Holga . D
I had been looking for a camera with simple and unobtrusive user experience of analog photography with the convenience and economy of digital. Most digital camera available in the market has so many controls and settings that often we end up spending more time setting the camera up than enjoying actual photography.
I was looking for something really simple. I tried many cameras from all the brands but nothing was what I wanted. So I started developing one myself, which eventually became Holga D.
Last week I compiled a page about Holga D and put it up on my work-in-progress website to try it out online. As the site was not complete and I had shown it to only a handful of friends.
On July 1st I got a mail from Maarten of Minimalissimo that they have published the Holga D concept and it’s spreading fast on Twitter. Then I found one more article on Iainclaridge.net. I thought it would be contained within these niche design related blogs only.
But within next few hours mails started pouring in about Holga D. Within one day it was all over the net! It was on En-gadget, Wired and and many more web sites! Most surprisingly BBC contacted me to feature it on a program!!!
My mailbox got flooded with hundreds of mails. The daily traffic to my website shot up to from around 50 to more than 12000 in just 2 days!!
Although I was not planning make this concept public so early as I was still drafting out a plausible production plan I am really happy and overwhelmed to see it’s resonating with so many people out there! Although I knew a camera like Holga D has potential but I must admit that the response is way beyond what I expected.
I would like to thank Minimalissimo for discovering it, Engadget, Iainclaridge.net, Wired and many more sites for featuring it and all the people on Twitter for spreading the word! 
Now, most of the question I am getting is if and when Holga D is going to be produced as a real product. Well, I am also as interested as much as you guys to see it as a real product so that I can have one for myself!
It was developed with a desire to make it a real product. Now what’s there on the Holga D page on my site is a small part of what I have detailed out about it. But all that detail could only be useful if it goes to production. All your overwhelming response re-assures that there is a real demand for such camera.
I have some plausible plans for taking it to production that I would publish here on this blog in a few days. I would need your constructive feedback, comments, ideas and support to make it into a real camera.
** To all the people who sent me mails:
Thank you for all your mails and I will respond to all, my apology for the delayed response.
If you have any question Holga D please post it below,
I will response to it as soon as I could.
July 04 2010 05:46 pm | My work and News
I have a great knowledge of developing film/printand manipulating it digitally and it would be certainly a great opportunity to translate this knowledge to a open software for the digital cam like the holga D. Think of all cool possibilities limiting it only to jpeg and the “filters” from the open software…
would it be possible to produce a view finder for this camera that uses the rule of thirds rather than a centering view finder that is broken up into quadrants…I think that a view finder that utilizes the rule of thirds would not only help the user create better photo’s but also in itself become a marketable accesory.
I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of “Please make this available!” This is such a brilliant idea.
This project makes me all happy and warm inside. I wish you all of luck with getting this genious camera in production.
This also reminds me of my childhood. I had a video recorder (PXL-2000) that record video on audio casettes. It broke sadly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PXL-2000
Bonjour
I am a french photographer and i am working with holga 120. I am very interesting to try your olga D. Where i can buy it ?
Thank you very much youa re very talentueux.
very nice form, the symmetrical design is very nice indeed. this design should be cherished. it worths putting all glass lenses and a lcd display to it. please don’t use toy camera material or make it like a digital lomo.
An lcd display would riun the concept of not knowing how the photo is going to be. I love it as it is. If you put glass lense the Holga effect on the photo would be eliminated and the result would be just another photo of just another camera.
Ps: toy cameras rule, and for many reasons indeed.
We really hope that this gets made – we REALLY want one!!
Hi,
Very, very cool. I realize it is a concept, however based on previous experiences I have learned that it is never too early to suggest improvements:
1. LEFT/RIGHT HANDED IMPROVEMENTS TO TOP PANEL
Get rid of the numbers on the pop-off shutter release panel. No need for them: the screen could easily indicate the selected value when adjusted. Just have some nice looking dots or lines, making the camera even better for right and left handedness, alienating both even less. And place the lines and dots around the display and shutter release symmetrically about the left/right axis. Also rotate the on/off switch 90 degrees.
2. MAKE PROTRUDING CARRYING STRAP HOLDERS INTERNAL
Make the carrying strap metal buckles internal instead of external: make two slits the same size as the current hole in the white metal, with some curved space connecting them behind the metal housing. This way the strap can be pushed through into one of the holes, and come out the other; without being uncomfortable when holding.
