Getting Started with Medium Format: A Beginner’s Guide to 120 Film Photography
- June 4, 2025
- 2 weeks ago
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Medium format photography, particularly with 120 film, is a thrilling way to elevate your creative vision. Known for its stunning detail, rich tones, and unique aesthetic, 120 film offers a hands-on experience that digital cameras simply can’t replicate. If you’re new to medium format, the process might seem daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. At Moler’s Audio Visual, we’re passionate about helping photographers bring their film to life with our expert development and digitization services. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start shooting 120 film and create images that stand the test of time.
What Is Medium Format and 120 Film?
Medium format refers to a class of cameras and film sizes larger than 35mm but smaller than large format (4×5 inches or bigger). The most common medium format film is 120 film, a roll film that produces larger negatives (typically 6×4.5cm, 6x6cm, 6x7cm, or 6x9cm) compared to 35mm’s 24x36mm frames. These larger negatives capture incredible detail, making 120 film a favorite for portrait, landscape, and fine art photographers.
Unlike 35mm, 120 film is loaded into a spool and protected by a paper backing, which prevents light exposure during handling. A single roll typically yields 8-16 shots, depending on the frame size, so every click of the shutter feels intentional. Ready to dive in? Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Choose Your Medium Format Camera
The first step is picking a camera that suits your style and budget. Medium format cameras come in various types, from twin-lens reflex (TLR) to single-lens reflex (SLR) and rangefinders. Here are a few beginner-friendly options:
- Yashica Mat-124G (TLR): Affordable and easy to use, this 6x6cm camera is great for beginners. Its waist-level finder gives a unique shooting perspective.
- Pentax 645 (SLR): A 6×4.5cm camera with a familiar SLR design, perfect for those transitioning from 35mm.
- Mamiya C330 (TLR): A versatile 6x6cm camera with interchangeable lenses, ideal for experimenting.
- Hasselblad 500C/M (SLR): A premium 6x6cm option for those ready to invest in a classic system.
You can find used medium format cameras online or at specialty shops, but ensure they’re in good condition. Moler’s Audio Visual offers repair services for vintage cameras, so if your new-to-you gear needs a tune-up, we’ve got you covered.
Step 2: Pick the Right 120 Film
Choosing the right film stock is key to achieving your desired look. 120 film comes in color negative, black-and-white, and slide (positive) varieties, each with unique characteristics. Here are some popular options for beginners:
- Kodak Portra 400 (Color Negative): A versatile, forgiving film with vibrant colors and fine grain, great for portraits and daylight shooting.
- Ilford HP5 Plus 400 (Black-and-White): A classic high-contrast film with excellent latitude, ideal for moody or documentary-style shots.
- Fujifilm Pro 400H (Color Negative): Known for its soft, pastel tones, perfect for weddings or dreamy landscapes.
- Kodak Ektar 100 (Color Negative): Offers vivid colors and ultra-fine grain, suited for landscapes or detailed scenes.
Start with a film speed (ISO) of 100-400 for flexibility in various lighting conditions. Moler’s Audio Visual carries a range of 120 film and darkroom supplies, so you can stock up and experiment with different stocks.
Step 3: Learn to Load and Shoot 120 Film
Loading 120 film can feel tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Here’s a quick guide:
- Prepare in Low Light: Load film in subdued light to avoid fogging. Some cameras require a darkroom or changing bag for loading.
- Insert the Film: Open the camera’s film compartment, align the 120 film spool, and thread the paper leader onto the take-up spool.
- Advance to Start: Wind the film until the “start” arrow aligns with the camera’s marker, then close the back and advance to frame 1.
- Compose Carefully: Medium format film yields fewer shots (8-16 per roll), so take your time to frame each shot thoughtfully.
When shooting, use a light meter (built-in or handheld) to ensure proper exposure, as 120 film is less forgiving than digital. Practice focusing manually, especially with TLR or rangefinder cameras, to nail sharp images.
Step 4: Develop Your Film with Care
Once you’ve shot your roll, it’s time to develop it. Professional development is crucial for medium format, as the larger negatives demand precision to preserve detail. At Moler’s Audio Visual, we specialize in developing 120 film with a hands-on approach, ensuring vibrant colors and crisp results. Unlike mail-in services, we offer a 2-4 week turnaround and personalized care, so your negatives are handled with expertise.
You can drop off your film at our store or ship it to us. We also offer darkroom supplies if you’re curious about developing at home, but for beginners, our professional processing ensures consistent quality without the learning curve.
Step 5: Digitize or Print Your Images
After development, you have two options: create prints or digitize your negatives. Medium format negatives produce stunning enlargements, perfect for framing or gifting. Alternatively, digitizing lets you share and archive your images easily. Moler’s Audio Visual offers high-resolution scanning services to convert your 120 film negatives into digital files, preserving every detail for modern devices or social media.
Our digitization process is tailored to your needs, with options for USB drives, cloud storage, or other formats. Plus, our photo retouching services can enhance faded or damaged negatives, bringing your images back to life.
Tips for Success with 120 Film
- Start Small: Begin with one roll and a single film stock to learn your camera’s quirks before diving into multiple types.
- Keep a Notebook: Jot down exposure settings and lighting conditions for each shot to learn what works best.
- Store Film Properly: Keep unexposed 120 film in a cool, dry place (like a fridge) to maintain quality.
- Experiment Thoughtfully: With fewer shots per roll, plan your compositions but don’t be afraid to try creative techniques like double exposures.
- Trust the Pros: Let Moler’s handle development and digitization to avoid costly mistakes while you focus on shooting.
Why Medium Format? The Joy of Analog
Shooting 120 film slows you down, forcing you to think critically about each frame. The larger negatives deliver unmatched clarity and depth, making every image feel like a work of art. Whether you’re capturing family portraits, sweeping landscapes, or experimental stills, medium format photography offers a tactile, rewarding experience that digital can’t match.
At Moler’s Audio Visual, we’re here to support your medium format journey. From developing your 120 film to digitizing your negatives or supplying darkroom essentials, our team is passionate about preserving your creative vision. Ready to start? Visit molersav.com to explore our film development services or drop by our store to chat with our experts. Let’s bring your medium format memories to life!