- The adapter comes in two pieces. The first is a mask that sits inside the camera. It holds the 35mm film canister in place without the sprocket and guides the 35mm film across the plane. The second part of the adapter is an alternate back for the camera. The typical Holga back has a red square window through which you can view the exposure number on 120 film. Because 120 film comes with a paper backing, the red window does not expose the film. However, 35mm film has no paper backing, so the adapter's Holga back is a solid piece that has no window.
- The adapter kit is built so that a photo is created over the entire height of the film, including the sprocket hole area. This is a primary reason for the popularity of running 35mm film through a Holga. Unfortunately, most labs that develop film use equipment that do not allow the printing of the sprocket hole area as part of the image. You can ask for a contact sheet of the film to see the whole image. You may have to go to a specialty photo lab for enlargements that include the sprocket hole area.
- Due to the paper backing on 120 film, normally it is safe to open the Holga back once the film is finished, as it is wound up completely within the paper and transferred to the right-hand side of the camera. The Holga has no rewind function, and because 35mm film has no paper backing, opening up the back would expose the entire roll of film. If using the 35mm adapter, the film must be removed in complete darkness or by using a changing bag. The film must be transported in a light-safe black bag to a lab for processing.
- The 35mm Holga adapter can be purchased directly from the website of Holga's creator, Lomography. It is also available through Urban Outfitters, Amazon and B&H Photo and Video if you cannot find it in a local photo supply store. For do-it-yourselfers, numerous photo-enthusiast websites have instructions on how to create a homemade adapter with rubber bands, electrical tape and foam.
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