Square Large Format Images ?

[aduncanson]

I always wish there would be 10x10 format camera and film system for the maximal use of lens coverage and enlarger.

For some time I have envisioned that the sensor in a digital camera should be circular so that you can pick any aspect ratio and still use the full diagonal. It had not occurred to me, but circular film would have the same advantage.

[mrladewig]

I have only one square LF shot. I knew when I shot it that I would crop it, but it turned out that a square crop was just right.

SA 75/8, Astia

[aduncanson]

For some time I have envisioned that the sensor in a digital camera should be circular so that you can pick any aspect ratio and still use the full diagonal. It had not occurred to me, but circular film would have the same advantage.

And now I see that there is a new Panasonic compact digital camera (the Lumix DMC LX3 I think) that uses a 2:3 sensor and offers 4:5, 2:3 & 9:16 aspect ratios each with the same diagonal. Meaning that even the 2:3 output is a crop of the whole sensor. Everything but square.

Cool but I won't be rushing out to buy one soon.

[butterflydream]

I read somewhere why Hasselblad made 6x6 format was not for aesthetic reason but for technical reason to use full image circle of the lens.

Here's my square photo:
5x7 Canham / Fujinon 90mm
The lens coverage was just right for 5x5"