The Steps
parts & labor
what's needed to get the job done
the back
trim the opening
the body
gut the insides
lens assemblies
remove and retrofit
set infinity
focus correct
fix the leaks
seal the lens
center the lens
get a full frame
completed
photos and tips
Parts & Labor
The problem with the Holga is that its lens just can't cover a full frame of rectangular peel apart film.
A Diana toy camera has a lens which can.
Because both cameras are considered toys, you should not spend a whole lot of money on one, especially considering that at the end of this project, you will basically destroy these cameras.
There are two backs available for the Holga. One is ONLY for 80-series square films. It is typically called the T80 back and is grey with a rounded back. You do NOT want this back.
The Holgaroid back you want is the CB-103 back that takes BOTH square and rectangular films. It is black, with a flat back.
It will look similar to this one. Make sure it has a darkslide.
For some reason the Holga Polaroid back, sometimes called Polga, is not cheap. Expect to spend anywhere from $75-150 for a clean back. Basically the Polga back is just a normal Polaroid film back with a Holga adapter attached. The adapter is the expensive part...only one company makes it.
With both cameras and a Holgaroid back you are ready to begin.