Using 220 Film
220 film is more or less the same as 120, except it has no paper backing. This raises two issues; you will get bad light leaks from the red counter window, you have no idea what frame you are on. Another difference is that 220 roll is thicker than 120, as it can take double the amount of pictures (24 6x6 frames). Below are some tips for using 220 film, courtesy of Edmund and Sophie's Photo Page.
- Load 220 film into your camera and wind on. As soon as you reach the black portion of the film, cover the red counter window, then do not uncover until you finish the roll.
- Once you have finished the roll, you should be able to feel the paper end turning round the take-up spool. Go into subdued light (a dark closet or a changing bag), pop the back of the Holga, wind the film round the take-up spool and secure with an elastic band or similar. Your exposed film should now be reasonably protected against leaks.
How do I advance to the next frame?
You use Nicolai Morrison's wonderful 35mm Advance Guide. The table below is based upon the asumption that you are using the 6x6 mask. If you are not using the mask, check out the 35mm Advance Guide for the relevant information.
NOTE: There are 24 clicks to each turn of the Holga's winder
220 roll: 24 55x35mm exposures, 3-4mm frame spacing
| Exposure # | Clicks | Turns Fraction | Turns Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load | 42 | 1 3/4 | 1.75 |
| 1 | 35 | 1 1/2 | 1.5 |
| 2 | 34 | 1 1/2 | 1.4 |
| 3 | 33 | 1 3/8 | 1.4 |
| 4 | 33 | 1 3/8 | 1.4 |
| 5 | 31 | 1 3/8 | 1.3 |
| 6 | 30 | 1 1/4 | 1.25 |
| 7 | 30 | 1 1/4 | 1.25 |
| 8 | 29 | 1 1/4 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 28 | 1 1/4 | 1.2 |
| 10 | 27 | 1 1/8 | 1.2 |
| 11 | 27 | 1 1/8 | 1.2 |
| 12 | 26 | 1 | 1 |
| 13 | 26 | 1 | 1 |
| 14 | 25 | 1 | 1 |
| 15 | 25 | 1 | 1 |
| 16 | 24 | 1 | 1 |
| 17 | 24 | 1 | 1 |
| 18 | 23 | 1 | 1 |
| 19 | 23 | 1 | 1 |
| 20 | 23 | 1 | 1 |
| 21 | 22 | 9/10 | 0.9 |
| 22 | 22 | 9/10 | 0.9 |
| 23 | 22 | 9/10 | 0.9 |
| 24 | END | ||
Table adapted with kind permission from Nicolai Morrison.
