The Holga 135 TIM (Twin Image Maker)
is a very compact half frame, dual image camera for 35mm film. It's
based on the Holga 135 body, but has 2 lenses instead of one. So it can
take 2 nearly idetical images at a time on one 24x36mm frame which can
be used as stereo images.
However it has two independent built-in lens covering to shoot one side
or the other independently to get half frame images. The shutter is
cocked either by winding the camera or via a MX (Multiple Exposure)
switch. The front of the camera looks like a human face, with the lens
covers as eyelids. It was made in black, white, blue, red, yellow and
pink.
Holga made a hand held stereo viewer and envelopes which were sold
separately. They also made a proprietary filter holder for special
effects filters. I was not yet able to put my hands on these 2 items.
The camera was also sold as a kit with a matching flash.
Its
main features are:
29mm wide lenses, F8, focus free, 3 apertures: F8, F11, F22
Shutter ~1/100s and B,
Double exposure, 2 lens sliders, 1 on each lens lens, hot shoe, tripod socket, cable release Size 116x80x45, Weight 144 gr.
Camera with dedicated flash. The flash has a choice of colour filters to put in front of it.
Camera
front, both lids closed. Aperture setting with weather symbols
Camera
front, one lid open to shoot a half frame picture..
Both lids open to shoot a stereo picture.
Camera back. Viewer, thumb wheel for film advance and shutter cocking.
Camera
top. Film rewind, hot shoe, shutter
release with cable release thread and counter. On the "lens housing": double exposure switch. Camera bottom unsharp. Rewind release button and tripod socket.
The shutter setting is a bit hidden on the side of the lens block.
Back open.
The flash, guide no. 12.
Battery compartment takes one AAA battery. The exposure table is meant
for a different camera. This camera only has F8, F11 and F22.
Using the Holga 135 TIM leaves a choice: Either you shoot stereo photos
or you shoot half frame. Shooting stereos is like any camera, cock the
shutter, frame your picture and shoot. Framing is a guess as the viewer
shows a full 24x36mm picture, you will get full height, but only half
the width. Set aperture according to the light conditions.
Shooting half frames needs a bit of organization or an extremely good
memory to remember, which half you already exposed. Having taken the
first half of the frame, push the double exposure switch and change the
lens covers. Now you are ready for the second shot. To not mix up
things, I cock the shutter and open le left lens cover first. And after
taking the first (left) photo I change the covers and cock again via
the MX switch. After taking the right photo, it's changing the covers
again and cock via film advance. So the camera is always ready to shoot
when I take it out of my pocket. You can use the MX switch for double
exposures of course.
As there is only one shutter speed, you
have to choose your film depending on the weather conditions. On bright
days ISO 200 is fine, on dull days ISO 400 is better. Modern film is
quite flexible, so you will have usable results. Having 3 apertures helps a lot. Inside or at night
photos are possible as there is a B setting. It's a toy or fun camera,
all plastic, but it's fun indeed. Holga build quality seems to be a lot better than other Lomo cameras.