3. MAKE THE LENS MOUNT AND LIGHT SENSOR REMOVABLE w/TOOL
Would be totally awesome if the camera features a pop-off mount and light sensor; so it could be replaced over time using a special tool accompanying the camera when purchased. The light sensor and plastic mount would snap in place with an internal mechanism that the special tool could release. Simply take off the lens, attach the tool, rotate and pull out the mount and light sensor “bucket” to replace it with an update sensor and higher resolution sensor.
4. The camera should be compatible with the SD wifi cards (http://goo.gl/WIay) – if there is any customization needed in the software.
5. Would love to see a tilt-shift lens or mount as accessory.
Look forward to purchasing it. I’m be willing to help in any way I can to make it a reality. Make it a project at http://kickstarter.com right now! Set the project price realistically high, so it actually can be made.
this is a fantastic concept / great/ dieter rams meets lowtech/
i think for holga i`ts too sophisticated.
now they sell in europe cheap toy plastic cameras produced in china as a myth.
would like to see your concept realised.
may be by muji
take care
j.n.
hi
where we can buy Holga D?
thanks
Hi
I am so in love with this camera, is it possible to purchase it?
Thank you.
I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of “Please make this available!” This is such a brilliant idea. (2)
I just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of “Please make this available!” This is such a brilliant idea. (3)
it may be very cool if the viewfinder were inside the camera (for the strongness of it and the use )
NICE ! really nice ! Congrats !
I am an avid Holga user and having a Holga D would change my life. I need to have one of these before i go crazy! when will i be able to PURCHASE THIS? thank you for coming up with this brilliant idea, i am in LOVE
when? when? when? when? when? when? when?
This is wonderfull! I want one! when this little marvel will be available??? soon i hope! thanks
can u buy this???
I want this so bad.. please let me know when it is finished!
I would like to know the release date of this product and pricing, but if the release date looks like it is too far in the future would you please be able to tell me the closest Holga product to this
thank you
Just wondering when and where I could buy this wonderful camera. Wonder could Santa bring it for me – if I was really really good.
I love the idea and the photos.
When will the camera available to buy and how much is the price??
Pecae.
I really love this camera, it’s very simple and small. I’ve been looking for a camera that can be uploaded and have effects without the hassle of photoshop. Though I was dissapointed that its not a real product yet, I am really excited for this. hopefully, this comes out, and I’ll have a christmas present hopefully under 100 dollars. I’m really happy that it happens~
Hi. Your work is great! ..where can we buy this? and how much?
I WANT ONE! Hurry up and make it! Great, great, great!
just brilliant. very interested. when and where will this be available for purchase? thanks
It looks amazing, hurry up, I want one for Christmas!
I love this!! Where can I buy it?
I want one too… Sigh!
Is the project dead?
i think this is a fantastic idea! is there a set date for release yet?
I for one(dependant on price) would love to own a camera like this! PLEASE GET THIS CAMERA INTO PRODUCTION!
Wait, I cannot fathom it being so straightfoawrrd.
Love the idea. Would really appreciate if you could please let me know when this might become available, and how I can purchase one.
Thank you.
Oh, please start producing. This would be an excellent “Pocket” camera. With an optional viewfinder this could out preform an professional dslr in it’s use.
The only thing it needs is a view finder.
how much do you think it would be? i’d love to return the camera i bought for christmas for this! please reply
I would love one of these! Any news on the project status?
This looks perfect, except for the exclusion of a viewfinder. That just makes it more frustrating, not more liberating. Fix that and this will be perfect. And then make it! I want one!
one little lacking…view finder…even a little one is good enough. rather then having it as an accessory….
shouting “loving it and cant wait to own one…”
would like to know the progress and be the distributor in Malaysia…
bottom line…got to make it cheap…
complimentary…very simple elegant form…nice colour and texture
something that every lomo user got to keep in their pocket…..
I completely agree that a viewfinder even like one on the lomo would be a must. or maybe a hot shoe flash holder but only for having accessories like optical viewfinders held in place correctly.
really would like to see this made.
only one suggestion get rid of the batteries and add the battery system all camera have now.
When and where can I buy it?
When, where, and how much?
let me add my voice to all the others…”i want this NOW” so please get it into production soon. hope you’ll email all of us when it’s ready.
If you haven’t started plans to produce your totally awesome and glorious idea yet, I’m wondering if you’ve thought about going the Kickstarter.com route? I, for one, would be interested in making an investment… and I’m sure I’m not alone.
