When To Use Long Exposures With Your Holga

I got a question from a reader a few days ago asking when long exposures should be used. I thought it was actually a pretty good question for new Holga users, and as a consequence I decided to write this detailed introduction to long exposures.

What Are Long Exposures

Long exposures are pretty self explanatory, its when you expose your camera or Holga film to light for a long period of time.

With the Holga this is possible by using the B setting on the bottom of the lens. On this mode, the shutter will stay open (exposing the film to light) for as long as you keep your finger down on the shutter button. This is different to the N setting because that just does an automated 1/125second shutter speed.

When To Use Them

Typically, you use long exposures at times where there is low light. Film needs light to catch an image, and if there isn't much of it around you will need to expose the film for a long period of time. This is when the B (bulb) setting comes into play.

Mounted on a tripod, you will hold the shutter open for a set period of time (usually an educated guess) in order to ensure that the film gets enough light to make an image!

Night time and indoors are the main places and times that you will use this setting.

Examples

Since the beginning of time, Holga users have been experimental. There is a lot you can do with the B setting. Take a look at these examples below. They have all captured moving light by leaving the shutter open as the object moves past the camera, creating a snake like effect on your photograph.





You can of course just use it to make sure you get a good exposure. Here are some examples of that too.

Conclusion

So in conclusion long exposures are needed where there isn't enough light to capture a photograph. Make sure your camera is always mounted on a tripod when you use the B mode otherwise they will look wobbly and crazy.

Thanks for reading and if you have any more questions please ask. I think this pretty much clears it all up!

Happy shooting.

Labels: B, Bubl, Long Exposures, Newbies