What's a Holgaroid?

A Holgaroid is a special kind of Holga hack. It involves replacing the usual Holga back with a Polaroid back, which lets you use Polaroid's type 80 or type 100 peel-apart film. Polaroid film is a special kind of film that self-develops shortly after exposure, enabling you to check out your creations almost instantly. There have been three versions of the Polaroid back so far, the oldest one wasn't full frame, so that's something to look out for if you are looking for a second hand unit. Also, only the newest version is compatible with type 100 film.

The commercial back for the Holga came about after Polaroid Japan saw many enthusiasts create their own backs, and decided manufacture an official back.

Holgaroid Front Holgaroid Back
Holgaroid front and back
(images courtesy of jege)

So what's so special?

In addition to having your prints available almost immediately, you can do lots of fun things with the film as its developing. You can peel and smudge the print to distress your image, you can do image transfers, emulsion lifts, and many more creative things. Polaroid film may seem quite expensive when compared with regular film, but you can often find deals on eBay or photo store clearance bins. Another issue with the Polaroid film is it has a very narrow exposure latitude, which means you have to be very careful about exposing your picture correctly. Its very similar to slide film in that respect.

 
The Church at Night - Polaroid 88 Film

The Church at
Night by
wickleashley

Randys Donuts Reduxx - Polaroid 88 Film

Randys Donuts
Redux by
eyetwist

(untitlted) - Polaroid 669 Film

(untitled) by
deborah lattimore

Lemme Take a Bath - Fuji FP3000B

Lemme Take
a Bath by
daffie

 

What films are available?

Well, there's the good and bad news. The bad news is that Polaroid announced they have discontinued the 80 series film as of January 2007. You can still find the film at the moment if you look hard enough. Here are the films available in the 80 series, courtesy of camerapedia.org:

  • Type 84 - medium-contrast black and white film. Produces a positive image. ISO/100.
  • Type 85 - medium-speed, high-resolution black and white film. Produces both a positive image and a negative that can be printed later. ISO/80. Now very scarce.
  • Type 87 - medium-contrast, high-speed, black and white film. Produces a positive image. ISO/3000
  • Type 88 - medium-contrast, medium-speed colour film. Produces a positive image. ISO/80.
  • Type 89 - medium-speed, medium-grain colour film. Accurately matches ISO 100 chrome films. Produces a positive image. ISO/100.

The good news is that the newer Polaroid backs allow you to use type 100 films. The only difference with using this film is that it's not full-frame and square like type 80 film. Deborah Lattimore's (untitled) image shows you what to expect with 669 film. This is a list of film available in this 3.25" x 4.25" format:

  • 664 - medium-speed, medium-contrast black and white film. ISO 100
  • 667 - high-speed, medium-contrast black and white film. ISO 3200
  • 669 - medium-contrast, medium-speed colour film. ISO 80
  • 672 - medium-contrast black and white film. ISO 400
  • 690 - colour film. ISO 100

The new backs also allow you to use Fujifilm Instant film (thanks Andy Lock!). Fujifilm produce the following 3.25" x 4.25" film:

  • FP-100C - colour film, available in gloss and silk finishes. ISO 100
  • FP-100B - black and white film. ISO 100
  • FP-3000 - high-speed black and white film. ISO 3000

Daffie's Lemme Take a Bath image shows what to expect with Fuji FP-3000 film.

So where can I learn more?

If you want to buy a back, just be careful where you get it from. Here are a couple of reputable sellers:

If you decide to buy a used back from eBay, make sure you ask the seller if the back is compatible with type 100 film.