Is there any update on whether this might go into production?
I want to buy one too!!!! I hope you get it into production and are successful!
when will it become available?? and where??
xox,
ava
Where I can buy it?
How much?
Here is my wallet please take what you see fit to provide the world with this
kickstarter.com would be a GREAT way to get some capital flowing for this.
The easiest way to get this started is put it on Kickstarter for funding and you are there! I will take one.
This is awesome! Love the idea, and the non-instant gratification is absolutely ingenious! I’d love to buy one when it comes out. Where do I sign up?
KICKSTARTER
https://www.kickstarter.com/
you’ve got to check out kickstarter!!!!
This is great! I would buy one in a heartbeat.
One thing, echoing previous commenters.. a built-in viewfinder would be essential.
Where can i buy the Holga D?
Please leave some more information about production and price!
PLEASE!!!!!!!
maybe a mailing list would be a good idea?
Can I buy a workng prototype? Haven’t seen a better concept in a camera than this. Ever.
Maybe we could get some London fashion week coverage
Please mail me directly Chris.Ansah@gmail.com
Thank you
This camera is a WONDERFUL idea! However, I would have to suggest that you give up on Holga. They will not manufacture a camera that does not take film because it goes against their philosophy. They are missing out! I recommend going to a company like Superheadz. They have a lot of really awesome cameras, and they produce some digital ones too. Your camera will fit right in there! … I just really wanna get my hands on one of these! Congrats! It looks awesome!
Have you ever thought about putting your idea up on http://www.quirky.com/
Hello man, this is easily one of the best invention for recent years! I gotta have this one! You should produce it! Update me please
Good luck & all the best!!
Where and when?!! I’m all fuzzy just dreaming about the possibilities!
i’d like to have holgaD
where can i buy it?
Congrats and good luck!
When will it be available?
Love it!
are they on sale in the UK yet? if so; where could i but one?
Do you have any for sale or where may I purchase one?
I thought of this yesterday saying “wouldn’t it be cool if there was a digital holga?” to my surprise when I googled it, here it is.
Pls. make this into a reality. I would certainly buy. If you need help with it in advertising, marketing, graphics, packaging, websites, or any other relevant work, let me know, I will be glad to help. Thanks for this!
Exactly what I realized I wanted a few weeks ago. Make it a kickstarter project and my money will be pouring in!
I WANT BUY!!! I WANT BUY SOOPAH AWESOME DIGITAL HOLGAAAAA!!!!!!! (seriously, where can i get one?)
Have you thought about placing the battery/memory card slot be on top and not bottom? Since you already have the ability to remove the top it would be a way to streamline it. Plus merging top accessory with the top (ie, remove the top and replace it with a new top that has a flash build in or a hot shoe).
WOW, thats a great concept!
I love the style and make of analog vintage Cameras, but also the practical options of digital Cameras. I also like lowtech solutions that are durable more then just 1-2 years.
So I’m in love with your Holga.D. If it came out, i would buy it for 50-100 Euro.
Really is there no Chinese Electronic manufacturer that would make this beauty real?
Is there any further update about production? getting any closer to reality ?
Will the Holga D shoot RAW? As a student pursuing a BFA in photography, I believe that RAW capture & development is becoming more common among the average “every-day” photographer. The argument against using RAW could be that using a compressed file format, like JPEG, would be cohesive to the toy camera image “qualities” that aren’t standard to mainstream, the same qualities responsible for the medium’s success. However, film contains the amount and quality of information equivalent to a digital uncompressed RAW photograph. I believe using a lower quality format would take away from capturing the experience in the way that catalyzed toy camera photography in the first place.
Also, I think the capability of RAW would open interest to the amateur photographer as well as student photographer markets and would likely significantly boost sales.
yes indeed. I think the camera should RAW only. I don’t think the appeal of this camera lies in the fact that it will capture holga like images. It needs to capture great images, and with aperture and lightroom give them the look we want. otherwise it’s really limiting i think. maybe i’m wrong.
Dear sir, could you please, please, please make this available? I’m already drooling over my keyboard by the idea of making adapters to stick old legacy lenses on this one!
This looks amazing, please make it available.
I would certainly get one–or several! Film is getting expensive and is mighty persnickety.
Bravo!
I like the pictures, but isn’t there any text to tell what features the camera would actually have? Have I missed something?
