Exploring Photographic Film Formats and Aspect Ratios
Photography is a diverse field with various film formats and aspect ratios, each offering unique characteristics and creative possibilities. Let’s delve into some of the most popular film formats and their respective aspect ratios, and then take a closer look at the Hasselblad XPan, a camera renowned for its panoramic aspect ratio.
Common Film Formats and Aspect Ratios
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35mm Film (135 Format)
- Aspect Ratio: 3:2
- Description: The most widely used film format, 35mm film is known for its versatility and ease of use. It produces images with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is ideal for a variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
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Medium Format (120/220 Film)
- Aspect Ratios: 1:1, 4:3, 6:7, 6:9
- Description: Medium format film offers higher resolution and greater detail compared to 35mm. It comes in various aspect ratios, allowing photographers to choose the best format for their creative vision. The square 1:1 ratio is popular for its classic look, while the 6:7 and 6:9 ratios are favored for their more expansive compositions.
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Large Format (Sheet Film)
- Aspect Ratios: 4:5, 8:10
- Description: Large format film is used for the highest quality images, often in professional and fine art photography. The 4:5 aspect ratio is common, providing a near-square image that is excellent for detailed and large prints.
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Panoramic Format
- Aspect Ratios: 2:1, 3:1
- Description: Panoramic film formats are designed to capture wide, sweeping vistas. These formats are less common but highly valued for landscape photography and other applications where a wide field of view is desired.
Hasselblad X-Pan and Panoramic Aspect Ratios
XPAN REVIEW: A Cinematic 35mm Film Camera [Hasselblad XPAN II]
by Ewan Oxley
You may have heard of this camera manufacturer as they were the first people to take a camera to the moon. They also made a camera that made your photographs look like they were straight out of a movie scene.
Back in August, I got the chance to use a Hasselblad X-Pan II for the first time and it was an interesting experience from figuring out how to load it to knowing how the camera works. My first roll of film was Ilford HP5 400 Plus at 800 ISO. I have a lot of results from using this film stock so I trust the process of it. Then afterwards, I used a roll of Kodak Portra 800. Basically, it was a really expensive camera test.
The build quality of the camera for what it is and the year it came out is still really good. The camera having an auto-advancing function makes it easier to use other than having to manually advance way more than you should. But it will advance all the way to the end so you would work down in your exposures. Also, the light meter is super accurate as well.
So like I said before, if you get a chance to use one, enjoy it. Also, head down to Harrison Cameras to take a look at all the new and used stock to purchase.
The Hasselblad X-Pan is unique in that it uses 35mm film but produces images with a panoramic aspect ratio of 2.7:1. This gives your photos a cinematic feel, making them look like they were taken straight out of a movie scene. The XPan’s ability to switch between standard 35mm and panoramic formats mid-roll adds to its versatility, making it a favourite among photographers who appreciate both traditional and wide-format photography.
Conclusion
Understanding different film formats and aspect ratios can greatly enhance your photographic practice, allowing you to choose the right tool for your creative needs. Whether you’re shooting with a classic 35mm camera, exploring the high resolution of medium format, or capturing expansive landscapes with a panoramic camera like the Hasselblad X-Pan, each format offers unique possibilities to tell your visual story. Happy shooting!