10 Best Medium Format Camera Film for Stunning Photography 2026
Choosing the right film for medium format cameras is essential for achieving stunning photography. The medium format offers superior image quality, depth, and detail, making it a popular choice among professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. This review will highlight the best film options available, helping photographers elevate their work.
This post provides an overview of the leading medium format camera films that excel in various settings, from landscapes to portraits. Readers will learn about the unique characteristics of each film, including color reproduction, grain structure, and exposure latitude. This information is designed to aid photographers in making informed decisions that enhance their creative vision.
List of Top 10 Best medium format camera film
| Image | Title | Best For | Link |
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Holga 120n Medium Format Film Camera Black With Ilford Hp5 120 Film Bundle An… | The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera is ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking a simple… More | |
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Holga 120gcfn Medium Format Film Camera With Built-in Flash With Ilford Hp5 1… | The Holga 120GCFN Medium Format Film Camera is ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking a… More | |
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Holga 120gcfn Medium Format Film Camera With Built-in Flash With Kodak Tx 120… | The Holga 120GCFN Medium Format Film Camera is best suited for photography enthusiasts and… More | |
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Holga 120n Medium Format Film Camera Black With Ilford Hp5 Plus Black And Whi… | The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera is well-suited for photography enthusiasts who… More | |
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Pentax 17 Compact Film Camera With Half-frame Format 25mm F3.5 Lens Manual Is… | The Pentax 17 Compact Film Camera is well-suited for photography enthusiasts who appreciate the… More | |
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Pentax 17 35mm Film Camera That Captures Up To 72 Images Per Roll With A Vert… | The Pentax 17 35mm Film Camera is ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking a compact and… More | |
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Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera 35mm Reusable Focus-free Lightweight E… | The Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is ideal for casual photographers seeking a… More | |
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Lomography Diana F Camera Flash Black Jack Medium Format Film Camera | The Lomography Diana F+ Camera & Flash Black Jack is well-suited for creative photographers… More | |
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Holga 120n Medium Format Film Camera White With Ilford Hp5 120 Film Bundle An… | The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera is ideal for amateur photographers and hobbyists… More | |
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Holga 120gcfn Plastic Medium Format Camera With Built-in Flash And Glass Lens… | The HOLGA 120GCFN Plastic Medium Format Camera is best suited for amateur photographers and… More |
Detailed Reviews
The following section presents the top 20 best medium format camera films. Each product has been carefully evaluated based on quality, performance, and user feedback. Readers can expect detailed insights into each option, including key features and characteristics that set them apart in the market. This guide aims to assist in making informed choices for their photography needs.
Holga 120n Medium Format Film Camera Black With Ilford Hp5 120 Film Bundle An…
The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera offers a sturdy build that is both lightweight and durable. Its simple design features a plastic body, making it easy to handle. This camera delivers consistent performance, producing distinctive images with a unique aesthetic that appeals to many photographers.
Usability is straightforward, with minimal settings that cater to both beginners and experienced users. The camera's intuitive controls allow for quick adjustments, while the included Ilford HP5 film complements its capabilities well. Overall, the Holga 120N is a reliable choice for those seeking an engaging film photography experience.
Pros
- The Holga 120N offers a unique medium format experience that appeals to film enthusiasts.
- Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry during outdoor shoots.
- Its plastic construction can lead to concerns about durability over time.
Cons
- The included Ilford HP5 film provides high-quality black and white images.
- The camera lacks advanced features like metering and autofocus, which may deter some users.
- Higher price point.
Perfect For:
The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera is ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking a simple and creative approach to film photography, particularly those interested in experimenting with medium format film.
Holga 120gcfn Medium Format Film Camera With Built-in Flash With Ilford Hp5 1…
The Holga 120GCFN performs well for medium format photography. Its built-in flash provides adequate lighting for indoor shots. The camera produces images with a distinct, artistic quality. The use of Ilford HP5 film enhances the contrast and depth of black and white images, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.
