Kowa Medium Format Film Cameras

Photographing with Medium Format Film Cameras

While digital technology is constantly changing and cameras rapidly go out of date, vintage medium format cameras, such as manual Kowa cameras, are seeing a renaissance. Most are still as functional today as they were decades ago and offer a fun niche in which photographers can experiment.

What Is Medium Format Film?

Medium format generally refers to cameras that record images on film larger than full frame 24mm by 36mm, which is the standard for 35mm photography, and smaller than 4 by 5 inches, which is large format.

• You can also find digital medium format cameras that use a sensor larger than that of a 35mm film frame. In some cases, you can retrofit medium format film cameras with digital camera backs to convert them to a digital medium.
• Up until the 1950s, medium format was the most widely used film size in the movie-making world, but now film and photography enthusiasts in the niche mainly use it.
• The majority of medium format film produced today is in the 6cm 120 and 220 sizes, which is implied when referring to medium format cameras, unless otherwise specified.

What Are the Advantages of Medium Format Cameras?

One of the main advantages of shooting in medium format is the ability to enlarge the images while retaining a lot of detail. With three to four times the surface of a 35mm film frame, you can enlarge medium format significantly without losing quality, which is why photographers who create large-scale wall prints prefer it.

• Medium format images also have a certain aesthetic that is part of their appeal, with a lack of distortion and a natural appearance that is similar to how the human eye sees.
• A 50mm lens used on a 35mm camera and a medium format camera yields quite different results, particularly when it comes to field of view. Although youll capture a wider angle, you wont get the distortion or exaggerated perspective that a wide-angle lens produces on a 35mm camera.

What Should You Look for When Buying Medium Format Cameras?

Theres an eclectic range of medium format cameras on the market, ranging from manual single lens reflex (SLR) to compact point-and-shoots, as well as rangefinder cameras.

• Make sure the camera you are considering utilizes a medium format film that is readily available, such as a 120 or 220, or that you can have the film custom made easily.
• For something a little different, you may want to consider a twin lens reflex camera that features a lower lens for taking the photograph and an upper lens that gives you an idea of the image youre capturing.

Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kowa.