The Pentax 67 primarily uses 120 film to produce its distinctive large format images.
Understanding Film for the Pentax 67
The Pentax 67 camera, renowned for its medium format capabilities, was designed to utilize roll film that offers superior image quality compared to 35mm film.
Primary Film Type: 120 Film
The core film type for all models in the Pentax 67 range is 120 film. This medium format film allows the camera to expose images on a substantial 6 x 7 centimeter area, which is where the "67" in its name originates. This larger negative size contributes to the exceptional detail, dynamic range, and shallower depth of field that the Pentax 67 is celebrated for.
- Availability: 120 film is widely available today from various manufacturers, including Kodak, Fuji, Ilford, and Lomography, offering a diverse range of emulsions for both color and black and white photography.
- Format: It comes on a spool, rolled with a paper backing, protecting the film from light.
Historical Film Compatibility: 220 Film
Historically, the Pentax 67 also had the capability to use 220 film. The primary difference between 120 and 220 film was the length of the film strip and the absence of a paper backing for the entire length in 220, allowing for twice as many exposures as 120 film on a single roll.
However, the use of 220 film with the Pentax 67 is now largely obsolete because 220 film is no longer manufactured. This means that photographers using a Pentax 67 today will exclusively rely on 120 film for their work.
Key Film Specifications for Pentax 67
| Film Type | Status | Exposure Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 Film | Current | 6 x 7 cm | Standard and widely available. |
| 220 Film | Obsolete | 6 x 7 cm | Discontinued, no longer manufactured. |
The Pentax 67 Lineage
It's worth noting that there are four distinct models in the Pentax 67 range, including the original Pentax 6x7, the Pentax 67, and the Pentax 67II. All these iterations were designed around the same medium format film system, primarily utilizing 120 film to achieve their characteristic image quality.
For more information on film types and photography, you can explore resources like Wikipedia's page on photographic film.
