Kodak Film Formats Explained: 35mm, 120, 620, 127 and 126

If you have found a vintage Kodak camera, one of the first questions is usually simple: what film does this Kodak camera use? The answer depends on the model. Kodak made cameras for many different film formats, from still-available 35mm and 120 roll film to harder-to-find formats such as 620, 127 and 126.

This guide explains the main Kodak film formats, what you can still buy today, what needs adapting, and what to check before you choose a vintage Kodak camera to shoot with.

Can you still buy camera film for Kodak cameras?

Yes, you can still buy camera film for many Kodak cameras, but not every Kodak camera uses film that is easily available today.

The most practical formats for regular use are 35mm and 120. These are still manufactured, sold fresh, and processed by many film labs. If you want a vintage Kodak camera that is easy to shoot in the modern day, these are usually the safest choices.

Other Kodak formats, such as 620, 127 and 126, can still be used in some cases, but they require more care. 620 film usually means respooling modern 120 film onto 620 spools. 127 film is produced only occasionally by specialist suppliers, and 126 cartridge film is no longer widely manufactured, making it one of the least convenient formats for regular shooting.

If you are shopping for a camera, browse our Kodak film cameras collection and use this guide to check which film format best suits how you want to shoot.

Quick Kodak film compatibility guide

35mm film for Kodak cameras

35mm is the easiest Kodak-compatible film format to use today. It comes in a metal cassette and is still made by Kodak and other manufacturers in colour negative, black and white, and slide film varieties.

Many popular Kodak cameras use standard 35mm film, including Kodak Retina and Retinette models, Kodak Signet cameras, Kodak Pony cameras and various later compact cameras. If the camera takes a normal 35mm cassette, you can buy fresh film and load it without any special preparation.

Why choose a 35mm Kodak camera?

• Fresh film is easy to buy.

• Processing is widely available.

• You usually get 24 or 36 exposures per roll.

• It is a good choice for beginners and regular shooting.

• Scanning is straightforward for most modern film labs.

If you want the simplest route into shooting a vintage Kodak camera, a 35mm model is often the best place to start. You can view suitable film in our 35mm Film collection.

What to check on a 35mm Kodak camera

Before loading film, check that the rewind knob turns freely, the film advance works, the frame counter resets, and the shutter fires at all speeds. On older 35mm Kodak cameras, also check the light seals around the film door, as deteriorated seals can cause fogging or streaks on your photographs.

Some Kodak cameras have selenium light meters or battery-powered meters. The camera may still be usable even if the meter is inaccurate, but you may need to use a handheld meter, a phone meter app or the sunny 16 rule to estimate exposure.

120 film for Kodak cameras

120 is a medium format roll film that is still widely available today. It is larger than 35mm and produces bigger negatives, which can give excellent detail, smoother tones and a very classic look. Many photographers choose 120 because it offers a noticeable step up in image quality while still being practical to buy and process.

Some Kodak cameras use 120 film directly, while others look similar but actually require 620. This distinction is important because 120 and 620 film are not always interchangeable in the camera, even though the film itself is the same width.

Why choose a 120 Kodak camera?

• Fresh 120 film is still being made.

• It gives larger negatives than 35mm.

• Many labs process and scan 120 film.

• It suits folding cameras, box cameras and slower, more deliberate photography.

• It is easier to manage than scarce formats such as 127 or 126.

You can find compatible film in our 120 Film collection.

Common 120 frame sizes

120 film does not have one fixed frame size. The camera determines how many photographs you get from a roll. Common frame sizes include:

• 6x4.5 cm, often giving around 16 exposures.

• 6x6 cm, often giving 12 exposures.

• 6x7 cm, often giving 10 exposures.

• 6x9 cm, often giving 8 exposures.

Many vintage Kodak folding cameras use larger frame sizes such as 6x9, so you may only get eight photographs from a roll. That is normal for the format.

What to check on a 120 Kodak camera

Check whether the camera has a red window on the back. This window is used to view the frame numbers printed on the backing paper. Make sure the red window cover opens and closes properly, as leaving it uncovered for long periods in bright light can increase the risk of fogging.

On folding Kodak cameras, inspect the bellows carefully with a torch. Pinholes, cracks or loose corners can cause light leaks. Also check that the lens standard locks firmly into place and that the shutter fires consistently.

