120 Film vs 35mm Film: Which Should You Buy?

If you are choosing your first film camera, or you already shoot 35mm and are wondering whether medium format is worth the extra cost, the choice between 120 film and 35mm film is one of the most important decisions you will make. Both formats can produce beautiful photographs, but they suit different styles, budgets and ways of shooting.

In simple terms, 35mm film is the more compact, affordable and beginner-friendly option. 120 film, often used in medium format cameras, produces much larger negatives with more detail, smoother tones and a distinctive look that many portrait, landscape and studio photographers love.

At Vintage Camera Hut, we stock both formats, including 35mm film cameras, 120 film medium format cameras and a wider range of all film cameras. This guide will help you understand the practical differences so you can buy the right camera with confidence.

Quick answer: should you buy 120 film or 35mm film?

Choose a 35mm film camera if you want something affordable, portable, easy to use and suitable for everyday photography. It is ideal for travel, street photography, family photos, events, learning exposure and shooting regularly without worrying too much about the cost of each frame.

Choose a 120 film camera if you want higher image quality, larger negatives, smoother detail and a slower, more considered shooting experience. It is especially well suited to portraits, landscapes, studio work, fine art photography and anyone who wants the medium format look.

If you are asking “what film camera should I buy?” and you are completely new to film, a 35mm camera is usually the best starting point. If you already understand the basics and want a noticeable step up in image quality, 120 film is a rewarding upgrade.

What is the difference between 120 film and 35mm film?

The main difference is the physical size of the film. 35mm film uses a narrow strip of film held inside a metal canister. Each frame is usually 24mm x 36mm. 120 film is a wider roll film with paper backing and no metal cassette. It is used in medium format cameras and can produce several different negative sizes depending on the camera.

How do film cameras work?

Before comparing the formats in detail, it helps to understand how film cameras work. A film camera records light onto a strip or roll of light-sensitive photographic film. When you press the shutter button, the camera opens the shutter for a set amount of time, allowing light through the lens and onto the film.

The lens focuses the scene, the aperture controls how much light enters, and the shutter speed controls how long the film is exposed to that light. Once the photo is taken, the film is advanced to the next frame. After the roll is finished, it is developed using chemicals, creating negatives or slides that can then be scanned or printed.

The basic process is similar for both 35mm and 120 cameras. The difference is the size of the film and the style of camera that uses it. 35mm cameras often feel quicker and more familiar to modern users, while 120 medium format cameras tend to encourage a slower, more careful approach.

What is 35mm film?

35mm film is the most popular film format for still photography. It comes in a small cassette and is used in a huge variety of cameras, from simple point-and-shoot models to fully manual SLRs and advanced autofocus cameras.

A standard 35mm frame measures 24mm x 36mm. Most rolls offer either 24 or 36 exposures, although you may occasionally get an extra frame or two depending on the camera and how the film is loaded.

The popularity of 35mm means film stocks are easy to find, cameras are available at many price points, and most photo labs are very familiar with processing and scanning it. This makes it the most practical choice for many people starting out in analogue photography.

Advantages of 35mm film

• More shots per roll, usually 24 or 36 exposures

• Lower cost per photograph compared with 120 film

• Smaller, lighter cameras for everyday use

• Huge choice of camera styles, from compact point-and-shoots to SLRs

• Easier to carry when travelling or walking around all day

• Great for learning exposure, focusing and composition

• Wide availability of film, processing and scanning

Disadvantages of 35mm film

• Smaller negatives than 120 film

• More visible grain, especially with faster film stocks or large prints

• Less detail and tonal smoothness compared with medium format

• Can look less refined when heavily cropped or printed very large

What is 120 film?

120 film is a roll film format used in medium format cameras. It is wider than 35mm film and produces much larger negatives. Unlike 35mm, it is not held inside a metal cassette. Instead, it is wound around a spool with a paper backing that protects the film from light.

One important point: 120 film is not “120mm film”. The number 120 is simply Kodak’s historical format designation. The actual film width is around 61mm.

