ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little money. Need more info? See how it all works here.
This article looks at the best medium format film available right now. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, trying a new 120mm film is a great way to spark that creative fire inside you.
We look at color and black and white medium format film, giving you plenty of variety. We also feature top film manufacturers like Kodak, Ilford, and Lomography.
Kodak Portra 400 is our favorite 120mm film. It’s a high ISO film with fine grain and vibrant colors. But if that’s not the film stock you’re after, keep reading to see all the best medium format film options.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you’re getting into medium format film photography, you have plenty of 120mm film stocks to choose from. Medium format shooters don’t quite have the wide selection of 35mm film photographers, but there is still a good range of options.
You can make creative choices and experiment with different medium format film stocks. There are multiple options for color and black and white films. You also have a wide range of ISO options, allowing you to shoot many types of photography in varying conditions.
Kodak is the main film manufacturer. They are the kings of the 35mm color film market, but they also produce many of their top stocks in 120mm as well. Ilford is one of the leading producers of black and white film, both 35mm and 120mm. Then there’s Lomography, with its dedication keeping film photography alive.
Here’s a quick rundown of our favorite medium format film stocks. We look at each 120mm film in more detail in the following sections. Keep reading to find out more about medium format film.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Now we’ll take a look at all the best 120mm films in more detail. We’ve included color and black and white films, as well as many different ISO options. Whether it’s for landscape or portrait photography, you’ll be able to find the perfect medium format film.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Film photographers of all types adore Kodak Portra 400. Whether they’re shooting 35mm or medium format, photographers rave about the results when shooting with this pro-grade film stock.
A large part of the adoration comes from the film’s vibrant yet accurate colors. They’re true to life, even with tricky things like skin tones. That’s why it’s one of the best medium format films for portrait photographers.
The 400 ISO level makes it a versatile stock. You can use it morning, midday, or evening, as well as outside or in a studio.
Portra 400 is a professional-grade film that offers consistent results. It’s one of the pricier 120mm film stocks, but Portra is well worth the price if you want stunning medium format photos.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Ilford HP5 Plus has to be the most popular black and white film on the planet. That’s certainly the case with 35mm photography, but it could well be true for medium format, too.
It’s a versatile 400 ISO film that can be used for any type of photography. Street photographers love HP5 Plus for its consistent results in varied conditions. But portrait and landscape photographers also use it all the time.
Despite being a high ISO film, the grain is fine and barely visible when exposed correctly. It’s a forgiving film, so you can still get great results if the exposure is slightly off.
A high level of contrast produces punchy, dynamic black and white images. You still get plenty of detail from the grey scale, but the blacks are smooth and rich.
Unlike many other film manufacturers, Ilford has not hiked their prices in recent years. They’ve kept their prices low, making Ilford HP5 Plus one of the best value 120mm film stocks. Each roll also has a generous 12 exposures.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Kodak Ektar is more niche than the previous film stocks. It’s the most versatile 120mm film, but Ektar is a 100 ISO color negative that’s ideal for landscape photography.
It’s a slow film with only a 100 ISO. You’ll need plenty of light for a decent exposure. But that won’t be a problem if you’re using a tripod, which is essential when shooting landscapes with a medium format camera.
Also, the low ISO means you get better image resolution and a finer, practically invisible grain structure. The colors are vivid and intense, and the sharpness and detail are extraordinary.
Portraits are Ektar’s weakness, as skin tones are not always accurate. But it excels in natural color tones like the greens of leaves or the blues of skies. That’s why it’s a top choice among landscape photographers.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Fomapan 100 is the best 100 ISO black and white film for medium format photography. Fomapan is also more than fair with its pricing, so it’s one of the most affordable medium format films.
Despite only having a 100 ISO level, Foma 100 is surprisingly versatile. The sharpness and high level of detail make it great for landscapes and other outdoor work. But it also has the resolution for powerful black and white portraits.
It’s a deep contrast film, so you get deep, rich blacks and dark greys. But you also get plenty of detail from brighter areas, making it versatile and forgiving, unlike other 100 ISO films.
Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street photography, Fomapan 100 is well worth a try. You get 12 shots per roll and you can pick up a few at a reasonable price.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Cinestill 400D is fast becoming one of the most popular color films with medium format shooters.
Cinestill, as the name suggests, are specialists in converting cinema film into shootable 35mm and 120mm film stocks. That’s exactly what Cinestill 400D is.
As a cinema film, you get naturally saturated colors that almost glow with intensity. It is prone to overexposure, but get it right and you’ll have rich shots that look like movie stills.
The D means the film emulsion has been calibrated for daylight rather than artificial light. This means you can use the film for anything with natural light, like street photography or portraits.
It also has a high dynamic range, allowing you to get even results in uneven lighting conditions. This adds even more to the film’s versatility.
Despite being a cine film, you only need standard C41 color processing for development. You don’t need ECN-2, like other movie rolls. That’ll save you a few bob when getting the rolls developed in a lab.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Rollei Retro 80S is a superb low-ISO black and white medium format film. It’s converted aerial survey film repurposed as a consumer photography film stock. That sounds cool, but it also means it delivers stunning high-resolution B&W images.
Using an ISO as low as 80 can be tricky, so you will need plenty of light. But when exposed correctly, the results are stunning.
With such a low ISO, there’s no visible grain unless enlarged. The blacks are silky smooth, and your images have an almost glossy finish.
It’s a high-contrast film with a low-dynamic range. But you still get sharp detail when used in the right conditions, which is bright daylight or under strong studio lights.
Rollei is another brand that has kept its prices low, so it’s a great film for shooting low ISO when on a budget. We strongly recommend this medium format film if you want to push your film photography skills to the next level.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Lomography are not one of the biggest names in film manufacturing. At least, they are not one of the old-timers like Kodak or Ilford. But they are dedicated to keeping film photography alive, and their film stocks are truly excellent.
Lomography Color Negative 800 is our pick as a high ISO film. The 800 ISO allows you to shoot in lower light and still capture stunning photos. It’s great for street photography. And the high ISO really lends itself to events and sports photography.
Grain is sometimes noticeable, especially if the scenario is very dark. But the film still delivers bright, accurate colors and sharp details. Images are deep and rich and a wide dynamic range makes the film incredibly forgiving in uneven light.
Lomography films tend to be more reasonably priced compared to the big dogs like Kodak. Their colors negatives are still pricey compared to black and white stocks, but Color Negative 800 isn’t too bad either.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Ilford Delta 3200 is the premium high ISO black and white film. It’s popular with music photographers using 35mm cameras, but you can also use it for low-light photoshoots of all kinds. That includes gigs, sporting events, and night portraits.
While the high 3200 ISO level gives you incredible freedom in low light, it does mean grain is easily visible to the naked eye. However, many people love this film for that reason. The strong grain gives the images a grungy, after-hours vibe some film shooters love.
Despite the grain, it still delivers sharp details. The contrast might not be as strong as HP5 Plus, but you still get deep blacks and plenty of rich grey tones.
Delta 3200 isn’t the most versatile 120mm film. But many medium format shooters love it, especially those shooting in darker situations. The distinct finish gives it a recognizable charm. It’s also reasonably priced with 12 shots per roll.
Experimenting with different film stocks is one of the best things about film photography. You don’t have the same wide selection of stocks as with 35mm, but there are still plenty of excellent 120mm films to choose from.
We’ve selected Kodak Portra 400 as our top medium format film. It has the best color rendition of any color film, and it’s consistent and versatile.
Black and white photographers should try Ilford HP5 Plus. It’s the most popular B&W film on the market due to its consistency, contrast, and affordability.
But as we’ve seen, you have plenty of options. You have different styles of films with high and low ISO levels. They all produce vastly different results, so it’s worth trying a few to see which suits your photography style.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you buy a product through one of our referral links we will earn a commission (without costing you anything).
Prices last updated on .
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
