120 film
120 film is the classic medium format roll film used in cameras like the Hasselblad, Mamiya and Rolleiflex, prized for negatives many times larger than 35mm. That extra size means sharper detail, smoother tonal gradation and a shallower depth of field, at the cost of fewer shots per roll and a higher price. Compare 120 film prices from UK retailers on Filmproof.
About 120 film
What is 120 film?
120 is roll film without a cassette, the film is wound onto a spool with a paper backing that protects it from light, so it can be loaded and unloaded in normal room light rather than needing full darkness. It was introduced by Kodak in 1901 for its Brownie No. 2 camera and has remained in continuous production ever since, making it one of the longest-lived film formats in history.
Unlike 35mm, 120 doesn't have one fixed frame size, the same roll can produce different negative sizes depending on the camera, most commonly 6x4.5cm, 6x6cm (square format), 6x7cm or 6x9cm, giving anywhere from 8 to 16 exposures per roll. That flexibility is part of the format's appeal to medium format shooters.
Popular 120 film stocks
Most major manufacturers who produce 35mm also offer their core stocks in 120, including Kodak Portra, Ektar and Tri-X, Ilford HP5 Plus and Delta, and Fujifilm's colour and slide ranges, so switching to medium format doesn't mean giving up familiar film. Specialist and boutique brands including Foma, Rollei, Adox and Lomography also produce 120 stocks, often at a lower price than the professional ranges.
Because 120 is shot less often than 35mm, per-roll prices tend to run higher, but the larger negative means each frame carries far more detail, something landscape, portrait and fine art photographers often consider worth the extra cost.
Buying and shooting 120 film
120 film is sold by roll rather than in bulk multipacks as often as 35mm, and stock levels can vary more between UK retailers, so it's worth comparing before you commit to a shoot. Not every UK lab processes 120 as standard, so it's worth checking your local lab handles medium format before buying in volume.
Filmproof tracks live 120 film prices and stock across UK shops, making it easier to plan a medium format shoot without discovering your preferred stock is out of stock everywhere.