If you shoot medium format, the right film choice changes everything: grain, contrast, latitude, and how easily you can scan or print. This roundup of 120 black and white film rolls focuses on dependable options for everyday shooting and more deliberate, high-contrast work.
Whether you want classic ISO 400 versatility or finer-grain ISO 100–125 results, the picks below help narrow the field quickly.
Best 10 120 Black and White Film Rolls Picks for 2026
Best 400-Speed All-Rounder
Ilford HP5 Plus 120 B&W Film 2-Pack
- ISO 400 for flexible shooting in varied light
- Classic Ilford black-and-white tonality
- 2-pack offers a practical medium-format supply
Best For: Photographers who want a versatile medium-format black-and-white film for everyday shooting.
Best for Portraits
- ISO 100 for daylight shooting
- 12 exposures in 6x6cm medium format
- Good detail, resolution, and exposure latitude
Best For: Outdoor portrait shooters and medium-format users who want a clean, forgiving black-and-white roll.
Best for Fine Detail
Ilford FP4 Plus 120 Film (3-Pack)
- Fine grain with excellent sharpness
- ISO 125 for flexible everyday use
- Three-roll medium-format pack
Best For: Photographers who want crisp black-and-white negatives with plenty of latitude.
Best for Everyday Medium-Format Shooting
- ISO 400 for flexible daylight and low-light use
- Fine grain with high clarity and strong detail
- 12 exposures per 6x6 roll for medium-format shooting
Best For: Photographers who want a versatile black-and-white 120 film for everyday shooting.
Best for Fine Grain Detail
Ilford Delta Pro 100 120 (2 Rolls)
- Fine grain and crisp edge sharpness
- ISO 100 with wide exposure latitude
- Useful for fine art, portraits, and daylight work
Best For: Photographers seeking clean, detailed 120 black and white film with low-grain results.
Best for Workhorse Shooting
- 400 ISO for flexible everyday shooting
- Forgiving exposure latitude for easier metering
- 36 exposures per roll in a convenient 6-pack
Best For: Street, portrait, and general-purpose photographers who want a dependable black-and-white 35mm film pack.
Best Value 10-Pack
- 10-roll pack for bulk medium-format shooting
- ISO 100 for fine-grain black-and-white results
- Fits 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x9 cameras
Best For: Medium-format shooters who want an affordable multi-roll supply for everyday black-and-white work.
Best for High-Speed B&W Portraits
- ISO 400 speed for versatile shooting
- High contrast with defined highlights
- Five-roll pack for medium-format users
Best For: Photographers who want a fast medium-format black-and-white film for mixed lighting and punchy tonal separation.
Best for 220 Format Shooters
Shanghai GP3 220 B&W Film ISO 100
- ISO 100 black-and-white negative film
- Five-roll pack for medium-format shooting
- Works with 220-compatible 120/220 cameras
Best For: Medium-format photographers with 220-compatible cameras who want an ISO 100 black-and-white film pack.
Best ISO 400 All-Rounder
- ISO 400 for versatile shooting in varied light
- Classic Ilford black-and-white look
- Convenient 3-roll bundle for medium format
Best For: Photographers who want a dependable, flexible black-and-white medium-format film.
Best 400-Speed All-Rounder – Ilford HP5 Plus 120 B&W Film 2-Pack
If you want a dependable option for 120 black and white film rolls, Ilford HP5 Plus is a classic 400-speed negative film that handles a wide range of lighting conditions well. This 2-pack is a practical buy for photographers who shoot often and want a flexible film with a familiar tonal response.
Best For: Shooters who want a versatile medium-format black-and-white film for everyday use, portraits, and street work.
Pros:
- ISO 400 speed offers strong flexibility in changing light
- Well-known Ilford contrast and tonal consistency
- 2-pack gives you a convenient supply for multiple shoots
Cons:
- Not the fastest option if you need extra low-light headroom
- May need careful exposure and development to get the look you want
For photographers comparing 120 black and white film rolls, HP5 Plus stands out as an easy-to-recommend everyday choice: versatile, reliable, and suited to many shooting styles without feeling overly specialized.
