Editing Medium format (section)

== Low-budget medium-format cameras ==
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[[File:Baldafix folding camera.jpg|thumb|Baldafix folding camera, one of a large number of old folding cameras which used medium-format film, with a roll of 120 film]]

While most professional medium-format cameras are expensive, some cheaper plastic imports, such as the [[Diana camera|Diana]] and [[Holga]] cameras, are gaining in popularity for their creative potential. In the past, these kinds of cameras have been referred to as [[Toy camera|toy cameras]]''',''' but now they are considered a real creative alternative to professional medium-format cameras and are sought after for the unique experimental results they can create. 

Lower cost medium-format cameras like the Diana F+ and Belair X 6-12 are sold through various outlets, including the Austrian [[Lomography]] company. In 2007, Lomography brought the [[Diana camera|1960s Diana camera]] back to the market with the Diana F+ camera, a [[system camera]] that allows photographers to experiment with interchangeable lenses, flashes, and film backs. These cameras are characterized by their plastic lenses, light leaks that oddly colorize an image, extreme [[vignetting]], and color saturation. While these elements can be considered as flaws to photographers seeking perfect images, many people enjoy the "artistic" results. Because of the popularity of the Lomography photographic style,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2018 |title=What Is Lomography? |url=https://www.adorama.com/alc/what-is-lomography/ |access-date=28 July 2022 |website=Adorama}}</ref> medium-format photography has seen a resurgence with amateur photographers. 

[[Twin-lens reflex camera]]s (TLRs) and folders without the distortion and light leaks can be purchased on the used market in the same price range. The Chinese [[Seagull Camera|Seagull]] [[Twin-lens reflex camera|TLR]] and medium-format cameras from the former Soviet Union such as the Russian [[Lubitel]] and somewhat better made Ukrainian [[Kiev-Arsenal (photo camera)|Kiev-Arsenal]] 60 and 88 are also available at moderate prices. These cameras can deliver quality images, although the lenses and camera bodies are not at the level of those from Swedish, German, and Japanese manufacturers. Depending on the condition of the camera, they can produce images ranging from the Lomographic style to images closer to their European and Japanese counterparts. In 2008 Lomography also reintroduced the previously discontinued Lubitel with the Lubitel 166+, a recreation of the original 1946 Lubitel camera with some new features including dual-format capability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 February 2021 |title=Lomo Lubitel 166+ - Learn more about the Lomography camera |url=https://filmphotography.eu/en/lomo-lubitel-166/ |access-date=28 July 2022 |website=Filmphotography.eu}}</ref>

Since 2014, Lomography has been producing its medium format version of the Soviet-original [[Lomo LC-A]] camera, the Lomo LC-A 120, as compact option for medium format photographers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 May 2019 |title=Lomo LC-A 120 - Info about Films, Battery and the camera |url=https://filmphotography.eu/en/lomo-lc-a-120/ |access-date=28 July 2022 |website=Filmphotography.eu}}</ref>

Used [[folding camera]]s, TLRs, and [[box camera]]s are also an inexpensive option to shoot medium format. Many U.S.-made folders, including most of the mass-produced [[Kodak]] folders, use the discontinued [[120 film#Other similar 6&nbsp;cm roll films|620 film]] requiring the user to respool [[120 film]]s or modify the film spool to fit.