The build quality of the Holga 120GCFN is typical for plastic cameras, offering a lightweight design. While it may lack durability compared to metal counterparts, its simplicity makes it user-friendly. The straightforward controls allow for easy adjustments, making this camera accessible for both beginners and experienced photographers.
Pros
- The Holga 120GCFN is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a convenient option for outdoor photography.
- The built-in flash offers versatility for low-light conditions, enhancing creative possibilities.
- The camera's plastic construction may feel fragile and less durable compared to other models.
Cons
- This bundle includes Ilford HP5 film, which is known for its quality and rich contrast.
- Limited features and manual controls may not meet the needs of advanced photographers.
- Higher price point.
Perfect For:
The Holga 120GCFN Medium Format Film Camera is ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking a creative and experimental approach to film photography, particularly those interested in black and white imagery.
Holga 120gcfn Medium Format Film Camera With Built-in Flash With Kodak Tx 120…
The Holga 120GCFN Medium Format Film Camera offers reliable performance with its built-in flash, making it suitable for low-light conditions. The camera delivers unique, soft-focus images characteristic of medium format film. Its simplicity promotes ease of use, appealing to both beginners and experienced photographers who appreciate its artistic qualities.
The build quality of the Holga 120GCFN is sturdy yet lightweight, enhancing portability. Its plastic construction gives it a vintage feel, while the design remains functional. The intuitive layout of controls aids usability, allowing users to focus on creative expression without distraction. Overall, the camera balances aesthetics and practicality well.
Pros
- The built-in flash allows for versatile shooting in low-light conditions.
- The camera's medium format offers high-quality images with a distinct aesthetic.
- The camera can be challenging for beginners due to its manual settings.
Cons
- The included Kodak TX 120 film provides excellent black and white results.
- Higher price point.
- Limited accessories included.
Perfect For:
The Holga 120GCFN Medium Format Film Camera is best suited for photography enthusiasts and beginners seeking a creative and experimental approach to film photography, particularly with its built-in flash and included black and white film bundle.
Holga 120n Medium Format Film Camera Black With Ilford Hp5 Plus Black And Whi…
The Holga 120N offers a unique shooting experience with its simple design and plastic construction. Its lightweight body makes it easy to carry, while the straightforward controls promote usability. The camera's performance shines with its ability to produce soft, dreamy images, characteristic of medium format film photography.
Build quality remains consistent with its classic Holga charm. The plastic lens contributes to a distinct aesthetic, but requires careful handling. The camera's lack of advanced features may deter some users, yet it encourages creativity and experimentation. Pairing it with Ilford HP5 Plus film enhances its capability for stunning black…
Pros
- The Holga 120N is lightweight and easy to carry, making it suitable for casual photography.
- The unique design allows for creative and artistic images with a distinct aesthetic.
- Reliable performance.
Cons
- The included Ilford HP5 Plus film offers high-quality results for black and white photography.
- The camera's plastic lens may produce soft images that lack sharpness in detail.
- It has limited exposure control options, which can restrict creative choices.
Perfect For:
The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera is well-suited for photography enthusiasts who appreciate the unique aesthetic of film and seek a simple, creative tool for capturing black and white images.
Pentax 17 Compact Film Camera With Half-frame Format 25mm F3.5 Lens Manual Is…
The Pentax 17 Compact Film Camera showcases solid build quality with a sturdy construction that enhances durability. The manual ISO settings from 50 to 3200 provide versatility for various lighting conditions. The 6 zone focus system allows for precise control, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers.
The design of the camera is user-friendly, featuring a compact size that enhances portability. The 25mm F3.5 lens delivers sharp images with a pleasing depth of field. Included Kodak Gold 200 film offers vibrant colors, while the cleaning cloth helps maintain the camera's performance, ensuring a reliable shooting experience.
Pros
- The compact size makes it easy to carry and handle for everyday use.
- The manual ISO settings allow for creative control in various lighting conditions.
- The inclusion of a cleaning cloth ensures proper maintenance of the camera.
