The Ultimate Guide to Medium Format Film Cameras
Medium format film cameras hold a special place in the hearts of photographers who appreciate the unique qualities of film. With their larger negatives, these cameras provide stunning image quality, remarkable detail, and a distinctive depth of field and aesthetic that 35 mm film and digital photography often struggles to replicate. This guide delves into a few of the most iconic medium format film cameras. Here we will explore a few of their features, strengths, and what makes them so popular among film shooters including both enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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What is Medium Format?
Medium format refers to film sizes between 120 and 220, producing negatives that are larger than traditional 35mm yet smaller than large format. The most common medium format sizes (from smallest to largest) include:
- 6x4.5
- 6x6
- 6x7
- 6x9
These larger negative sizes allow for greater detail, smoother tonal transitions, and a shallower depth of field, making medium format ideal for portraits, landscapes, and fine art photography. You'll often notice that medium format has its own "look" all together.
Types of Medium Format Film Cameras
SLR Cameras: These cameras use a single-lens reflex design, allowing for direct viewing through the lens. Examples include the Pentax 645 and Mamiya RZ67.
Rangefinder Cameras: Compact and often featuring a classic aesthetic, rangefinder cameras like the Fuji GW690 II offer precise focusing through a separate viewing window.
Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Cameras: Known for their unique dual-lens setup, TLRs like the Rolleiflex allow for waist-level viewing, making them popular for street and portrait photography.
Folding Cameras: Compact and portable, folding cameras such as the Fuji GF670 are designed for travel, offering versatility without sacrificing image quality.
Key Advantages to Shooting Medium Format
- Image Quality: Larger (120) film size translates to greater detail and dynamic range, also allowing for larger prints and negatives
- Depth of Field: Enhanced control over depth of field, allowing for beautiful bokeh via shallow depth-of-field
- Aesthetic: Unique rendering of colors and tones that are unique to the format
- Build Quality: Often constructed with durability in mind, medium format cameras tend to be robust and reliable, and offer a wide variety of accessories for every-day users
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Popular Medium Format Cameras
Now let's take a look at some of the most popular medium format options including their features, and the type of photography shot with these specific film cameras.
1. Hasselblad 503CXI -
The Hasselblad 503CXI is a legendary camera known for its modular design and exceptional image quality thanks to the sharp optics most often attributed to Zeiss. Other manufactures also include Kodak, Fujinon, Kodak, Rodenstock, and Schneider. Hasselblads are often considered the pinnacle of the 6x6 cm film format and features a wide range of Carl Zeiss lenses still made today, which are celebrated for their color rendering and sharpness through all apertures. Furthermore, these the 503 (and others are known for precision engineering, design, and durability, making it a favorite for studio photography, portraits, and stunning landscapes.
Key Features:
- Interchangeable film backs and lenses
- Interchangeable focussing tools for
- Leaf shutter system for flash synchronization
- Advanced metering options with compatible accessories
- Unmatched quality among 6x6 cameras
- 12 exposures on 120 film
2. Fuji GW690 II -
The Fuji GW690 II is often referred to as the "Texas Leica" due to its compact design and high-quality images via its rangefinder focusing system. This camera features a large 6x9 cm format, providing 8 large exposures on 120 film. This camera is equipped with a sharp 90mm f/3.5 lens. It’s particularly popular among landscape photographers for its portability and impressive image quality, though its portability allows it to be utilized for street photographers who love larger negatives too.
Key Features:
- Rangefinder focusing for precise control
- Fully mechanical - no need for battery
- Lightweight and portable design for its size
- Dual shutter release with locking mechanism
3. Mamiya RZ67 -
The Mamiya RZ67 is a professional-grade camera known for its versatility and extensive range of accessories thanks to its modular design. The successor to the RB, (rotating back) this camera features bellows focusing and when paired with the legendary 110mm f/2.8 lens, it offers tack-sharp images. This cult classic 6x7 cm camera features a rotating back, allowing for easy switching between horizontal and vertical orientations without changing your composition. This camera is often cited as one of the best options for landscape photographers who want to shoot 6x7.
Key Features:
- Interchangeable lenses and film backs
- Rotating film back for versatility
- Advanced TTL metering options
- Many accessories including tilt shift adapter
4. Fuji GF670 -
The Fuji GF670 is a compact, folding medium format camera that offers incredible versatility and the smallest and most compact design for a 6x7-enabled camera. With the ability to shoot in both 6x6 and 6x7 formats, it combines portability with superb image quality. The fixed 80mm f/3.5 lens delivers sharp images and beautiful bokeh, making it an excellent choice for street and travel photographers alike.
Key Features:
- Exceptionally compact and lightweight design
- Rangefinder focusing and sharp f/3.5 fixed lens
- Dual format capability with 6x6 (12 exp.) + 6x7 (10 exp.)
5. Rolleiflex TLR 2.8 Planar -
The Rolleiflex TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) 2.8F 80mm Planar cameras (among others) are iconic in the world of medium format photography. Known for their unique design with two lenses—one for taking the image and one for making—the Rolleiflex delivers exceptional image quality and ease of use in the classic 6x6 120 format.
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Key Features:
- Classic design with waist-level viewfinder
- 6x6 cm format
- Excellent build quality and durability
6. Pentax 6x7 -
The Pentax 6x7 is a versatile and robust medium format camera that resembles a larger 35mm SLR in design. It uses 6x7 cm 120 film and offers interchangeable lenses that are often revered, making it a favorite among landscape and portrait photographers who require flexibility and precision.
Key Features:
- SLR design with TTL metering
- Wide range of available lenses
- Exceptional build quality, great for outdoor use
7. Mamiya 645 -
The Mamiya 645 is a popular choice for photographers seeking the balance of a medium format camera with a more manageable size, offering 15 exposures per 120 roll of film. With its 6x4.5 cm format, it’s an excellent option for both studio and field photography. The 645's single-lens reflex (SLR) design, this camera provides a direct view through the lens, allowing for precise framing and composition. This setup includes a TTL (through-the-lens) metering system, ensuring accurate exposure readings in addition to features such as automatic film advancing.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Interchangeable film backs and lenses (120 + 220)
- TTL metering and flash capabilities
- Automatic film advance
Conclusion:
Medium format film cameras offer a unique blend of stunning image quality, aesthetic appeal, and versatility on film. Whether you choose the iconic 6x6 format from Hasselblad or Rollei for studio work, the compact Fuji GW690 for landscapes, or the versatile Mamiya RZ67 for a range of applications, a Pentax 645 for maximizing exposures on each 120 roll, each camera and their respective lenses and successors offer something for each unique medium format photographer. Shooting medium format film is a fun, unique experience that can product beautifully detailed and stunning photos, whether you're shooting black and white portraits or vast colorful landscapes.
At Cardinal Camera Used, we specialize in pre-owned medium format film cameras, lenses, accessories, and other film and digital camera gear. Looking to sell or upgrade to a different camera? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for an offer on your used photo equipment! You can also contact us at info@cardinalcameraused.com