120 film cameras produce different frame sizes depending on the camera design. Common formats include:

• 6x4.5cm, often called 645, giving around 15 or 16 frames per roll

• 6x6cm, a square format, giving around 12 frames per roll

• 6x7cm, a larger rectangular format, giving around 10 frames per roll

• 6x9cm, a wider format, giving around 8 frames per roll

Because the negatives are much larger than 35mm, 120 film can capture greater detail, smoother grain and more subtle tonal transitions. This is why medium format has long been popular with portrait, fashion, landscape and studio photographers.

Advantages of 120 film

• Much larger negatives than 35mm film

• Higher potential image quality and detail

• Smoother grain and more refined tonal transitions

• Excellent for portraits, landscapes, still life and studio photography

• Distinctive medium format depth and presence

• Better suited to large prints and high-resolution scans

• Encourages slower, more thoughtful photography

Disadvantages of 120 film

• Fewer exposures per roll

• Higher cost per shot

• Medium format cameras are often larger and heavier

• Some cameras are fully manual and take more time to learn

• Loading film can feel less familiar at first

• Not as convenient for fast-moving everyday photography

Image quality: is 120 film better than 35mm?

In terms of pure image quality, 120 film has a clear advantage. The larger negative can hold more information, which means more detail, smoother grain and better tonal gradation. If you scan or print a 120 negative well, the difference can be striking.

With 35mm, the image is enlarged more when making prints or scans. This means grain becomes more visible sooner. With 120 film, the image starts from a larger negative, so it does not need to be enlarged as much for the same print size. The result is often a cleaner, richer and more spacious-looking image.

That said, 35mm is still capable of excellent results. A good 35mm camera with a sharp lens, accurate exposure and quality film can produce images with character, detail and atmosphere. Many iconic photographs were made on 35mm. The question is not whether 35mm is good enough; it is whether you need the extra quality, slower pace and different look of medium format.

Negative size: why does it matter?

Negative size is one of the biggest reasons photographers move from 35mm to 120 film. A standard 35mm negative measures 24mm x 36mm. A 6x6 medium format negative is roughly 56mm x 56mm, which is far larger. A 6x7 negative is larger again.

This extra surface area gives the film more room to record detail. It can also produce smoother transitions between light and shadow, which is especially noticeable in portraits, skies, landscapes and studio lighting.

Larger negatives are also more flexible when scanning. You can often produce larger digital files from 120 film, crop more comfortably and make bigger prints while maintaining quality.

Exposures per roll: how many shots do you get?

One of the most practical differences between 120 film and 35mm film is the number of exposures per roll.

With 35mm, you usually get 24 or 36 shots. This gives you room to experiment, bracket exposures and capture spontaneous moments. It is forgiving when you are learning because each individual frame costs less.

With 120 film, the number of shots depends on the camera’s format:

• 6x4.5 cameras usually give around 15 or 16 shots per roll

• 6x6 cameras usually give 12 shots per roll

• 6x7 cameras usually give 10 shots per roll

• 6x9 cameras usually give 8 shots per roll

This makes 120 film feel more deliberate. You may find yourself slowing down, checking your composition more carefully and thinking harder before pressing the shutter. For many photographers, that is part of the appeal.

Camera size and weight

35mm cameras are usually smaller, lighter and easier to carry. A compact 35mm point-and-shoot can fit in a jacket pocket. A manual 35mm SLR with a standard lens is still manageable for everyday use, travel and long walks.

120 cameras vary widely. Some folding medium format cameras are surprisingly portable, but many twin-lens reflex, SLR and rangefinder-style medium format cameras are noticeably larger and heavier than their 35mm equivalents. They may also require a larger bag and more careful handling.

If you want a camera to take everywhere, 35mm is usually the easier choice. If you enjoy setting aside time for photography and do not mind carrying a larger camera, 120 film becomes much more appealing.

Cost per shot: is 120 film more expensive?

Yes, 120 film usually costs more per finished photograph. The roll itself may be similar in price to 35mm, but you get fewer frames. Developing and scanning can also cost more, depending on the lab and scan quality you choose.

For example, a 36-exposure roll of 35mm spreads the film, processing and scanning cost across 36 images. A roll of 120 shot in 6x7 format gives around 10 images, so each frame carries a larger share of the total cost.

This does not mean 120 film is poor value. It simply means you are paying for larger negatives and potentially higher quality results. If every frame is carefully planned, the cost may feel worthwhile. If you like to shoot quickly and often, 35mm is more economical.