620 film for Kodak cameras

620 is one of the most important Kodak formats to understand. Many classic Kodak cameras were built for 620 film, including popular models such as the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, Kodak Duaflex and numerous Kodak Six-20 folding cameras.

The confusing part is that 620 film uses the same width film as 120, but it is wound onto a different spool. A 620 spool is slimmer than a 120 spool, with smaller end flanges and a narrower core. Because of this, a 120 roll often will not physically fit into a camera designed for 620 film.

Can you still buy 620 film?

Fresh 620 film is not commonly manufactured as a mainstream product. Some specialist sellers offer modern 120 film already respooled onto 620 spools, but availability varies and it is usually more expensive than standard 120 film.

The most common solution is to respool 120 film onto a 620 spool. Once respooled, the film can be used in many 620 Kodak cameras and processed by a lab as standard 120 film.

What does respooling 620 film mean?

Respooling means transferring modern 120 film and backing paper onto an original 620 spool. This must be done in complete darkness, either in a darkroom or inside a changing bag. The film is light-sensitive, so even a brief exposure to light can ruin it.

You normally need at least one empty 620 spool for the take-up side of the camera. Ideally, you will have two: one to hold the fresh respooled film and one as the take-up spool. After processing, ask your lab to return the 620 spool if possible, as original spools are useful and increasingly valuable.

Can you use a 120 spool in a 620 camera?

Sometimes, but it depends on the camera. Some 620 cameras have enough room to accept a trimmed or modified 120 spool, while others are too tight. Forcing a 120 spool into a 620 camera can damage the film chamber, bend the spool, make the advance stiff or tear the film.

For best results, use proper 620 spools or buy film that has already been respooled. If you are new to vintage film cameras, 620 is perfectly usable, but it is less convenient than 35mm or 120.

Processing 620 film

Labs do not usually process 620 as a separate film type. The film itself is the same width as 120, so it is processed using normal 120 equipment once removed from the camera. The main issue is the spool. Tell the lab that the film is on a 620 spool and ask whether they can return it.

127 film for Kodak cameras

127 film is smaller than 120 but larger than 35mm. It was used in many compact Kodak cameras, including the Kodak Brownie 127, Baby Brownie and some Vest Pocket Kodak models. It was once a popular consumer format because it allowed smaller cameras while still producing reasonably sized negatives.

Can you still buy 127 film?

127 film is scarce today. It is not as readily available as 35mm or 120, and fresh supply often comes from specialist producers in limited batches. Expired 127 film can sometimes be found, but results may be unpredictable depending on age and storage conditions.

If you are buying a Kodak camera that uses 127, check film availability first. It can be a rewarding format, but it is not the most practical choice if you want to shoot regularly or keep costs low.

Processing 127 film

Processing 127 film may require a specialist lab. Some labs can process the film chemistry itself but may not have the right reels or scanning masks for 127 negatives. Before shooting an important roll, contact your chosen lab and ask whether they can process and scan 127 film.

If you use expired 127 film, tell the lab what type of film it is if you know. Colour negative film, black and white film and slide film require different processing methods.

Is a 127 Kodak camera a good choice?

A 127 Kodak camera can be a lovely collector’s item and a fun occasional shooter. However, it is best suited to people who are comfortable with limited film availability and potentially higher processing costs. For a first vintage Kodak camera, 35mm or 120 will usually be easier.

126 film for Kodak Instamatic cameras

126 film was introduced by Kodak for Instamatic cameras. It came in a simple plastic cartridge designed to make loading easy. For many people, the Kodak Instamatic was the family snapshot camera of the 1960s, 1970s and beyond.

Although the cartridge made 126 cameras very user-friendly at the time, it makes them difficult to use today. 126 film is no longer widely manufactured as a fresh mainstream format.

Can you still buy 126 film?

126 film is very scarce. You may find expired cartridges, but they are often decades old and may produce colour shifts, fogging, low contrast or no usable images at all. Some photographers reload old 126 cartridges with 35mm film, but this is more of an experimental workaround than a straightforward solution.

Why is 126 difficult to replace with 35mm?

