The Difference Between 35mm, 120, 110, and Half-Frame Film — Which One Is Right for You?

As film photography continues to make a major comeback, many newcomers often ask:
What’s the difference between 35mm, 120, 110, and Half-Frame film?
And more importantly, which type should you start with?

Let’s break it down — here’s a complete, easy-to-understand guide to the most common film formats, their pros and cons, and who they’re best suited for.

🎞️ 1. 35mm Film — The World’s Most Popular Format

35mm film, also known as 135 film, is the standard film format used by most people.
It’s compatible with a wide range of cameras such as Olympus mju, Canon AE-1, Nikon FM, and Contax series.

Frame size: 36×24 mm
Shots per roll: Usually 24 or 36

✅ Pros:

• Widely available and affordable

• Compatible with both manual and automatic film cameras

• Huge selection of film stocks from Kodak, Fujifilm, Ilford, Lomography, and more

• Cheapest to develop and scan

⚠️ Cons:

• Slightly less detail than medium format (120 film)

• Grain becomes more visible when enlarging prints

Best for: Beginners, casual photographers, travelers, and everyday shooting

📷 2. 120 Film (Medium Format) — The Professional’s Choice

120 film, commonly known as medium format film, produces much larger negatives than 35mm film.
It’s used in professional cameras like Hasselblad, Mamiya, Bronica, and Yashica Mat.

Frame size: 6×4.5 cm, 6×6 cm, or 6×7 cm (varies by camera)
Shots per roll: 10–16

✅ Pros:

• Exceptional image quality with incredible detail

• Smooth tones and shallow depth of field

• Perfect for portraits, studio work, and fine art

⚠️ Cons:

• Expensive to buy and develop

• Cameras are bulkier and heavier

• Not ideal for travel or casual use

Best for: Professional photographers, portrait artists, and serious enthusiasts

📸 3. 110 Film — Small but Stylish

110 film (pronounced “one-ten”) is the tiniest film format in this group.
It’s used in pocket-sized cameras like the Kodak Pocket Instamatic, Lomomatic 110, and Diana Baby 110.

Frame size: Approx. 13×17 mm
Shots per roll: About 24

✅ Pros:

• Compact and ultra-portable

• Easy to load (comes in a sealed cartridge)

• Delivers a nostalgic, vintage look straight from the ’70s–’80s

⚠️ Cons:

• Lower image resolution

• Noticeable grain, especially in low light

• Limited film stock and lab availability

Best for: Collectors, vintage lovers, or anyone chasing a retro aesthetic

🪞 4. Half-Frame Film — Double the Shots, Double the Fun!

Half-Frame cameras use standard 35mm film but capture only half the frame per shot,
meaning you get up to 72 photos per roll instead of 36!

Popular models include the Olympus Pen EE, Canon Demi, and Yashica Samurai.

Frame size: 18×24 mm
Shots per roll: Up to 72

✅ Pros:

• Extremely economical — twice as many shots per roll

• Creative storytelling with side-by-side (diptych) photo pairs

• Lightweight cameras using standard 35mm film

⚠️ Cons:

• Slightly less detail than full-frame 35mm

• Vertical orientation (portrait format) by default

• Not ideal for large prints

Best for: Creative storytellers, experimental shooters, and anyone who loves retro charm

🧭 Film Format Comparison Table

🎞️ Summary: Which Film Format Should You Choose?

• Just starting out? → Go with 35mm. It’s the easiest and most affordable.

• Need pro-level detail? → 120 film delivers unbeatable quality.

• Love tiny vintage cameras? → Try 110 film for fun, nostalgic shots.

• Want to shoot more for less? → Half-Frame gives you double the photos per roll.