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Medium format film cameras have always maintained a special magnetism in the world of professional analog photography. Largely thanks to their exceptional image quality, which is primarily due to the large format film negative sizes they demand, including 6x4.5 cm, 6x6 cm, 6x7 cm and even up to 6x9. Compared to smaller film or digital formats, medium format cameras are renowned for their ability to capture more detail, dynamic range, and color depth. This results in smooth tonal transitions, rich colors, and a three-dimensional feel in the images.
There's no surprise many iconic medium format cameras made it into our celebrated guide for the best film cameras of all time.
Another one of the notable advantages of medium format film cameras is their durability. Many models feature robust, all-metal camera body constructions that ensure longevity and reliability. With proper maintenance, these cameras can accompany photographers on their creative journeys for decades, remaining a consistent and trustworthy tool. There's a downside here too—that bulk can be off-putting for photographers who prefer more portable point and shoot film cameras, and medium format has therefore become a more popular tool for studio photographers (they can be larger than DSLRs). For grab-and-go adventure cameras, look elsewhere, unless you don't mind the extra weight!
A quick survey of medium format film cameras will reveal that the key brands aren't the same as those you might be familiar with if you already have a 35mm camera. Names like Mamiya, Bronica, and Pentax are more revered than Canon and Nikon. The film is different too—medium cameras use 120 and 220 roll film—but Kodak is still go-to.
(For the full rundown on medium format film, check out the Field Mag guide to 120 film.)
Despite the rise of digital cameras, medium format film cameras continue to enchant professionals and enthusiasts alike with their exceptional image quality and versatility. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll explore a range of medium format cameras suitable for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced users. This guide is here to assist you in selecting the perfect medium format camera to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Field Mag's Top Picks
- Best Medium Format Range Finder for Beginners: Fuji GA645 Zi
- Best TLR Camera for Beginners: Rolleicord III
- Best Medium Format for Landscapes: Fuji GW690iii
- Best Medium Format for Portraits: Contax 645
- Best Medium Format for Studio Photographers: Mamiya RZ67
- Best Medium Format SLR for Intermediate/Advanced: Pentax 67
- Best Medium Format TLR for Intermediate/Advanced: Rolleiflex 2.8F
- Most Iconic Medium Format: Hasselblad 500 C/M
- Best Premium Medium Format Camera: Mamiya 7
- Most Unique Medium Format Camera: Makina 67
A Note on Price: Film camera prices are prone to swings as particular cameras become trendy or hard to find. It's difficult to pin one price to each of the medium format cameras here, which are often available bundled with accessories and lenses that make them more expensive. The prices we've listed with each camera here are averages based on what we've observed these cameras selling for on eBay, but don't be surprised if you see a different number when you start shopping.
The 10 Best Medium Format Film Cameras Worth Buying in 2023
Best Medium Format Range Finder for Beginners: Fujifilm GA645 Zi
The Fujifilm GA645 Zi is an autofocus medium format camera that offers simplicity and convenience without compromising image quality. It features a built-in zoom lens and automatic and manual exposure control with a built-in light meter, making it a versatile option for travel, documentary, and landscape photography. The camera's reputation is built on its user-friendly operation and reliable performance, effectively functioning as a medium format point-and-shoot camera. It's probably the most user-friendly medium format film camera you can get today.
Release Date: 1998
Body Material: Plastic and Metal
Modes: Automatic and Manual
Lens: Fixed 55-90mm zoom lens
Aperture Range: 55mm f/4.5-22, 65mm f/5.2-27, 75mm f/6.2-32, and 90mm at 6.9-3.8
Shutter Speed: 2 sec to 1/700 second
Average Price on eBay: $1,000
Best TLR (Square Format) Camera for Beginners: Rolleicord III
The Rolleicord III is a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium format camera made by Rollei that provides an excellent introduction to the world of 6x6 photography. It features a waist-level viewfinder and manual controls, making it ideal for beginners to learn the basics of medium format photography. The Rolleicord III is well-regarded for its reliable build quality and versatility, suitable for portrait, landscape, and street photography. This camera is a great tool to get a feel for the square format before diving into a more committing purchase like the Hasselblad 500 C/M (below).
Release Date: 1950
Body Material: Metal and Leather
Modes: Fully Manual
Lens: Fixed Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 1:3.5 75mm
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - f/22
Shutter Speed: 1 to 1/500 second
Average Price on eBay: $200
Best Medium Format for Landscapes: Fuji GW690iii
The Fuji GW690iii, also known as the Texas Leica, is a (relatively) compact and lightweight medium format camera that shoots in a whopping 6x9 format, resulting in large, exquisitely detailed negatives. It features a fixed 90mm lens and a rangefinder focusing system, making it suitable for various genres, but most notably for landscape and street photography. The camera's reputation stems from its outstanding image quality, ease of use and competitive price point compared to the competitor it draws its nickname from.
Release Date: 1992
Body Material: Metal
Modes: Manual
Lens: Fixed EBC Fujinon 90mm, f/3.5
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - f/32
Shutter Speed: 1s - 1/500s plus T-mode
Average Price on eBay: $800
Best Medium Format for Portraits: Contax 645
The Contax 645 is a professional-grade medium format camera highly regarded for its superb image quality and autofocus capabilities. It offers a modular system with interchangeable lenses, film backs, and viewfinders, providing flexibility for different shooting scenarios. Its signature 80mm lens sports an impressive f/2 aperture that delivers excellent bokeh and a high-speed focal plane shutter that allows the Contax 645 to excel in portrait, fashion, and wedding photography.
