Medium Format Photography
Photography has always been about capturing light, detail, and emotion. But there’s something undeniably special about medium format photography. It has a legacy that stretches back to the early days of film, producing images with unparalleled detail, tonal range, and depth. For photographers who demand the absolute best, medium format has remained the gold standard.
A Brief History of Medium Format
Medium format photography dates back to the early 20th century when it became a preferred choice for professional photographers due to its superior image quality over smaller 35mm film. Early medium format cameras, such as the Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex (TLR), gained popularity among portrait and studio photographers.
However, it was Hasselblad that truly revolutionised the industry. Founded in Sweden in 1941, Hasselblad set the benchmark for high-end photography. Their 500 series cameras became legendary, used by some of the world’s most renowned photographers. Perhaps most famously, Hasselblad cameras were used by NASA to capture humanity’s first steps on the Moon in 1969. This cemented their reputation as makers of some of the most precise and durable cameras ever created. Even today, when I hold a Hasselblad in my hands, I feel connected to that rich legacy
What Makes Medium Format Special?
Medium format cameras use larger sensors than standard full-frame DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. Traditionally, they worked with 120 or 220 roll film, but today’s digital versions boast sensors much larger than the typical 36mm x 24mm full-frame format—often measuring around 44mm x 33mm or even larger.
Cameras like the Hasselblad XD1 and XD2 have taken full advantage of this, offering larger sensors that provide incredibly high resolution, better dynamic range, and a distinct, almost three-dimensional quality to images. This size difference translates to more detailed and lifelike photos that capture the true depth and richness of a scene.
The Power of Detail and Dynamic Range
One of the biggest advantages of medium format is its ability to capture incredible detail. The larger sensor allows for higher megapixel counts without losing sharpness or introducing excessive noise. This is particularly useful for commercial, portrait, and landscape photography, where every fine texture and subtle colour shift matters.
For me, as a food photographer, it’s about more than just sharpness—it’s about the way the light plays on the sheen of a sauce, the crisp texture of pastry, or the vibrant tones of fresh ingredients. The extended dynamic range means highlights and shadows retain more detail, making it easier to achieve a balanced exposure, even in challenging lighting conditions.
