Holga is dead :(

Dear Holga fans…I have a bad news for you. Freestylephoto just reported this:

Freestyle Photographic announced today that the factory that produces Holga Cameras has ceased operations and will no longer be producing these Cameras and accessories.  

The origins of Holga began in China in 1981. At the time, photography was skyrocketing in popularity and the 120 film format was most pervasive. Holga was introduced to the Chinese public as an inexpensive medium format camera. Unfortunately for Holga, no one could have predicted the enormous impact 35mm film would have on the Chinese market. In only a few short years, Holga was overrun by its smaller format competitors. Word of an all-plastic camera spread west and its popularity grew. Tens of thousands of cameras were sold in twenty different countries with almost no change in the original design. Holga Cameras have been a part of our photographic heritage for over 33 years and have been instrumental in not only teaching photography, but also in being able to express film creativity in the digital age. “It is with a sad heart that we say goodbye to a camera that has been so popular with so many.  A Holga Camera really is about creativity and unpredictability and a refreshing medium in today’s digital age.” states Gerald H. Karmele, President and Chief Operating Officer of Freestyle.  “Holga outlived many other cameras but, as like we have seen throughout the years, is yet another casualty of the digital age”  

According the factory spokesperson in China, “…all Holga tooling has already been thrown away and there is nothing available for sale.”  Inventory is still available throughout the United States and around the world, but as units sell out, they will be no longer available.  

Established in 1946, Freestyle Photographic Supplies is a leading international retail, mail order and internet provider of photographic cameras, equipment and supplies nationwide, as well as the exclusive United States distributor of Arista photographic films and papers, Cachet archival storage boxes, Foma black and white photographic papers and films, Fotospeed specialty chemicals, Holga cameras and accessories, ADOX  films and papers, Silvergrain chemistry, LegacyPro films, chemicals and accessories, Tetenal chemicals and Rollei black and white films.