Holga 120 GCFN - Learn more about the toy camera for 120 film

The Holga 120 GCFN is a medium format camera from Plastik. It is identical to the Holga 120 CFN or Holga 120 N, except for the built-in flash.

The only difference is that the lens is made of glass instead of plastic. The glass lens is supposed to be a bit sharper. However, this is disputed by plastic purists.

In addition, a flash can’t be connected via hot shoe like on the 120 N. Instead, a flash with color filter is available. Instead, a flash with color filters (blue, yellow, red) is built into the camera. The power comes from two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon *).

Films for the Holga 120 GCFN

The Holga 120 GCFN is a camera known for its charming, lo-fi images and uses medium format film. This type of film, also known as 120 film, offers a larger negative area compared to 35mm film, which means you can expect more detailed shots and higher image quality. Medium format films are produced by a variety of manufacturers, and despite the increasing digitization of photography, there is still a good selection of films compatible with this camera.

For color photography, Fujifilm PRO 400H * is an excellent choice. This film is prized for its exceptional color reproduction and its ability to render skin tones naturally. It also performs well in a variety of lighting conditions, making it particularly versatile. The Fujifilm PRO 400H is great for a variety of photography types, including portrait photography, landscapes and everyday snapshots.

For lovers of black and white photography, Ilford HP5 is an excellent choice. This film is known for its high sensitivity and ability to handle different exposure situations well, making it particularly flexible. The Ilford HP5 * enables photographers to create sharp and detailed images even under difficult lighting conditions. This film is characterized by its classic black and white look, offering a deep, rich tonal palette and excellent greyscale.

In addition to these two films, there are other notable options on the market. For example, Kodak Portra, known for its fine grain and excellent color saturation, and Kodak Tri-X black and white film, popular for its robust texture and high sharpness, offer other alternatives for photographers who appreciate the aesthetics of medium format photography.

Choosing the right film can go a long way to achieving the atmosphere and mood you want in your photos. It’s worth trying out different films to see which style best suits your personal expression. The Holga 120 GCFN provides a great platform to explore the unique qualities of each film and create striking images in the process.

Technical datasheet

Technical specifications of the camera
Attribute	Specification
Type of Camera	Viewfinder camera
Film format	120
Focal length	60 mm
Widest aperture	f/8
Minimum focus distance	100 cm / 3.28 ft
Focus	Manual
Exposure times	1/125 second, Bulb
Bulb mode	Yes
Date imprinting	No
Flash	Integrated flash
Tripod mount	Yes
Cable release thread	No
Self-timer	No
Power supply	2x AA batteries
Estimated value / Used price	66,82 Euro 109,6599,1762,12513,3255,4310623,62767,1670,72 i Estimate based on used prices of 3 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of December 9, 2024
Average used price in the year 2023	49,00 Euro (53.04 US-Dollar)
Average used price in the year 2024	64,67 Euro (69.27 US-Dollar)

FAQ about the Holga 120 GCFN

What kind of film does this plastic camera use?

This Holga camera uses 120 film, also known as medium format film. It offers a larger negative size than 35mm film, resulting in higher detail and image quality.

Does the Holga 120 GCFN have a flash?

Yes, it has a built-in flash with color filters (blue, yellow, red). Unlike some models, you can't attach an external flash.

Is the lens made of plastic or glass?

Unlike some similar Holga models, the Holga 120 GCFN features a glass lens, which is claimed to produce slightly sharper images than plastic lenses. However, some debate this.