From the Arch Club Journal

The best medium format film cameras of 2026

Bigger negatives, richer tones. Our picks, from the studio to the suitcase.

Written by Arch Club. We shoot medium format on a Mamiya 7 and a Fuji GW690II, both below. Updated for 2026.

Why medium format

120 film is far wider than 35mm, so each negative holds more detail, smoother tones and finer grain once printed. The trade is fewer frames per roll and bigger cameras.

FormatFrames on a 120 roll
6×4.515 or 16
6×612
6×710
6×98

Our picks

I
Best for travel: Mamiya 7 II.A 6×7 rangefinder about the size of a 35mm SLR, with superb lenses and a quiet leaf shutter. Our medium format camera.
II
Best system: Hasselblad 500 series.Square 6×6 frames, Zeiss lenses and interchangeable backs. A studio classic for good reason.
III
Best for portraits: Pentax 67.Handles like a giant SLR, with a famous 105mm lens. Loud and heavy, and loved for both.
IV
Best studio workhorse: Mamiya RB67 or RZ67.Rotating backs and bellows focusing for close work. Built for a tripod.
V
Best value: Mamiya 645.Sixteen frames a roll and a deep lens range at a friendly price.
VI
Biggest negative, simplest camera: Fuji GW690.Eight huge 6×9 frames and almost nothing to adjust. We use the GW690II.
VII
Best first step: a twin lens reflex.A Rolleicord or Yashica Mat is light, quiet and affordable.
Medium format slows you to ten frames. Every one of them counts.
White marble stilettos with red marble straps on a black marble plinth
Shot on film at Arch Club

ARCH CLUB

A members' club for foot photography, shot only on film.

Every Arch Club photograph is made on a Canon EOS-1V, a Mamiya 7 or a Fuji GW690II, with real models in New York and never AI. Members receive new film photographs every month, and collectors can own the original negative, sealed in display resin with a print of their choice.

Membership$49.99/mo
Polaroid$111
4×6 print$200
Negatives$1,100 to $2,000
Cameras35mm, 6×7, 6×9
Become a MemberBecome a Model

Anyone can find a picture. Few will ever hold a photograph.

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Published by Arch Club, Brooklyn, New York.