Medium format
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Medium format has traditionally referred to a film format in still photography. Generally, the term applies to any film size between 35 mm and large format (4"×5" or more) sheet film and to the type of camera that uses the format. Due to the higher image resolution offered by the larger film size, the majority of medium-format users are professional photographers who often require fine image detail, but the format is also favoured by many amateur enthusiasts.
In digital photography, medium format refers to the use of cameras adapted from medium format film gear, fitted with digital backs incorporating sensors larger than 24 by 36mm (the typical frame size used on 35mm film). As of 2006, medium format digital photography peaks at sensors of 36 by 48 mm, with 39 million pixels. These new high resolution sensors are considered to offer a quality superior to film based medium format systems and close to 4 by 5 inch scanned film (arguably drum scanned films still contain more details although without the advantage offered by digital photography, such as extremely low noise and greater shooting speed).
Characteristics
The main draw to medium format is that, because of its increased film size (around three to four times bigger than 35 mm), it offers much higher image resolution. This allows for relatively big enlargements and smooth gradation without the grain or blur that would characterize similarly enlarged images produced from smaller film formats. While large-format film used in view cameras offer greater film size and higher resolution still, they generally lack the versatility and convenience of a medium-format camera due of their bulky size and relatively awkward processes.
Medium-format film can also be shot in a variety of aspect ratios, which differ depending on the camera or frame insert used. The most common aspect ratios are 6×6 cm (square) and 6×4.5 cm (rectangular). Other frequently used aspect ratios are 6×7 cm, 6×9 cm, and 6×17 cm panoramic. The 6×4.5 cm format is usually referred to as "645", with many cameras that use this ratio bearing "645" in their product name. Cameras that can switch to different aspect ratios do so by either switching camera backs, by using a frame insert, or by use of special multi-format backs. All of these dimensions are nominal; actual dimensions are a bit different. For example, 6×7 cm might give an image on film that is actually 56×70 mm; this enlarges exactly to fill an 8×10 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 focus and exposure. Another pro is that, like large-format cameras, many medium-format cameras have various interchangeable parts. Like most 35-mm SLRs, medium-format cameras usually support different lenses as well, but in addition it is also standard for medium-format cameras to support different winding mechanisms, viewfinders, and camera backs.
Compared to 35 mm, the main drawbacks are accessibility and price. While 35-mm cameras, film, and photo finishing services are generally widely available and cheap, medium format is usually limited to professional photography shops and can be prohibitively expensive for some. Medium-format film also supports fewer exposures per roll, usually around 12 to 16, and are generally more difficult to load and handle than their 35-mm counterparts.
Medium format photography today
All medium-format cameras manufactured today use the 120 film format. Many also can use the 220 film format, which is twice as long and hence allows twice the number of exposures. 120 and 220 film is still almost as available as 35mm from specialist shops.
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. Digital backs are a type of camera back that have electronic sensors in them, effectively converting a camera into a digital camera. These backs are usually very expensive and are used predominantly by professional photographers. Like with film, due to its increased size they deliver more pixels and have lower noise. Features like fan cooling also improve the image quality of studio models. In early 2006 Hasselblad (H2D and H3D) and Phase One (P45) released a 39 megapixel back, the highest resolution single-shot digital backs to date.
"Lomography" and other low-budget medium format cameras
While most professional medium format cameras are very expensive, some inexpensive plastic imports, such as the Chinese Diana and Holga, are gaining in popularity, particularly with toy camera enthusiasts. Many of these cameras are sold though the Austrian Lomographische AG. Due to the poor quality of the cameras, the exact image captured on the negative is somewhat random in nature. These cameras often have plastic lenses that offer poor or uneven focus, light leaks that oddly colorize an image, extreme vignetting, and a multitude of other "flaws" that are generally undesirable to photographers. While these elements certainly are "flaws" in camera design, they can produce interesting, artistic, or enjoyable results. Because of the popularity of lomography and toy camera culture, medium-format photography has seen a resurgence with amateur photographers. Lomography detractors point out that twin-lens reflex cameras (TLRs) and folders without the distortion and light leaks can be had on the used market in the same price range.
The Chinese Seagull TLR and medium-format cameras from the former Soviet Union such as the Russian Lubitel and somewhat better made Ukrainian Kiev-Arsenal 60 and 88 are also available at moderate prices. These cameras can deliver quality images, although the lenses and camera bodies are not at the level of those from Swedish, German and Japanese manufacturers.
Used folding cameras, TLRs, and box cameras are also a cheap option to shoot medium format. Sadly many U.S.-made folders, including most of the mass produced Kodak folders use the discontinued 620 film requiring the user to respool 120 film.
Medium-format cameras
Types
- Folding-bed field cameras
Additionally, most large-format cameras can, with the use of roll-film adapters, use medium-format film.
Common brands
- Bronica
- Contax
- Fuji
- Halina
- Hasselblad, who set the standard for the medium format in professional photography in 1948
- Holga
- Horseman
- Kiev
- Mamiya
- Minolta
- Pentax
- Rollei, including the Rolleiflex
- Seagull
- Yashica
"Classic" medium format cameras are collected and used by antique camera enthusiasts. Names like Graflex, Omega, Voigtländer and Zeiss can quicken a collector's pulse.