The 6X17 format has long been a favorite of panoramic photographers. This 1:3 aspect ratio is popularized by the venerable Fuji 617 models and the Linhof Technorama in particular.
However, these outstanding workhorse cameras come with a proportional price tag, which only few can afford. Hence, with many large format lenses at their disposal, many photographers went ahead to construct their own alternative 6x17 panoramic cameras.
I came across this particular design by Christian Holmgaard, in an issue of Magnachrom magazine. Here are some examples of the photos taken by his hombrew 617. You can download the Magnachrom pdf issue from
here. You can have a further look at Christian's photo.net
portfolio too which includes some more shots taken by this camera.
NOTE: To get information on other homemade panoramic cameras, click on the "handmade panoramic camera" label below.
The 6X17 format has long been a favorite of panoramic photographers. This 1:3 aspect ratio is popularized by the venerable Fuji 617 models and the Linhof Technorama in particular.
Bluefire is an ultra high resolution black and white film, useful for surveillance and documentation purposes. It requires a special developer for optimum effect. The negatives can be enlarged to sizes where common films fail due to unacceptable grain. Available in 135 format, a 24 exposure roll costs around $7.00. It is even cheaper when bought in bulk quantity.
Magnachrom is free magazine that publishes very high quality articles on medium and large format photography. J Michael Sullivan is the publisher/editor of Magnachrome. You can download high quality pdfs of all the issues from http://www.magnachrom.com
The Panon company of Japan made the legendary Widelux series of swing lens panoramic cameras. Watch the rotational motion while it makes a 1/2 second exposure.
The term 'wide' is so obviously associated to so many panoramic camera brands like the legendary Widelux to multi format Widepan. The name list would be incomplete without the inclusion of Wideboy, a swing lens design by Horsley Cameras. Though less known than it's popular cousins, nevertheless it is a very interesting camera.
Yesterday I found the book "Hot Shots' by Kevin Meredith in my local book store. An excellent book filled with so many good pictures. Almost every picture has unique element(s) of composition plus rich vibrant colours and tells an engrossing story. Any serious photographer who would like to improve his/her creative compositional skills should get a copy. Priced at less than $20 this is a very good investment indeed.
