The Belair X 6-12 is a camera for medium format film. The Belair was introduced by Lomography in October 2012.
Three editions were presented at the launch. It was not available for purchase at launch, but could only be pre-ordered with an early bird discount. It was not until two months later that the first cameras were delivered. There are different editions with different designs of the camera.
There are three formats available with the Belair, a panoramic format (6×12), a normal format (6×9) and a square format (6×6). However, the Belair does not fully expose 6×12, but 104x52mm, and for the other formats, 78x52mm (6×9) and 52mmx52mm (6×6).
When a film is inserted, the selected format cannot be changed. Only without film can a corresponding mask for the formats be inserted. In addition, a slider must be set on the back of the camera so that the correct numbers, are visible through the red window.
If you use the panorama format, you have to make sure that you always leave out one number in the film window and start at two. This prevents overlapping of the images. In short, you wind to “2”, take a picture, wind to “4”, take a picture, and so on.
On a normal 120 medium format film you can take 6 (6×12), 8 (6×9) or 12 (6×6) pictures.
The lenses of the Belair are interchangeable, it has a 3 bayonet type (a special mount for the Belair). The medium format camera normally comes with two plastic lenses, 90mm and 58mm. On a 35mm camera, this corresponds to 32 mm (6×12), 40 mm (6×9) and 52 mm (6×6) on the 90 mm lens and 21 mm (6×12), 26 mm (6×9) and 35 mm (6×6) on the 58 mm wide angle lens. The largest aperture of the two lenses is f8, the smallest f16.
The Belair X 6-12 is focused manually. For this, it has a zone focus with four stops (1m, 1.5m, 3m and infinity). However, the distance has to be estimated.
Double and multiple exposures are made simply by pressing the shutter button multiple times. If one does not want to have overexposed images, one should increase the ISO wheel by one per exposure. If you have an ISO 100 film in the camera and want to make a multiple exposure with three releases, you should set the camera to ISO 400. With four releases, you should set the exposure meter to ISO 800.
A flash can be connected via hot shoe. The Belair also has a connection for a tripod (¼”).
Sample photos
The 114mm lens is also made of Russian glass. It has a viewing angle at 6×12 format of 54 degrees. Like the standard Belair lenses, it also has a zone focus and a maximum aperture of f/8. The equivalent on a 35mm camera of the 114mm lens would be a 42mm (6×12), 52mm (6×9) or 67mm in square format.
Like the 90mm in glass, the 114mm was introduced by Lomography in late 2012. Both glass lenses are manufactured by Zenit.
This accessory allows easy use of 35mm film in the Belair. It exposes about 12 frames of 104 x 33 mm each on standard 35mm film. The back is simply replaced with the normal one. A frame counter is built into the Belair X 6-12 35mm back, just like the hot shoe.
In principle, any type of 35mm film can be used, the only restriction is of course the light meter.
The Belair Instant Back was introduced in January 2013. It and the Belair can be used to take instant pictures. The Instax Wide Film* is used for this purpose.
There are thin black lines at the top and bottom of the image, as the Belair cannot fill the entire film. Batteries are not needed for the Instant Back, film transport is via a crank on the side.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Viewfinder camera |
| Film format | 120 |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 60 mm x 120 mm |
| Focal length | 90 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Manual |
| Type of focus | Zone focus |
| Focus zones | 1 m, 1,5 m, 3 m, Infinite |
| Exposure times | 1/125 second to Infinite |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 50 to 1600 |
| Exposure modes | Aperture priority |
| Manual exposure settings | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | 2x LR44 batteries |
| Estimated value / Used price | 283,41 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 4 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 264,00 Euro (285.75 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 265,82 Euro (286.84 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Belair X 6-12
What film formats can I use with this camera?
The Belair X 6-12 offers three formats: 6x12 panorama, 6x9 standard, and 6x6 square. Keep in mind that the actual exposed area is slightly smaller than the nominal size.
How many pictures can I take on a roll of 120 film?
The number of shots per roll depends on the format. You get 6 shots in 6x12, 8 in 6x9, and 12 in 6x6.
Is the lens interchangeable on this Lomography camera?
Yes, the Belair uses a 3-bayonet mount. It comes with two plastic lenses (90mm and 58mm), but other lenses can be attached.
How do I take multiple exposures with the Belair X 6-12?
Multiple exposures are easy; simply press the shutter button multiple times. To avoid overexposure, increase the ISO setting by one stop for each additional exposure.
Does this medium format camera have autofocus?
No, the Belair X 6-12 focuses manually using zone focusing with four settings (1m, 1.5m, 3m, and infinity). You'll need to estimate the distance.