Difference between revisions of "120 film"

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''See the [[:Category: 120 film]] for a list of cameras using this film.''
 
''See the [[:Category: 120 film]] for a list of cameras using this film.''
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagefutures/4102805298/in/pool-camerawiki/
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| image=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/4102805298_eeb1bc3171_m.jpg
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| image_align=right
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| image_text=Professional camera for use with 120 film
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| image_by=Dirk HR Spennemann
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|image_rights= with permission
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'''120 film''' is a film format for still photography introduced by [[Kodak]] for its '''[[Brownie]] No. 2''' in 1901 (although the numerical designation 120 came later). Among [[rollfilm]] sizes, 120 has had survived the longest, and currently defines "[[medium format]]" as it it known today.  Its specifications are defined by ISO 732; most recently (as of 2006), by ISO 732:2000.
  
'''120 film''' is a film format for still photography introduced by [[Kodak]] for its ''[[Brownie]] No. 2'' in 1901, and is still very popular, as the surviving [[medium format]]. Its specifications are defined by ISO 732; most recently (as of 2006), by ISO 732:2000.
+
Because of popular awareness of [[35mm film]], a common blunder is to use the term "120mm film." While 120 is indeed "bigger than 35," the width of 120 film is actually ~61mm. This is rounded off to "6" (centimeters) when referring to the image formats used by 120-film cameras, such as 6×7 or 6×4.5.
  
The 120 format was originally intended for amateur photography, and actually became the main format for beginners' cameras, especially for [[box camera]]s. It was later superseded in this role by [[35mm film]] and cartridge film types. 120 film became a format just for professionals and advanced amateurs.
+
The 120 format was originally popular in amateur photography, used in many simple [[box camera]]s and [[folding camera]]s intended for beginners. But after the 1950s, family snapshooters came to adopt [[126 film|126]] cartridge cameras or [[35mm film]] point & shoots; and 120 became increasingly associated with professional cameras—for example the [[Rolleiflex]] or [[Hasselblad]]. (Basic 120 cameras did persist in some markets, for example spawning the cult [[Holga]] from Hong Kong.)
  
In Japan, 120 film was normally called "'''Brownie film'''" (ブローニーフィルム; ''Burōnī firumu'') film until about the 1950s, because it was introduced for the Brownie camera. Thus the [[Bronica]], named after the film size, is indirectly named after the Brownie. At the same time, the 6×4.5 format was called [[Semi]] (セミ; ''Semi'') and the 6×6 format was called [[Six]] (シックス; ''Shikkusu'').
+
In Japan, 120 film was normally called "'''Brownie film'''" (ブローニーフィルム; ''Burōnī firumu'') film until about the 1950s, because it was associated with the [[Kodak Brownie|Brownie]] camera. Thus the [[Bronica]], named after the film size, is indirectly named after the Brownie. At the same time, the 6×4.5 format was called [[Semi]] (セミ; ''Semi'') and the 6×6 format was called [[Six]] (シックス; ''Shikkusu'').
 +
 
 +
Some older German 120 cameras (or those sold by [[Ansco]]) may use the designation '''B2''', but this size is equivalent to 120.
  
 
'''A120''' or '''[[Autographic]] 120''' film was produced by Eastman Kodak from 1924 to 1934.
 
'''A120''' or '''[[Autographic]] 120''' film was produced by Eastman Kodak from 1924 to 1934.
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== Characteristics ==
 
== Characteristics ==
 
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{{Flickr image
| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/89864432@N00/2299051130/in/pool-camerapedia
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwe_kulick/2299051130/in/pool-camerawiki
 
| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2299051130_d780d2e571_m.jpg
 
| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2299051130_d780d2e571_m.jpg
 
