Why Is This So Bloody Fun? Holga Plastic Lens on Micro 4/3.

So, on a whim and a suggestion (from Andrea Costa, one of my readers), I recently picked up a Holga plastic lens for my Lumix DMC-G3 Micro 4/3 camera. Total cost? $22 including shipping, and a couple of weeks waiting for shipment from Hong Kong.
 
(Click Here) to go to Holga Direct if you want one.
 
I used mine on our last day in Barcelona. I can't really explain why, but it's sort of freeing to not worry about the technical quality of your images. It's a blast to just snap whatever comes in front of your eyes. One very rough focus knob is all there is. The f-stop is always f8. I used aperture priority sometimes, manual shutter speed settings, other times. Most of the time I used iso 400, but went up to 3200 in dark places.
 
This shot was taken from the cable car going up to Montjuic Castle. These guys were working on the roof of a building in the part.

Roof Repairs, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Holga 25mm f8 for Micro 4/3

Going Up, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Holga 25mm f8 for Micro 4/3

I find that this lens works best with bold shapes and colors. Maybe that's one of the things I like about using it. It just kind of captures blurry little memories of what you're experiencing. I really, really like using it.

Vines, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Holga 25mm f8 for Micro 4/3

Montjuic Castle Arches, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Holga 25mm f8 for Micro 4/3

 

Lamps, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Holga 25mm f8 for Micro 4/3

Tomatoes, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Holga 25mm f8 for Micro 4/3

I highly recommend that you get one of these. I can feel it being a great solution for creative block, when I just can't think of anything to shoot, or what to say with my photography. I wondered about whether I'd regret using it on a trip to Barcelona - didn't I want all nice, sharp images? The answer is no. The Holga lens really added to my trip, and the shots here will be part of my memories of the trip.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 
DMC-365.blogspot.com