Best for Portraits – SHD 100 120 Roll Film
If you want affordable 120 black and white film rolls for daylight shooting, this SHD 100 option is a practical pick. It’s rated ISO 100 for medium-speed use, with 12 exposures in 6x6cm format and a look that favors fine detail, solid resolution, and forgiving exposure latitude.
Best For: Outdoor portraits, bright-light scenes, and photographers who want a straightforward medium-format black-and-white roll with a clean, detailed look.
Pros:
- ISO 100 speed works well in daylight and stronger light
- Designed for 120 medium-format cameras with 12 exposures per roll
- Good exposure tolerance and resolution for portrait work
- Simple choice for photographers building a black-and-white film workflow
Cons:
- Less suited to low-light or indoor shooting without extra light
- Only 12 exposures per roll, so it goes quickly
- Storage and handling matter to preserve performance
Overall, this is a sensible pick if you want 120 black and white film rolls for daylight portraits and general outdoor use. It emphasizes sharpness and tonal detail over speed, making it a dependable everyday medium-format choice.
Best for Fine Detail – Ilford FP4 Plus 120 Film (3-Pack)
3 X Ilford FP4 Plus, Black and White Print Film, 120 (6 cm), ISO 125 (1678169)
Check Price On AmazonIf you want dependable 120 black and white film rolls for landscapes, portraits, or any subject with lots of texture, ILFORD FP4 Plus is a strong pick. Its ISO 125 speed, fine grain, and sharp rendering make it a practical medium-speed film for scanning and enlarging.
Best For: photographers who want crisp black-and-white negatives with plenty of exposure latitude for everyday shooting.
Pros:
- Very fine grain with strong sharpness and acutance
- Robust exposure tolerance helps in mixed lighting
- Reliable ISO 125 speed for versatile shooting
- Three-roll pack is convenient for medium-format users
Cons:
- Not the fastest option for low-light work
- Higher-detail look may require careful development
- Pack size may be small for heavy shooters
Overall, this is a proven all-around choice if you prioritize sharp negatives and flexible exposure handling in 120 black and white film rolls. It’s especially appealing when you want a classic black-and-white look without giving up detail.
Best for Everyday Medium-Format Shooting – SHD 400 120 Roll Film
If you want 120 black and white film rolls that are easy to work with across a wide range of lighting, this ISO 400 option is a practical pick. It’s aimed at photographers who want dependable tonal range, fine grain, and enough speed for street, travel, portraits, and casual action.
Best For: Everyday medium-format shooters who want a versatile black-and-white film with solid exposure latitude.
Pros:
- ISO 400 speed handles both low light and brighter scenes well
- Fine grain and high clarity support sharp, detailed negatives
- 12 exposures in 6×6 format keep scanning and contact work straightforward
Cons:
- Only 12 exposures per roll, so it goes quickly
- Needs careful storage away from sunlight and heat
For photographers comparing 120 black and white film rolls, SHD 400 stands out as a balanced, flexible choice rather than a specialty emulsion. It’s a sensible buy if you want a general-purpose film that can cover a lot of shooting situations without demanding a complicated workflow.
Best for Fine Grain Detail – Ilford Delta Pro 100 120 (2 Rolls)
If you want 120 black and white film rolls that prioritize sharpness and controlled grain, Ilford Delta Pro 100 is a strong choice. Its ISO 100 speed and core-shell crystal technology make it a practical option for portraits, fine art, and general daylight shooting where clean detail matters.
Best For: Photographers who want a fine-grain 120 black and white film with crisp tonality and flexible exposure latitude.
