Medium format: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The term medium-format photograpic camera refers to the film size used. Medium formats fall between miniature and large formats.

The divisions between formats have changed over time, but the medium format typically uses roll film that is 60 mm wide. A 35 mm wide format is miniature, while a 40 mm used to be called miniature, but may be considered medium now.

Upwards, the division is more easily defined, since large format camera use sheet film, not rolls.

Medium format film is used by some professional photographers and a few amateur enthusiasts. Cameras and film for the format can be very expensive; however, plastic imports from China, such as the Holga, also use medium-format film, but at extremely low prices (and with corresponding sacrifices in quality). Some photographers use cameras like the Holga as an art form. Due to the poor quality of the camera, the exact image captured on the negative is, at best, random in nature. Some of these images produce pleasing surreal images. The Seagull, also from China, delivers high-quality images, although the lenses and camera bodies are not at the level of those from Swedish, German and Japanese manufacturers. Medium-format cameras are also available from former Eastern bloc countries at moderate prices. Used cameras can deliver astonishing results for a reasonable investment.

Medium-format film gives impressive quality, allowing enlargements to huge dimensions without blurriness. Professional and amateur photographers praise the larger film for its high resolution and smooth gradation.

Historically, the format was much more widely used with the lower-quality films of earlier eras. The coarse grain of such film suffered in enlargement, so negatives and transparencies of moderate (not miniature) size, which needed less enlargement, gave better pictures.

"Classic" medium-format cameras are collected and used by antique camera enthusiasts. Names like Graflex, Omega, Voigtlaender and Zeiss can quicken a collector's pulse.

Digital photography has come to the medium format world with the development of digital camera backs, which can be fitted to many medium format cameras. These are also very expensive, but record higher-quality images than any other digital photography format. Not only do they deliver more megapixels, but also, their larger pixels result in lower noise. Features like fan cooling also improve the image quality of studio models. Furthermore, many offer bit depths greater than those of miniature digital sensors.

All medium format cameras manufactured today use the 120 film format. Many also can use the 220 film format. When buying a used camera, ascertain whether it takes a film format that is currently available.

Even though they take the same 60 mm wide film, cameras use various lengths of the film. Some popular lengths are 45 mm, 60 mm, and 70 mm. The formats are called 645, 6x6 and 6x7, respectively. Cameras that use other lengths, such as 80 mm, 120 mm and 170 mm (6x8, 6x12 and 6x17) have been made, with the longest ones giving panoramic images. Certain cameras can use various lengths, either by switching backs, or by special multi-format backs. All these dimensions are nominal; actual dimensions are a bit different. For example, 6x7 might give an image on film that is actually 56 x 70 mm; this enlarges exactly to fill an 8x10 sheet of paper.

Another feature of many medium-format models is the ability to use Polaroid instant film in an interchangeable back. Studio, commercial and architectural photographers value this system for its ability to verify the exposure using the shutter, aperture and flash synch of the camera that will take the final photograph on roll film.

Medium-format cameras are available in a variety of types. They include

• Single-lens reflex
• Twin-lens reflex
• Rangefinder
• Zone-focusing
• Monorail view cameras
• Folding-bed field cameras

Additionally, most large-format cameras can, with the use of roll-film adapters, use medium-format film.

Here is a partial list of brand names of medium-format cameras:

• Bronica
• Contax
• Fuji
• Hasselblad, who set the standard for the medium format in professional photography in 1948
• Horseman
• Kiev
• Mamiya
• Pentax
• Rollei, including the Rolleiflex
• Seagull