What is the difference between a full-frame and half-frame camera?

Full-frame film cameras create an image across the entire 36 mm by 24 mm frame. Whereas half-frame cameras can fit two images onto one frame and each image measures 18 mm by 24 mm. This means that you can get more photographs on one roll of film. If you have a 36-exposure roll of film, you can get 72 photographs on that roll. If you have a 24-exposure roll, you will get 48 images.

Both full-frame and half-frame cameras can use the same 35 mm film stocks.

Half-frame cameras are a great way to save money and get as many photos from a roll of film as possible. This is especially helpful for beginners who may want to experiment more and give themselves the freedom to make mistakes without spending a fortune on film.

Half-frame cameras are usually compact in size and easy to use thanks to their automatic settings. These features also make them ideal for beginner film photographers.

Due to their smaller image size, photos from half frame cameras will contain noticeably bigger grain. If you are planning to make large prints of your photographs it may be better to use a full frame camera to give yourself sharper and higher quality images.

Photo by @rayna with the Diana Mini & Flash Half-frame & Square Camera

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