What Is 220 film

Overview

220 film is a type of medium format roll film developed by Kodak in 1965 to offer photographers greater convenience and more exposures per roll compared to its predecessor, 120 film. Though visually similar, 220 film differs in construction, using a thinner backing and longer film strip to double the number of exposures in some formats.

Unlike 35mm film, which dominates consumer photography, 220 film is primarily used in professional and enthusiast medium format cameras for higher image resolution and larger negatives. Despite its advantages, declining production and limited availability have made it a niche product in the digital age.

• Introduced in 1965: Kodak launched 220 film to provide longer rolls without increasing spool size, improving efficiency for professional shooters.
• No backing paper: The film base is attached to a leader and trailer, eliminating the need for paper backing and allowing for longer film lengths.
• 61mm width: Matches 120 film width but uses a different spool and lacks paper, enabling more frames per roll in certain camera formats.
• 16 exposures max: In 6x4.5 cm format, cameras like the Mamiya 645 can capture up to 16 high-resolution images per roll.
• Discontinued by major brands: Fujifilm ceased production in 2018, leaving only a few specialty manufacturers like Rollei still producing 220 film.

How It Works

220 film operates through a mechanical film advance system that relies on frame counters rather than paper markings, due to the absence of backing paper. This design requires precise camera calibration to avoid overlapping exposures.

• Film Spool: Uses a plastic spool with a trailer tab to secure the film; unlike 120, it lacks paper backing, requiring careful loading in low light.
• Frame Spacing: Cameras must be set to 220 mode; incorrect settings can cause overlapping or cropped frames due to different spacing mechanisms.
• Exposure Counting: Relies on a mechanical or digital counter; photographers must track frames manually or trust the camera’s internal system.
• Double Length: Contains approximately 1.5 meters of film, nearly twice the active length of 120 film, enabling more exposures per roll.
• Compatibility: Not all medium format cameras support 220; models like the Bronica SQ-A and Pentax 6x7 require specific film backs or modifications.
• Development Process: Processed similarly to 120 film but requires careful spooling in developing tanks due to the lack of paper support.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a detailed comparison of 220 film against 120 and 35mm formats based on key technical and practical attributes:

While 220 and 120 film share the same image width and frame dimensions, the absence of backing paper in 220 allows for longer rolls and more exposures in some formats. However, the decline in manufacturing support has made 120 the preferred choice for most medium format users today.

Why It Matters

Though largely obsolete, 220 film remains significant for collectors, film restoration specialists, and photographers using vintage medium format systems. Its design reflects a transitional phase in film technology, balancing performance with mechanical innovation.

• Higher frame count: Offers more exposures per roll than 120 in 6x4.5 cm format, reducing film changes during extended shoots.
• Professional use: Was favored by studio and portrait photographers in the 1970s–1990s for its efficiency and image quality.
• Camera compatibility: Enables longer shooting sessions in compatible systems like the Hasselblad 2000 series with 220 backs.
• Archival value: Many historical photos from the late 20th century were shot on 220, making its preservation important for cultural heritage.
• Niche market demand: Fuels a small but active community of film enthusiasts restoring and maintaining 220-compatible gear.
• Technical legacy: Influenced later film designs and demonstrated the limits of mechanical film handling before digital dominance.

Despite its decline, 220 film remains a testament to analog innovation and continues to inspire film-based workflows in the modern era.