Release Date: 1999
Body Material: Metal and plastic
Modes: Manual, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and program
Lens: The most common is a fixed 80mm f/2 lens, but there are a range of options, including wide-angle, standard, and telephoto lenses
Aperture Range: f/2 - f/22
Shutter Speed: Focal plane shutter with a range from 1/4000 to 8 seconds
Average Price on eBay: $2,200 (body only)
Best Medium Format for Studio Photographers: Mamiya RZ67
The successor to the mechanical Mamiya RB67, Mamiya RZ67 is a versatile medium format camera offering interchangeable lenses and film backs, providing photographers with extensive creative control. It features a bellows focusing system, allowing for precise focusing and perspective adjustments. Popular among studio photographers and those who seek ultimate image quality in portrait, fashion, and landscape photography, the Mamiya RZ67 is highly regarded in the world of medium format film photography. (Other popular medium format Mamiyas include the Mamiya 6 and Mamiya m645.)
Release Date: 1982
Body Material: Metal
Modes: Manual, Aperture Priority & Program
Lens: Wide variety of lenses available for the RZ67
Aperture Range: Most lenses for the Mamiya RZ67 have an aperture range from around f/4 to f/22, with some starting at f/2.8
Shutter Speed: Bulb mode for long exposures and a range of shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/400s
Average Price on eBay: $500 body only; $1,300 with lens
Best Medium Format SLR for Intermediate/Advanced: Pentax 67
The Pentax 6x7 or Pentax 67 is a legendary medium format camera renowned for its exceptional build quality and outstanding image rendition with through the lens metering (TTL). Similar to traditional 35mm SLR cameras in everything but size, it utilizes 6x7 cm film negatives, providing a large image area with exceptional detail. The Pentax 67's robust construction, simplicity of use, and rock solid image quality make it a favored choice for landscape, portrait, and documentary photography. (Another medium format favorite from the same company is the Pentax 645.)
Release Date: 1969
Body Material: Metal
Modes: Fully Manual
Lens: Wide variety of lenses available for the 6x7
Aperture Range: Most lenses for the Pentax 6x7 have an aperture range from around f/2.4 to f/32 or higher
Shutter Speed: Bulb mode for long exposures and a range of shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1000s
Average Price on eBay: $700 (varies based on included lenses and adapters)
Best Medium Format TLR for Intermediate/Advanced: Rolleiflex 2.8F
The Rolleiflex is an iconic twin-lens reflex medium format camera (TLR camera) with a long history and a reputation for top-notch optics and mechanical precision. It features a waist-level viewfinder and manual controls, offering a unique shooting experience. Adored by fine art and street photographers for its outstanding image quality and the distinct square format it produces, the Rolleiflex 2.8F is a classic choice for those captivated by the timeless charm of twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras.
Release Date: 1958
Body Material: Metal
Modes: Fully Manual
Lens: Carl Zeiss Planar 80mm f/2.8
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
Shutter Speed: Speeds from 1 to 1/500 sec, with a bulb mode for long exposures
Average Price on eBay: $2,800
Most Iconic Medium Format (That You Should Never Sell): Hasselblad 500 C/M
Now a household name, the Hasselblad 500 C/M is a classic medium format camera that has become synonymous with high-end professional photography. It was used on all NASA's Apollo missions to the moon, and took one of the most famous photographs of all time, Earthrise. As a completely modular system, it offers exceptional image quality and versatility with interchangeable lenses, viewfinders, and film backs. Widely used in fashion, portrait, and studio photography, the Hasselblad 500cm is appreciated for its reliability and the ability to produce stunning results.
Release Date: 1970 (Introduced in 1957 as the Hasselblad 500C, the 500cm is an updated version)
Body Material: Metal and synthetic
Modes: Manual mode only
Lens: Hasselblad V System interchangeable lenses
Aperture Range: Depends on the specific lens used, but typically ranges from f/2.8 to f/22 or higher
Shutter Speed: Bulb mode for long exposures and a range of shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/500th of a second
Average Price on eBay: $2000
Best Premium Medium Format Camera: Mamiya 7
The Mamiya 7 is a rangefinder medium format camera renowned for its compact size and exceptional image quality. It's also perhaps the hottest medium format film camera on the market today. Using 6x7 cm film negatives, it features interchangeable lenses that provide versatility for various photographic genres. Favored by documentary photographers and those who value portability and uncompromising image quality, the Mamiya 7 delivers outstanding results.
Release Date: 1995
Body Material: Metal
Modes: Fully Manual
Lens: Interchangeable lenses, including wide-angle, standard, and telephoto options.
Aperture Range: Varies depending on the specific lens used, but most lenses for the Mamiya 7 have an aperture range from around f/4 to f/22.
Shutter Speed: Focal plane shutter with a range of shutter speeds from 8 seconds to 1/500th of a second.
Average Price on eBay: $3,500
Most Unique Medium Format Camera: Makina 67
It doesn’t get much more unique than this. The Plaubel Makina 67 is a rare and highly sought-after medium format rangefinder camera. It features a fixed 80mm lens, renowned for its exceptional sharpness and bokeh. The Makina 67's folding design and compact size make it a great portable medium format option. Loved by landscape, travel, and street photographers, the Makina 67 delivers outstanding image quality and a distinct shooting experience.
Release Date: 1981
Body Material: Metal
Modes: Fully Manual
Lens: Fixed Nikkor 80/2.8 lens
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
Shutter Speed: 1 to 1/500 second, Bulb
Average Price on eBay: $2,000
Published 06-27-2023
