Using 220 Film

220 film is the same width as 120, but is twice the length, which means you get roughly twice the amount of pictures as a 120 roll. The disadvantage of 220 is that it has no paper backing, therefore advancing the film is much more difficult. You have to tape up the inside and outside of the red counter window, or else you will get a red light leak in the middle of your image.

Tape this window if using 220 or 35mm.

Light Leak Golden Gate by Drew Taylor

Harbour by Virginia de Diego Martín

Untitled by Megan Kline

Below are instructions for loading 220 film, courtesy of Edmund and Sophie's Photo Page.

Load 220 film into your camera and wind on. As soon as you reach the black portion of the film, cover the red counter window, then do not uncover until you finish the roll.

Once you have finished the roll, you should be able to feel the paper end turning round the take-up spool. Go into subdued light (a dark closet or a changing bag), pop the back of the Holga, wind the film round the take-up spool and secure with an elastic band or similar. Your exposed film should now be reasonably protected against further light leaks.

How do I advance to the next frame?

You use Nicolai Morrison's wonderful 35mm Advance Guide although it's written for 35mm, the theory should be the same. The table below is based upon the assumption that you are using the 6x6 mask. If you are not using the mask, check out the Holga without mask guide for the relevant information.

NOTE: There are 24 clicks to each turn of the Holga's winder

Table adapted with kind permission from Nicolai Morrison.