Best Medium & Large Format Film Cameras of 2026
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Medium and large format film cameras offer unparalleled image quality and detail that simply cannot be matched by digital cameras. These cameras use larger film formats, resulting in sharper and more detailed images with a wider dynamic range. They are perfect for professional photographers who demand the highest level of image quality and control. Medium format cameras typically use 120 or 220 roll film, while large format cameras use individual sheets of film. These cameras require a bit more skill and patience to use, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether shooting landscapes, portraits, or still life, medium and large format film cameras are the ultimate tool for capturing stunning, high-quality images.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Medium & Large Format Film Cameras
Holga 120N Film Camera with 120 Film Bundle
The Holga 120N Film Camera is a classic toy camera with a plastic 60mm f/8 lens that produces dreamy and unique images. It features a simple zone focusing system and two shutter speeds (1/100 sec. and Bulb) that allow users to experiment with long exposures. The camera comes bundled with Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film (120 Roll Film) for users to start shooting immediately.
Holga 120GCFN Film Camera with Accessories Bundle
The Holga 120GCFN Film Camera is a medium format instant camera that comes with accessories such as a neck strap, lens cap, and microfiber cleaning cloth. It features a 60mm f/8 lens with a normal field of view, a zone focusing system that can focus as close as 3 feet away, and a 1/100th sec. shutter speed setting for long exposure shooting. It also has a standard tripod mount for stable long exposure photographs.
Holga 120GCFN Film Camera Bundle
The Holga 120GCFN Film Camera Bundle comes with a 60mm f/8 lens that provides a normal field of view for wide variety of situations. The zone focusing system allows you to focus as closely as 3' away. The camera also features a 1/100th sec. shutter speed setting and a bulb setting for long exposure shooting. Additionally, the camera includes a standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount that allows you to make stable long exposure photographs. This bundle also includes a Kodak TX 120 Roll of B+W Film, Pack of Kodak AA Batteries, a Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, and other accessories.
Pentax 17 Half-Frame Film Camera Bundle
The Pentax 17 Film Camera is a compact half-frame camera that offers a sharp 25mm f/3.5 lens with special coating to reduce glare, helping you capture clear and detailed photos. You can adjust the ISO manually from 50 to 3200, giving you the freedom to shoot in different lighting conditions. Its six-zone focus system lets you quickly lock onto your subject, whether it's close or far away, so you don't miss any moments. Plus, the Kodak Gold 200 film included produces bright, vivid colors and sharp images, making your prints look fantastic. The bundle also comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth to keep your camera lens spotless and ready for use.
Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera
The Holga 120N Camera uses 120 medium format film, giving you the option to choose between two film masks that let you shoot either 12 square images (6x6 cm) or 16 rectangular images (6x4.5 cm). This flexibility helps you capture photos in different sizes depending on your creative needs. It offers a simple shutter speed of 1/100 second, plus a bulb mode for longer exposures, so you can experiment with light and motion easily. The camera has two aperture settings—f/11 for bright, sunny days and f/8 for cloudy conditions—making it easy to adjust to different lighting without complicated controls. Additionally, the hot-shoe adapter allows you to add external accessories, expanding your shooting options.
HOLGA 173-120 Holgawood Medium Format Camera Bundle
The HOLGA Holgawood Camera is a fun and easy-to-use medium format film camera perfect for experimental photography. It produces unique, dreamy images with soft edges, giving your photos a creative, artistic feel. You can easily switch between 12 and 16 shots by sliding the exposure selector on the back, making it simple to choose how many pictures you want to take. Its compact, lightweight plastic body makes it very portable and easy to carry around. Plus, the zone focus system allows you to quickly focus on your subject without complicated adjustments, so you can capture moments effortlessly.
Lomography Diana F+ Medium Format Camera
The Lomography Diana F+ Camera offers a versatile shooting experience with its built-in electronic flash that uses just one AA battery, making it easy to power and replace. The flash comes with color capabilities, allowing you to add creative lighting effects to your photos. You can connect the flash directly to the camera body with a two-pronged plug adapter, just like the original model, ensuring a secure and reliable fit. Additionally, the camera supports 120 film format and includes adapters that make both the camera and flash compatible with hotshoe mounts, giving you flexibility in how you use your equipment for different shooting situations.
Lomography LomoApparat 35mm Film Camera
The Lomography LomoApparat Camera is perfect for those who love wide, creative shots. Its 21 mm wide-angle lens lets you capture large scenes with beautiful contrast and unique vignetting, adding character to your photos. You can explore your artistic side with Bulb and Multiple Exposure modes, which help you create interesting light trails and layered images. The built-in flash works automatically to make sure your pictures are well-lit, even in low light, and the colorful gel filters let you add fun color effects easily. Plus, it uses standard 35 mm film, giving you that classic analog look with rich colors and grain.
Holga 135BC 35mm Camera
The Holga 135BC Camera offers a unique, vintage-style photo experience with its signature lo-fi look that gives your pictures a creative and artistic feel. You’ll enjoy the classic black corner shading effect, adding a nostalgic touch to your images. This camera also includes a hot shoe, making it easy to attach a flash for better lighting in your shots. Plus, its bright red and white design not only stands out but also makes the camera easy to spot in your bag. With a simple plastic 47mm lens set at f/8, it’s perfect for beginners who want to explore film photography without fuss.
Lomography Diana F+ Black Jack Camera
The Lomography Diana F+ Camera lets you capture dreamy and artistic photos using 120 film, giving your images a unique, vintage look. You can brighten your pictures easily with the retro-style Diana+ Flash, perfect for shooting in low light or adding a creative glow. Colored gel filters allow you to add vibrant colors to your shots, helping you express your creativity and mood. Plus, you can try pinhole photography, which offers a fun way to experiment with different effects and perspectives. This camera is great for anyone looking to explore creative film photography with simple tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the largest film camera format?
The largest film camera format is the large format, which typically refers to a camera with a frame size of 4x5 inches or larger. The 8x10 format is often considered the largest and most detailed large format film camera that doesn't require further enhancement during image development.
2. Are medium format film cameras still being made?
Yes, medium format film cameras are still being made today. There are various types available, including view cameras and technical cameras, in both large format and medium format designs.
3. Is a medium format film camera worth it?
A medium format film camera can be worth it if you prioritize the best possible image quality. While they may be more expensive than full-frame cameras, medium format cameras offer even better image quality, with the ability to capture more detail and resolution.
4. What camera is bigger than medium format?
Large format film cameras are bigger than medium format cameras. Large format cameras have larger frame sizes, such as 4x5 inches or more, while medium format cameras often have frame sizes like 6x6 cm or 6x9 cm.
5. Do people still use large format cameras?
While some photographers still use old manual large format film cameras, many modern photographers prefer digital large format cameras for their flexibility. Wide format lenses are often used with large format cameras to achieve desired results.
6. What's better, 35mm or medium format?
Medium format film offers better image quality compared to 35mm film. The larger surface area of medium format film allows for more detail, resolution, and dynamic range. This results in sharper, richer, and more nuanced images, especially when enlarged or printed.
7. Why is medium format so expensive?
Medium format cameras tend to be more expensive because their sensors are larger than those found in smaller format cameras. The larger sensors require more expensive production processes, which contributes to the higher cost of medium format cameras.
During our medium & large format film camera research, we found 16 medium & large format film camera products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,712 customer reviews through our big data system to write the medium & large format film cameras list. We found that most customers choose medium & large format film cameras with an average price of $86.30.
The medium & large format film cameras are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of medium & large format film cameras, including HOLGA, The Imaging World, Pentax, Lomography. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 714 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.