| image_align=right
 
| image_align=right
| image_text=above:unexposed [[Ilford]] film and exposed [[Kodak]] film<br/>middle: beginning of film strip of [[Fuji]] film is fixed with<br/>barcode sticker on the blackened side of the<br/>backing paper, an aid for automatic development?
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| image_text=A roll of unexposed [[Ilford]] film and exposed [[Kodak]] film,<br />along with the beginning of the film strip of a [[Fuji]] roll
<!-- beginning, not end - it's not taped down at the end -->
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|image_by=Uwe Kulick
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|image_rights=wp
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}}
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120 is the best known [[rollfilm|roll film]] format. The spool was originally made of wood with metal flanges, later all metal, and finally plastic. The film strip is fixed to the backing paper at its leading end but is free at the other. The paper strip is much longer than the film strip. Thus the film is always wrapped light tight in paper before insertion into a camera or film back, and also after removal for development. The backing paper is black, or at least one side of it is blackened to render it completely opaque. In most designs until the 1950s, as well as cheaper cameras to the present day, a [[red window]] in the camera back is used for exposure counting (via a hole in the film pressure plate).
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/kratz/2695100333/in/pool-camerawiki
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| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2695100333_1f1814d114_m.jpg
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| image_align=left
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| image_text=Many beginners' [[box camera]]s<br/>were made for use with 120 film
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|image_by=John Kratz
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|image_rights=nc
 
}}
 
}}
120 is a typical [[rollfilm|roll film]] format. The spool was originally made of wood with metal flanges, later all metal, and finally plastic. The film strip is fixed on to the backing paper at its leading end, and free at the other. The paper strip is much longer than the film strip. Thus the film is always wrapped light tight in paper before insertion into a camera or film back, and also after removal for development. The backing paper is black, or at least one side of it is blackened so that it is light tight. In most designs until the 1950s, as well as cheaper cameras to the present day, a [[red window]] in the camera back is used for exposure counting (via a hole in the film pressure plate). Therefore the exposure numbers for the main frame formats (4.5×6, 6×6, 6×9) are printed onto the back of the backing paper.
 
  
Frame number markings for the three standard image formats are printed on the backing paper. The three series of numbers did not appear at once: at the beginning only the '1' to '8' numbers for 6×9 format were present, this explains why the very first [[Rolleiflex]] models used [[#105 and 117 films|117 film]], designed for 6×6, and why the first 4.5×6 cameras like the [[Ikonta A]] had two [[red window]]s to control the [[film advance]], using each of the numbers for 6×9 twice.  
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/jb17kx/3298312457/in/pool-camerawiki
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| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3298312457_60cb03a335_m.jpg
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| image_align=right
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| image_text=Frame numbers on a roll of Ilford XP2.<br />6×4.5 numbers are at top, then 6×6 and 6×9.
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|image_by=Jock?
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|image_rights=non-commercial
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Frame numbers for the main frame formats (4.5×6, 6×6, 6×9) are printed on the back of the backing paper. The three series of numbers did not appear on the backing paper of the earliest roll films: at the beginning only the '1' to '8' numbers for 6×9 format were present, and this explains why the very first [[Rolleiflex]] models used not 120 but [[#105 and 117 films|117 film]], specifically designed for 6×6, and why the first 4.5×6 cameras like the [[Ikonta A]] had two [[red window]]s to control the [[film advance]], using each of the numbers for 6×9 twice. A select few cameras like the [[Fujifilm GA645]] from the 1990's had a bar code reader on the back and the ability to automatically set the ISO based on the printed code on the backing paper.
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The photographer loads the film into the camera, attaches the leader of the new film into the take-up spool from the old, winds on to check it's working, then closes the back and winds on until the film start marks can be seen through the window. For every frame thereafter the photographer simply winds until the next number is visible.
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 +
Cameras for non-standard formats (such as 6×7 or 6×17), as well as newer or more expensive standard-format cameras must use a different counting system. Most commonly, the photographer loads the film then winds manually until a bar or arrow on the paper is aligned with a mark on the film guides. The back is then closed, and thereafter the camera "knows" how far to wind for the next frame, through the use of mechanical rollers etc. which measure the amount of film which passes.
  
Cameras for 6×7 or wide formats (such as 6×12), and newer or more expensive cameras for the three standard formats, use a different counting system: in the commonest, the photographer winds the film until an arrow labelled "start" matches a dot on the film guide, then closes the camera, and thereafter the camera "knows" how far to wind the film. People accustomed to the regularity of 35mm winding may at first be alarmed by how 120 film seems to need less winding as one proceeds: this results from the effective increase of the diameter of the take-up spool as more film and backing paper are wound onto it.
+
People accustomed to the regularity of 35mm winding may at first be confused that 120 film seems to require less winding as consecutive frames are exposed: this results from the effective increase of the diameter of the take-up spool as more film and backing paper are wound onto it.
  