Pros:
- Very fine grain with strong edge sharpness
- Wide exposure latitude from EI 50 to EI 200
- Good all-around choice for fine art and pictorial work
- Two-roll pack is convenient for testing or short projects
Cons:
- ISO 100 speed is slower than many general-purpose films
- Only two rolls per pack, so it is not a bulk buy
As a dependable option among 120 black and white film rolls, this Ilford pack stands out for photographers who value clean detail over speed. If your workflow rewards sharp negatives and flexible metering, it is an easy film to justify.
Best for Workhorse Shooting – Ilford HP5 Plus 400, 6 Rolls
If you want a dependable black-and-white staple for everyday shooting, this 120 black and white film rolls option is a strong pick. Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is known for its forgiving latitude, classic grain, and flexibility in mixed lighting, making it a practical choice for photographers who want consistent results without fuss.
Best For: Street, portrait, and general-purpose film shooters who want a versatile 400-speed black-and-white stock in a multi-roll pack.
Pros:
- 400 ISO handles varied and lower-light scenes well
- Forgiving exposure latitude makes it beginner-friendly
- Classic grain and strong tonal separation suit many styles
- 36 exposures per roll help stretch each pack
Cons:
- Not the cheapest option if you only shoot occasionally
- Bundle is aimed at 35mm users, not medium format shooters
Overall, this pack makes sense if you want a reliable black-and-white film stock you can keep loaded for regular work. For buyers comparing 120 black and white film rolls, HP5 Plus stands out more for versatility and dependable results than for specialty looks or premium pricing.
Best Value 10-Pack – Shanghai 120 B&W ISO 100 Film
If you want a practical way to stock up on 120 black and white film rolls, this 10-roll pack from Shanghai is a straightforward buy. It gives you ISO 100 B&W negative film in 120 format, making it a solid fit for photographers who want a classic look with plenty of exposure latitude for daylight and controlled lighting.
Best For: Medium-format shooters who want an affordable multi-roll supply for everyday black-and-white work.
Pros:
- Includes 10 rolls, which is convenient for bulk buying and repeat shooting
- ISO 100 speed works well for detailed, fine-grain black-and-white images
- Compatible with popular 6×4.5, 6×6, and 6×9 medium-format cameras
- New condition with standard 120 format negative film
Cons:
- ISO 100 is less flexible in low light without a tripod or flash
- No added features beyond the basic film pack, so it is not a specialty emulsion pick
Overall, this is a sensible choice if you want 120 black and white film rolls in a larger quantity without overcomplicating the purchase. The combination of ISO 100 speed and 10-roll packaging makes it appealing for consistent shooting, darkroom practice, and general medium-format use.
Best for High-Speed B&W Portraits – Ilford XP2 Super 120 5-Pack
5 X Ilford XP2 Super, Black and White Print Film, 120 (6 cm), ISO 400 (1839649)
Check Price On AmazonIf you want one of the more flexible 120 black and white film rolls for everyday shooting, this 5-pack of Ilford XP2 Super is a practical pick. It’s an ISO 400 black-and-white print film with strong contrast and well-defined highlights, making it a good fit for photographers who want dependable results in varied light.
Best For: Shooters who want a fast medium-format black-and-white film that handles mixed lighting and delivers punchy tonal separation.
Pros:
- ISO 400 speed is useful for street, travel, and indoor shooting
- High contrast and defined highlights create a clean black-and-white look
- 5-roll pack is convenient for regular medium-format users
Cons:
- Not the best choice if you want a softer, more subtle tonal palette
- May be more film than casual shooters need if they only shoot occasionally
Overall, Ilford XP2 Super is a strong option when you want reliable speed and classic monochrome character in 120 black and white film rolls. It makes sense for photographers who value consistent contrast over specialty effects.
Best for 220 Format Shooters – Shanghai GP3 220 B&W Film ISO 100
If you need 120 black and white film rolls with a specific 220-format fit, Shanghai GP3 is a straightforward ISO 100 option for medium-format cameras that support 220 backs. It’s a brand-new, unopened pack of five rolls, making it a practical buy for photographers who want a classic monochrome negative film for Yashica-24, Olympus, Hasselblad, and similar systems.