Learning curve: which format is easier for beginners?

For most beginners, 35mm is easier. The cameras are often more compact, film loading is straightforward, and the higher number of exposures per roll makes practice more affordable. Many 35mm cameras also include built-in light meters, automatic exposure modes or autofocus, depending on the model.

120 film is not impossible for beginners, but it often asks for more patience. Loading the film can feel unusual at first, many medium format cameras are manual focus, and some do not have built-in meters. You may need to use a handheld light meter or a phone metering app, depending on the camera.

However, the slower pace of 120 film can actually help you improve. Because each frame costs more and there are fewer of them, you naturally pay more attention to light, focus, framing and timing.

Portrait photography: 120 film or 35mm?

For portraits, 120 film is often the preferred choice. The larger negative gives skin tones a smooth, gentle quality and captures fine detail beautifully. Medium format cameras can also produce a distinctive separation between subject and background, especially when paired with a good portrait lens.

Square 6x6 portraits have a classic, balanced feel, while 6x7 is popular for editorial-style portraits because its shape is close to traditional print proportions. Studio photographers often appreciate the detail and tonal control that 120 film provides.

35mm is still excellent for portraits, particularly candid, lifestyle and documentary-style work. It is faster, lighter and easier to use when photographing people naturally. If you want relaxed portraits on the move, 35mm can be the better tool. If you want carefully composed portraits with maximum detail and presence, 120 film has the advantage.

Landscape photography: 120 film or 35mm?

120 film is superb for landscapes. The larger negative captures fine textures in rocks, trees, water and skies, and it is better suited to large prints. The slower working style also suits landscape photography, where you often have time to use a tripod, compose carefully and wait for the right light.

Formats such as 6x7 and 6x9 are particularly attractive for landscape photographers because they provide generous negative size and pleasing proportions. If you want to create prints with depth, detail and subtle tones, medium format is a strong choice.

35mm remains a good option for travel landscapes, hiking and situations where weight matters. If you are walking long distances or photographing changing conditions quickly, a 35mm camera may be more practical. The best format depends on whether your priority is ultimate image quality or portability.

Studio photography: 120 film or 35mm?

For studio photography, 120 film is usually the stronger choice. In a controlled environment, the larger camera size and slower handling are less of a problem. You can take your time with lighting, posing and composition, and the larger negatives reward that careful approach.

Medium format has long been used for fashion, product, portrait and commercial studio work because it combines high image quality with a distinctive film look. If you are photographing with strobes, a tripod or carefully arranged lighting, 120 film can produce excellent results.

35mm can still work well in the studio, especially for creative, experimental or more spontaneous sessions. But if your goal is refined detail and professional-looking negatives, 120 film is often worth the extra cost.

Street, travel and everyday photography

This is where 35mm often wins. A 35mm camera is usually quicker to use, easier to carry and less conspicuous. You can shoot more frames per roll, react to moments faster and keep the camera with you more often.

For street photography, compact 35mm cameras and rangefinders are especially popular because they are discreet and responsive. For travel, a 35mm SLR or point-and-shoot gives you a balance of quality and convenience without taking up too much space in your bag.

120 film can be used for street and travel photography, but it is a more deliberate choice. You may enjoy it if you like working slowly, but it is less forgiving when scenes change quickly.

The look: why medium format feels different

Beyond measurable sharpness and grain, many photographers talk about the “medium format look”. This usually refers to a combination of larger negative size, smoother tonal transitions, shallower depth of field for a given field of view, and the way medium format lenses render space.

Images made on 120 film can feel calm, dimensional and detailed without looking harsh. Portraits can have a natural depth, landscapes can feel expansive, and studio images can appear polished while still retaining the organic character of film.

35mm has its own charm. It can feel energetic, immediate and intimate. Grain is often part of the appeal, especially with black and white film or faster colour stocks. If you like a documentary feel, 35mm may suit your eye better than the cleaner, slower medium format style.

Which format is best for black and white film?

Both formats are excellent for black and white photography. 35mm black and white film is affordable, expressive and ideal for learning. The visible grain can add mood and texture, particularly in street, documentary and low-light photography.