When taken out of the camera the film is kept coiled up by fixing it with a little adhesive strip provided by the factory. Film advance of 120 film is always unidirectional: the original spool of a film roll always becomes the take-up spool for the next film roll.
+
When taken out of the camera the film is kept coiled up by fixing it with a little adhesive strip provided by the factory. Film advance of 120 film is always unidirectional: the original spool of a film roll always becomes the take-up spool for the next film roll. Unlike cameras for 135 film, those for 120 film show a variety of directions for winding.
  
 
{{br}}
 
{{br}}
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|+'''Typical frame sizes'''<br />''(actual sizes may differ slightly)''
 
|+'''Typical frame sizes'''<br />''(actual sizes may differ slightly)''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | name !! nominal size
+
! colspan="2" | nominal size !! actual image area
 
! colspan="2" | frames
 
! colspan="2" | frames
 
|-
 
|-
 
! cm !! in !! mm !! on 120 !! on 220
 
! cm !! in !! mm !! on 120 !! on 220
 
|-
 
|-
| 6 × 4.5 ||  || 56 × 44 || 15 or 16 || 32
+
| 6 × 4.5 ||  || 56 × 44 || 15 or 16 || 30 or 32
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 6 × 6 || 2¼ × 2¼ || 56 × 56 || 12 || 25
 
| 6 × 6 || 2¼ × 2¼ || 56 × 56 || 12 || 25
 
|-
 
|-
| 6 × 7 || 2¼ × 3¼ || 56 × 70 || 10 || 20
+
| 6 × 7 || || 56 × 70 || 10 || 20
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 6 × 8 || || 56 × 75 || 9 || 19
 
| 6 × 8 || || 56 × 75 || 9 || 19
 
|-
 
|-
| 6 × 9 || 2¼ × || 56 × 84 || 8 || 17
+
| 6 × 9 || 2¼ × || 56 × 84 || 8 || 16
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 6 × 10 || || 56 × 93 || 7 ||
 
| 6 × 10 || || 56 × 93 || 7 ||
 
|}<!-- No "6×10" camera taking 220 is known. -->
 
|}<!-- No "6×10" camera taking 220 is known. -->
  
The 120 film allows several image formats, the most common being the "6×6" (more exactly 56×56 mm) square format. It is sometimes referred to as "2¼ × 2¼" inch (or 2&frac14; square) format, though this is less common. Rectangular formats that are nominally 6×9 cm (120 full-frame format) and 6×4.5 cm (120 half-frame format) are also standard. Additionally 6×7 cm and less commonly 6×8 cm and 6×10 cm are used. Special-purpose panoramic cameras even produce 6×12, 6×17 cm or even wider frames. Like "6×6", all sizes are nominal; actual dimensions are a bit smaller. Among them, 6×7 and 6×4.5 enlarge almost exactly (without wasting any film) to 8×10" (inch) paper, for which reason their proponents call them ''ideal formats''. The '''''645 format''''' (6×4.5) in particular is the smallest, lightest, least expensive, and most popular roll-film design.
+
120 film is designed to accommodate several different image sizes; but the one encountered most frequently would probably be 6×6 cm (more exactly 56×56 mm) square. This is sometimes referred to as "2&frac14; square" format by those who think in inches. Image sizes nominally 6×9 cm and 6×4.5 cm (a.k.a. "semi" format) are also standard. Additionally 6×7 cm, and less commonly, 6×8 cm and 6×10 cm are used by some cameras. Special-purpose panoramic cameras even produce 6×12, 6×17 cm, or even wider frames. Like "6×6", all sizes are nominal; actual dimensions are a bit smaller.  
  
