Digital Photography Technology

A medium format camera is one step up in size to a 35mm camera. These cameras use 120 or 220 size roll film which is 6 cm wide or about 2¼ inches wide. 220 film is twice the length of 120 film which will give twice the number of pictures.

The medium format camera comes in different frame widths: 6×6 cm, which is a square negative, there is a 6×4.5 cm, 6×7 cm, 6×8 cm, 6×9 cm, 6×12 cm, 6×17 cm, and 6×24 cm.

The main advantages of using a medium format camera are the larger film size and higher image resolution. This also allows for very large prints to be made. If using 6×6 cm positive color film, these can be projected to make some huge, extremely high quality images. Medium format film can be shot in a variety of aspect ratios. This is the ratio of the height to the width of the image. If the photographer is using a camera with 6×24 cm format, these will make a great panorama image.

The negative side of a camera is the size, cost of equipment and accessories. Then there is the expense of having the film developed and prints made and the time required for the process.

There are a variety of camera styles that use 120 film. The most common is the twin lens reflex, which is relatively easy to use and economically priced. There are two lenses in front of the camera, one for taking the picture and the other for viewing, which is a ground glass screen where the focusing is done. These take a 6 x 6 cm image only. The only problem is when taking close ups the viewing lens does not see exactly what the image taking lens sees. Taking a square picture has its advantages that you do not have be concerned about taking the picture in a portrait or landscape position. This makes taking the picture easier, and any cropping can be done when the print is made. The only disadvantage is a fewer number of pictures on a roll of film.

The single lens reflex camera uses 120 film only, 6×6 cm format. A variety of interchangeable lens can be used plus a host of other features and accessories. The cost is considerably more, but with a multitude of features.

The next group of cameras all use 120 film, but with different size formats starting with 6×4.5 cm up to 6×24 cm. Interchangeable lenses are available along interchangeable backs. Viewing can be done through the through the lens or with an optical view finder. Some have a fixed format while others the format is changeable. Digital backs are also available. Many accessories and options are available, similar to the newer digital or 35mm cameras. Cost is prohibitive for most, depending on the camera, but it can easily go into the five digit price range.