If you have been shooting 35mm film for a while, you probably know the drill. You absolutely love the grain, you enjoy the tactile process, and you are getting pretty confident with your exposure. But sooner or later, you start staring at those massive, incredibly detailed portraits on your feed and wonder, "How on earth did they get that specific look?" Chances are, my friend, you are looking at a medium format photograph.

I distinctly remember making the jump to medium format a couple of years ago. It felt like stepping into an entirely different dimension of photography. But honestly? I also remember staring at my bank account and wondering if buying a bulky, heavy, entirely manual camera was really a smart move. So, if you are sitting there right now debating whether to take the plunge, let's break down exactly what medium format is, the different frame sizes you can choose from, the very stark pros and cons, and whether it is actually worth the investment for a beginner.

What Exactly is Medium Format (and What is 120 Film)?

In the expansive world of film photography, "format" basically just refers to the physical dimensions of the film negative. Most of the familiar point-and-shoots and standard SLRs you are probably used to shooting use 35mm film. Medium format, on the other hand, relies almost exclusively on 120 film.

Without getting completely bogged down into the boring technical history, 120 film is essentially a roll of film that is much wider than standard 35mm. It actually operates quite differently, too. Rather than being housed inside a little metal canister, 120 film is wrapped tightly around a plastic spool along with a strip of opaque backing paper to protect it from the light. Because the physical film negative is literally larger, it captures a massive amount of light and detail. When you scan a well-exposed medium format negative, the resolution is staggering. It holds so much information that it makes 35mm look almost pixelated in comparison.

But here is the catch that trips up a lot of beginners: unlike 35mm, where you practically always get 36 exposures measuring 24x36mm, 120 film does not have a fixed frame size. The number of shots you squeeze out of a single roll depends entirely on the specific camera model you are using.

The Number Soup: 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, and 6x9

When you start shopping around for your first medium format camera, you are going to see a whole lot of numbers thrown around. These refer to the frame size in centimeters. Because the roll of 120 film is always the same width (about 6cm), the mechanics of the camera dictate how long each frame is drawn out. Here is the quick breakdown of the most common formats:

• 6x4.5 (or 645): This is the smallest medium format size. Because it uses less film per shot, you get 15 or 16 shots per roll. It is a traditional rectangular format and feels very similar to composing on 35mm, just with way more resolution. It is generally the cheapest and lightest way to get into the medium format game.
• 6x6: The classic square format. Made famous by legendary Hasselblads and old twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras. You get exactly 12 shots per roll. Composing in a perfect 1:1 square completely changes how you look at the world—it is incredibly fun, challenging, and forces you to center your subjects thoughtfully.
• 6x7: Often referred to as the "ideal format" because its proportions scale perfectly to standard print sizes like 8x10 without much cropping. It is a chunky, substantial rectangle, giving you 10 massive shots per roll. It is widely considered the gold standard for high-end portrait and editorial photographers.
• 6x9: This has the exact same 3:2 aspect ratio as standard 35mm, just absolutely gigantic. You only get 8 shots per roll here. Often found on vintage folding cameras, these negatives are essentially the size of a playing card.

The Pros: Why People Fall Deeply in Love With It

There is a solid reason why photographers obsess over these cameras despite their quirks. The first is the undeniable detail and dynamic range. You can blow up a medium format negative to the size of a billboard, and it will still retain its sharpness and tonal smoothness.

Then there is the famous "medium format look." Because of the physics involved with larger lenses projecting light onto much larger negatives, you get an incredibly smooth transition from your sharp, in-focus areas to your creamy, out-of-focus backgrounds. Your subject seems to pop right out of a buttery background in a three-dimensional way that is almost impossible to replicate fully on 35mm or even modern full-frame digital setups.

Finally, there is the sheer process. Medium format slows you down, and I mean that in the best way possible. With only 10 or 12 shots on a single roll, you cannot just spray and pray. You have to meter your light meticulously, compose carefully on the glass, and double-check your focus. It forces you to become a more disciplined, intentional photographer. Looking down into a wide, bright waist-level viewfinder for the first time is borderline magical.

The Cons: What Nobody Warns You About

Let's be totally real for a second—shooting medium format isn't always a walk in the park. The most glaring drawback is the ongoing cost. While the rolls of 120 film themselves usually cost about the same as a roll of 35mm, you are getting way fewer shots. Every single time you press that shutter button, it is costing you around two to three times more money.

Then there is the physical weight. The majority of these cameras are solid, unapologetic chunks of metal and glass. Hauling a massive 6x7 SLR like a Pentax 67 or a Mamiya RB67 around your neck all day will absolutely give you a sore back. They are bulky, conspicuous, and rarely fit easily into a casual daypack.

There is also a steep learning curve. Many older mid-century medium format options are entirely mechanical. That means no autofocus, no auto-exposure, and very frequently, not even an internal light meter. You are flying completely manual.

Great Entry-Level Cameras to Look For

If you are ready to try it out, the good news is you do not need to drop thousands of dollars on a Hasselblad straight away. A fantastic place to start is with a Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) camera, like a Yashica Mat or a Rolleicord. They shoot that gorgeous 6x6 square format, usually feature superb fixed lenses, and they make you look down at your chest through a waist-level finder. They are relatively lightweight and incredibly quiet.

If you prefer a modular SLR system where you can swap lenses and backs, look into the Bronica ETRS or similar setups. They shoot the more economical 6x4.5 format and handle a bit closer to the 35mm SLRs you might already be familiar with. Or, if you prioritize portability above all else, look for vintage folding cameras. Whenever you are ready to browse, we always keep a carefully checked and serviced selection of Medium Format Cameras waiting for a new home.

So, Is It Really Worth the Investment?

Honestly? Absolutely yes, provided you know what you are getting into. If you want a fast, run-and-gun camera for late-night parties or quick street snaps, a chunky medium format rig will probably drive you crazy. Stick to a nimble 35mm point-and-shoot for that. But if you are shooting landscapes, thoughtful portraits, or quiet still life, and you want to truly slow down and craft an image rather than just snap one, medium format is incredibly rewarding.

It acts directly on how you perceive the world. It teaches immense patience. And I promise you, the very first time you get those massive, beautifully exposed negative scans back from the lab, the cost per frame suddenly feels completely and utterly justified.

If you are piecing together your very first medium format kit, we can definitely help you out. Alongside our specialized 120 gear, we carry a huge variety of All Cameras to suit whatever particular stage of the analogue journey you happen to be on. Because many classic medium format models do not have built-in metering, I highly recommend grabbing a reliable external light meter so you aren't guessing your exposures. You can easily find some great pocketable options through our light meter search page to guarantee those thick, perfectly exposed negatives every single time. We also constantly get iconic medium format brands coming through the shop, so if you want to jump right into a legendary system, checking out our latest Mamiya inventory is a fantastic next step. Happy shooting, and don't be afraid to take it slow!