620 Film

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620 format film and camera

620 roll film, introduced by Kodak in 1931 as an alternative to 120 film.  620 film was never able to gain market share on 120 film likely because professional photographers invested heavily in equipment around the 120 film size. Kodak discontinued their 620 films was 1995. The only difference between the 620 and 120 is the film. The 620 roll spool core is smaller and the end flanges are smaller too.

120 film will not fit 620 cameras.

How to: Resurrect Old 620 Film Cameras With 120 Film | Resurrect Old 620 Film Cameras With 120 Film

TDR Film Developing

Options for 620 film and cameras

120 film spool 620 film spool Comparison

Many 620 film cameras still exist and It’s still possible to use these cameras. Here are some options:

  • Buy 620 film from specialty companies.
    • Film Photography Store manufactures its own mold-injected plastic 620 spools and offers hand-rolled 620 films. You may be able to find new 620 film.
    • New 620 film can be found online from places like B&H
  • Respooling 120 film onto a 620 spool. Here’s how to resurrect old 620 film cameras by respooling 120 film
  • Using standard 120 film and, if necessary, simply trimming the plastic spool to the diameter of a 620 spool

If you wish to re-spool, you need two 620 spools. It is necessary to rewind the 120 film onto a 620 spool before it can be used in the camera.

620 film

Some cameras are capable of taking either side of the spool, in which case the camera itself can be used to re-spool 120 onto 620 spools more conveniently. This accomplished by first running the film through the camera without exposing it, then, in a dark room or changing bag, holding the exposed spool in one hand and spooling it backwards onto a 620 spool using the camera as a convenient winder, tucking in the free end of the film when necessary.

You can make your own 620 spools are you can buy them online.

Film Format Guide