120 Medium Format PHOTOGRAPHY | GETTING STARTED
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2020
- Thinking about stepping up your film game and getting into a bigger format? I'm taking a look at medium format and how roll film works in comparison to 35mm. Learn about bigger cameras, bigger film, and bigger pictures!
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11:05 I see your Kiev has the accurate and consistent frame spacing they are known for.
Well it's russian so...
Looks like he has practised winding check alot :)
Note that you will also get odd (increasing) spacing when using a 220 film (ie no backing paper, 2x as long) back vs 120 film back.
I was looking at this camera on Ebay, is it a good camera.
I was looking at this camera on Ebay, is it a good camera.
My most treasured camera is my Rolleiflex 3.5. It was passed down to me by my grandfather. That was his favorite camera.
I have one!,it's priceless for quality.
My favorite is my two medium format camera's Mamiya RB67 ProS & Mamiya C330 the sound of the shutter is amazing too!
So was mine
Loved the Rolleiflex SL66 but came up on a Hasselblad 500c/m 70mm kit. I was impressed. Loving it now. Never had 1 b4 or thought I needed it. But it’s here to stay (:
I'm preparing myself for taking my first roll of 120 on a newly acquired TLR but for the life of me I could not find any instructional video that talked about what happens to the roll when it's done since it doesn't rewind back into a cannister (35mm). FINALLY, someone talks about this! Thank you so much! Minor thing, I know but just trying figure out was causing me frustration.
Don't forget the almost ubiquitous box cameras from the turn of the previous century even up into the 1950s -- they took many if the larger sizes of roll film -- most commonly 120 or 620. And the most complex of them were still pretty basic compared to most TLRs and SLR-style medium-format cameras. They were the inexpensive family "snapshot" camera back in the day. But since they were so simple they do tend to last. I have about a dozen different US/European box cameras and once cleaned they all work great. And with some of the more modern filmstocks (Ektar 100 is a good example) you can get some cool photos with them -- my next project is to shoot some Ilford Ortho Plus in some of them.
I have one of the Kodak Brownie box cameras that has The Deco design on the front. As basic as it is, it's nice that it has the ability to do long exposure although I haven't tried that. And mine has two aperture settings as well as a close up feature.
I started medium format film 2 years ago with a Yashica TLR, I think it is the best camera to start with, cheap, very reliable and they give superb result, much better than the plasticy Holga
Second this. Any Yashica A thru D + the 124/124G will give very nice results.
Love medium format photography, always looks better to me than my 35mm format shots.
As always, Love this video. I want to get into 120 one day but for now, I'm gonna get good at 35
2:00 “120 film” from 1901 was the “number” of the film format. However also worthwhile to note that “135 film” was for 35mm cartridge film is from 1934. Note that “110 cartridge” film was released in 1972 vs “110 roll” film from 1898. Also “220” came out in 1965 but odd that “240” is “APS” from 1996!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_format
As well as the previous format from Kodak to the 110 cartridges were the older 125 cartridge size dating from about the mid 1960s.
Thank you, clear and to the point. This helps a lot.
120 (and 620) are awesome for a bit of 35mm's ease, and large format's range (especially at 6x9).
I have a brownie No. 2 with a 120 stamp on it. Awesomely fun camera.
There is also 6x8 format like the Fuji 680 gx line, and also Mamiya has 6*8 backs for the latest model of the RB67
And the very rare GW 680.
I find myself bouncing all around your channel learning tons of new things about photography. You explain things so well, thank you so much for helping me & everyone else who watches your videos 🙏🏻
I just trim the outer edge of my 120 spools to shoot in 620. Saves faffing about with respooling. 👍 Excellent video by the way.
I am going to try that. Thanks.
Have done that myself too!
I have never shot medium format but I have heard thay this may not work on all cameras because the hole in the spool is also different. But if it does work on your cameta then, that's great.
I'm just doing my first roll of ilford hp5 120 on my [*] great grandpa's
20' camera Rollbox balda it actualy has only f16, and one time: i believe it is 1/125s and bulb. It's like whole New world of photography.
I already knew everything you stated but I watch the entire video anyway. Great job explaining it all! Right to the point and well covered. Subscribed! :)
I started off with a Kiev 60 but now shoot a Horseman VH, a technical camera for medium format film. For me it's a great step up into some large format style photography and getting into lens movements without needing to upgrade my scanner to something that can do 4x5.