Add my name to the list of people who would buy one NOW.
This is such a great idea I hope you get it into production.
I shoot with the film Holga often. A digital version would be very cool! Keeping the highly UNcorrected optics of the original Holga would be a digital blessing. I want one. Please keep me informed as to the release date. Thanks! VERY nice concept!
i love the idea. where can i buy one? i am student photographer, and wanting to experiment digital side of holga.
WELL….this is wonderful. Just got my Ricoh GRD II stolen in France, and i need another digital square-format camera. I have 120 holga, and love the style the camera produce. I have been a photographer for 20 years, and It has gone many years since I raised my eyebrows for a new camera. this got not just my eyes wide open, but my mouth drooling of joy. so. What is the development? Have you gathered a team? Have you got the money? I need answer, because I cant wait to get one…or two…..
Where or when can I buy this brilliant idea of an camera?
hey, i like the simple design of this holga and i was wondering where do i can get this holga D ?
i’m staying in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
would you mind to tell me how much the holga D price ?
hope i will get the reply soon .
tq =)
Please dont make this an open proyect, people would trash your design and idea, the idea of having many contributors is nice because you are only a designer and not a producer. Get, via the open camera idea, a fabric or a label, talk to lomography I think they would love the idea of converting the analogue to digital but keeping the analogue life style and features.
I really hope this come a live camera and the idea its not waisted in vain.
i like your camera, too. please tell me if there is a chance of buying it.
all the best!
Hi,
Simple but brilliant idea, many photo enthusiasts were looking forward to exactly this kind of camera.
Please keep us posted on the prod plans, and please please keep the price it reasonably
Did this ever get produced?
Im pretty interested.
i liked ur holga d as it is…plz plzzzzzzzz let me know wher can i buy it plzzz…m eager 2 hav one…
thanks
regards teja (“._.”)
how to buy?
Is this for sale yet? If so where can it be purchased from?
a really nice idea which goes along with people expectations. point of views are highly subjective and such kind of cameras have their own “caracter”. it’s a easy way to distinguish our views, to add a unique touch to our still moments. Good work, hoping that it will have succes in the production and distribution phase!
“…So your photographs remain mysterious until you download the images. This makes the experience quite similar to the good old film based cameras……”
Really?!! Come on…I mean, what’s the point?!! When did being an ‘artist’ mean you give up all control? If you wanna play art photographer, buy an original Holga and knock yourself out, but this just looks like something a porkpie hat-wearing hipster doofus would carry with him to give him cred when he goes on his weekly gallery walk!
When When When???? When will this little piece of awesome get made and put into production???? This is super cool!
Will buy one the minute it comes available!
have you guys looked into kickstarter.com….i think you should. Let’s get this made
Hi, What is the current status of this project?
What about a solar panel where the LCD would normally be on a digital camera (the back)? Then you could have it charging while it’s being used.
Basically make it a simple five part design. A removable CCD and CPU (these can be upgraded), the battery/body (when the battery no longer holds a charge, you send in the body so the battery can be replaced/recycled), the removable/rotatable top (so you can shoot right/left handed), removable storage (SDXC card that stores pics and OS/filters so that people can “borrow” each others cameras, and all the software they are used to using is available), and finally the lens.
Since there’s no internal storage, you lower the cost of the camera (increasing your audience), by making the CPU and CCD upgradable, you extend the use of the system, by making it interchangeable, people can share with each other (try my hardware with your software). Anyway, I like your work.
Hi, is there any hope of actually producing a Holga.D ?
The one addition I’d like to see is a plain viewfinder, or something like a sportsfinder. The one change I’d see necessary is the focal length of the lens – it will be pretty long for a APS-C sized sensor – about 90mm, which would be great for portraits but not so hot for general use.
Otherwise, I’m on board with your concept camera. I’m using a Sony Nex-3 kind of like a Holga, especially for street photography. I got the accessory viewfinder for the 16mm lens (for a 24mm equivalent in 35mm camera terms). I use it, or sometimes just shoot without looking at all, especially for the street photos.
Hope you can keep the discussion going.
Cheers,
Britt
I was going to suggest you start a kick starter page but I see a few other smart people suggested the same idea. With all your great concept sketches and prototypes, you just need some financial backers and a manufacturer. I would back you today if you had one or I could buy it. Hope this comes to life!
This is a great idea! I was wondering why no one had made one yet. Exactly what a digital holga should be. When can I buy?