Medium format photography represents the sweet spot between 35mm convenience and large format quality, offering photographers significantly larger image area, beautiful depth of field characteristics, and that distinctive “medium format look” that’s coveted by portrait, fashion, and fine art photographers worldwide.
This comprehensive guide covers the best medium format film cameras available today, from iconic Hasselblads to budget-friendly options, helping you understand the different systems and choose the perfect camera for your photographic needs and budget.
Why Choose Medium Format?
The Medium Format Advantage
Image Quality Benefits:
- 2.25x larger image area than 35mm (6x4.5cm minimum)
- Finer grain structure due to less enlargement needed
- Better tonal gradation and smoother color transitions
- Superior dynamic range and shadow detail
- Shallower depth of field at equivalent framing
Aesthetic Qualities:
- Distinctive “medium format look” - hard to replicate digitally
- Beautiful bokeh characteristics from larger lenses
- Natural compression and perspective rendering
- Improved separation between subject and background
- Film texture that scales beautifully to large prints
Professional Applications:
- Portrait photography - exceptional skin tone rendering
- Fashion photography - industry standard for decades
- Fine art - superior quality for gallery prints
- Wedding photography - timeless, elegant aesthetic
- Architecture - excellent detail and perspective control
Understanding Medium Format Sizes
Common 120 film formats:
- 6x4.5cm (645): 15-16 shots per roll, smallest MF format
- 6x6cm (square): 12 shots per roll, classic Hasselblad format
- 6x7cm: 10 shots per roll, “ideal format” proportions
- 6x8cm: 9 shots per roll, panoramic feel
- 6x9cm: 8 shots per roll, maximum image area on 120
Understanding medium format film? Read our 35mm vs 120 film comparison to learn the technical differences and practical considerations.
Camera System Types
SLR Systems (Single Lens Reflex)
Characteristics:
- Ground glass focusing screen
- Mirror flips up during exposure
- Interchangeable lenses and viewfinders
- Professional features and modularity
Advantages:
- Accurate through-the-lens viewing
- Professional lens selections
- Modular system flexibility
- Precise focusing capability
Disadvantages:
- Larger and heavier
- Mirror shock can cause vibration
- More complex mechanics
- Higher maintenance requirements
TLR Systems (Twin Lens Reflex)
Characteristics:
- Two lenses: viewing lens on top, taking lens below
- Waist-level viewing (usually)
- Fixed lens (typically)
- Compact compared to SLR systems
Advantages:
- Quieter operation (no mirror)
- Less vibration
- Simpler mechanics
- Often more affordable
- Classic square format
Disadvantages:
- Parallax error at close distances
- Limited lens options (usually fixed)
- Reversed left-right viewing
- Less precise focusing than SLR
Rangefinder Systems
Characteristics:
- Separate viewfinder window
- Rangefinder focusing mechanism
- Usually more compact
- Often wider-angle focused
Advantages:
- Compact and lightweight
- Quiet operation
- Bright viewfinder
- No viewfinder blackout
Disadvantages:
- Parallax issues
- Limited long lens capability
- Less common in medium format
- Focusing can be challenging
Folding Cameras
Characteristics:
- Bellows focusing system
- Folding design for portability
- Usually fixed lens
- Simple operation
Advantages:
- Very portable when folded
- Often affordable
- Simple, reliable mechanics
- Good optical quality
Disadvantages:
- Limited features
- Basic metering (if any)
- Fixed lens limitations
- Older designs mostly
Top Medium Format Camera Systems
Hasselblad V-System
The legendary professional standard
Key Models:
- 500C/M: Classic mechanical body
- 500C/M: Most popular, reliable choice
- 503CW: Final evolution, modern features
- SWC/M: Wide-angle specialist with 38mm lens
System Characteristics:
- Format: 6x6cm (square)
- Lens mount: Hasselblad V-mount
- Viewfinder: Interchangeable finders
- Film backs: Interchangeable A12, A16, A24
Why it’s legendary:
- Used by NASA for moon missions
- Fashion and portrait photography standard
- Exceptional build quality and reliability
- Modular system with extensive accessories
- Carl Zeiss optics throughout the range
Lens Highlights:
- 80mm f/2.8 Planar: Standard lens, exceptional quality
- 150mm f/4 Sonnar: Classic portrait lens
- 50mm f/4 Distagon: Wide-angle option
- 250mm f/5.6 Sonnar: Telephoto choice
Current Market:
