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My GOLDEN HALF – a Camera Review

by Jay Versluis on August 4, 2009

in Plastic Camera Reviews

The following pictures are mostly from my first roll – actually colour film developed in black and white chemicals. Hence the eerie feel. I’ve got some others coming up on Flickr shortly.

gh-roll1-34-of-45 gh-roll1-24-of-45

If you like the look of harsh grain and super 8 movies, this one’s for you. Add to that the small and lightweight size, paired with a huge arsenal of pictures you can take, add in some unpredictability (as is awlays a good ingredient with plastic cameras), and have fun.

I think the Golden Half, like the Holga 135 BC, is going to be a key part of my 35mm work from now on, especially in black and white. I’ve shot some stuff on colour too, and will post it in my newly created Flickr Golden Half Collection if and when it’s scanned. Keep an eye out.

Conclusion

If you’re into alternative photogrpahy and find odd formats fascinating, this is for you. If you’re looking for a cheap plastic camera and want to cut down on processing costs – understandable in the current financial climate – go and invest.

Films can be processed on the high street, although you’ll see two pictures side by side rather than singles (as shown in these examples). If you’re not into that, order larger prints and cut them in half. If you’re scanning your results like I do, be prepared for some long sessions – after all, you’re creating dozens of images per roll.

Where to get it from

  • eBay (of course)
  • Photographer’s Gallery in London
  • Holga Magic (very slow server)

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{ 69 comments… read them below or add one }

melomo May 27, 2011 at 11:23 am

THANKS FOR THE QUICK RESPONCE…SEEMS THIS CAMERA IS TRICKY TO SAY THE LEAST, ESP. NOW WHEN I READ OF THE REVERSED VIEWING OF YOUR SUBJECT, IE PORTRAIT IS REALLY LANDSCAPE ETC…..I GUESS I’LL JUST SHOOT AWAY AND PROCESS THE INFO I GET BACK..

THANKS AGAIN, YOU’VE BEEN VERY HELPFUL, WE ALL APP. THE INFO YOU PROVIDE…

Reply

Bert July 14, 2011 at 7:58 am

Hello Jay,
Thank you for the nice review. You mentioned you developed color film as black&white. Interesting procedure I would like to try myself. Could you please tell me how to do this?
Thanks,
Bert from Holland

Reply

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