panoramic

**toomy** · 13-Aug-2008, 04:45

Hey guys just a couple of questions that i would like answered, I'm looking into taking panoramic photos just wondering what sort of camera and flim and stuff like that would i be needing i have a budget of about US 1200.
Thanks tom

**Scott Kathe** · 13-Aug-2008, 06:21

Which panoramic format were you thinking about? I've been thinking about a 6x12 or possibly a 6x17 back to put on my 4x5. I have no panoramic experience but in addition to the dimensions you want to shoot it would be helpful to know the subject matter as well. I'm sure more experienced members will assist you in your decision making process.

Scott

**Aender Brepsom** · 13-Aug-2008, 06:40

For 6x17 cm, you have basically 2 options:
either a dedicated panorama camera for that format or a 6x17 back on a 4x5 or 5x7 view camera.
With a budget of USD 1200, I fear that the only viable option will be a 6x17 camera.
It has quite some advantages like ease of use and reasonably small dimensions. However, you do not have the same amount of movements on such a camera. The only movement you can have is vertical shift.
With a 6x17 back on a view camera, you would also have tilt, swing etc. but you might not need it.

I have tried both options in the past. I can recommend the Gaoersi 6x17, a chinese camera that is not very expensive, but really well built, and it does exactly what it is supposed to: taking excellent wide panoramic shots. There are other brands like Fotoman, Fuji. Linhof etc. but they are all more expensive.

You'll need a large format lens with an image circle of at least 180 mm (better 200mm) in a shutter (Copal, Compur, Prontor etc). Many 6x17 cameras are used with lenses between 90mm (very wide) and 180mm or longer.
Check here for possible lenses: http://www.largeformatphotography.in.../LF6x17cm.html
On a 90mm lens, you'll probably need a center filter to compensate for the light fall-off.

Assuming that you are taking landscape panoramics and wish to use colour slide film, I would recommend Fuji Velvia 50 or 100.

You'll need a tripod, a cable release and a light meter.

You can find an excellent review of the Gaoersi 617 here:
http://www.photo-i.co.uk/Reviews/cam...i/page%201.htm

Use the search engine here on the forum and you'll find tons of valuable advice for your projects.

Good luck!

jetcode · 13-Aug-2008, 08:09

I had a Gaoersi 6x17 ... there's a Fuji 6x17 on you know where that is $1000 starting bid

**IanG** · 13-Aug-2008, 10:06

My Gaoersi has been half way around the world with me to three Continents, very good value for money, heavy but great for hand held work.

Ian

**Daniel_Buck** · 13-Aug-2008, 11:56

If you already have an 8x10 camera (or some other large camera) you can take a spare dark slide and cut it in 1/2 to mask out 1/2 the negative and get two panoramas on one sheet of regular size film. I've had pretty good luck shooting two 4x10's on each sheet of 8x10. Not as long of a ratio as some of the dedicated panorama cameras though, but if you already have a large camera, you can do this for very cheap :-) You could even do it on a 4x5 camera, though the size of each shot on the negative would be fairly small.

**Colin Corneau** · 13-Aug-2008, 12:19

If you want large format work then a 6x12 or 6x17 back for even a Crown/Speed Graphic will work for you. The Gaorsi or similar type camera is also an excellent idea.
I have a Horseman 6x12 back, and the negs are just beautiful...this will depend on which format you prefer and that can only be answered by you.

If you prefer 35mm, then a Widelux or an Xpan will work well. I have both, love them both but the swing-lens feature on the Widelux is not for everyone's taste or suitable for some situations.

**IanG** · 13-Aug-2008, 12:36

A 6x17 back on any LF camera is almost a joke, you end up with an unwieldy monster. Fine if you all you just want to take is an odd 6x17 image.

A dedicated 6x17 camera makes far more sense. It's a real pleasure to use a 6x17 particularly hand held.

Ian