09/01/2026
We often talk about the quest for the sharpest lens, but sometimes the most emotional images come from the simplest gear. Today we are spotlighting Michalis Papadopoulos, who shoots with the legendary Holga. From an educational perspective, the Holga is fascinating because it breaks the standard rules of photography. Its simple plastic lens introduces chromatic aberrations and distinct vignetting, directing the viewer’s eye to the center of the frame while softening the edges into a dreamlike blur.
Because the camera body often isn’t perfectly light-tight, it allows for light leaks—streaks of color that burn onto the 120 film, making every single frame entirely unique. At 645lab, scanning Holga negatives requires a careful approach; we ensure that we preserve those characteristic imperfections and the raw, moody tonality that makes this medium format work so special. It is a reminder that photography is less about the gear and more about the vision.
