burancap
Veteran
I am a Leicafan, but I must admit the Holga would likely be a great deal more "fun." ...and fun is why this is supposed to be my hobby.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Hmmmm.... Only if you are prepared to use it. I had a Diana in the days before Holgas, and it was a piece of junk. I do not see how Holgas are better. Yes, I know there are people who like surprises in the form of light leaks, poor focus, rotten exposures, etc., but I've never seen the appeal myself. I genuinely wouldn't bother to waste film by putting it into a Diana or Holga. If I couldn't afford anything better, and had to work around the limitations of a cheap camera, I'd infinitely rather have a Lyubitel.
This doesn't mean that I'm right and Holga fans are wrong, but equally, it sure as hell doesn't mean that Holga fans are right and I'm wrong.
Cheers,
R.
seakayaker1
Well-known
I put my vote in for the M9 since I own one.
You can easily purchase a used M9, like I did, and pick up a used leica lens or a couple of new Voigtlander Lens for . . . . . what ever the price it would not be 15K.
Most folks on the forum have multiple cameras, so perhaps an M9 and a Holga..
My suggestion would be buy a Leica and a lens, go to Europe take some photographs, then when you run low on cash, sell it, buy the Holga and spend the extra cash on the extended vacation.
. . . . . will look forward to the slide show on FlickR.
You can easily purchase a used M9, like I did, and pick up a used leica lens or a couple of new Voigtlander Lens for . . . . . what ever the price it would not be 15K.
Most folks on the forum have multiple cameras, so perhaps an M9 and a Holga..
My suggestion would be buy a Leica and a lens, go to Europe take some photographs, then when you run low on cash, sell it, buy the Holga and spend the extra cash on the extended vacation.
. . . . . will look forward to the slide show on FlickR.
Vickko
Veteran
Yes, define "Best".
I can buy five Nikon F's for every Leica M4.
And don't even start to compare lenses, any brand vs "Leica".
I think Leica is "best" for me, because I have decided, it is best for my GAS attacks. And I can sell at what I bought at, if I buy carefully.
And in my moments of weakness, I splurge on pretty black Nikon F's.
Never shot a Holga yet. Should try one though.
Vick
I can buy five Nikon F's for every Leica M4.
And don't even start to compare lenses, any brand vs "Leica".
I think Leica is "best" for me, because I have decided, it is best for my GAS attacks. And I can sell at what I bought at, if I buy carefully.
And in my moments of weakness, I splurge on pretty black Nikon F's.
Never shot a Holga yet. Should try one though.
Vick
Best answer really... if you prefer the holga, anyone can buy one.
gho
Well-known
You asked for it, I tell you the truth, Holga wins hands down. Stieglitz said its not the subject matter that makes a good photograph, Weegee said f8 and be there, Capa said get closer, but I say: its the Holga. ;-) Pair it with an adjustable flash, some random film, know your exposure values, relax, lay back and enjoy - at least in theory. 8)
Griffin
Grampa's cameras user
Actually a Leica M9 is useless by itself. You'll need a lens. As far as I know the Holga comes with a (plastic) lens and is therefore more useful.
God I'm clever.
God I'm clever.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Tough one! I had to go for the Holga. The M9 doesn't come in white or pink. And then there's the problem of M9's sensor. It doesn't outperform every other sensor on the planet, so it can't be any good.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Nice!! I believe those were shot with a Holga and then post-processed through the iPhone's Hipstamatic algorithm. And then a bit more vignette added for drama. Sweet.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
What... you ask for precision when discussing the Holga?
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Yes. Because he likely couldn't get a job these days... at least not as a photographer; too much competition on Flickr! But all kidding aside, HCB would be using a phone, with the built-in "Magnum" app.
But all kidding aside, HCB would be using a phone, with the built-in "Magnum" app.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
I just picked up a $25 Holga lens that has a micro four thirds mount. The cost is coming down! I predict ten bucks by mid-2012, unless Leica buys Holga of course. Then I don't know... that titanium s**t is expensive!
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
I believe its the photographer, the photographer's parents, the photographer's socio-economic background, the camera, and the socks. Well, really, its the lucky socks most of the time.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Stephen, a better question might have been: "Which is a better babe magnet, the M9 or the Holga".
Mike Riches
Established
$40.00 is a little high for a Holga .
uhoh7
Veteran
LOL
in the long run, the M9 might not be more expensive, because if you buy with care its just money in the bank and digital is free.
With a holga you either pay or fiidle alot to scan etc.
But as said the holga is not scary to carry
isoterica
Established
I think whatever camera that you use has to be learned. You have to learn its strong points and its weaknesses. I'm not so much for accidents as I am mastering the tools I have or at the very least trying to. And you can learn a Holga just like any other camera. I'm not saying it's my favorite of all my cameras, just saying in capable hands it can be a good tool. You can also put your holga lenses on digital cameras. Npw here's a mutation, Holga lens on an M9. Hehe seriously if I could ever even afford a Leica.. I'd probably only have money left for a Holga lens!
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Make a pinhole camera and save $38.
Dirk
Privatier
I think "best" can be defined by its intended purpose, as in "what's the best tool for the job?" If you're goal is to make Ansel Adams type of images, where sharpness and detail are paramount, you need different tools compared to making street photography a la Henri Cartier-Bresson whose images from the 30's don't show ultimate sharpness or detail.
So, if you want to make artsy and edgy stuff, the Holga may indeed be the best tool for the job. If not, it won't be and some other tool will be best.
So, if you want to make artsy and edgy stuff, the Holga may indeed be the best tool for the job. If not, it won't be and some other tool will be best.