A Guide to Different Film Formats

Film photography isn't just about choosing between black and white or colour. It also comes in different formats, each with its own characteristics. Whether you're using a vintage 35mm camera, a medium format system, or even experimenting with large format photography, the choice of film format has a significant impact on the final image.  

In this guide, we'll explore the different types of photographic film as well as the various film formats available to analogue photographers.  

What is film Format?

Film format refers to the physical size of the film stock, which affects image quality, depth of field, and aspect ratio. The larger the format, the more detail and dynamic range the film can capture.  

35mm Film (135 Format) 

📏  Size: 36mm x 24mm  

📷  Aspect Ratio: 3:2  

🔄  Typical Frames per Roll: 24 or 36 exposures  

35mm film is the most common format and is widely available. It’s compact, relatively affordable, and easy to shoot with, making it the go-to choice for most film photographers. Many iconic cameras, such as the Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, and Leica M6, use 35mm film.  

Pros: 

✔ Portable and easy to use  

✔ Plenty of film stocks available  

✔ Good balance of image quality and convenience  

Cons: 

✘ Smaller negative size compared to medium and large format  

✘ Less dynamic range and detail than larger formats  

Medium Format (120 and 220 Film)

📏  Size: Varies (typically 60mm wide)  

📷  Aspect Ratios: 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, 6×9, 6×12, and more  

🔄  Typical Frames per Roll: 8–16 exposures (depending on aspect ratio)  

Medium format film provides higher resolution and richer detail than 35mm film. It is used in cameras like the Mamiya RB67, Hasselblad 500CM, and the Pentax 67. 120 film is the standard for medium format cameras, while 220 film (now rare) was a longer version with more exposures per roll.  

Pros:

✔ Larger negatives for better detail and dynamic range  

✔ More depth and smooth tonal transitions  

✔ A range of aspect ratios for creative flexibility  

Cons:

✘ Fewer exposures per roll  

✘ More expensive and bulkier than 35mm cameras  

✘ Requires careful handling and storage  

Large Format (4×5, 5×7, 8×10, and beyond)  

📏  Size: Starts at 4×5 inches and can go beyond 8×10 inches  

📷  Aspect Ratio: Typically 4:5  

🔄  Frames per Sheet: One (uses single sheets instead of rolls)  

Large format film is used by professionals and fine art photographers for unparalleled sharpness and control. Each sheet is loaded individually, allowing for precise exposure and adjustments using camera movements. Cameras like the Linhof Technika, Sinar F2, and the Intrepid 4×5 are popular choices.  

Pros:  

✔ Exceptional image quality and detail  

✔ Full control over focus, perspective, and depth of field  

✔ Ideal for fine art, landscape, and architectural photography  

Cons:

✘ Requires a bulky, slow-to-use camera  

✘ Expensive film and development costs  

✘ Limited portability  

Half-Frame and Other Experimental Formats  

📏  Size: Varies, typically smaller than 35mm  

📷  Aspect Ratios: Varies (often 18×24mm for half-frame)  

🔄  Frames per Roll: 48–72 (for half-frame 35mm)  

These formats include half-frame cameras (which double the number of exposures on a roll), 110 film (a compact cartridge film popular in the 1970s), and APS film (a now-discontinued format from the 1990s).  

Popular Half-Frame Cameras: 

- Olympus Pen F – A stylish half-frame SLR  

- Yashica Samurai – A quirky half-frame auto camera  

Pros: 

✔ More exposures per roll (half-frame)  

✔ Fun for creative projects  

✔ Compact and lightweight  

Cons:

✘ Smaller negatives mean lower image quality  

✘ Some formats (like APS and 110) are harder to find and develop