Cons
- The fixed 25mm lens may not suit all photography styles or subjects.
- Higher price point.
- Limited accessories included.
Perfect For:
The Pentax 17 Compact Film Camera is well-suited for photography enthusiasts who appreciate the charm of film photography and seek a compact, manual camera for capturing images with a unique half-frame format.
Pentax 17 35mm Film Camera That Captures Up To 72 Images Per Roll With A Vert…
The Pentax 17 35mm Film Camera excels in performance, capturing up to 72 images per roll with a vertical orientation that enhances social media sharing. Its ease of use allows photographers to focus on creativity rather than technicalities, making it an appealing choice for both novices and experienced users.
Constructed with durable materials, the build quality of this camera ensures longevity and reliability. The design is compact and lightweight, making it convenient for travel or everyday use. User-friendly features are intuitively placed, allowing for smooth operation while maintaining a classic aesthetic that appeals to film photography enthusiasts.
Pros
- The Pentax 17 35mm film camera offers a unique half-frame format that allows for capturing more images per roll. Its compact design makes it easy to carry and handle during social events. The camera's vintage aesthetic appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate analog photography.
- The film format may limit flexibility in post-processing compared to digital options. Users may find it challenging to source film and develop it in certain locations. The camera's mechanical operation might require a learning curve for those new to film photography.
- Reliable performance.
Cons
- Higher price point.
- Limited accessories included.
- Requires maintenance.
Perfect For:
The Pentax 17 35mm Film Camera is ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking a compact and efficient option for capturing vibrant half-frame images, especially suited for creating engaging social media content.
Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera 35mm Reusable Focus-free Lightweight E…
The Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera features a lightweight and portable design, making it suitable for casual photographers. Its focus-free operation simplifies the shooting process, allowing for easy use in various settings. The build quality is sturdy, ensuring durability while maintaining a compact form.
The camera's aesthetic in sand color adds a stylish touch to its functionality. Usability is enhanced by its straightforward controls, appealing to both beginners and experienced users. The absence of film and AAA battery encourages users to select their preferred supplies, promoting a customizable shooting experience.
Pros
- The Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is lightweight and easy to carry, making it suitable for various outings.
- Its focus-free feature simplifies photography, allowing users to capture images without complicated adjustments.
- The reusable design promotes sustainability by reducing waste associated with disposable cameras.
Cons
- The half-frame format may not appeal to those who prefer standard full-frame photography.
- The camera's straightforward design lacks advanced features that some photographers might expect.
- Higher price point.
Perfect For:
The Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is ideal for casual photographers seeking a lightweight and easy-to-use option for capturing everyday moments on film.
Lomography Diana F Camera Flash Black Jack Medium Format Film Camera
The Lomography Diana F+ Camera and Flash Black Jack offers a solid build quality with its durable plastic construction. Its design is vintage-inspired, appealing to those who appreciate retro aesthetics. The camera feels lightweight and comfortable in hand, making it easy to carry for extended shooting sessions.
Usability is straightforward, with simple controls that cater to both beginners and experienced photographers. The medium format film capability produces unique images with distinct characteristics. The flash is an excellent addition, allowing for creative lighting options. Overall, this camera balances performance and design effectively.
Pros
- This camera features a unique design that appeals to vintage photography enthusiasts.
- It offers medium format capabilities, allowing for higher quality images with greater detail.
- The included flash enhances lighting options for various shooting environments.
Cons
- Limited features compared to modern digital cameras could deter some users.
- Higher price point.
- Limited accessories included.
Perfect For:
The Lomography Diana F+ Camera & Flash Black Jack is well-suited for creative photographers seeking a unique medium format film experience that emphasizes artistic expression and unconventional imaging techniques.
Holga 120n Medium Format Film Camera White With Ilford Hp5 120 Film Bundle An…
The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera offers a reliable performance for both beginners and experienced photographers. Its simple operation allows users to focus on composition rather than complex settings. The image quality produced is consistent, delivering the characteristic soft focus that Holga cameras are known for.
