The Holga 120 N is a plastic medium format camera. It is an improved version of the Holga 120 S. The “N” in the name of the camera stands for “New”. The Holga 120 N was introduced in 2009.
Most of the Holga 120 N is made of plastic, which makes it very light for a medium format camera. The typical Holga design is almost entirely black.
The typical Holga photos are square (6×6). However, with the help of an included mask, photos can also be taken in 6×4.5 format. This way, 16 photos fit on a normal 120 film instead of just 12. However, you do lose some of the special look, such as vignetting.
The Holga has a fixed lens with a focal length of 60 mm. The Holga is a bit more wide-angle than the Diana F+. The maximum aperture is f/8, which can be changed with a slider above the lens. If you can see the small cloud there, the aperture is set to f/8; if you see the sun, it is set to f/11.
The exposure time is set on the bottom of the camera. You can choose between a fixed exposure time of about 1/125 s (N) and a bulb mode for long exposures. As long as the shutter release button is pressed, the shutter is open in Bulb mode. After use, you should set the switch back to “N”, because you tend to forget this when taking the next photo and the result of this is only blurred and blurred pictures.
However, due to the cheap manufacturing (quality control), the values, such as the exposure time, can vary somewhat.
The distance is adjusted by turning the lens. The Holga 120 N is a camera with zone focus. The distance to the subject must be estimated by the photographer. Around the lens there are small pictograms instead of meters to simplify focusing. The single person corresponds to 1 meter, the small group to 2 meters, the large group of people to 6 meters and the mountain is the setting for infinity.
The built-in viewfinder of the Holga 120 N is not connected to the lens and is also not on the same axis as the lens. Therefore, you should not rely 100% on everything being exactly as you composed it in the viewfinder.
A flash can be connected to the Holga 120 N via hot shoe. Of course, the flash does not have to be made by Holga itself. The Holga is fully mechanical and does not need batteries. It does not have a light meter, of course. For long exposures, the Holga has a tripod connection. Double and multiple exposures can of course be made with the Holga 120 N simply by pressing the shutter release multiple times, since the transport mechanism and the shutter release are not connected.
The Holga is notorious for its light leaks. This means that unwanted light can sometimes penetrate through the cracks onto the film. The back also likes to fall off in the middle of a photo shoot. To prevent the worst light leaks, you should mask the back with lightproof tape. The back can also be prevented from falling off with tape.
In terms of price, the 120 N is probably the cheapest medium format Holga. You can probably get the best price for a new one at Asian online dealers. Depending on the dealer, the scope of delivery may vary a bit. In most cases you get the two masks (6×6, 6×4,5), a simple strap, the manual and the lens cap with the camera.
Accessories for the Holga 120 N
There are, of course, accessories available separately from Holga.
For example, there are flashes and lens attachments to change the focal length (into a fisheye lens, for example). A set of macro and close-up lenses are available, as are color and other filters for the Holga’s lens. 35mm film can also be used in the medium format camera with the 35mm Adaptor. However, this takes a bit of tinkering without the adapter.
The Holga can also be turned into an instant camera with the Holgaroid instant back. This can be attached to most medium format Holga’s. Either the old Polaroid pack films or Fujifilm’s films (FP-100C, FP-100B, FP-400B, FP-3000B) can be used as film.
Films for the Holga 120 N
Medium format films are needed for the Holga 120 N. Fresh film stock is still being produced for this type of film. Possible films for the Holga 120 N are the Kodak Portra 400* and the Ilford Delta 400*.
Sample photos
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Rotary knob |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 60 mm |
| Focal length | 60 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 1 m, 2 m, 6 m, Infinite |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Estimated value / Used price | 49,64 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 68,87 Euro (73.60 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 88,92 Euro (95.25 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Holga 120 N
Is the Holga 120 N camera made of metal or plastic?
The Holga 120 N is primarily made of plastic. This makes it surprisingly lightweight for a medium format camera, although this material choice also contributes to its unique aesthetic and potential for light leaks.
What kind of pictures does this camera take?
It produces square 6x6cm photos, but a mask is included to allow for 6x4.5cm shots. This mask lets you fit more images on a roll of 120 film, increasing the number of pictures from 12 to 16.
How do I focus the lens on the Holga 120N?
The Holga 120 N uses zone focusing. You estimate the distance to your subject using pictograms on the lens (person, group, mountain for infinity) rather than precise meter markings.
Does the Holga 120 N need batteries to operate?
No, the Holga 120N is fully mechanical. It doesn't require batteries and relies solely on manual operation for all its functions, including shutter speed and aperture control.
What's special or unique about the images from this camera?
Holgas are known for their light leaks, creating unique, unpredictable effects on photos. The somewhat inaccurate lens, combined with the lack of an exposure meter, also contributes to its distinctive aesthetic, leading to surprising results.