The Holga 120 S is a camera for 120 film. The Holga was designed as an inexpensive camera for the Chinese people. The plastic camera was built in Hong Kong.
It is the predecessor of the Holga 120 N. In its successor, some flaws were eliminated. For example, the tripod mount is more centrally located and the shutter has been improved.
The Holga 120 S has a switch to change the aperture, but this does not change anything. This error has been corrected in the 120 N. In addition, some other bugs have been fixed in the Holga 120 N. The aperture is given as f/8, but it is probably more like f/13.
Production of the 120 S has since been discontinued.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| 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 |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Hong Kong |
| Estimated value / Used price | 83,80 Euro 14613080674711353790693 Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of April 7, 2025 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 80,25 Euro (86.59 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Holga 120 S
Is this camera easy to use?
The Holga 120 S is designed for simplicity, making it accessible to beginners. However, keep in mind that it's a basic camera with some quirks, so experimentation is key to mastering its use.
What kind of film does the device use?
This particular model uses 120 film, a medium format film known for its larger negatives and potential for high-quality prints. This also means that the number of shots you can take is limited to the film roll.
Where was this plastic camera made?
The Holga 120 S was manufactured in Hong Kong. It's known for its inexpensive and simple design.
Does the aperture setting actually change the aperture?
No, the aperture setting on the Holga 120 S is a known flaw. It doesn't actually adjust the aperture; this was rectified in later models.
Is this specific model still available?
Production of the Holga 120 S has ceased. You'll likely need to find one used, but its simple design makes it reliable even after many years.