The Holga 135 TLR is a 35 mm camera. Like the Holga 120 TLR, it has a shaft viewfinder. This means that you look at the image through a second lens above the normal lens. As is typical for the Holga, not only the camera but also the lenses are plastic.
The Holga 135 TLR has two aperture settings, cloudy (f/8) and sunny (f/11). It also has two shutter speeds, N (1/100 sec) for shooting in daylight and sunshine, and B (Bulb), where the shutter is open as long as the shutter button is pressed. Bulb mode can be used to take night shots, for example.
Any type of 35mm film can be used in the Holga 135 TLR. Color film or black and white film doesn’t matter. However, the fixed 47 mm lens does not capture a square image onto the film, but a normal rectangular image.
The Twin Lens Holga has the necessary connections for a tripod, cable release and flash. Double and multiple exposures can also be made with the 35mm camera.
As with the Holga 135, the Holga 135 TLR is also available as a Black Corner Edition (BC for short). Here, a filter is built into the camera to provide more vignetting.
Films for the Holga 135 TLR
According to the manual, the Holga 135 TLR is designed for 35mm format. These films are still manufactured and can be offered by almost any developing dealer.
Available photographic films for the still camera that are readily available from online retailers include the Kodak Ultramax 400* for captivating color shots and the Ilford Delta 400* for brilliant black and white shots. According to various reviews, they are well suited for everyday shooting and deliver solid results.
A number of other manufacturers also produce film for this format. The exposure area of the 35mm photo camera is 24mm x 36mm. A conventional roll of film can hold about 36 pictures.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Thumbwheel |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focal length | 47 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/8 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Waist-level finder |
| Exposure times | 1/100 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
FAQ about the Holga 135 TLR
Is the Holga 135 TLR easy to use, even for beginners?
Yes, the Holga 135 TLR is quite simple to operate. It only has a few settings for aperture and shutter speed, making it straightforward to learn. Its simple design is perfect for those new to film photography.
What kind of film does this twin-lens camera take?
It uses standard 35mm film, both color and black and white. This makes it easy to find film at most photo shops or online retailers. You can experiment with different ISO speeds to achieve various effects.
How do I take long exposure photos with the plastic lens camera?
The Holga 135 TLR has a 'B' or Bulb setting. This keeps the shutter open as long as you hold down the shutter release button. This is great for night photography or other low-light situations.
Does this camera have any special features?
It allows for multiple exposures, meaning you can take several shots on one frame, creating layered or unique effects. It also has mounts for a tripod and flash.
What is the image size like on the Holga camera?
The Holga 135 TLR produces standard rectangular images, not square ones, as you might expect from some other cameras. The fixed 47mm lens gives you a good field of view for most situations.