Loading film
So you got your new Holga and you wanna load your new film in? You will need the following items:
- A Holga
- A film roll
- The 6x6 mask if you are using one
- Opaque tape (optional)* - I use black electrical tape. Don't use that if you are in a hot climate. Look for some black photographers masking tape, or gaffers tape.
* Why is tape now optional?
Regular visitors may have noticed I've changed my advice. The reason for this is that I no longer think that it's necessary to tape up the Holga, or put cardboard under the spools. Why? Because I think the newer 'N' models (120N, 120CFN etc) are built much better than the previous. If you have a 120S or Woca, then you can view my old loading/unloading videos on YouTube.
Tips for loading your film:
- Make sure you have your mask in place before starting to load film.
- Wind the film around the take up spool a little before putting the spool into the camera.
- When you load film it seems like you are winding for a long time before the numbers come up. Don't panic this is completely normal!
- Probably a good idea to load your film in subdued light
- If you are using the 6x6 mask push the window slider down like the example below:
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| Film counter window set for 12 pictures (6x6 square format) |



























