Medium Format vs 35mm Cameras | What's the Difference?

You’ve probably seen captions like “shot on 35mm” or “captured on 120 film” popping up in forums and Instagram posts. These terms do more than just describe the size and formatting of the film camera used, they're creative insights to the whole process of analog overall.

So, whether you’re loyal to the 35mm format, curious about medium format's dynamic range, or just here to soak up the craft — let's nerd out on the differences and what makes each unique. Sample images included, of course.

Medium format is all about a bigger canvas. These sensors are often bigger than 35mm full-frame cameras but slightly smaller than the even larger 4x5 inch film. On 120 film, you’ll commonly see:

• 645 format gives you 16 shots per roll.
• 6x6 format allows for 12 shots per roll.
• 6x7 format provides ten generous frames per roll.

The real perk is the larger imaging area. Compared to full-frame or point-and-shoot cameras, 120 medium format delivers cleaner detail, wider dynamic range, and richer, truer color that reflects the true-to-life tonality you want in portraits and landscapes. Almost all of your favorite photographers, like Willem Verbeeck, sport that cinematic yet sharp look you can’t quite as easily replicate on 35mm cameras.

Brief History

Medium format has a storied history that traces back to the early 1880s. It’s a deeply romantic form of analog that photographers have come to especially appreciate in this age of persistent technology. The classic Kodak Brownie made its debut as a consumer-level camera in 1901, heralding a new era of creative visual arts. It was the camera that helped democratize photography for the masses by the 1950s, popularizing the idea of a “snapshot” for fun. Not long after, other beloved brands like Fujifilm, Hasselblad, Bronica, and Pentax entered the chat, further contributing to the medium-format legacy.

Example Medium Format Camera Types:

• TLRs (Twin Lens Reflex) utilize two objective lenses—one for the viewfinder and one for taking the actual photograph.
• SLRs (Single Lens Reflex) have a single lens that allows viewing and capturing the image.
• Rangefinders, which allow precise focusing through a dual-image rangefinding device.
• Viewfinders typically involve a simple viewfinder for framing but no reflection system.

Medium format cameras are bigger—and usually pricier — but don’t let that scare you off. With Moment’s online courses, moving into 120 film is surprisingly straightforward and genuinely rewarding.

An Easier Form of Medium Format

If you're eager to try medium-format photography without messing with complex settings, the  Fuji GA645 is the perfect first-timer camera. It's a user-friendly 120 formatted point-and-shoot rangefinder equipped with a clean, rich 60mm f/4 lens. And as the name implies, it utilizes the 6x4.5 design, allowing you to shot up to 16 exposures on each roll of 120 film.

 What I love about the Fujifilm GA645:

• It's portable size is comparable to a 35mm Leica.
• Fully automatic.
• It includes autofocus (but also prone to breakage)
• Features auto film winding.
• Insanely good image quality.
• Comes with auto-excuse which totally eliminates the guesswork.
• Includes a built-in meter.

Pentax K1000The likelihood of your first “real” film camera being an SLR is high. They bridge the gap between a basic point and shoot, are user-friendly, yet remain high quality enough that you’re not constantly yearning for more.

What is an SLR?

An SLR (single-lens reflex) camera lets you look through the same lens that takes the photo. A mirror and prism route the scene to your viewfinder, so what you see is exactly what the film records. It minimizes the guesswork and offers a true through-the-lens view. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up, light hits the film, and the mirror drops back down. This is typically how most consumer-friendly 35mm cameras operate.

For most people stepping up from a camera phone, a 35mm SLR is the first “real” camera that makes everything feel more serious. SLRs are often portable and relatively affordable, with a massive used market and plenty of lenses to explore on sites like eBay or Etsy. You also get more frames per roll than medium format—usually 24 or 36—so you can experiment without paying an arm and a leg to burn through a roll. The dials and settings are often pretty approachable, with a suite of YouTube videos to help you along the way if you’re stuck.

Why 35mm over Medium Format?

Although medium format cameras are higher in technical image quality, 35mm cameras are the more nimble, everyday choice. Depending on your 35mm camera, you can still achieve stunning pictures with a fairly affordable setup. There’s a whole world of used camera accessories that cater to everyone from ultra-beginners to professionals. I personally love the Canon EOS 1V SLR as my go-to B camera for film next to my digital Fujifilm GFX. But if you want something even simpler, you can find a Pentax K1000 for around $100 online.