- Price range: $800-2500 for complete kit
- Availability: Good, many options available
- Service: Still serviceable by specialists
- Film backs: A12 (12 shots) most common
Best for:
- Professional portrait work
- Fashion photography
- Fine art projects
- Photographers wanting the “Hasselblad look”
Mamiya RB67/RZ67 System
The professional workhorse
Key Models:
- RB67: Mechanical, reliable, affordable
- RZ67: Electronic, more features, higher price
System Characteristics:
- Format: 6x7cm (ideal proportions)
- Operation: Leaf shutter in lenses
- Viewfinder: Large, bright ground glass
- Film backs: Interchangeable, various formats available
RB67 advantages:
- Fully mechanical operation
- No batteries required
- More affordable than RZ67
- Excellent build quality
- Wide lens selection
RZ67 advantages:
- Electronic shutter control
- Multiple exposure capability
- More precise shutter speeds
- Warning signals for proper operation
- More modern design
Lens Highlights:
- 127mm f/3.8: Standard lens, excellent quality
- 90mm f/3.8: Wide-angle, great for environmental portraits
- 180mm f/4.5: Portrait telephoto
- 65mm f/4.5: Ultra-wide landscape lens
Current Market:
- RB67 price: $300-800 complete kit
- RZ67 price: $600-1200 complete kit
- Availability: Excellent, many options
- Service: Good service network still exists
Best for:
- Portrait photographers
- Studio work
- Wedding photographers
- Budget-conscious professionals
Pentax 67 System
The giant 35mm SLR
Key Models:
- Pentax 67: Original model, mechanical
- Pentax 67II: Updated with minor improvements
System Characteristics:
- Format: 6x7cm
- Operation: Focal plane shutter like 35mm SLR
- Handling: Similar to large 35mm camera
- Metering: TTL metering available
Unique qualities:
- Handles like an oversized 35mm SLR
- Familiar operation for 35mm users
- Excellent lens selection
- Sharp, contrasty results
- Good value for money
Lens Highlights:
- 105mm f/2.4: Standard lens, excellent bokeh
- 55mm f/4: Wide-angle, landscape favorite
- 135mm f/4 Macro: Portrait and macro work
- 200mm f/4: Telephoto portrait lens
Current Market:
- Price range: $400-1000 complete kit
- Availability: Good selection available
- Service: Limited but still possible
- Mirror slap: Notable characteristic, use good technique
Best for:
- 35mm photographers transitioning to MF
- Landscape photographers
- Portrait work
- Photographers wanting SLR handling
Mamiya 645 System
The compact professional choice
Key Models:
- M645: Original mechanical model
- 645 Pro: Professional features
- 645 Super: Most popular version
- 645 Pro TL: Final evolution
System Characteristics:
- Format: 6x4.5cm (15-16 shots per roll)
- Size: Most compact medium format SLR
- Operation: Modern SLR features
- Lenses: Extensive professional lens line
System advantages:
- Most shots per roll (15-16 on 120 film)
- Compact size and weight
- Modern features and metering
- Extensive lens selection
- Professional build quality
Lens Highlights:
- 80mm f/2.8: Standard lens
- 55mm f/2.8: Wide-angle
- 150mm f/3.5: Portrait telephoto
- 35mm f/3.5: Ultra-wide
Current Market:
- Price range: $300-700 complete kit
- Availability: Good, popular system
- Service: Still serviceable
- Value: Excellent price/performance ratio
Best for:
- Photographers wanting more shots per roll
- Travel photography
- Wedding photography
- General medium format photography
Bronica Systems
The affordable professional alternative
Key Systems:
- Bronica SQ series: 6x6cm format
- Bronica ETR series: 6x4.5cm format
- Bronica GS-1: 6x7cm format
System Characteristics:
- Value: Excellent performance for price
- Build quality: Good, not quite Hasselblad level
- Lens quality: Very good, competitive with others
- Features: Modern SLR features
Bronica SQ (6x6):
- Hasselblad alternative
- Interchangeable film backs
- Good lens selection
- More affordable than Hasselblad
Bronica ETR (645):
- Compact 645 format
- Good lens selection
- Electronic features
- Excellent value
Current Market:
- Price range: $200-600 complete kit
- Availability: Good selection
- Service: Limited but possible
- Value: Excellent entry point to MF
Best for:
- Beginners to medium format
- Budget-conscious photographers
- Learning medium format systems
- Backup camera systems
Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Cameras
Mamiya TLR Series
The professional TLR choice
Key Models:
- Mamiya C330: Professional, interchangeable lenses
- Mamiya C220: Simplified version of C330
Characteristics:
- Format: 6x6cm
- Lenses: Interchangeable (unique for TLR)
