Adapter for 35mm film in medium format cameras (with frame counter)

• Frame counter works like with real 120 film: The tool transfers the original backing paper of an empty 120 roll onto your 35mm film. This way, your camera’s frame counter counts correctly and the numbers in the red window match – no more guessing the frame spacing.
• 35mm film in any medium format camera: Shoot 35mm film in your 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, or 6×9 camera – using the full height of the frame window including the perforations for that classic sprocket-hole look.
• Prepare in light, load only in the dark: You align the film and backing paper in daylight. Only the final winding happens in a changing bag or darkroom – way more relaxed than fumbling blindly.
• Precisely fitting and robust design: Made from matte black technical plastic (PLA+), a plant-based bioplastic. Neatly crafted in Würzburg, durable and lightweight.
• Uses your existing 120 spools: Works with standard empty 120 spools and used 120 backing paper you already have.

Design & Idea

Based on a design by Simon (Simonp1080), published on Printables. We produce this tool with the explicit written permission of the designer – so you can use it even without your own printer. Thanks a lot, Simon!

Compatibility

• All medium format/120 roll film cameras: 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, and 6×9
• 35mm 35mm film (cartridge) – 24 exposures recommended; 36-exposure films may be too long
• Additionally needed (not included): used 120 backing paper, empty 120 spools, a changing bag or darkroom, and non-permanent tape (e.g., Scotch tape)

Scope of delivery

• 1× adapter tool, 2 parts: main body and locking clip
• Matte black, ready to use

Technical specifications

• Material: Technical plastic (PLA+), matte black – plant-based bioplastic
• Main body dimensions: approx. 148 × 72 × 30 mm
• Locking clip dimensions: approx. 82 × 25 × 15 mm
• Function: Makes 35mm film usable in medium format (120) – including working frame counting
• Made in Würzburg, Germany

Description

With this tool, you wrap your 35mm film in the original backing paper of an empty 120 roll. The finished film then loads like a normal 120 roll film into any medium format camera – and because the backing paper moves along, the frame counter works as usual. You align everything in daylight; only the final winding happens in the changing bag.

The result: 35mm film in a medium format body, exposed over the full height of the frame window – with the characteristic perforation look and correct frame counting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why not just put 35mm film directly into the 120 camera? Without backing paper, the frame counter doesn’t work and you have to guess the frame spacing. This tool restores correct counting.
• What film length fits? 24 exposures are ideal. 36-exposure films may be too long.
• Do I get the sprocket-hole look? Yes. The 35mm film is exposed over the full height of the 120 window – the perforation holes are included.
• What else do I need? Used 120 backing paper, empty 120 spools, a changing bag or darkroom, and non-permanent tape.