Holga Spool Tensioner
One modification that I have never made to my Holga is a spool tensioner. It isn’t that I don’t need tension on the spool, it is just that I didn’t like any of the methods described online. The ones I have seen involve cutting and taping plastic strips or jamming cardboard under the spool. Not that my Holga is elegant, by any means, but I just want a cleaner solution. Yesterday it hit me when I saw a sponge brush in a box of tools. You can get them at Wal-Mart for $0.36. Your Holga probably came with a little bit of similar sponge glued underneath where the film goes. All you have to do is cut the sponge off the stick and put it in your Holga! Since the brush has a thin piece of plastic inside the sponge, it is perfect for a spool tensioner. I put the sponge on the left side of the film, but you could probably stick it on any side. The plastic prevents the sponge from getting pulled through with the film. No glue or tape or anything else required. I also use this for a spool tensioner on my Lego cameras with good results.
Ebay is a great place to shop for the Holga. Here’s what is on Ebay right now:
 | US $16.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 15:54:35 PST Buy It Now for only: US $19.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
 | US $5.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 16:39:40 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | US $20.50 (3 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 17:25:28 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | US $59.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 20:49:08 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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 | US $63.79 End Date: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 0:35:59 PST Buy It Now for only: US $63.79 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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 | US $20.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 3:53:33 PST Buy It Now for only: US $25.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
 | US $70.00 End Date: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 5:12:57 PST Buy It Now for only: US $70.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
 | US $59.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 6:34:22 PST Buy It Now for only: US $80.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
February 28th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
I have two Holgas that have languished in the closet because of this issue of film tensioners moving about inside and ruining my film. Your solution is brilliant. Now, if only we could see some images of how you used this solution? Please.
March 27th, 2006 at 9:57 am
I looked at a variety of methods for maintaining spool tension and the spring/cardboard under the spool never really worked quite right. I ended up taking an old credit card, cutting a chunk off, folding it, filing down the end so it wasn’t a sharp edge and gluing it onto the back cover. Since then I’ve never had any problems with the spool losing tension.
I know the sponge-brushes are cheap, but it seems to be that you’ll end up having to replace that sponge frequently. I could be wrong, as I’ve never tried it. My tensioners have last over 2 years at this point.
Click my name below to see the mod in play.
-John
March 27th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
yep i use those for my tensioner on my holga#1
thing is, the new holgas (120N) are very very nicely tensioned. maybe its time for an upgrade.
between that, the bulb mode and tripod stand, i found it worth it:)
j.