Exploring Film Formats: 35mm vs. Medium Format vs. Large Format

In the world of film photography, choosing the right film format is essential to achieving the desired look and feel for your images. Whether you're a hobbyist, a professional photographer, or simply someone exploring a new passion, understanding the differences between 35mm, medium format, and large format film can help guide your decision. In this post, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and unique features of each format, focusing on how they perform under South African conditions.

 1. 35mm Film: The Classic Standard

Overview
35mm film is by far the most popular and widely used film format, known for its compact size and versatility. It’s the go-to format for many amateur and professional photographers because of its accessibility and ease of use.

taken from Sandy Free, Pinterest 

Pros:

• Affordable and accessible: 35mm film and cameras are widely available in South Africa. This format offers great variety in film stocks, which makes it ideal for photographers who want to experiment.
• Portable: Compact and lightweight, 35mm cameras are ideal for street, travel, and documentary photography. Perfect for capturing the landscapes of the Drakensberg or street scenes in Johannesburg.
• Fast shooting: With a typical roll allowing for 24-36 exposures, 35mm gives you more frames to work with, which is great for action and event photography.

 

Good for everyday use: Its versatility makes it perfect for day-to-day photography.

 

Cons:

• Smaller negatives: The smaller film size results in less detail compared to medium or large format. This may be limiting if you want to print large, highly detailed images.
• Lower resolution: While 35mm is fantastic for most uses, photographers seeking ultra-sharp images might find the resolution limiting, especially when cropping.

Ideal for: Beginners, travelers, street photographers, and anyone looking to capture life on the go.



 2. Medium Format: The Sweet Spot for Professionals

Overview
Medium format film, which includes sizes such as 6x4.5cm, 6x6cm, and 6x7cm, sits between 35mm and large format, offering a great balance of image quality and versatility. This format is favored by professionals who require superior detail and tonal range.

Pros:

• Higher image quality: Medium format cameras produce larger negatives, which means more detail and better dynamic range. This is ideal for high-end fashion shoots or detailed portraits, perfect for capturing the beauty of Cape Town’s natural light or the subtleties of a game drive .
• Shallow depth of field: Medium format is known for producing stunning, creamy bokeh and exceptional subject separation, making it a favorite for portrait photography.
• Greater tonal range: This format captures a wider range of tones, giving more flexibility in post-processing and allowing for beautiful color gradations and smoother contrasts.

Cons:

• Expensive: Both medium format film and cameras can be significantly more costly than 35mm.
• Bulkier equipment: The cameras are larger and heavier, making them less portable and a bit more challenging to carry around for on-the-go shoots.
• Fewer shots per roll: A standard medium format roll gives you 10-16 exposures depending on the camera, which means you'll need to be more selective with your shots.

Ideal for: Professional photographers, fine art photography, fashion shoots, and portraiture. It’s also great for landscape photographers who want to capture the breathtaking beauty of South Africa’s diverse scenery with incredible detail.


3. Large Format: Unmatched Detail and Resolution

Overview:
Large format film includes sizes like 4x5 inches and even larger, offering the highest possible quality in film photography. This format is a dream for those who want to create massive, incredibly detailed prints, making it a go-to for fine art photographers and specialists.

Pros:

• Exceptional image quality: Large format produces massive negatives, providing unmatched detail and resolution. Perfect for capturing every grain of sand in a Namib Desert scene or every star in a sprawling Milky Way shot.
• Control over image plane**: With large format cameras, you have more control over focus, perspective, and depth of field thanks to camera movements like tilt and shift.
• Great for large prints**: If you're planning to create gallery-quality prints or detailed archival work, large format is unparalleled.

Cons:

• Expensive and harder to find: Large format film, processing, and cameras are costly and not as easily accessible in South Africa as 35mm or medium format. You may need to order film and accessories from specialty shops.
• Bulky and slow: Large format cameras are heavy, cumbersome, and require a tripod, making them less ideal for fast-paced or travel photography. Each shot also requires careful setup and focus, which can be time-consuming.
• Limited exposures: With each sheet of film representing a single exposure, you'll need to be extremely selective, often working with only a handful of shots per shoot.

Ideal for: Fine art photographers, landscape specialists, and those who want maximum control over image quality and depth. Large format is perfect for those looking to showcase South Africa's dramatic vistas and wildlife in high-resolution, gallery-quality prints.



Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Format for You

When deciding between 35mm, medium format, and large format, it all comes down to your photography goals, budget, and how you plan to use your images. If you're just starting, 35mm offers versatility and affordability. For those seeking professional-grade results, medium format offers a great balance of quality and practicality. And for the most detail-oriented and artistic pursuits, large format stands as the pinnacle of film photography.

In South Africa, with our vibrant landscapes, diverse wildlife, and bustling cities, the choice of film format can greatly impact how you capture and showcase these beautiful scenes. Each format brings its own unique advantages—choose the one that best aligns with your creative vision!



Explore our collection of cameras and accessories designed to meet the needs of every photographer, from beginners to seasoned professionals. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for expert advice tailored to your specific photography journey.