120 film and 35mm film need different case shapes because one is a paper-backed roll on a spool and the other is supplied in a cassette. A container described only as a film canister is not enough information to establish a fit. Start with the format your camera uses, then check the case's stated compatibility.
That distinction is the reason for CANISTER 120, coming soon from Archive 135. It is our planned single-roll case for 120 medium-format film. The image above is an AI-generated concept render; final fit, dimensions, materials, price, and release date have not been announced.
What is the difference between 120 and 35mm film?
In ordinary still-camera use, 35mm film travels from a light-tight cassette through the camera and is rewound into that cassette before unloading. 120 roll film travels from its supply spool to a take-up spool, with backing paper around the roll. After the last exposure, the camera's winding procedure brings the backing-paper tail around the exposed film so the roll can be removed and secured.
Follow your camera's manual for the exact loading and unloading sequence. These are different systems; the familiar 35mm rewind routine should not be assumed to apply to a 120 camera. ILFORD's explanation of film handling in a medium-format camera describes this spool-versus-cassette distinction.
Which Archive 135 case is intended for each format?
| Standard 35mm / 135 cartridge | CANISTER 135 is the existing Archive 135 case specified for one standard cartridge. See its published product information. |
|---|---|
| 120 medium-format roll | CANISTER 120 is the upcoming single-roll concept. Coming soon; production specifications and fit details are still to be announced. |
| Loose developed negatives | Use suitable photographic sleeves and an appropriate filing system. A roll-film carry case is not a substitute for negative storage. |
| Other formats or extra outer packaging | Do not infer compatibility from a similar name or appearance. Check the exact case specification and the package you intend to put inside it. |
Is 120 film the same as 120mm film?
The standard format name is 120 film. The number is a format designation, not a statement that the film is 120 millimetres wide. Using “120 medium-format film” when shopping helps separate the roll format from a lens focal length, camera model, or container dimension.
The name on a roll is only the first check. A finished case also needs suitable internal clearance for the spool's length and end flanges. Whether a wrapper stays on the roll affects the space needed too. The CANISTER 120 concept pictures show a design intention; they cannot be used to measure a confirmed interior or promise compatibility with every outer package.
Does 6×6 film need a different case from 6×7 film?
A camera set up for 6×6 on 120 and a camera set up for 6×7 on 120 use the same roll-film format. Those names describe the camera's nominal image format, not two different types of 120 storage spool. For example, a typical 6×6 camera makes 12 exposures on a 120 roll, while a typical 6×7 camera makes 10. Check your camera or film-back manual for its actual frame count and supported film.
ILFORD's 120 processing form lists these frame formats and counts. The important fit question remains “does this case accommodate a standard 120 roll?”, rather than which image shape your camera makes.
Why not use CANISTER 135 for both?
CANISTER 135's published fit is one standard 35mm cartridge. Its specification does not include 120 film. Forcing an unsupported roll into a case risks pressure on the roll or a lid that will not close correctly.
CANISTER 120 is intended as a separate medium-format companion with the same visual family resemblance. The taller body in the concepts communicates that change of format; the final dimensions will need to come from the eventual product specification.
Choose the format first, then the object
If you shoot both formats, make their storage places easy to identify. Label exposed rolls, keep them separate from fresh stock, and use a container intended for each format. Our 120-film carry guide offers a simple medium-format workflow. For the product preview, see CANISTER 120: coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is CANISTER 120 available now?
No. CANISTER 120 is coming soon. Price, release date, and final specifications have not been announced.
Can I put 120 film in CANISTER 135?
CANISTER 135 is specified for one standard 35mm cartridge. It is not specified for a 120 roll; CANISTER 120 is the separate upcoming concept for that format.
Do 6×6 and 6×7 cameras use different 120 rolls?
When both cameras are configured for 120, they use the same roll-film format. Their frame dimensions and exposure counts differ; check each camera or film-back manual.
Does the CANISTER 120 preview confirm a fit with foil-wrapped film?
No. The concept images do not confirm fit with foil wrappers, cartons, or additional containers. Final compatibility details will be published with the product specification.