120 films? Some might say "Ah it only allows you to take 12 to 16 shots". Maybe some of us said that before we tried a medium format camera which uses 120 film. Some of us are crazy over 120 film, what can I say more about medium format film? The emulsion? The colors? The square format? or the fact you can print them into large images for an exhibition? Before all of that, I'm here to tell you quick tips about how to make the most out of your 120 films. Stay tuned!
1. Shoot In Good Weather Conditions!
You think you heard of this sentence? So did I! But I think this is the basic of shooting any film, since we are talking about 120 film. You have to shoot it in good weather conditions! 120 films really loves the sun!
2. Go Traveling with your 120 Film!
Somehow I always managed to bring at least one of my medium format cameras. It can be the Holga or the Diana but one thing is for sure: I used of them to capture those special travelling moments. Just try it once! It’s a great way to document your travelling!
3. Be Experimental!
Light painting, long exposures, light leaks, pinhole, black and white film or slide film. Try to experiment with your 120 film, it’s a bit risky I know but if you calculate the risk before you shoot, then it will give you prizes and surprises when you take the result from the photo lab!
3. Compose Your Image!
Since it’s square format, be sure to compose your image before you eventually shoot your object! Let the object in front of you do the action and you just have to compose through the viewfinder before you decide to “CLICK!!”. Take it nice and easy,kids!
4. Take Portraits!
Who is with me on this? I just love to shoot portraits using 120 film! Its something special! Something that I do time after time, using Holga with its flash or Diana F+ with its marvelous flash and maybe shoot in a sunny condition. Take portraits is a must for 120 film user! Oh that’s my opinion,haha.
Above of that make sure you are making the most of your time having fun with 120 film. Yes the most of your time with 120 film! Why not? Go on then grab your 120 film and go outside!
Photo by adi_totp
28 comments
lokified
I very much agree with #3. I think I do more experiments with my Holga than any other camera I have!
eva_eva
wow wow wow!
blueskyandhardrock
Definitely for portraits and travel! Xo
ekeupratama
nice share..
utk portrait gt masalah paralax terutama holga gmn kang?
davidobryan
120 film is great. Nice article.
superlighter
great article! now the Q for me is: why I didn't shot 120 more often? :)
adi_totp
@lokified hahaha me too! Holga is that kind of camera! :D
adi_totp
@eva_eva thanks eva!
adi_totp
@blueskyandhardrock YES! YES! I think I should stock more 120 films
adi_totp
@ekeupratama terima kasih. Yaa kira kira pake feeling aja sih menurut saya, sesuai dengan jarak (focus) yang ada di Holga. Selamat mencoba! :D
adi_totp
@davidobryan It is! thank you very much :D
adi_totp
@superlighter thanks Aurelio! I think you should give more chances to 120 films,haha.. :D
istionojr
wih skrg tipsterin 120 hho.
adi_totp
@istionojr cobain pake film 120 dong no :D
thomasfleming
switch_10
Nice share
rhysbm
wow wow great article, I'm a 120 newbie, mabye i'll give it a try! :L thanks
istionojr
@adi_totp minjem dong kameranya yg heboh holga apa diana ya di?
adi_totp
@switch_10 thank you :D
adi_totp
@rhysbm you're welcome! and good luck! :D
adi_totp
@istionojr tergantung pake film apa dulu nih.. kalau slide mending diana
bunnandbird
af-capture
Niceeeee!!!! I take my holga
rbruce63
I will try to find the muscle to use my Mamiya Standard Universal Press! Thanks for the article!
adi_totp
@bunnandbird thanks! Have fun shooting! :D
adi_totp
@af-capture thaaaaanks! Yes! Holga is my first medium format camera!
adi_totp
@rbruce63 you're welcome and good luck shooting with it!
monkeydance
this is so true!
I have made many mistakes with the Holga.
Got disapointed, because only a few came trough.
But when I look back at those succesful pictures, they all have to do with these tips.
So I think I learned my lesson, and will try to obey these rules from now on :p
THANKS