Nice introduction to the format. Well done Noah 🙂👍
That Kodak tourist looks like it could be fun to really fun to use.
Great Video Noah, you just answered one of my questions 😀
Thank you so much. I love your channel!
Awesome video. Keep them coming!
Wow that’s very good education
Nice video! I appreciate the intro to 120 medium format.
thank you so much for this. My Grandad's Leica contarex 35mm camera confused the hell out of me as it didn't have a take-up spool. I now have one and it seems to work. This medium format technology seems to work in a similar way.
But some Leica clones do have a take-up spool (probably some Leicas which inspired the clones as well) I have a Kreistal (which is italian IIRC) which loads through the base plate and requires the leader to be put onto a take-up spool before dropping the complete cassette, leader and take-up spool through the bottom of the camera. It doesn't like modern short 35mm leaders; it requires them to be cut longer, otherwise the film jams in the shutter before being taken up properly.
I was waiting for this video!
Excellent presentation!
You should consider for the 120 medium format camera is the Bronica' brand which come in both 6x4.6 and 6x7 sizes. Maybe look that brand up as it is also made in Germany and the old Soviet era cameras construction can sometimes be sketchy in comparison to the German or ever East German made cameras. The Bronicas are similar to the Mamiyas and Hasselblads but at a lower price range and aren't as clunky as the Soviet era camera like the Kievs.
Very cool survey! thanks..!
I learnt so much today ! Thanks!!!!
Very very informative.thanks alot Im getting into medium format and I need all the knowledge I can accrue
I used to use an old Rolleiflex that loads 117 film, that is the same as 120, but half the length. I had to adapt the spool to fit in there...
Thanks for the video.
I have been shooting medium format since I was 5-years old.
Over the decades, I have shot 6x6cm, 6x7cm, 6x9cm, and 6x12cm medium format aspect ratios.
I have used medium format box cameras, folding cameras, TLR cameras, SLR cameras, rangefinder cameras, homemade pinhole cameras, and Diana and Holga "toy" cameras.
My personal favorite medium format camera was the Mamiya TLR with 55, 80, and 180mm lenses.
PSA- you can use a nail trimmer to cut the extra bits of spool that extend past the film from 120 and it will fit into 620 cameras. (Don’t but the film just the circular edge of the spool on both sides)
you do have to be careful with this approach, it's easy to cut slightly too deep and cause light leaks.
1:36 Props to that guy for taking a picture of himself before photoshop made it easy to do a shot like that.
Great video!!!
Excellent video I have a kiev TTL and a mamiya 33 TLR also a fuji 6x9 plus one you forgot a bronica ersi 6x4.5.
All brilliant cameras.
And for 35mm I use an Olympus om1n.
For digital I have a fujifilm x100.
All superb cameras.
Thank you for the video
I own a Fuji GX680..which has various backs, even has mask options for 645. This is prob one of more overlooked cameras have ever seen.
My camera is a yashica mat 124g. That I TLA’d an tuned, love it.
Thanks for mentioning the Mamiya Press camera. This is a real gem, the weight of the camera is compensated with the great hand grip.
I picked one up for myself last summer!
Excellent video as usual! On your way to large format ;)
You forgot 6x8 though but ok that’s pretty rare !
And it would have been interesting to comparing 120 to 70mm cine film (I have quite a few rolls of spooled Kodak vision 3 70mm cinefilm ... with sprocket holes!) I am still not 100 sure the two are exactly the same size :-/
lOVE THE VIDEOS KEEP IT UP!
My Kodak Vigilant and Argoflex are just worth the time it takes to respool onto 620 spools. I do love my Bronicas and Lubitel 2, though.
Great video. Thanks.
I don't respool 120 film onto 620 spools. I just trim the edges of the 120 spools with a nail clipper. It works perfectly fine.
Super helpful video for me as a noob... thanks 😊
Great video
Personally, I use a semflex, it's a French TLR and I have really nice results with it!
Best medium format for the money. Mamiya Press Super 23 with the 6x9 back and 100mm lens. Sometimes can be picked up for less than $300.
Comrade Noah, it's always good to see others rely on the un-matched and totally-not-copied wonders of Soviet Machinery!
Jokes aside, even though I also have a Bronica SQ-Ai that takes wonderful shots, my Kiev88 is one of the Medium Format I have the most fun shooting with, even with all its cons and random quirks. In the end, it always gets the job done
I’ve had a Brownie Six-20 Junior for years and just yesterday finally bought a roll of respooled 120 film to try it out for the first time. I haven’t shot medium format since high school photo class in 1997. I also bought a TLR, but now I’m second guessing my purchase. It’s a Seagull 4A and I didn’t read reviews first and now I’m just hoping it won’t break on its first roll when it arrives.
