In the ever-evolving world of photography, digital cameras have become the go-to option for many photographers, offering instant feedback, advanced autofocus, and an array of features that streamline the creative process. However, despite the overwhelming convenience and technological advancements of digital photography, medium format film photography has experienced a surprising resurgence in recent years, with many photographers embracing its unique qualities and distinctive aesthetic. In 2023, as digital photography continues to dominate the market, medium format film still holds a special place in the hearts of many photographers. This article will explore why, even in the age of digital dominance, medium format film photography is still considered superior by some and why it continues to captivate both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

The Timeless Appeal of Medium Format Film

Medium-format film refers to photographic film that is larger than 35mm but smaller than large-format film (typically 4×5 inches or larger). Medium format film sizes commonly range from 6×4.5 cm to 6×9 cm, with the most popular being the 6×6 cm format. The larger image area compared to 35mm film or digital sensors allows for more detail, superior depth of field control, and a unique aesthetic that many photographers find difficult to replicate with digital technology.

While digital photography has certainly made great strides in recent years, offering higher resolution sensors and faster performance, medium format film remains an appealing choice for those seeking an organic, tactile, and intentional photographic experience. The appeal of medium format film lies not only in its tangible, hands-on nature but also in the unique look and quality of the images it produces—qualities that many argue digital simply cannot replicate.

1. Image Quality and Resolution

One of the most significant advantages of medium-format film is its superior image quality. The larger film size allows for more detail to be captured, resulting in images with greater resolution, sharper textures, and more subtle gradations of light. While digital sensors have seen impressive advancements in resolution over the years, the fundamental difference between the size of the film’s negative and a digital sensor is undeniable.

The grain of medium format film is often finer than that of 35mm film, and because the image is captured on a physical medium, the tonality and color rendering are far richer and more organic. Photographers often refer to the “depth” of medium format film, noting that the larger negative allows for smoother transitions between highlights and shadows, which can be particularly advantageous for portrait and landscape photography. The quality of the bokeh (the out-of-focus areas in a photograph) produced by medium format lenses is also softer and more aesthetically pleasing, contributing to the overall feel of the image.

In comparison, digital sensors, despite their impressive specifications, often struggle to replicate the rich depth of color and the smooth tonal transitions that medium format film offers. The crispness and detail provided by digital sensors are unmatched, but they can sometimes appear too clinical or sterile when compared to the organic and timeless qualities of film.

2. Dynamic Range and Depth

Another advantage that medium format film holds over digital is its superior dynamic range. Dynamic range refers to the range of light intensities from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights that a camera can capture without losing detail. Medium format film, particularly when exposed correctly, has an impressive ability to capture subtle nuances in both highlight and shadow areas, allowing photographers to retain more details in scenes with high contrast. This is especially important in situations where there is a mix of light and dark areas, such as in outdoor portraits, landscapes, or still-life photography.

Digital sensors, while they have made great strides in their ability to capture dynamic range, still struggle with extreme highlights and shadows. In high-contrast scenes, digital images can sometimes suffer from clipped highlights (loss of detail in the brightest areas) or blocked shadows (loss of detail in the darkest areas). While post-processing software can alleviate some of these issues, medium format film allows for more natural highlight and shadow detail without the need for heavy manipulation.

Furthermore, medium format film has a certain “three-dimensionality” that digital images can often lack. The way film captures light and color results in a photograph that feels more alive, giving the viewer a greater sense of depth and texture. The three-dimensionality of medium format film is often cited by photographers as one of the key reasons they continue to shoot with film in 2023, even though digital cameras have surpassed film in many technical aspects.

3. The Aesthetic and Grain of Film

Film photographers often speak of the “look” that film gives to an image, and medium format film’s aesthetic is widely regarded as one of the most pleasing in the world of analog photography. One of the defining features of medium-format film is the fine-grain structure. While 35mm film often exhibits visible grain, especially when pushed in development or when using higher ISO stocks, medium format film tends to have much finer grain. This allows for incredibly sharp images while still maintaining the organic feel that comes with shooting film.

The aesthetic quality of medium format film is something that many digital cameras still struggle to replicate. The film’s grain is often more pleasing to the eye, contributing to the timeless, classic look that medium format images are known for. Many photographers argue that grain is one of the defining qualities of film—adding texture, warmth, and character to the image that digital sensors can only mimic, but not replicate with the same authenticity.

In comparison, while digital sensors can create smooth, high-resolution images with little to no visible grain, some photographers feel that this level of perfection leads to images that appear too clinical or lifeless. The imperfections of film, such as slight exposure errors or subtle light leaks, contribute to its charm, giving each image a sense of uniqueness and personality. It is the slight flaws in the medium that often elevate it to something more artistic, more human.

4. The Slow, Deliberate Process

One of the key reasons medium format film photography still holds an edge over digital in 2023 is the process itself. Digital photography is, by nature, fast and efficient. With the ability to shoot hundreds or thousands of images without worrying about running out of film, many photographers find themselves capturing as many images as possible in an attempt to get the perfect shot. This leads to an abundance of photos, but also to a potential lack of engagement and thoughtfulness in the creative process.

The medium-format film, on the other hand, demands a more intentional approach. With a limited number of exposures (typically 12, 16, or 10 shots per roll, depending on the format), photographers are forced to slow down, carefully compose their shots, and think about each frame before pressing the shutter. There is a certain discipline that comes with shooting on film, which can lead to more meaningful and deliberate photographs. This slower process encourages photographers to embrace the creative process, rather than relying on the convenience of unlimited shots that digital offers.

The physical nature of the film also makes the process more tactile and hands-on. Loading film into a camera, manually focusing, and winding the film with each shot creates a deeper connection between the photographer and their work. In contrast, digital cameras can feel detached and automatic, making it easier to take images without truly thinking about the art behind them.

5. Longevity and Archiving

Another factor that sets medium format film apart from digital photography is the long-term stability and archiving capabilities of film. Film negatives, when properly stored, can last for decades or even centuries without degradation, making them an ideal choice for archival purposes. Over time, digital files can become corrupted or lost due to changes in technology, file formats, or hard drive failure. While digital storage and backups have improved significantly, they are not foolproof, and digital files can be lost or become unreadable with time.

Medium format film, by contrast, offers a physical, tangible medium that is far more stable. High-quality negatives, when properly stored in a cool, dry environment, can last for generations, offering a timeless way to archive images. Many photographers who value the longevity of their work prefer film because they trust that their images will remain intact long after digital files may have been forgotten or become obsolete.

6. The Experience and Artistic Satisfaction

Ultimately, for many photographers, medium format film is not just about the technical specifications or image quality—it’s about the experience. There is a tactile satisfaction that comes from using a film camera: the click of the shutter, the winding of the film, and the anticipation of seeing the developed images. These physical elements create a sense of artistry and craftsmanship that digital photography simply cannot match.

Many photographers who shoot with medium format film describe the experience as more fulfilling, and more connected to the creative process. The hands-on nature of film photography allows for a deeper sense of satisfaction in the final image, as the photographer has been involved in every step of the process. The slower, more deliberate nature of film photography encourages photographers to be more mindful of their craft and to embrace the imperfections that make each image unique.