The Holga 120 GFN is a plastic camera for medium format. The difference to the Holga 120 N is that the lens is not made of plastic, but of glass and that it does not have a hot shoe, but a built-in flash.
The lens of the Holga 120 GFN is fixed. The focal length is fixed and is 60 mm. The widest aperture is f/8. The lens is focused using a four-stage zone focus system. The close focus distance of the lens is 100 cm.
There is a bulb mode for long exposures. There is a built-in flash for low-light photography. Two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*) provide power. This camera also does not lack a thread for a tripod.
Films for the Holga 120 GFN
Roll films are exposed in the Holga 120 GFN. The production of 120 films has not been finished yet and you can still find them. One possibility for B&W images is the Ilford Delta 100*. A possible film for color images is the Lomography Color Negative 100 120*. The black and white film must be processed in a special black and white developer. The Lomo film, on the other hand, can be processed by most photo labs without any problems.
The negatives are produced in 6×6 format. With this film format, one roll of film has room for twelve exposures. With the 6×4.5 mask, sixteen images fit on a 120 film.
There is a small window on the back. In this window, you can see the current number of frames. With the 6×4.5 mask, you have to set the slider to 16, otherwise the spacing will not be correct. This is also the case if you do not use a mask with the camera. The film is rewound with a rotary wheel on the top of the camera. At the end of the roll you have to wind a little bit, then you can take out the film. Rewinding, as with the 35mm format, is not necessary.
Technical datasheet
| 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 |
FAQ about the Holga 120 GFN
Is the lens made of plastic or glass?
Unlike some similar models, the Holga 120 GFN has a glass lens, not a plastic one. This contributes to a potentially improved image quality compared to its plastic-lensed counterparts. It also doesn't have a hot shoe.
How do I focus the camera?
This medium format camera uses a four-step zone focusing system. You simply select the appropriate zone based on the distance to your subject. It's a simple system, perfect for beginners.
What kind of film does it use and how many pictures can I take?
The Holga 120 GFN uses 120 roll film. With the standard 6x6 format, you get 12 shots per roll. Using the 6x4.5 mask, you can fit 16 images onto a single roll.
Does the camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, this model features a built-in flash for shooting in low-light conditions. It requires two AA batteries to power it. This is advantageous over cameras that require separate flash units.
Can I use a tripod with this camera?
Yes, the camera has a tripod mount, so you can easily attach it to a tripod for stable, long-exposure shots. This is useful for various photography styles and scenarios.