There are 16 exposures per roll for 6×4.5 format (for some cameras, only 15), twelve for 6×6, ten for 6×7, nine for 6×8 and eight for 6×9. The film is 72&nbsp;cm long.
+
One advantage claimed for 6×7 and 6×4.5 sizes is that they enlarge almost exactly (without cropping) onto 8×10" paper, and thus proponents call these ''ideal format'' cameras.  Among all the image sizes for 120 film, naturally the smallest "645" format permits the lightest and most compact cameras.
 +
 
 +
A roll of 120 film offers 16 exposures per roll in 6×4.5 format (for some cameras, only 15), twelve for 6×6, ten for 6×7, nine for 6×8 and eight for 6×9. Overall the film is 72&nbsp;cm long. (For [[220 film]] the frame counts will be twice this.)
 +
 
 +
Though uncommon, half length 36 cm 120 films were also offered in the past with four exposures for 6×9, five for 6×7, six for 6×6 and eight for 6×4.5.
  
 
== Similar 6 cm formats ==
 
== Similar 6 cm formats ==
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'''220 film''', introduced in 1965, is the same width as ''120'', but with double length (144&nbsp;cm) and thus twice the number of exposures per roll. ISO 732 also specifies the dimensions of 220 film. Unlike 120, there is no backing paper behind the film itself, just a leader and a trailer. This allows a longer film on the same spool, but as a result there are no printed frame numbers for old cameras that have red window as frame indicator. (Moreover, light from the window would fog the film.) Also, since the film alone is thinner than a film with a backing paper, a differently positioned pressure plate may be required to achieve optimal focus. Some cameras capable of using both 120 and 220 film will have a two-position adjustment of the pressure plate (as well as a switch elsewhere to adjust winding), while others will require different film backs.
 
'''220 film''', introduced in 1965, is the same width as ''120'', but with double length (144&nbsp;cm) and thus twice the number of exposures per roll. ISO 732 also specifies the dimensions of 220 film. Unlike 120, there is no backing paper behind the film itself, just a leader and a trailer. This allows a longer film on the same spool, but as a result there are no printed frame numbers for old cameras that have red window as frame indicator. (Moreover, light from the window would fog the film.) Also, since the film alone is thinner than a film with a backing paper, a differently positioned pressure plate may be required to achieve optimal focus. Some cameras capable of using both 120 and 220 film will have a two-position adjustment of the pressure plate (as well as a switch elsewhere to adjust winding), while others will require different film backs.
  
There is only a small choice of 220 film now (2008) available; for example, there is only one kind of black and white film (from Kodak).
+
There is only a small choice of 220 film now (2009) available; for example, there is only one kind of black and white film (from Kodak).
  
 
The great majority of cameras for 220 film also take 120 film, but at least one model of [[Linhof]] only takes 220.
 
The great majority of cameras for 220 film also take 120 film, but at least one model of [[Linhof]] only takes 220.
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=== 620 film ===
 
=== 620 film ===
 
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/2444747189/in/pool-camerapedia/
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/awcam/2444747189/in/pool-camerawiki
 
| image=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2444747189_1684d9f725_o.jpg
 
| image=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2379/2444747189_1684d9f725_o.jpg
 
| image_align=right
 
| image_align=right
| image_text=6cm spools: 620, 120 metal, 120 plastic, 120 wood
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| image_text=Spool varieties: [[620 film|620]], 120 in metal, plastic, & wood
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|image_by=AWCam
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|image_rights=wp
 
}}
 
}}
'''620 film''', introduced by Kodak in 1931 as an alternative to the 120, is essentially the same film on a slightly different, thinner, all metal spool (120 was wood cored at that time):
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'''[[620 film]]''', introduced by Kodak in 1932<ref name="filmhist">[http://www.nwmangum.com/Kodak/FilmHist.html History of Kodak Roll Film Numbers]</ref> as an alternative to 120, is essentially the same film on a slightly different, thinner, all metal spool (120 was wood cored at that time):
 
