Hi Bro
When I first saw the Holga many years ago, I said to me self "what the ......??!!"
But I bought one in 1998 there about, and then it came only with a 645 mask. I had to butcher it to make it 6X6. The shuttle sticked, and had to oil it to make it work.
The first roll was like a joke, freaky, not sure, and I used the flash for everyshot. On Agfa Optima 400 colour print film. Results? Super! The vignetting was nice. It works very well for a half body mug shot.
Then latter I bought from someone here for about $55, the Holga improved for a 6X6 mask with a blue coloured box. Light leak problems still existed. But overall a lot more improvement. Yes, you can buy the original from China for damn cheap price, but then the $55 camera was pretty fun to shoot.
Because of work I ignored my camera for several years. Lately, I picked up two more Holga.
One is for 6X6. The new one has an improvement to provide a B shuttle! And it has glass lens. I like it very much. However, the selector is still a dud. Have to butcher to make a F16/F22 hole. Picture is slightly better than the old plastic ones! I can make time exposure on F22!
And am I glad there are so many more Holga lomo youngsters now!
Also, I have purchased the 35mm back, which I think it is magic. In the past I mask up the back and had a hard time determining how much 35mm film to wind. Now it is a complete precision made back! The picture is funky (must use ASA400) and I highly recommend the Fuji 800 .
~$65 dollors for a much improved Holga..... it is reasonable. And I thank those who make this camera available here in shops.... buying from USA or China can be a pain.