- Bellows: Focusing bellows system
- Build: Professional quality
Advantages:
- Only TLR system with interchangeable lenses
- Close focusing capability
- Professional features
- Excellent lens quality
Lens options:
- 80mm f/2.8: Standard lens
- 65mm f/3.5: Wide-angle
- 135mm f/4.5: Portrait telephoto
- 180mm f/4.5: Long telephoto
Current Market:
- Price range: $300-800 with lens
- Availability: Good, popular choice
- Service: Still serviceable
Rolleiflex TLR
The legendary twin lens reflex
Key Models:
- Rolleiflex 2.8F: Professional model with f/2.8 lens
- Rolleiflex 3.5F: More affordable f/3.5 version
- Rolleicord: Budget-friendly alternative
Characteristics:
- Format: 6x6cm
- Lenses: Fixed Zeiss or Schneider lenses
- Build quality: Exceptional German engineering
- Operation: Simple, reliable
Legendary quality:
- Carl Zeiss or Schneider optics
- Exceptional build quality
- Iconic design and operation
- Historical significance
Current Market:
- Price range: $800-2500 depending on model
- Availability: Good but prices rising
- Service: Specialist service still available
- Investment: Values holding well
Best for:
- Street photography
- Portrait work
- Collectors and enthusiasts
- Learning traditional photography
Yashica TLR Series
The affordable TLR option
Key Models:
- Yashica-D: Basic, affordable model
- Yashica-124G: Most popular, built-in meter
- Yashica-Mat: Various models available
Characteristics:
- Format: 6x6cm
- Price: Very affordable entry to TLR
- Quality: Good for the price
- Availability: Excellent, many options
Perfect for:
- Learning TLR operation
- Budget entry to medium format
- Backup TLR camera
- Student photographers
Current Market:
- Price range: $100-400
- Availability: Excellent
- Service: Basic service possible
- Value: Excellent for beginners
Budget-Friendly Medium Format Options
Holga and Diana Cameras
The lo-fi artistic choice
Characteristics:
- Price: $30-80 new
- Quality: Deliberately lo-fi
- Results: Soft, vignetted, artistic
- Operation: Very simple
Creative applications:
- Art projects and experimentation
- Teaching composition basics
- Unique aesthetic results
- Gateway to medium format
Vintage Folding Cameras
Classic portable medium format
Examples:
- Zeiss Ikon folders: Excellent optics
- Voigtländer Bessa: Good quality, affordable
- Agfa folders: Budget options
Considerations:
- Often need servicing
- Limited or no metering
- Manual focus and operation
- Can deliver excellent results
Eastern European Cameras
Soviet and Eastern Bloc options
Examples:
- Kiev 60: Pentacon Six mount system
- Pentacon Six: East German 6x6 SLR
- Various Soviet TLRs: Budget alternatives
Characteristics:
- Very affordable
- Variable quality control
- Can deliver good results
- May need service/adjustment
Buying Guide and Considerations
Condition Assessment
What to check when buying:
Body condition:
- Shutter operation at all speeds
- Mirror and focusing screen condition
- Light seals (crucial for older cameras)
- Battery compartment corrosion
- General mechanical operation
Lens condition:
- Glass clarity (no fungus, separation, or haze)
- Aperture operation
- Focus smoothness
- Filter thread condition
- Leaf shutter operation (if applicable)
System completeness:
- Film back included and functional
- Lens caps and accessories
- Manual or documentation
- Original packaging (adds value)
Where to Buy
Recommended sources:
Camera shops:
- Local camera stores
- KEH Camera (used equipment specialist)
- Adorama and B&H used departments
- Specialty medium format dealers
Online markets:
- eBay (research seller carefully)
- Facebook Marketplace
- Photography forums
- Estate sales and auctions
What to pay:
- Research completed sales for fair market value
- Factor in servicing costs
- Consider shipping and insurance
- Budget for accessories and film
Service and Maintenance
Common issues:
- Light seals deterioration (affects all older cameras)
- Shutter accuracy problems
- Mirror and focusing screen issues
- Electronics failure (electronic models)
Service options:
- Authorized repair centers (limited for vintage cameras)
- Independent camera repair specialists
- DIY maintenance for simple issues
- Preventive maintenance importance
Maintenance costs:
- Basic CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust): $200-400
- Light seal replacement: $50-150
- Shutter repairs: $150-300
- Electronics repairs: Variable, often expensive
Need camera repair services? Find camera repair shops that specialize in vintage medium format cameras.