* 120 spool: 2.466″ length, 0.990″ flange, 0.468″ core
 
* 120 spool: 2.466″ length, 0.990″ flange, 0.468″ core
 
* 620 spool: 2.468″ length, 0.905″ flange, 0.280″ core
 
* 620 spool: 2.468″ length, 0.905″ flange, 0.280″ core
The cameras designed to use 620 film usually cannot take 120 film — although there are exceptions that take both, such as the [[Ilford Envoy]]. Most of them were made by Kodak (which, after its introduction, made few films for 120). 620 film was discontinued in 1995, but some photographers respool 120 film on 620 spools in the darkroom to use their 620 cameras. (Novices seeking to try out a vintage camera should note that this process must take place in absolute darkness, using a darkroom, dark-box, or dark-bag. The film is also susceptible to damage from debris, dust, or scratches during this procedure.)
+
The cameras designed to use 620 film usually cannot take 120 film — although there are exceptions that take both, such as the [[Ilford Envoy]]. Many of the 620 were made by Kodak (which, after its introduction, made few models for 120). 620 film was discontinued in 1995, but some photographers [[620 film#Using a 620 Camera|respool]] 120 film on 620 spools in the darkroom to use their 620 cameras.
 
 
Spools can also be bought from some suppliers, and at least one can often be found in an old, forgotten, 620 film camera offered for sale used. A mechanically-inclined person could make their own 620 spools.
 
 
 
There still remain a few antique film suppliers who may offer 620 film for sale at a premium price. It is generally rewound 120 film.
 
  
 
=== 105 and 117 films ===
 
=== 105 and 117 films ===
  
 
'''105 film''', introduced by Kodak in 1898 for its first [[folding camera]], was the original 6×9 cm format roll film. '''117 film''', introduced by [[Kodak]] in 1900 for its first [[Brownie]] camera, was 6×6 cm format. These formats used the same width film as the 120, but with slightly different spools and backing paper.
 
'''105 film''', introduced by Kodak in 1898 for its first [[folding camera]], was the original 6×9 cm format roll film. '''117 film''', introduced by [[Kodak]] in 1900 for its first [[Brownie]] camera, was 6×6 cm format. These formats used the same width film as the 120, but with slightly different spools and backing paper.
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=== Rajar No.6 film ===
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<div class="floatright">
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{|
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|-
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|{{Flickr image
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/awcam/3338582771/in/pool-camerawiki
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| image=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3338582771_61cd573482_m.jpg
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| image_align=
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| image_text=Rajar No.6 spool (left) with<br />boss & square drive<br>compared to 120
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|image_by=AWCam
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|image_rights=wp
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}}
 +
|
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{{Flickr_image
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|image_source= http://www.flickr.com/photos/24225011@N04/2639484740/in/pool-camerawiki
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2639484740_53d5760697_m.jpg
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|image_align=
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|image_text= Rajar No.6 to 120 adaptor
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|image_by=AWCam
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|image_rights=wp
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}}
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|}</div>
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'''Rajar''' was a brand name of British company [[APeM]]. Rajar No. 6 film was a 6cm roll film similar to 120, but on a spool with a square drive slot, made around the 1920s.  Many cameras made for this film were converted by adding an adaptor to fit the end of 120 spools.
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
 
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=120_film&oldid=10702142 120 film]" (1 February 2006 version of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Wikipedia] article).
 
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=120_film&oldid=10702142 120 film]" (1 February 2006 version of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Wikipedia] article).
 +
<references />
  
 
== Links ==
 
== Links ==
* "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/120_film 120 film]" (current version of the Wikipedia article).
+
 
* "[http://www.getnet.net/~gstewart/respool.htm Respooling 120 film onto 620 spools for use in older cameras]", an excellently illustrated and very informative page by [http://www.getnet.net/~gstewart/ Glenn E Stewart]
+
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/120_film 120 film] (current version of the Wikipedia article)
* [http://www.mediajoy.com/en/cla_came/620film/index.html Respooling 120 filmes onto 620 spools], at [http://www.mediajoy.com/en/cla_came/index.html Mediajoy's guide to classic cameras]
+
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20160401054638/http://silverbased.org/load-120-film/ Loading & Shooting 120] (archived) illustrated at [http://silverbased.org/ Silverbased.org]  
* "[http://mconnealy.com/vintagecameras/120in620/ Using 120 Film in 620 Cameras]", by [http://mconnealy.com/index.html Mike Connealy]
+
* [http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/how2load120.htm How to load 120 film] by [http://www.kenrockwell.com/index.htm Ken Rockwell]
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{{Flickr image
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| image_source=http://www.flickr.com/photos/uwe_kulick/4219100488/in/pool-camerawiki/
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| image=http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4219100488_bd21eba962.jpg
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| image_align=left
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| image_text=[[folding camera]]s for type No. 120 rollfilm
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|image_by=Uwe Kulick
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|image_rights=wp
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}}
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[[Category: Film formats]]
 