126 film is similar in width to 35mm film, but the system is not the same. The cartridge, backing paper, frame spacing and perforation arrangement are different. Many 126 cameras rely on a single perforation per frame to stop the film advance correctly. Standard 35mm film has continuous perforations along both sides, which can cause spacing or advance issues depending on the camera.

Reloading a 126 cartridge can work in some models, but it is not guaranteed. It also usually needs to be done in darkness and may require experimentation.

Processing 126 film

If you shoot expired 126 film or reloaded 126 cartridges, speak to a lab before sending the roll. Some labs may be able to process the film but not scan it automatically. Others may decline 126 cartridges because of the non-standard handling.

For this reason, a Kodak Instamatic is often best bought as a nostalgic collector’s camera rather than the easiest option for regular film photography.

Expired film for vintage Kodak cameras

Expired film can be appealing, especially if you are trying to use a discontinued format or want unusual colours and unpredictable results. However, expired film should be treated as experimental. Age, heat and poor storage can all affect the final image.

Colour film may show colour shifts, grain, fogging or reduced sensitivity. Black and white film often ages more gracefully, but very old rolls can still suffer from base fog and loss of contrast. Slide film tends to be less forgiving than colour negative film.

If you are interested in older stock, browse our Expired Film collection, but avoid using expired film for once-in-a-lifetime photographs unless you are comfortable with uncertainty.

Tips for shooting expired film

• Use fresh film for testing a camera whenever possible.

• Expect some variation in colour, contrast and grain.

• Store unused film in a cool, dry place.

• Tell your lab if the film is expired, especially if it is very old.

• Do not assume the box speed is still accurate on very old film.

How to identify what film your Kodak camera uses

If you are unsure what film your Kodak camera takes, do not load film until you have checked the camera carefully. Kodak often marked the film type on the camera body, inside the film door or around the film chamber.

Look for markings on the camera

Open the back of the camera and look for wording such as “Use 620 film”, “Use 120 film”, “127”, “126 cartridge” or “35mm”. Some Kodak models also include the film size in the name, such as Six-20, which indicates 620 film.

Check the film chamber

The size and shape of the film chamber can tell you a lot. A 35mm camera will have space for a small cassette. A 120 or 620 camera will have spool chambers. A 126 camera will have a shaped compartment for a plastic cartridge.

Do not guess based on appearance alone

Many Kodak roll film cameras look similar but use different film. A 120 folding camera and a 620 folding camera may appear almost identical from the outside. Always check the markings, model name and spool size before buying film.

Check whether a take-up spool is included

Roll film cameras need a take-up spool. With 120 cameras, this is usually easy to replace. With 620 cameras, it is more important because original 620 spools are not as common. If a 620 Kodak camera does not include a take-up spool, factor this into the cost and effort of using it.

What to check before buying a vintage Kodak film camera

A beautiful vintage Kodak camera is not always ready to shoot. Before buying, especially if you plan to use it rather than display it, check the following points.

1. Film format

Confirm the exact film format before buying. A 35mm or 120 camera will be much easier to use than a 127 or 126 camera. A 620 camera can be a good choice if you are happy to respool film or buy pre-respooled rolls.

2. Shutter operation

Fire the shutter at each available speed. Slow speeds on older cameras can stick or run unevenly. A simple box camera may only have one or two shutter settings, while folding cameras and rangefinders may have several speeds that need checking.

3. Lens condition

Look through the lens with a light. A little dust is normal on vintage cameras, but heavy haze, fungus, separation or scratches can reduce image quality. Folding cameras may also have dirty viewfinders, which does not always affect the photograph but can make composing harder.

4. Bellows and light leaks

For folding Kodak cameras, bellows condition is crucial. Open the camera in a dark room and shine a small torch inside the bellows while looking from the outside. Any pinholes may cause light leaks on film.

5. Film advance

Check that the film advance knob, lever or winding mechanism moves smoothly. It should not feel jammed or excessively loose. On 126 cameras, the advance mechanism may not operate properly without a cartridge installed, so condition can be harder to judge.

6. Light seals

Many later Kodak cameras use foam light seals around the back door. Old foam can turn sticky, crumbly or completely flat. Replacing light seals is common on vintage cameras and is usually worthwhile before shooting a test roll.