120 black and white film offers smoother tones and more detail. It is especially beautiful for portraits, landscapes and fine art work where subtle greys and rich shadow detail matter. If you enjoy darkroom printing or high-quality scans, medium format black and white negatives are a pleasure to work with.

Which format is best for colour film?

35mm colour film is practical and versatile. It is a great choice for holidays, family photographs, street scenes and everyday shooting. You get enough frames per roll to capture variety, and the smaller cameras make it easy to keep shooting naturally.

120 colour film can look exceptional. The larger negative helps colour transitions appear smoother and more detailed. Portrait skin tones, soft evening light and detailed landscapes can look particularly impressive on medium format colour film.

What film camera should I buy?

The right film camera depends on how you want to shoot, not just which format is technically better. Here are some simple recommendations.

Buy a 35mm film camera if:

• You are new to film photography

• You want a camera you can carry every day

• You want more shots per roll

• You are working to a tighter budget

• You enjoy travel, street, parties, family photos or casual portraits

• You want a wide choice of compact, automatic or manual cameras

If this sounds like you, browse our 35mm film cameras to find a practical everyday camera.

Buy a 120 film camera if:

• You want a noticeable upgrade in image quality

• You enjoy slower, more considered photography

• You shoot portraits, landscapes, studio work or fine art

• You want larger negatives for scanning or printing

• You are happy with fewer exposures per roll

• You do not mind a larger camera or higher cost per shot

If you are ready for medium format, explore our 120 film medium format cameras.

Can you start with 120 film as a beginner?

Yes, you can start with 120 film as a beginner, especially if you are patient and enjoy a slower process. Some medium format cameras are quite simple once you understand loading, focusing and metering. Twin-lens reflex cameras, folding cameras and basic medium format models can be enjoyable first film cameras for the right person.

However, if your main goal is to learn quickly and practise often, 35mm is usually more forgiving. You can shoot more frames, make more mistakes and learn from them at a lower cost. Many photographers begin with 35mm, then move to 120 once they know what they like to photograph.

Is 120 film worth it?

120 film is worth it if you value image quality, negative size and the experience of slowing down. It is not the most convenient or cheapest format, but it offers something special. The larger negatives can produce photographs with a depth and smoothness that are difficult to match with 35mm.

It is particularly worth considering if you already enjoy film photography and want to take more intentional images. Many photographers find that moving to medium format changes the way they work. They shoot fewer frames, but often keep a higher percentage of them.

Is 35mm still good enough?

Absolutely. 35mm remains one of the best formats in photography because it balances quality, cost and convenience so well. It is capable of serious work, personal projects, exhibitions, prints and beautiful everyday images.

If you do not need very large prints or the particular look of medium format, 35mm may be all you ever need. It is also the better choice if you want your camera to come with you often. A camera left at home because it is too large is never as useful as one you actually carry.

Common mistakes when choosing between 120 and 35mm

Assuming 120 film automatically makes better photographs

120 film gives you more image quality potential, but it does not replace good light, composition and timing. A thoughtful 35mm photograph will always be stronger than a careless medium format one.

Forgetting about running costs

The camera purchase is only part of the cost. Film, processing and scanning add up. If you want to shoot frequently, calculate the cost per roll and per frame before choosing your format.

Choosing a camera that is too heavy to use

Some medium format cameras are wonderful but bulky. If you want to walk around all day, check the size and weight before buying.

Buying for specifications rather than shooting style

The best camera is not always the one with the biggest negative. It is the one that suits the photographs you actually want to make.

120 film vs 35mm film: final verdict

If you want the most practical, affordable and flexible route into film photography, choose 35mm. It is easier to learn, easier to carry and less expensive per frame. It is the best choice for everyday photography, street work, travel and anyone who wants to shoot regularly.

If you want larger negatives, smoother tones, finer detail and a more deliberate photographic experience, choose 120 film. It costs more and gives you fewer exposures, but the results can be exceptional, especially for portraits, landscapes and studio photography.

For many photographers, the ideal answer is eventually both. A 35mm camera is perfect for everyday life, while a 120 medium format camera is ideal when you want to slow down and make something special.

To compare your options, browse our full range of film cameras, explore our 35mm film cameras, or take the next step into medium format with our 120 film cameras.