[[Category: Film formats]]
 
[[Category: 120 film| ]]
 
[[Category: 120 film| ]]
 
[[Category: 620 film| ]]
 
[[Category: 620 film| ]]
 
[[Category:1900-1905]]
 
[[Category:1900-1905]]

Revision as of 10:37, 2 May 2017

See the Category: 120 film for a list of cameras using this film.

120 film is a film format for still photography introduced by Kodak for its Brownie No. 2 in 1901 (although the numerical designation 120 came later). Among rollfilm sizes, 120 has had survived the longest, and currently defines "medium format" as it it known today. Its specifications are defined by ISO 732; most recently (as of 2006), by ISO 732:2000.

Because of popular awareness of 35mm film, a common blunder is to use the term "120mm film." While 120 is indeed "bigger than 35," the width of 120 film is actually ~61mm. This is rounded off to "6" (centimeters) when referring to the image formats used by 120-film cameras, such as 6×7 or 6×4.5.

The 120 format was originally popular in amateur photography, used in many simple box cameras and folding cameras intended for beginners. But after the 1950s, family snapshooters came to adopt 126 cartridge cameras or 35mm film point & shoots; and 120 became increasingly associated with professional cameras—for example the Rolleiflex or Hasselblad. (Basic 120 cameras did persist in some markets, for example spawning the cult Holga from Hong Kong.)

In Japan, 120 film was normally called "Brownie film" (ブローニーフィルム; Burōnī firumu) film until about the 1950s, because it was associated with the Brownie camera. Thus the Bronica, named after the film size, is indirectly named after the Brownie. At the same time, the 6×4.5 format was called Semi (セミ; Semi) and the 6×6 format was called Six (シックス; Shikkusu).

Some older German 120 cameras (or those sold by Ansco) may use the designation B2, but this size is equivalent to 120.

A120 or Autographic 120 film was produced by Eastman Kodak from 1924 to 1934.

Characteristics

120 is the best known roll film format. The spool was originally made of wood with metal flanges, later all metal, and finally plastic. The film strip is fixed to the backing paper at its leading end but is free at the other. The paper strip is much longer than the film strip. Thus the film is always wrapped light tight in paper before insertion into a camera or film back, and also after removal for development. The backing paper is black, or at least one side of it is blackened to render it completely opaque. In most designs until the 1950s, as well as cheaper cameras to the present day, a red window in the camera back is used for exposure counting (via a hole in the film pressure plate).

Frame numbers for the main frame formats (4.5×6, 6×6, 6×9) are printed on the back of the backing paper. The three series of numbers did not appear on the backing paper of the earliest roll films: at the beginning only the '1' to '8' numbers for 6×9 format were present, and this explains why the very first Rolleiflex models used not 120 but 117 film, specifically designed for 6×6, and why the first 4.5×6 cameras like the Ikonta A had two red windows to control the film advance, using each of the numbers for 6×9 twice. A select few cameras like the Fujifilm GA645 from the 1990's had a bar code reader on the back and the ability to automatically set the ISO based on the printed code on the backing paper.

The photographer loads the film into the camera, attaches the leader of the new film into the take-up spool from the old, winds on to check it's working, then closes the back and winds on until the film start marks can be seen through the window. For every frame thereafter the photographer simply winds until the next number is visible.

Cameras for non-standard formats (such as 6×7 or 6×17), as well as newer or more expensive standard-format cameras must use a different counting system. Most commonly, the photographer loads the film then winds manually until a bar or arrow on the paper is aligned with a mark on the film guides. The back is then closed, and thereafter the camera "knows" how far to wind for the next frame, through the use of mechanical rollers etc. which measure the amount of film which passes.

People accustomed to the regularity of 35mm winding may at first be confused that 120 film seems to require less winding as consecutive frames are exposed: this results from the effective increase of the diameter of the take-up spool as more film and backing paper are wound onto it.