Sideshow 44 I had a roll of 120 to use in the TLR and almost did the trimming to try it in the Brownie instead, but stopped myself when I realized I’d have to sand down or dremel the flat spool edges to make it less snug. I’ve literally never used my Brownie before (I just fixed the viewfinder mirrors yesterday) and was afraid of half exposing a roll and then it getting stuck. But then I saw the respooled film on Film Photography Project and didn’t think the prices were that bad, so just ordered some along with some 110 film. I’m excited to try it out!
If you think about it there are also multiple cameras that shoot different frame sizes on 35mm film. Half frame, stereoscopic, panoramic, there are also adapters for using 35mm film in medium format cameras, for example in flexarets. So yeah, even when it was supposed to be easier, people have found their way to make it weird and complicated.
Digging your channel 👍 just subbed.
Great video! Was wondering for my AGFA Ansco 120 camera, where can I purchase various Frame Masks (in 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x7) for this 6x9 size cam I have?
Very well explained video :) By the way, have you ever spooled your own 120 film from 70mm cine film?
What's next - why, 110 film/cameras of course! That and 16mm still cameras (and Minox). Lots of wacky stuff to cover there. The subminiature scene needs more UA-cam content 😁
But almost no one makes or develops 110... Otherwise I'd have tried it as well.
The problem is that there are only a few really interesting 110 cameras. Pentax’s SLR of course, Minolta’s SLR, the motor drive Kodak 110 Cameo... and then after that everything is basically just a Kodak Star or else one of those keychain cameras that folds into a cube. Functionally they’re all mostly just point and shoot cameras. I’ll always have a fondness though since my childhood was mostly captured on 110 and kodak disc.
@@GGoAwayy that's a fair point, maybe he could do a review of the format and a particular camera in one video, I'm always up for more love for the Pentax 110 at any rate. 😄 There's also a lot of weird toy cameras that take 110, so that could be fun.
I've actually recently gotten on the 16mm train, lots of fascinating mid century still cameras using that format, some that had decent quality as well (i.e. Minolta 16's). Biggest problem is the specialized carts, different for most cameras, and the general DIY nature to shoot with them these days as the film has to be cut or bought in bulk.
@@QDRquality I'd say almost doesn't mean no one, though! Lomography has it readily available. Some cameras can take reloaded carts as well, it's definitely a niche rabbit hole. I also like all the weird toy cameras that take the format.
But yeah, I'll admit I got a Yankee Master tank for the 110 reels so I can self dev, definitely cuts down cost on the development side.
Exxcalibur186 FPP also sells the last batch of Fukkatsu 110 BW and color.
Good video
Waiting for my Kiev that will be arriving in 2 weeks, but I will be shooting 120 again with my Graflex XL, and my 1933 Plaubel Makina 6x9 baby....
Hey I posted a comment on one of your past videos asking some questions on the super 8 camera and what type I should buy and the things I should look for, I’d appreciate a response
At 1:16, that's a picture of 130 film for a Kodak number 2C camera.
Thing you don't mention is that 6x6 and 6x9 are also nice formats for contact printing (onto proper paper). Works better with 6x9. My first camera was a Brownie Vectra 127 camera, for which my uncle (a pro film cameraman) bought me a contact frame along with the camera. It shot 6x4 (6cm long frame on 127 width, which I think was 4cm). The contact frame got lost! Having used a Mamiya C33 for which I usually managed to cadge time on a medium format enlarger (after blowing up 35mm 6x6 contacts seem small). I am now just putting an old Brownie 620 back into service thinking of contact printing. In this era of scanners and digital processing it will be good to get back to basics and concentrate on looking for good subjects and composition! (Would love to do 10x8 on a view camera with contact prints but I am not in that league, financially or photographically!)
220 film doesn't use paper backing, so more film can be loaded on the same spool. Many 120 cameras (Hasselblad, Mamiya) had special 220 film holders.
I developed over 750 rolls of 120 film from my Mamiya 645 and could never get more than 15 exposures, not 16. Depends on the space between images and the camera mechanism.
It's called 120 film cuz it's the 120th film type. Just like how the AR-15 is called the AR-15 because it's the 15th automatic rifle ever invented.
