HOLGA-120WPC
he Holga-120WPC was the first Holga camera in my collection. I spent a long time considering which camera to choose for getting started with pinhole photography. Ultimately, a panoramic pinhole camera won me over. Pinhole photography in general is a wonderful thing; it slows things down and compels you to rethink your compositions entirely. It isn't exactly the kind of "Lomography" one typically imagines, but perhaps that is precisely what makes it so exciting—since the 120WPC lacks a viewfinder, you have to visualize the finished photo in your mind's eye. As I write this, I realize that I shoot with a pinhole camera far too rarely. I think I need to change that in the future. ツ
My areas of application
Since I’ve unfortunately only used this camera very rarely so far, I can’t say much about it at this point. Instead, I’d like to help ease your fears about trying out a pinhole camera on your own. Many people think that calculating the correct exposure time with a pinhole camera is very complicated. But that’s not the case. Here, I’ll explain how I do it.
What you need:
- The LightMeter app for Android (I have a Google Pixel 7a - works great here)
- The correct exposure chart from mrpinhole.com. The HOLGA-120WPC has an aperture of approximately f/135. You can find the corresponding chart here:
If your pinhole camera has a different aperture, download the appropriate table here:
https://mrpinhole.com/exposure.php
Now set the film’s ISO value in the LightMeter app and use your phone’s front camera in “I” mode to measure the scene’s exposure. If the app measures an exposure time of 1/8 sec at f/8, then you’ll need to expose for 36 sec with the 120WPC (assuming the film you’ve loaded has an ISO of 400). My experience with this method of exposure measurement has always been positive so far.
CAUTION:
Please note that some films have a reciprocity factor that can significantly affect the exposure time (e.g., Fomapan film). In such cases, the values in the table are no longer accurate, and you’ll need to factor this into your exposure time.
You can find more information about this factor here:
Kompensation der Reziprozität - der Schwarzschildeffekt
Das Reziprozitätsgesetz, auch Schwarzschildeffekt genannt beschreibt die nachlassende Empfindlichkeit von Filmmaterial bei zunehmender Belichtungsdauer. Bei einer analogen Langzeitbelichtung ist die…
Reciprocity (photography)
In photography, reciprocity is the inverse relationship between the intensity and duration of light that determines the reaction of light-sensitive material. Within a normal exposure range for film stock, for example, the reciprocity law states that the film response will be determined by the total exposure, defined as intensity × time. Therefore, the same response can result from reducing duration and increasing light intensity, and vice versa.
I'm sure that with these tips, you'll be able to successfully expose your first roll of film with a pinhole camera. Just let yourself get into the calming, slow rhythm of photography. Have fun and good luck!
Sample shots
Link
https://www.willgudgeon.com/2025/09/the-holga-120wpc-journey-into-wide.html#google_vignette
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