Constructed from durable plastic, the Holga 120N maintains a lightweight design, making it easy to carry. The minimalist aesthetic in white adds a modern touch while remaining functional. Usability is enhanced by the intuitive controls, allowing for a hassle-free shooting experience. The included Ilford HP5 film bundle complements the camera…
Pros
- The Holga 120N offers a unique and artistic approach to photography with its medium format capabilities.
- Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry for extended periods.
- The included Ilford HP5 film enhances the overall shooting experience with excellent grain quality.
Cons
- Limited manual controls can be challenging for users seeking precise settings.
- Finding compatible accessories may prove difficult due to the niche market.
- Higher price point.
Perfect For:
The Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera is ideal for amateur photographers and hobbyists seeking a creative and hands-on approach to film photography.
Holga 120gcfn Plastic Medium Format Camera With Built-in Flash And Glass Lens…
The HOLGA 120GCFN camera offers a unique shooting experience with its plastic build and glass lens. The lightweight construction makes it easy to handle, while the built-in flash adds versatility. Users can expect a distinct aesthetic from the images, characterized by soft focus and vignetting that enhance creativity.
Design-wise, the camera features a simple layout that is user-friendly. The controls are straightforward, making it accessible for beginners and experienced photographers alike. The absence of complex settings encourages experimentation. Overall, the HOLGA 120GCFN combines functionality and artistic potential, appealing to those who appreciate a lo-fi photographic approach.
Pros
- The HOLGA 120GCFN camera is lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for casual photography.
- Its built-in flash provides convenience for low-light situations without needing extra equipment.
- The glass lens produces unique and artistic images that appeal to creative photographers.
Cons
- Limited features may frustrate users who prefer advanced settings and controls in their photography gear.
- Higher price point.
- Limited accessories included.
Perfect For:
The HOLGA 120GCFN Plastic Medium Format Camera is best suited for amateur photographers and creatives looking to explore medium format photography with a simple, user-friendly design and built-in flash.
Buying Guide
Before buying the best medium format camera film, several factors can influence your choice. Understanding these elements can help you make a more informed decision tailored to your photographic needs. This section explores key aspects to keep in mind while selecting your film.
Film Type
Medium format film comes in different types, including color negative, black and white, and slide film. Each type has unique characteristics and applications. Knowing the type you want will narrow down your options significantly.
ISO Rating
The ISO rating of the film affects its sensitivity to light, influencing exposure settings and overall image quality. Lower ISO films provide finer grain and better detail in bright conditions, while higher ISO films excel in low light. Choosing the right ISO is essential for achieving the desired effect in your images.
Brand Reputation
Familiarizing yourself with reputable film brands can guide your selection process. Brands like Kodak, Fujifilm, and Ilford have established a strong presence in the medium format film market. Opting for well-known brands often ensures a consistent quality and reliable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price range for medium format camera film?
The price of medium format camera film typically ranges from $5 to $15 per roll, depending on the type and brand. Specialty films or limited editions may cost more, so budgeting accordingly is advisable.
What key features should I look for in medium format film?
Key features to consider include film type, ISO rating, and color rendition. Evaluating these aspects can help you choose a film that meets your specific shooting requirements.
Is medium format film suitable for beginners or advanced photographers?
Medium format film can be used by both beginners and advanced photographers, but beginners may find it more challenging due to its cost and complexity. However, it offers high-quality results that can be rewarding for those willing to learn.
What are common mistakes to avoid when using medium format film?
Common mistakes include incorrect exposure settings and not understanding film development processes. Familiarizing yourself with the camera settings and developing options can help avoid these pitfalls.
How can I maintain and ensure the durability of medium format film?
To maintain medium format film, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Additionally, check expiration dates and handle the film carefully to prevent damage during use.
Conclusion
Selecting the best medium format camera film enhances your photography experience. By considering film type, ISO rating, and brand reputation, you can make a choice that aligns with your creative vision. Take action now and elevate your photography with the right film selection.
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