About Medium Format

Written By Erik .

I was recently asked about medium format cameras. I own four of them and it is currently my favorite format. What follows is the answer that I gave to my frient…

First off the negative is considerably larger with fewer exposures. 35mm is 24x36 mm (864 square mm) while a typical medium format negative can be as large as 56x67mm (3752 sq mm). The most common medium format types are 645 (aka 6x45) which has a similar aspect ratio to 35mm (only larger), 6x6, and 6x7 (plus others). Exposure per roll (for 120) will be anywhere from 16 frames to 10. You may hear about 120 and 220. 220 is simply double length 120 film so it's longer and will give you more frames. 220 film is rare and the standard is 120.

As you will note an the article from The Darkroom you will have greater depth of field with 35mm and 120 will give greater background blur. With the larger format you will have less grain but increased sharpness. One last thing about film choices; there are greater options for film availability with 35mm . Most standard type are available in multiple formats.

Regarding camera types.... Basically you are looking at three types; Single Lens Reflex, Rangefinder, and Twin Lens Reflex.  Single Lens Reflex (SLR) this is like most 35mm that are familiar to most. Benefits include familiarity with the style, and use and interchangeable lens options are greater. Rangefinders are similar to SLR but without the reflex mirror making them quieter and often less bulky. Twin Lens Reflex provide as the name implies two lenses one for viewing and composing and directly below is the actual lens. These cameras are tall rectangular shape with typically a waist level viewfinder. These are the kind that you look down into to compose your image. TLR cameras have fewer lens options.

Noteable Medium Format cameras

  • Mamiya 645 - often suggested as a good option for moving into medium format as it is functionally like a 35mm. Good lens options and can be heavy. I have one if you want to try it out.

  • Pentax 645 -  I have not shot this camera; expect it to be like the Mamiya 645

  • Fuji - these are expensive, there are great professional ones; I can't afford these

  • Hasselblad - 6x6 format, expensive, legendary, high quality craftsmanship, high quality lenses. Interchangeable film backs

  • Mamiya RB67 and RZ67 SLR type with 6x7 negative format. The RB67 has a rotating back so you can change orientation from horizontal to vertical. Interchangeable film backs. Good variety of lenses.  The RZ67 is also a SLR and is better suited for the studio. It has an electronic shutter which (given the age of the camera) is subject to irreparable failure.

  • Bronica - I do not know as much about these. They are SLR medium format cameras somewhere between the Hasselblads and Mamiyas. They may have a rotating back (depending on the model) and interchangeable backs and a good variety of lenses.

  • Mamiya TLR C Series (including C220 and C330) 6x6 TLR with interchangeable lenses. The C330 has features that the C220 does not. These cameras allow for close focusing.

  • Rolleiflex and Rolleicord - 6x6 TLR The primary difference is build quality with the Rolleiflex having higher quality, brighter viewing lens while the Rolleicord is more budget friendly. 

  • Yashica Mat 124 - 6x6 TLR This is on my wish list. I used one that belonged to my sister-in-law's father and I really enjoyed it. These are affordable and some believe comparable to the Rolleiflex. The 124g has gold trim and electrical contacts.

Personal Final Thoughts

I love shooting in multiple formats. For now I am enjoying the medium format. One of the reasons is that I often can use an entire roll during a shoot. As a darkroom printer I also like the larger negative.  Medium format cameras can serve as an ice breaker and conversation starter. Finally, I like to feel and sound (shutter, crank winding ect.).

Links

Shoot Film Like a Boss Best Medium Format Cameras? What's yours? Also taking 8 frames on a Fuji 6x9 Camera.

Kyle MacDougall Buying Your First Medium Format Camera

Metal Fingers Cheap Medium Format Cameras in 2025

Shoot on Film Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) cameras -- a seriously good way to take photographs!

Erik .
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