Potted History of Medium Format Film

1901 — 120 Film Introduced

Kodak launches 120 roll film, establishing the flexible roll format that becomes the backbone of medium‑format photography.

1900s–1930s — Early Roll‑Film Cameras

Folding cameras from Kodak, Voigtländer, Zeiss Ikon and Agfa popularise frame sizes like 6×9, 6×6, and 6×4.5. Medium format becomes the serious amateur’s choice thanks to large negatives and portable cameras.

1929 — Rolleiflex TLR

The Rolleiflex arrives, defining the 6×6 square aesthetic and introducing a compact, professional‑grade twin‑lens reflex system.

1948–1957 — Hasselblad Modular SLR

Hasselblad’s 1600F and later 500C establish the modular medium‑format SLR: interchangeable lenses, backs, and finders. By the 1960s, Hasselblad becomes the professional studio standard — and the camera system used on NASA missions.

1950s–1970s — Expansion of Professional Systems

Mamiya C‑series TLRs offer interchangeable lenses.
Bronica launches Japan’s modular medium‑format competitor.
Medium format dominates fashion, portraiture, and commercial work.

1969 — Pentax 6×7

Pentax introduces a giant 35mm‑style SLR that shoots 6×7, giving medium format a familiar handling feel and becoming a favourite for portrait and landscape work.

1970s–1980s — Studio Workhorses

Mamiya RB67/RZ67 bring rotating backs and bellows focusing.

Rangefinders

Fuji GW/GSW rangefinders deliver huge 6×9 negatives in compact bodies.

1984 — Pentax 645

The 645 format becomes a faster, more economical medium‑format option, ideal for weddings and editorial work.

1990s — Autofocus Arrives

The Contax 645 (1999) introduces autofocus medium format with Zeiss lenses, becoming a favourite for fashion and wedding photographers.

2010s — Analogue Revival

A new generation rediscovers medium format film for its tonality, grain, and deliberate shooting experience.

2020s–Present — Creative Renaissance

Medium format film thrives as an aesthetic choice. Cameras like the Hasselblad V‑system, Pentax 67, Mamiya RB67 and RZ67, Bronica SQ/ETR, and Fuji GW series remain highly sought after. 120 film continues in production from Kodak, Ilford, and Foma.