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What is medium format film?
Medium format film – is a photographic film with a width of 60 mm, which gives a much larger frame than conventional 35 mm film. The most popular – format is 120 film, which is used in cameras such as Holga, Lubitel, Hasselblad, Mamiya and Rolleiflex.
What is the difference between medium format film and standard 35 mm?
✅ Frame size: instead of 24×36mm (as in 35mm film), medium format cameras use frames in size 6×4.5 cm, 6×6 cm, 6×7 cm or even 6×9 cm. This gives better detail, softer shadow gradients and more pleasant background blur (bokeh).
✅ Fewer frames: since each frame is larger, one roll of 120th film fits 8-16 frames, depending on the format used by the camera.
✅ Depth and detail: due to the larger frame size, medium format film has higher resolution, which is especially noticeable when printing photos in a large format.
✅ Image plastic: characteristic softness, beautiful light play and extended dynamic range – is why medium format shots have a «cinematic» look.
Cameras that use medium format film
📸 Holga <TAG1> iconic plastic camera with minimal settings. She is known for her soft focus, vignetting and unpredictability, which gives photos a special low-fi style.
📸 Lubitel <TAG1> Soviet dual-lens reflex camera. It allows you to take frames in the classic 6×6 cm square format and has better optics than Holga.
📸 Mamiya, Hasselblad, Bronica <TAG1> professional medium format cameras used in studio and fashion photography. They have interchangeable lenses and better optics.
📸 Pentacon Six, Kiev 60 <TAG1> Soviet medium format cameras, reminiscent of mirror 35mm cameras, but working with a large frame of 6–6cm.
Why should you try medium format film?
💡 More details and a more voluminous image <TAG1> each frame looks clearer, deeper and has a nicer bokeh.
🎞 Nostalgia and analog aesthetics <TAG1> even modern digital cameras cannot imitate the unique look of medium format film.
⏳ Slowing down the process <TAG1> with 8-16 frames on the roll you start shooting more meaningful, paying more attention to composition and exposure.
📷 Possibility of experiments <TAG1> from long shutter speeds to dual exposure games, medium format cameras open up many possibilities.
Medium-format film is ideal for portraits, landscapes and artistic photography, allowing you to shoot shots that impress with their depth and emotionality. If you've already tried 35mm and want to take it to the next level, 120film – is a great choice.
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