What is the difference between a Holga 135 and a Holga 135BC camera?

Hi ashley Please don't be discouraged by the negative, condescending trash talk of bitter old photographers. As you may or may not realise, the whole point of Lomo brand cameras is to have fun and experiment. There is no such thing as "better" in that world.

In all reality, there is no such thing as "better" in the rest of the photography world either, but particularly not when using these funky plastic toy cameras to create unique and often silly or fun images. It's all whatever you are inspired by. The twin lens Holga is going to draw more attention and, in theory, has a more useful viewfinder than the 135bc.

However, the 135bc is smaller and more compact. So if you want a camera that you can carry around with you anywhere more easily and is less attention grabbing, go with the 135bc. If you are only taking your camera out for special occasions and don't mind the additional size, the twin lens might prove to be more interesting/fun.

The decision would typically be made between a view camera and a tlr by the type of photography you practice but I think that there won't be a massive difference in actual use of either camera. I suppose that if you are shooting more objects/subject in the 3-6 feet from the camera range, like portraits, the TLR may provide more accurate focusing. But if you're doing landscapes, the type of viewfinder won't matter since you will just be setting focus to infinity.

Most people who use film cameras, own many cameras and enjoy them each for their own unique quirks. With Holgas in particular, there is a lot of variation on how they are made so people will often tell you that no two Holgas can take the same photo. Since they are each built slightly differently, they each have their own character.

Really obsessive people will even buy many copies of the same model! So anyway, my point is that it's totally up to you and I've just provided a few considerations. I hope you enjoy whichever camera you wind up with and are inspired to try other camera designs with time.

Please don't forget to choose a best answer and take care!

Good answer from Johnny. I will add a few things. Are you understanding what the BC means in the 135bc designation?

In case you don't, it means "black corners". The internal design of the camera is such that it trys to emulate the black corners that are a trademark of the more typical Holga camera that uses 120 medium format film when set to the 6x6 cm frame size. Honestly, my opinion is I do believe you would soon tire of these "fake" black corners on ALL of your shots.

I would say to use the "normal" 135 Holga rather than the bc version. But frankly, I suggest not using any of the 35mm Holga cameras. To me, the "real" Holga is the medium format camera.

It gives you a massively larger negative that you can do so much more with. Yes, using medium format film is more expensive. You typically have to order the film, and unless you have a SERIOUS photo lab in your area, you will have to send the film out for processing.

All of this does cost more money than using 35mm film hanging on a rack in a store somewhere. Still, I think it to be worth it. Here are some of my Holga shots done with the Holga 120 FN, using black and white film mainly from Ilford.

http://www.lightanon.com/-/lightanon/gal...

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