JPG Magazine: Stories: My Precious: My Precious Polga

My Precious

My Precious Polga

Holgaroid Instant Film Back by A-Power Inc.

By Nicole Gesmondi

6 April 2008

I had been eyeing a Polaroid back for my Holga for what seemed like forever. After finally receiving one for Christmas and stocking up on recently discontinued Polaroid film, I easily attached the back and went out shooting as soon as I could. Because of my love of old cameras, film and experimental processes, I was very excited to see the results develop before my eyes.

With the Holgaroid instant film back, or as I call it "My Polga", I get the old school photography that I love in an instant (well, in around 90 seconds depending in the outside temperature). Sometimes the film gets stuck when I pull it out. When this happens, the developer (which consists of a caustic paste) can create funky edges and make the image feel "old".

The Holgaroid back takes two different Polaroid film sizes: Polaroid T-80 series films as well as 690/669 size films. The very hard to find T-80 series films result in a full frame image. 690/669 type film images are slightly off center.

These images were the first round of photos snapped. I shot using Polaroid 672 Black & White Instant Pack film ISO 400, which was perfect on that particular cloudy day. Later in the day, when it was bright and sunny out, Polaroid 669 Color Instant Pack film ISO 80 was used. When using the color film, I would definitely suggest using a yellow filter. On the back of the color film box there is a note that reads, "Yellow filtration may be required." Without it, the images have a blue tint to them, as you can see from my pictures.

If you aspire to creating retro looking photos (and if you own a Holga, you are already halfway there), invest in a Holgaroid instant film back. Get your hands on some Polaroid film while you still can. Just please leave some for me!

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