Comparing 35mm Film & 120mm Film Guide

35mm film & 120mm film are some of the most popular film photography formats out there. But while they’re both used by millions of photographers, it’s essential to understand what makes them different if you are going to make the right choice and learn how to apply these two formats in your own photography.

There are situations where one or the other is superior, and the only way to get the most beautiful shots is to understand these sometimes-subtle differences and utilize them to your advantage.

With that in mind, let’s look at what film photography formats are, what the 120mm vs 35mm numbers even mean, and the pros and cons of both.

What is a Film Format, and What Does It Mean?

A film format is a way to describe the size and shape of the negative. Whether it’s movie film or photography film, the same principle of measuring the size of the slides or film is used.

But while the numbers seem to depict a specific measurement, that’s not actually always based on any actual number. In fact, the 120mm film is actually a numbering system that was used by Kodak and got adapted to be used on a few different varieties of the medium format (which is another way it’s called).

So, when comparing 35mm film, 120mm film, and other options, the main thing to understand is that one of them is significantly larger than the other. And that means that the 120 will usually be able to cover more and provide a better resolution. But we’ll discuss that in more detail in the next sections.

35mm Film: Pros & Cons

The best way to adequately compare 120mm vs 35mm film, the best approach is to look at the pros and cons of each so that you can make a better decision about which one to go with.

And for many people, the 35mm is the perfect gateway into the world of film photography, providing you with an accessible option that you can quickly get started with and build upon as you progress.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of using the 35mm film.

Pros

• One of the biggest advantages of using 35mm film is accessibility. As mentioned before, there’s an abundance of camera options that can be used with 35mm film, which means you can find quite a few entry-level cameras that will be perfect if you don’t have a lot of money to spend.
• Another huge advantage of using a 35mm film camera is that you get more shots per film. That means savings on every film roll you use. At the same time, the more options for 35mm film means you can usually find better deals and save even more.
• These types of cameras are also easy to carry and lighter, meaning you can bring them with you in your pocket and capture photographs on the go.
• Finally, since 35mm is quite popular, you will have no issues if you want to find a digitized 35mm slides service. There are many reputable companies specializing in the digitization of 35mm film, so if you want to use photo scanning to transfer the film to a digital format, you will usually find great and affordable options near you.

Cons

• The main disadvantage when comparing 35mm film & 120mm film is the resolution. Since there is less space, you will get lower-quality pictures. And even though that usually won’t be very noticeable, if you want to maximize the detail, you might need to go with the 120.

120mm Film: Pros & Cons

Now that we’ve looked at why you may want (or not want) to choose the 35mm film, let’s look at the 120mm option to see how it matches up.

Pros

• The biggest advantage of using a 120mm film camera is that you can cover much more space in your shots. They have a broader and more encompassing look that’s impossible to replicate with 35mm, creating an almost 3D-like effect that helps make the background seem more majestic.
• It’s much more common for industry professionals who want to use analog technology when taking pictures.

Cons

• Since the 120mm film is bigger, the cameras are usually much bulkier as well. That means you will need to plan if you want to bring it along and might be annoyed to have to carry it with you.
• Fewer options of cameras and film also mean that the prices tend to be higher. For professionals that might not matter as much but for a casual photographer the costs can add up quickly.

Finally, you get fewer shots per roll, meaning you will have to replace them more often, and that will not just hinder the process but will also add to your costs.

Brandon Harris, Smooth Photo Scanning Services

OwnerSmooth Photo Scanning Services

My father has been in the document scanning industry for as long as I can remember. I worked for his company Smooth Solutions, Inc. during summer breaks growing up and for a couple years after college. Wanting to venture off on my own, I gained experience in several careers including wholesale seafood sales as well as owning and operating a bakery for several years. When my father approached me with the opportunity to expand upon his already successful business by providing high quality, professional scanning services to the general public, I jumped on board. From personal experience, I recognize how important it is for most people to have their family memorabilia preserved for future generations and I want to be a part of helping others do that.