{"title":"Vintage 120 mm Film Cameras","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"frg-ins1\"\u003eHistory of 120 mm Film Cameras\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-bm=\"54\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e120 mm film — more accurately called \u003cstrong\u003e120 roll film\u003c\/strong\u003e — was introduced by Eastman Kodak in \u003cstrong\u003e1901\u003c\/strong\u003e for its Brownie No. 2 box camera.  The “120” name did not refer to its size but to the camera model number; the film itself is about \u003cstrong\u003e61 mm wide\u003c\/strong\u003e and roughly \u003cstrong\u003e820 mm long\u003c\/strong\u003e, wound on a spool with a protective backing paper. It was originally designed for \u003cstrong class=\"frg-ins2\"\u003eamateur photography\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering a smaller, more portable alternative to large sheet film, and was widely used in simple box and folding cameras.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the early 20th century, 120 film made photography accessible to the masses. Cameras were often shipped back for processing, with the film loaded into a take‑up spool after exposure. Common formats included \u003cstrong class=\"frg-ins3\"\u003e6×4.5 cm, 6×6 cm, and 6×9 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, with frame numbers printed on the backing paper for manual counting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy the \u003cstrong\u003e1950s\u003c\/strong\u003e, 35 mm film’s smaller size and convenience began to eclipse 120 in consumer markets, but 120 remained popular in \u003cstrong\u003eprofessional and artistic photography\u003c\/strong\u003e. It became the standard for medium‑format cameras such as the \u003cstrong\u003eRolleiflex\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eHasselblad\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the cult \u003cstrong class=\"frg-ins4\"\u003eHolga\u003c\/strong\u003e. The format’s larger negative size produced finer detail than 35 mm, appealing to photographers seeking higher quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnically, 120 film has no sprocket holes, and the backing paper allowed daylight loading . Over time, spools evolved from wood with metal flanges to all‑metal, then plastic. The format also inspired variants like \u003cstrong\u003e220 film\u003c\/strong\u003e (double length) and \u003cstrong class=\"frg-ins5\"\u003e620 film\u003c\/strong\u003e (thinner spools).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-bm=\"59\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday, 120 film is still in production and enjoys a \u003cstrong class=\"frg-ins6\"\u003erevival among enthusiasts\u003c\/strong\u003e for its image quality and tactile shooting experience. While largely replaced in mass‑market use, 120‑film cameras remain iconic in photography history, symbolising the transition from large‑format to medium‑format photography and the enduring appeal of analogue imaging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"coronet-flashmaster-camera","title":"Coronet Flashmaster camera","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Coronet Flashmaster  was produced circa 1954 by Coronet, It has an angular body and takes 6 x 6cm photos on 120 film. It has an optical viewfinder on the top and is similar in shape to other Coronet cameras.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn good condition, some minor surface marks but hardly noticeable. Optics are fine. Shutter and film advance work. Not film tested.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Curio Optics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":65181475340637,"sku":"0010","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/files\/Photoroom_20260707_093819.jpg?v=1783413705"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1088\/1335\/3309\/collections\/Photoroom_20260707_093819.jpg?v=1783416123","url":"https:\/\/curiooptics.com\/collections\/vintage-120-mm-film-cameras.oembed","provider":"Curio Optics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}