35mm vs 120mm Film – What's the Difference and Which Is Right for Your Day?
There’s something unmistakably magical about film photography. It has a way of softening the edges, adding a touch of nostalgia, and breathing life into even the quietest moments. At Feather and Finch, film isn’t just a tool — it’s a feeling. And for couples who want to weave that timeless charm into their wedding story, we offer two beautiful options: 35mm and 120mm medium format.
So what’s the difference between the two? Let’s break it down, in the most down-to-earth way we can.
35mm Film – The Heartbeat of the Day
If 35mm film were a person, it’d be your favourite guest on the dance floor — a little spontaneous, super fun, and always catching the best moments when no one’s looking. It’s the most classic format, often used for its versatility and nostalgic vibe.
We use 35mm throughout the full wedding day — from getting ready to the final sparkler exit. It’s perfect for movement, candid laughter, big group hugs, and real emotion. Each roll gives us around 36 shots, so we can move fluidly and stay in the moment without breaking the rhythm.
There’s a bit more grain in 35mm, and that’s part of its charm — it feels human. It feels real. And when you look back at those photos years from now, they’ll transport you straight back to the warmth of the day.
120mm Film – The Artful Pause
Now, 120mm (also called medium format) is something else entirely. It’s the cinematic breath between the scenes. The tender quiet before the ceremony. The golden hour light that wraps around you like a soft blanket. It’s deeper, moodier, more refined — like turning the pages of a timeless editorial.
With 120mm, we shoot on a medium format camera (think Contax 645 — the holy grail of wedding film gear). Each roll gives us around 15-16 shots, which means every frame is considered, intentional, and artfully composed.
Because of the larger negative size, medium format images are incredibly rich in detail. The tones, the highlights, the skin textures — they’re buttery smooth and breathtaking. We usually reserve this format for portraits, getting ready moments, or those still, sacred pockets of time where the beauty deserves to linger.
Which One Should You Choose?
Honestly? You don’t have to pick just one.
We often recommend a mix: let 35mm tell the story of the day in its unfiltered glory, while 120mm adds those elegant, curated flourishes that feel straight out of a vintage romance film.
Each roll of film is an investment in memory. In emotion. In the things that can’t be staged.
Whether it’s the grainy joy of 35mm or the poetic softness of medium format, film is our love letter to the fleeting and the forever.
Thinking about adding film to your package?
We’d love to talk you through the options and help you find what feels most “you.” Get in touch, and let’s bring a little magic into your day