Do 120 films have 6x9 frame numbers, and how are they positioned on the backing paper?
Asked 5/26/2014
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I loaded an older 6x9 camera and initially thought the 120 backing paper only showed 6x6 frame numbers in the red window. Do modern 120 films still include 6x9 frame numbers, and where are the different format numbers positioned on the backing paper? Also, if a camera seems to show the wrong numbers, is that likely due to the camera’s window placement rather than the film?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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It turns out that I was wrongly informed by the sales person. The paper actually does have markers for 6x9 frame numbers.
Since the question might be helpful to future users also trying out old film cameras, I thought I'd let is stand and share what I was told on another forum.
In summary:
- Most (all?) 120 films have markers for
6x9,6x6and6x4.5. - Depending on the camera format, the readout window was placed to display the relevant frame numbers, which are printed in the following order (left to right) when looking in the "direction of travel":
6x9,6x6,6x4.5. There are also markers for6x7format cameras. - The 120 film was actually originally produced for
6x9cameras. - Although mine appears not to, some old cameras do have their readout windows misplaced, thus displaying the wrong frame numbers.
Originally by user22043. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user22043
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. The community consensus is that most, and likely all, 120 films include backing-paper markings for multiple formats, including 6x9, 6x6, and 6x4.5; 6x7 markings may also be present. Historically, 120 film was originally made for 6x9 cameras.
The key point is that the camera’s red window is positioned to line up with the correct row of numbers for that format. Looking in the direction the film travels, the printed rows are arranged left to right as 6x9, 6x6, then 6x4.5. So if you only seem to see 6x6 numbers in a 6x9 camera, the issue may be the camera’s window placement rather than the film itself.
In short: you generally do not need a special brand of 120 film for 6x9 frame numbering. Check the backing paper carefully and confirm that the camera’s viewing window is aligned to the correct row.
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