strangely and/or surreally good photos. Have a look at the galleries at toycamera.com or at digital sucks. The following is a Holga photo.
As you can see, it's pretty soft. I have some more Holga photos here.
# posted by Joe Tarrant @ Sunday, January 29, 2006 
