© Lorraine DarConte

“Everyone at Photographic Works/ArtsEye Gallery, a local Tucson business, loves the Holga—a plastic toy camera that shoots 120mm film. In fact, they love it so much, they host an annual photo competition that attracts photographers from around the world. The exhibit features work shot with Holgas and other curious cameras (pin hole, phones, and then some). The giant camera was originally conceived as a prop for the exhibit that paid homage to the Holga. About halfway through the construction process, it was decided it could be made into a functioning camera. All the dimensions are the same as the toy camera, only 20 times larger (to scale).” The builder of the giant Holga and the owner of the photo lab invited photographer Francois Robert to take photographs with the giant Holga on location. “I scouted around and in Tucson for 2 days making sure each location would have an easy access for the horse trailer and the pick up truck.The most challenging aspect of working with it is actually moving it from site to site. Luckily, the camera fits inside a two-horse trailer, though just barely.” – Francois Robert.

The camera is loaded with photographic paper, either color or black-and-white. It can handle film, but there isn’t any large enough on the market that will fit (30″X30″). Hence, the paper, which comes in rolls and can be used as film. A typical exposure depends on how the paper is rated and the filtration. B&W paper typically needs an exposure of about 1 to 2 minutes, while color paper, without filtration, needs about 1 minute. To learn more, contact Photographic Works (520 327- 7291).

© Lorraine DarConte

© Lorraine DarConte

© Francois Robert

 © Francois Robert

© Francois Robert