Large Format

Large format film is a broad range of sizes, and typically used to describe any film larger than 120 medium format film. Common sizes of large format film include 4 x 5, 5 x 7, and 8 x 10, and as large as 20 x 24 inches. Pretty much all early cameras were large format cameras, but Kodak released “film packs” of large format sheet film in 1903.

Size is the easiest way to identify large format film, but it’s also helpful to know that large format film always comes as sheets instead of rolls. This means that large format film is always single frames, has no sprocket holes, and is very flat instead of curled like 35mm film. Another distinguishing attribute of large format film is the notches on the edge. These notches are a code that indicates the type and orientation of the film. When the notch is at the top right edge of the sheet, the emulsion side is facing you.

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