Film Considerations for Medium Format
Film Choice Impact
120 film characteristics:
- Same film stocks as 35mm in larger format
- Better grain structure due to less enlargement
- More expensive per shot than 35mm
- Fewer shots per roll requires more careful composition
Popular Medium Format Films
Color negative:
- Kodak Portra 400: Professional standard
- Kodak Portra 160: Studio and controlled light
- Fuji Pro 400H: Alternative color palette (discontinued)
- Kodak Ektar 100: Fine grain, vivid colors
Black and white:
- Ilford HP5 Plus: Versatile, forgiving
- Kodak Tri-X: Classic grain character
- Ilford Delta 100: Fine grain, professional quality
- Kodak T-Max 400: Modern emulsion technology
Slide film:
- Fuji Velvia 50/100: Landscape favorite
- Kodak Ektachrome E100: Professional standard
- Fuji Provia 100F: Balanced color reproduction
Recommended films for medium format? Check our Kodak Portra complete guide for color negative film and our black & white film comparison for monochrome options.
Cost Considerations
Film costs:
- 120 film: $8-15 per roll typical
- Processing: $8-25 depending on lab and services
- Total cost per roll: $16-40 including development
Shots per dollar:
- 645 format: 15-16 shots per roll
- 6x6 format: 12 shots per roll
- 6x7 format: 10 shots per roll
- 6x9 format: 8 shots per roll
Finding processing for 120 film? Search labs that handle medium format in our directory to find C41, E6, and black & white processing services.
System Recommendations by Use Case
Portrait Photography
Professional choice: Hasselblad 500C/M
- Lens: 150mm f/4 Sonnar
- Why: Legendary skin tone rendering, shallow DOF
- Investment: $1500-2500 complete
Budget alternative: Mamiya RB67
- Lens: 127mm f/3.8 or 180mm f/4.5
- Why: Excellent value, professional results
- Investment: $400-800 complete
Modern option: Mamiya 645 Super
- Lens: 80mm f/2.8 or 150mm f/3.5
- Why: Modern features, compact size
- Investment: $400-700 complete
Landscape Photography
Traditional choice: Pentax 67
- Lens: 55mm f/4 or 90mm f/2.8
- Why: Sharp lenses, 6x7 proportions
- Investment: $600-1000 complete
Wide-angle specialist: Hasselblad SWC/M
- Lens: Fixed 38mm f/4.5
- Why: Ultra-wide, no distortion
- Investment: $2000-3500
Budget option: Bronica GS-1
- Lens: 65mm f/4
- Why: Good value, 6x7 format
- Investment: $300-600 complete
Street Photography
Classic choice: Rolleiflex 2.8F
- Lens: Fixed 80mm f/2.8
- Why: Quiet operation, waist-level viewing
- Investment: $1200-2000
Affordable alternative: Yashica-124G
- Lens: Fixed 80mm f/3.5
- Why: Built-in meter, very affordable
- Investment: $150-300
Compact option: Mamiya 645
- Lens: 80mm f/2.8
- Why: Most compact MF SLR
- Investment: $300-600 complete
Wedding Photography
Professional standard: Mamiya RZ67
- Lenses: 110mm f/2.8, 180mm f/4.5
- Why: Leaf shutters, flash sync, reliability
- Investment: $800-1500 complete
Backup system: Bronica SQ-A
- Lens: 80mm f/2.8
- Why: Affordable backup to Hasselblad
- Investment: $300-600 complete
Fine Art Photography
Museum quality: Hasselblad 503CW
- Lens: 80mm f/2.8 or 150mm f/4
- Why: Ultimate image quality, collector value
- Investment: $2000-4000 complete
Alternative: Mamiya 7 (rangefinder)
- Lens: Various options available
- Why: Exceptional sharpness, compact
- Investment: $1500-3000 complete
Learning Medium Format Photography
Transitioning from 35mm
Key differences to understand:
- Slower pace: Fewer shots means more deliberate composition
- Cost per shot: Higher cost encourages more careful technique
- Depth of field: Shallower at equivalent framing
- Camera size: Larger, heavier cameras require different handling
Adjustment tips:
- Start with more forgiving films (color negative)
- Practice composition more carefully
- Learn proper medium format camera handling
- Understand the exposure differences
New to film photography? Start with our complete film processing workflow guide to understand the basics before diving into medium format.