When taken out of the camera the film is kept coiled up by fixing it with a little adhesive strip provided by the factory. Film advance of 120 film is always unidirectional: the original spool of a film roll always becomes the take-up spool for the next film roll. Unlike cameras for 135 film, those for 120 film show a variety of directions for winding.


Frame sizes

Typical frame sizes
(actual sizes may differ slightly)
nominal size actual image area frames
cm in mm on 120 on 220
6 × 4.5 56 × 44 15 or 16 30 or 32
6 × 6 2¼ × 2¼ 56 × 56 12 25
6 × 7 56 × 70 10 20
6 × 8 56 × 75 9 19
6 × 9 2¼ × 3¼ 56 × 84 8 16
6 × 10 56 × 93 7

120 film is designed to accommodate several different image sizes; but the one encountered most frequently would probably be 6×6 cm (more exactly 56×56 mm) square. This is sometimes referred to as "2¼ square" format by those who think in inches. Image sizes nominally 6×9 cm and 6×4.5 cm (a.k.a. "semi" format) are also standard. Additionally 6×7 cm, and less commonly, 6×8 cm and 6×10 cm are used by some cameras. Special-purpose panoramic cameras even produce 6×12, 6×17 cm, or even wider frames. Like "6×6", all sizes are nominal; actual dimensions are a bit smaller.

One advantage claimed for 6×7 and 6×4.5 sizes is that they enlarge almost exactly (without cropping) onto 8×10" paper, and thus proponents call these ideal format cameras. Among all the image sizes for 120 film, naturally the smallest "645" format permits the lightest and most compact cameras.

A roll of 120 film offers 16 exposures per roll in 6×4.5 format (for some cameras, only 15), twelve for 6×6, ten for 6×7, nine for 6×8 and eight for 6×9. Overall the film is 72 cm long. (For 220 film the frame counts will be twice this.)

Though uncommon, half length 36 cm 120 films were also offered in the past with four exposures for 6×9, five for 6×7, six for 6×6 and eight for 6×4.5.

Similar 6 cm formats

220 film

220 film, introduced in 1965, is the same width as 120, but with double length (144 cm) and thus twice the number of exposures per roll. ISO 732 also specifies the dimensions of 220 film. Unlike 120, there is no backing paper behind the film itself, just a leader and a trailer. This allows a longer film on the same spool, but as a result there are no printed frame numbers for old cameras that have red window as frame indicator. (Moreover, light from the window would fog the film.) Also, since the film alone is thinner than a film with a backing paper, a differently positioned pressure plate may be required to achieve optimal focus. Some cameras capable of using both 120 and 220 film will have a two-position adjustment of the pressure plate (as well as a switch elsewhere to adjust winding), while others will require different film backs.

There is only a small choice of 220 film now (2009) available; for example, there is only one kind of black and white film (from Kodak).

The great majority of cameras for 220 film also take 120 film, but at least one model of Linhof only takes 220.

620 film

620 film, introduced by Kodak in 1932[1] as an alternative to 120, is essentially the same film on a slightly different, thinner, all metal spool (120 was wood cored at that time):

  • 120 spool: 2.466″ length, 0.990″ flange, 0.468″ core
  • 620 spool: 2.468″ length, 0.905″ flange, 0.280″ core

The cameras designed to use 620 film usually cannot take 120 film — although there are exceptions that take both, such as the Ilford Envoy. Many of the 620 were made by Kodak (which, after its introduction, made few models for 120). 620 film was discontinued in 1995, but some photographers respool 120 film on 620 spools in the darkroom to use their 620 cameras.

105 and 117 films

105 film, introduced by Kodak in 1898 for its first folding camera, was the original 6×9 cm format roll film. 117 film, introduced by Kodak in 1900 for its first Brownie camera, was 6×6 cm format. These formats used the same width film as the 120, but with slightly different spools and backing paper.

Rajar No.6 film

Rajar was a brand name of British company APeM. Rajar No. 6 film was a 6cm roll film similar to 120, but on a spool with a square drive slot, made around the 1920s. Many cameras made for this film were converted by adding an adaptor to fit the end of 120 spools.

See also

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