Best For: Medium-format shooters using 220-compatible cameras who want a simple ISO 100 black-and-white film pack.
Pros:
- ISO 100 black-and-white negative film for traditional monochrome work
- Five-roll pack gives you a useful bulk supply
- Compatible with 120/220 format cameras that accept 220 film
- Brand-new, unopened product condition
Cons:
- 220 format limits compatibility with many standard 120-only cameras
- Not a general-purpose pick if you specifically need 120 rolls
- Lower-speed ISO 100 film may require more light or tripod use
For photographers shopping 120 black and white film rolls, this is a niche pick rather than a universal one: it stands out mainly because it serves 220-capable medium-format cameras at a clean ISO 100 rating. If your camera supports the format, it’s an easy way to stock up on classic B&W negatives.
Best ISO 400 All-Rounder – Ilford HP5 Plus 120 3-Pack
Ilford HP5 Plus ISO 400 Black and White Negative Film (120 Roll Film) (3-Pack) Bundle (3 Items)
Check Price On AmazonIf you want 120 black and white film rolls that are easy to live with and versatile across changing light, Ilford HP5 Plus is a reliable choice. Its ISO 400 speed makes it a practical pick for everyday shooting, street work, travel, and mixed lighting when you want a classic monochrome look without a lot of fuss.
Best For: Photographers who want a flexible, dependable medium-format black-and-white film for general-purpose shooting.
Pros:
- ISO 400 speed handles a wide range of lighting conditions
- Classic black-and-white tonality with broad everyday appeal
- 3-pack bundle is convenient for stocking up on medium-format film
Cons:
- Not the best pick if you prefer ultra-fine-grain low-speed film
- Bundle format may be more than casual shooters need at once
For shooters comparing 120 black and white film rolls, this bundle stands out as a straightforward, dependable option that balances speed, flexibility, and familiar Ilford rendering. It is a strong everyday emulsion when you want one film that can cover a lot of different situations.
How We Picked the Best 120 Black and White Film Rolls
We focused on practical buying factors that matter most in real use: consistent availability, trusted brand reputation, speed options, grain structure, latitude, and suitability for both scanning and darkroom printing. We also favored rolls that make sense for common 120 cameras and frequent shooting styles, from street and documentary work to landscapes and portraits.
Quick Comparison
In general, ISO 100 and 125 films suit bright light, tripod work, and fine detail, while ISO 400 films are the most flexible all-around choice for changing conditions and handheld shooting. If you want classic contrast and easier low-light handling, higher-speed films are usually the safer pick. If you prioritize smoother tonality and finer grain, slower films are often the better fit.
Key Buying Factors for 120 Black and White Film Rolls
Film Speed
Choose ISO 400 for versatility and action-friendly shooting. Choose ISO 100 or 125 if you value finer grain, more detail, and a cleaner look in good light.
Grain and Tonality
Classic panchromatic films tend to deliver balanced tonality and predictable contrast. Some films lean punchy, while others produce smoother midtones and more latitude for post-processing.
Exposure Latitude
If you are still learning exposure or expect mixed lighting, a forgiving film can save more frames. Faster films often offer more flexibility, especially when pushed.
Processing and Scanning
Think about your workflow. Some shooters prefer films that scan easily with minimal correction, while others want a look that responds strongly to darkroom printing and development choices.
Pack Size and Value
For regular shooting, multi-pack options can reduce cost per roll and keep you stocked. If you are testing a new look, smaller quantities may be the better entry point.
Who Should Buy Which 120 Black and White Film Rolls?
If you want one do-it-all option, choose an ISO 400 film. If you shoot landscapes, portraits, or controlled-light scenes, ISO 100 or 125 is often the smarter match. If you need a film you can push for faster shutter speeds or lower light, prioritize a versatile 400-speed roll.
For photographers comparing 120 Black and White Film Rolls, the best choice usually comes down to your light conditions, preferred grain level, and whether you value maximum flexibility or a more refined tonal rendering.