7. Battery requirements

Some Kodak cameras have meters or automatic exposure systems that need batteries. Older mercury batteries are no longer available in their original form, so check whether a modern replacement, adapter or workaround is possible.

8. Lab support

Before committing to an unusual format, check whether your preferred film lab can process and scan it. 35mm and 120 are generally straightforward. 620 is normally processed as 120, but spool return matters. 127 and 126 need more care and may require specialist handling.

Which Kodak film format is best for you?

The best Kodak film format depends on whether you want convenience, image quality, nostalgia or a hands-on vintage experience.

Best for beginners: 35mm

Choose a 35mm Kodak camera if you want film that is easy to buy, easy to process and affordable to shoot. It is the most convenient option for regular use.

Best for image quality: 120

Choose a 120 Kodak camera if you want larger negatives and a slower, more traditional shooting experience. It is still practical today and offers excellent results when the camera is in good condition.

Best for classic Kodak character: 620

Choose a 620 Kodak camera if you love classic Kodak box cameras and folding cameras and do not mind respooling film. Many well-loved Kodak Brownie models fall into this category.

Best for collectors and occasional shooting: 127

Choose a 127 Kodak camera if you like compact vintage designs and are happy to deal with scarce film availability. It is charming, but less convenient than 35mm, 120 or 620.

Best for nostalgia: 126

Choose a 126 Kodak Instamatic if the camera has personal or nostalgic appeal. It is not the easiest format to shoot today, but it remains an important part of Kodak history.

Film processing: what to ask your lab

Before sending film from an older Kodak camera to a lab, it is worth asking a few questions. This is especially important for 620, 127 and 126.

• Can you process this film format?

• Can you scan the negative size correctly?

• Can you return my 620 spool?

• Do you accept expired film?

• Do you process black and white, colour negative and slide film in-house?

• Do you need the film labelled in a particular way?

For 35mm and 120, most labs will have a familiar workflow. For older Kodak formats, a short message to the lab before posting can prevent problems and protect hard-to-replace spools or cartridges.

Frequently asked questions

What film does a Kodak Brownie use?

It depends on the exact Brownie model. Some Brownie cameras use 120, many use 620, and others use 127. Always check the model name and any markings inside the camera before buying film.

What film does a Kodak Instamatic use?

Most Kodak Instamatic cameras use 126 cartridge film, although Kodak also made some cameras with similar styling that used other formats. Standard 126 film is very scarce today, so Instamatic cameras are not the easiest choice for regular shooting.

Is 620 film the same as 120 film?

The film width is effectively the same, but the spool is different. 620 uses a slimmer spool than 120. Many 620 cameras cannot accept a standard 120 spool without modification or respooling.

Can I put 120 film in a 620 Kodak camera?

Sometimes a modified 120 spool may fit, but it is not guaranteed and can damage the camera or film if forced. The more reliable method is to respool 120 film onto a 620 spool.

Can you still develop old Kodak film?

Sometimes, yes. It depends on the type of film, its age and its condition. Colour negative and black and white films are often possible to process, although results from very old film can be unpredictable. Always tell the lab if the film is expired or unknown.

Is 127 film still made?

127 film is not widely manufactured in the same way as 35mm or 120, but it does appear from specialist suppliers. Availability can be inconsistent, so check current supply before buying a 127 camera to use.

Can 126 film still be bought?

Fresh 126 film is not commonly available as a mainstream product. Expired cartridges can sometimes be found, and some users reload cartridges, but it is a more experimental format today.

Which Kodak film camera is easiest to use today?

A Kodak camera that uses 35mm film is usually the easiest option. A Kodak camera that uses 120 film is also practical, especially if you want medium format negatives. 620 is usable with respooling, while 127 and 126 are better for more patient users or collectors.

Final advice before choosing film for a Kodak camera

Kodak made cameras for many different types of film, so the most important step is to identify the format before you buy. If you want convenience, choose 35mm. If you want larger negatives, choose 120. If you love the look and feel of classic Kodak Brownie and folding cameras, 620 can be very rewarding once you understand respooling. If you are drawn to 127 or 126, be prepared for scarcer film and more limited lab options.

For most people, the best vintage Kodak camera is one that balances character with film availability. Once you know which format your camera uses, you can buy the right film, avoid loading problems and enjoy the experience these classic cameras were made for.