Technical Considerations
Depth of field:
- Shallower than 35mm at equivalent framing
- Use DOF preview or tables
- Focus more carefully
- Consider background elements
Camera handling:
- Proper support techniques
- Mirror lock-up when available
- Steady hand techniques
- Tripod use for best results
Exposure:
- Learn your camera’s metering characteristics
- Incident metering often preferred
- Understand film characteristics
- Bracket important shots while learning
Building Skills
Practice progression:
- Master one camera thoroughly
- Learn one film stock well
- Practice basic techniques (focus, exposure, composition)
- Experiment with different subjects
- Develop personal style
Common beginner mistakes:
- Underestimating camera size and weight
- Not checking focus carefully enough
- Wasting film on poorly composed shots
- Not accounting for parallax (TLR cameras)
- Forgetting to advance film
Digital Age Medium Format
Film vs Digital Medium Format
Film advantages:
- Cost: Film cameras much less expensive
- Character: Unique film aesthetic
- Simplicity: No complex menus or settings
- Longevity: Images don’t become obsolete
- Learning: Forces good technique
Digital advantages:
- Convenience: Immediate results
- Cost per shot: No film and processing costs
- ISO flexibility: Variable sensitivity
- Post-processing: Digital workflow integration
Hybrid Workflows
Best of both worlds:
- Shoot film for aesthetic and discipline
- Scan for digital workflow
- Combine with digital capture when needed
- Use film for special projects
Learn more about film scanning with our film scanning guide to understand home vs lab scanning options for your medium format negatives.
Investment and Collecting Considerations
Value Retention
Cameras holding value well:
- Hasselblad V-system (especially later models)
- Rolleiflex TLRs (particularly 2.8F)
- Leica medium format (R-series adapters)
- Mamiya 7 rangefinder system
Factors affecting value:
- Condition and serviceability
- Completeness of system
- Rarity and desirability
- Market demand trends
Future Considerations
Market trends:
- High-quality systems maintaining value
- Budget options becoming more affordable
- Service availability decreasing for some brands
- Film availability remaining stable
Investment advice:
- Buy quality over quantity
- Maintain cameras properly
- Keep complete systems together
- Document condition and service history
Conclusion
Medium format film photography offers an unparalleled combination of image quality, artistic expression, and tactile satisfaction that continues to attract photographers decades after its commercial heyday. Whether you’re drawn to the legendary Hasselblad system, the practical versatility of Mamiya cameras, or the affordable excellence of Bronica equipment, there’s a medium format camera system perfect for your needs and budget.
Key takeaways for choosing medium format:
- Consider your primary use (portraits, landscapes, general photography)
- Match system to budget (initial cost plus ongoing film expenses)
- Factor in film format preferences (645, 6x6, 6x7)
- Assess service availability for long-term ownership
- Start with complete, tested systems rather than building piecemeal
Recommended starting points:
- Budget-conscious: Yashica TLR or Bronica system
- Professional quality: Mamiya RB67 or RZ67
- Ultimate quality: Hasselblad V-system
- Compact option: Mamiya 645 system
- Unique experience: Pentax 67 system
The magic of medium format lies not just in its technical superiority, but in how it changes your approach to photography. The larger viewfinder, the deliberate pace, and the anticipation of seeing results creates a more mindful, intentional photographic experience that many find deeply rewarding.
Setting up your medium format workflow? Our complete film processing workflow guide covers everything from shooting to scanning. Budgeting for medium format? See our film processing costs guide to understand the ongoing expenses.
Ready to explore medium format? Find labs that handle medium format and begin your journey into the world of medium format photography.
Medium format camera guide current as of 7/16/2025. Camera availability and pricing subject to market changes - always verify current information before purchasing equipment.