Im in Toronto, and I always belonged to Coops or photo clubs, and it made developing film, and printing pics much easier. Do you know any clubs that might still be left, would love to get back into photography and it’s just too much for me to mix my own chemicals, and get an enlarger, ect, Thanks great tutorial.
The two that I know of are LIFT and Gallery 44
gallery44.org/membership
lift.ca/
Analog Resurgence I belonged to LIFT 10 years ago, so that would be perfect. Great organization.
I'm guessing the 120 roll shown at 11:02 was taken with the Kiev camera - this by the uneven spacing of the images, characteristic of those Soviet-era imitations.
It's worth mentioning that part of the reasoning behind the 6x6 square format was that many of these cameras - particularly TLRs with waist-level finders, were too awkward to turn in their side for vertical shots, so Rolleiflex always advertised that within the 6x6 frame, one could compose horizontally or vertically, and the more generous size of the film allowed cropping without much loss in quality. That being said, many many pgotographers ended up taking a liking to the square format and composing with it, even if it violates classic "rules" of composition.
Just about take my very first shots with my mint mamiya rz67 pro ii.
Hope it goes well.
Is there a manual medium format camera backs that take the Fuji Instax square or wide film? Just it is so abundant here in Australia, every department store has the film and the cheap Fuji cameras. I wanna muck around with those large lenses.
I‘m fine with my Agfa Isolette L but a Hasselblad 500cm or a Rolleiflex would be darn cool.
Has anyone tried using the old folding cameras to shoot 120? Things like the Zeiss Ikon Nettars seem to be the most affordable...
What kind of lens did you use to film the video? It seems like it has some field curvature
any video on night photography?
What about 70mm perfod backs & cassettes. I’m fiddling with those on my new to me Hasselblad 500c/m & A70 back. & old film cans. What else can I do with these? I sure don’t have anything big enough to reel & tank develop yet. Looking. For now I wanna clip it down to 1.5m length I can process in 116/616 kit. Can newer 65mm & 120 be run through these Hasselblad or Mamiya 70mm backs non perfed? Spool adapters to center?
Best medium format camera for the buck in my opinion is the Mamiya Press Super 23 with backs that can do 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. It has a tilt/shift back and bellows and one of the fastest lenses for 6x9 ie the Mamiya F2.8 100mm which is designed after the Zeiss Planar lens.
Very recently picked up a Mamiya Universal! Lacks the bellows on the back but loving the potential for shooting different formats and picking up more lenses as well!
@@AnalogResurgence The Super 23 bodies are not expensive. It would give you even more options. The Mamiya Press backs are also renowned for their film flatness. The 50mm wide angle is amazing using a 6x9 back.
I just recently bought a Zenza Bronica SQ-a aka a poor mans Hasselblad
Um, I always thought of the Kowa Six as the "poor man's Hasselblad," since it was completely mechanical and had "the usual suspects" of wide/normal/telephoto lenses. It was cheap enough to get around the film-insert-only limitation by buying two camera bodies. The interchangeable 120/220 magazine system arrived later.;)
Otokichi786 lol any 6x6 camera is a poor mans Hasselblad
By that standard, my 1950's Rolleicord V is a "poor man's Hasselblad." Not quite. At the very least, interchangeable lenses are necessary, which leaves off "fixed lens" 120 cameras. Also, it should be a single lens reflex, which keeps the Mamiya C-series, Press Universal, and the Kodak Medalist or Rapid Omega off the list.
SQ in cheaper but it’s very good.
Bronica has a very complete system in both 6x6 and 645. It also has 6x7 and is much more compact than Mamiya, but is quite rare to find.
@@Arturo.H.M my shots from Bronica GS-1 www.flickr.com/photos/140103822@N05/albums/72157695591472111
I tried getting into medium format with a Kiev 60 but everytime I put a roll in it the thing jams mid-roll and I lose from 3 to 4 pictures. Was looking at other slr options but they're simply too expensive, can't even afford a Zenza Bronica...
What do you think of ultra cheap 120 cameras like the Holga?
My neighbor gave me an old Kodak pocket camera no.3-b and it is supposed to take 105 film but I've made adapters to shoot 120 through it and ill get 6cm×14cm negatives
You can buy 620 film at b/h
Curious about the Kiev. Fiddled w/ the Leica III close. The Kiev 4a.
