Half-Frame vs Full-Frame 35mm: What’s the Difference? (And Why It Matters for Scanning & Prints)

If you’ve recently picked up a film camera, you might have come across the term half-frame. And if you're sending us film to be developed, you’ve probably noticed we ask whether your roll is half-frame or full-frame.

So what’s the difference? Why do we need to know? And what does it mean for your scans and prints? Let’s break it down in a simple, no-fuss way!

What Is Full-Frame 35mm?

Full-frame is what most people think of when they hear “35mm film.” Each photo takes up the standard size on the roll; 36mm wide by 24mm tall. If your camera is a classic like the Canon AE-1, Olympus OM-10, or Pentax K1000, it’s shooting full-frame 35mm. Each frame is one image.

On a 36-exposure roll, you’ll get about 36 shots.

What Is Half-Frame?

Half-frame cameras, like the Olympus Pen series or the Canon Demi, use half the space for each shot. That means two photos fit in the space of one full-frame image (18mm x 24mm). So instead of 36 shots, you get up to 72 shots on the same roll. Bonus!

Half-frame cameras are super fun, often lightweight, and you can even ask for your two images side-by-side that work as a pair, almost like a mini photo comic.

That being said, there are a couple of trade-offs. Because each frame is physically smaller, less detail is captured compared to a full-frame 35mm shot. This can lead to images that look softer and more grainy, especially when scanned at higher resolutions or printed large. If you’re after tack-sharp detail or plan to crop in post, full-frame might be the better choice.

Why We Ask: Scanning Options

Here’s where it matters for us at the lab!

Because half-frame images are smaller and two fit in the space of one regular frame, we need to know how you’d like your scans done:

• As individual frames: You get each half-frame scanned as its own photo. This gives you more flexibility for editing and printing, and is perfect if each shot stands on its own.
• As 2-in-1 scans: We scan both half-frames together in one image, just as they appear on the negative. This is great if you shot the roll in pairs or like the diptych style. It’s also faster and cheaper!

Either way, the price is the same for scanning, just let us know what you prefer when you drop off your film or fill in the order form.

What About Prints?

If you’re ordering 6x4 prints and you shot in half-frame, there’s an extra £5 charge.

Why? Because printing half-frame photos individually means we’re printing twice as many images—double the work, double the fun, but a bit more effort on our end! 😅

If you don’t mind the 2-in-1 layout, you can save the extra cost and enjoy your prints as charming little diptychs.

Still not sure which format you’ve shot? Drop us a message or bring your camera when you visit. We’re always happy to help!