The world of analog photography is rich in different formats, techniques and cameras. Most photographers choose between 35mm or 120 film. 120 film is a roll format that was introduced back in 1901 by Kodak. This wide film format (approximately 60mm wide) offers more space for images than the smaller 35mm format. This gives you a larger negative, which leads to a higher quality image with more details. However, 120 film can be used in different formats. In this blog I will list the three most popular 120 film formats for you and discuss the differences.
The different formats of 120 film
Within the roll format of 120 film there are three well-known film formats to use: 6×4.5, 6×6 and 6×7. These formats refer to the dimensions in centimeters of the recorded images on the film. Depending on the analog camera you use and the chosen film format, usually 10 to 16 photos can be taken on one roll.
6×4,5 film format
The 6×4.5 format is the smallest 120 film and is appreciated for its efficiency. With an image size of 6 cm wide and 4.5 cm high, it offers an aspect ratio of 4:3, which is comparable to the (almost square) computer- and television screens of the past. In addition, the compact film format allows you to shoot up to 16 images on a single film roll, which is more than with other 120 film formats. The cameras that support this format, such as the well-known Mamiya 645, are also often lighter and more compact. This makes it the perfect choice for travel and street photography, for example. The camera is not only easier to carry, but due to its light weight it is also a camera on which you can still shoot sharp photos by hand. With the smaller format you do lose a little on quality compared to the larger film formats, but compared to the smaller 35mm film it is a huge difference.
Image size: 6cm x 4.5cm
Number of photos per roll: 16 images
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Advantages:
- Most photos per roll of film
- Compact and lightweight cameras, making them easier to carry and taking sharp handheld photos
- The aspect ratio matches common formats well, which is useful for digitization
Disadvantages:
- Smaller negative, resulting in lower quality than other 120 film formats and less suitable for very large prints
6×6 film format
The 6×6 format is probably the most iconic of the three. With an image size of 6cm by 6cm, this format offers a perfectly square image, with an aspect ratio of 1:1. This ratio forces the photographer to think differently about compositions, because there is no horizontal or vertical orientation. Many photographers appreciate the creative freedom of the square image, because you don’t have to worry about whether to choose a horizontal or vertical composition. This is especially ideal for shooting portraits, landscapes and fine art photography. A disadvantage is that you get fewer photos from a roll of film, usually 12 frames, than with the smaller 6×4.5 format. In addition, the cameras that support this format, such as the iconic Hasselblad 500C/M, are often larger, heavier and more expensive.
Image dimensions: 6 cm x 6 cm
Number of photos per roll: 12 images
Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square)
Advantages:
- Unique square image
- Creative freedom, you don’t have to choose a specific composition
- Larger negatives than 6×4.5, which provides higher image quality
Disadvantages:
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- Low number of photos (12) per film roll
- Camera is often too heavy for those who like to travel compact and lightweight or like to take pictures handheld
6×7 film format
Of the three 120 film formats, the 6×7 is the largest, and with an aspect ratio of 5:4 it comes closest to traditional print formats. The image format of 6 cm by 7 cm gives you a large image format, which ensures high image quality with many details. The cameras, including the well-known Mamiya RB67 and Pentax 67, are large, heavy and expensive. They are therefore mainly used for studio work or are used in combination with a tripod. The heavy weight makes it difficult to take sharp photos by hand. In addition, the large image format only allows you to take 10 shots per film roll. This makes the image format and the associated cameras less suitable for photographers who are often on the road. On the other hand, it is the best choice for the highest image quality and for those who work professionally with analogue photography and want to print their work in large format, for example.
Image dimensions: 6 cm x 7 cm
Number of photos per roll: 10 images
Aspect ratio: 5:4 (similar to large format printing)
Advantages:
- Maximum image quality
- Suitable for professional analogue photography and large print prints
- Natural aspect ratio of 5:4
Disadvantages:
- Least number of photos (10) per film roll
- Large and heavy cameras
- The size and weight of the camera requires a slower workflow to avoid blurry photos (like working with a tripod)