Can this Hasse clone take all my Hasselblad lens & backs? As a 2nd body for test
A really good beginner camera for the 120 format is one of the many Yashica TLRs on the market. This website has all you need to know about them: www.yashicatlr.com/
I have a Yashica 635 which not only takes 120 film but with a special adapter can shoot 35mm film. I also have a Mamiya C330 which is a TLR which can use different lenses.
is there a way to use this film in a series 100 land camera?
There are so many great 120 rangefinder cameras that you never mentioned and they're so cheap (under £75).
WELL SORRY TO SAY THIS SINCE IT HAS BEEN A YEAR, My Kiev did arrive as I was excited, however when I open the box that the 2nd 120 camera was OK, as for the Kiev it was DAMAGE, as more than Damage that the package was tamper, and open as it was re taped again, the Mirror box was damage, and the mirror was crack. So I returned it got my refund, and the seller blamed it on the Russian Post office, so I got myself a Zeiss 1938 Ikonta, and as also I have a Graflex RF XL, and along with my Plaubel from Germany, but I also have my Bronica S2A in since that why I should get a Kiev? so All I have is my S2A with a 75mm Nikkor, so what I got is a 50mm 3.5. and 135mm 3.5 all Nikkors, and a Chimmy Focus Hood. Just wish that I would have a Polaroid Back. But also have a 105mm 3.5 Nikkor so now I have a Bronica System - as a bit Noisy when the shutter is fired, but my shots will be sharp on Nikkor Glass.
I think i should just getting a automated 120 camera like fuji ga645zi
I picked up a Super Ricohflex (120 TLR) a while back. I haven’t had anything to shoot - but I’m kind of stuck because the focusing lenses are froze up. I’m just too scared to rip it apart.
They are very easy to fix i fix my ricohflex million myself
I recently purchased a Pentacon Praktisix IIA 2a, it also uses 120 film rolls. The design is in between the earlier TLR and later SLR 35mm types of cameras.
You do view through the lens with this camera.
Hmmmm question have you ever used the adapter for 116 to 120? Would you still need to transfer the roll over?
I don't believe so! You should just be able to put the 120 spool into 116 cameras once you put the adapters on the roll.
Can you suggest a website where I can send my 6×6 120 film to be developed
Is a agfa billy camera a good deal for $30NZD?
So larger than 6x6 you need an expensive 5x4 inch neg carrier?.
In your opinion, is saving for a Hassleblad or Rolleiflex worth the investment ?
Was looking at the Kiev, is a good medium format camera?
I'd go for a Kiev 60, that was my first one and they're a lot more reliable that the 88, and have a great lens selection.
Kodak were the worst offenders for obsolete film types like the 620 film that only differed in the spool type solely to segment the markets. many vintage European medium film format cameras exist that can be had quite cheap. Agfa made oh so many 120 format cameras like the 6X9 Agfa Billy 1 (the post war version idealy) or the rangefinder equipped 6X6 Agfa Isolette ii or iii, while not the best will certainly get you in the door cheaply without having to re-spool a 620 Kodak
Has anyone tried 120 Shanghai B&W film recently? I use their 4x5" film and like it.
The reason I am asking is I want to order some 120 Shanghai to try but not if they still are having trouble with the backing. If you are not aware, a few years ago Shanghai had a problem with the ink on the paper backing that would transfer to the emulsion of the film while it was all rolled up. The ink of the words and numbers would soak in and not come out during development! In the final B&W prints, you could faintly read those words and numbers.
Thank you.
Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA
Don't you get 15 shots per roll on 645, not 16? I've used a few 645 cameras and i always got 15.
Is there a reason that 35mm film doesn't have a variety of frame sizes like medium format? Is it because there's no sprockets and you can wind it as much as you want?
There does exist half-frame cameras for 35mm which will shoot a frame that’s half the size of a regular exposure and you can also get panoramic cameras which will shoot a wider exposure on the film as well. It’s just not as prominent for 35 as the different choices for 120
@@AnalogResurgence oh okay, I knew about half frame cameras, but I wasn't sure there were 35mm panoramic cameras. Too bad there aren't as many options for 35 as 120. Thanks for the quick reply.
can you cover how to do super 8 at home
I really want to, I just don’t have the resources at the moment! In the future though 100%!
@@AnalogResurgence you might know this but does a tower No.1 120 look like a 40s camera even tho its 1956 and do I need a flash for that camera to work
you forget about 6x8
Having a soviet rip off of something is much cooler than having the original
Pentagon Six ?
What lens are you filming with, I love the character