Considering panoramic camera

[Fred Braakman]

Hi all,
I have been considerinig getting a panaoramic camera, like the Gaoersi, which is in my price range. What I am not sure of is which lens adaptor to choose. I am thinking of the 6x12 model. However, how can I have an idea of the difference between what kind of image a 75 mm lens would produce, versus, say a 150 mm lens?

Also, I have been checking other posts about the Gaoersi cameras, and the problems with getting the lens adaptor to focus properly, and I am not sure which lens would result in the least amount of dificulty with regard to calibration.

I own the following lenses:

75 mm Schnieder 1:8 SA
90 mm Rodenstock Grandagon 1:4.5
120 mm Schneider APO-Symmar 1:5.6
135 mm Apo-Sironar-S 1:5.6
150 mm Sironar-N 1:5.6

What lens adaptor do you recommend I start with?

Fred

[David A. Goldfarb]

What would be the attraction of such a camera over a 6x12 back for your 4x5" camera?

[Greg Lockrey]

I personnaly went with the 6x17 adapter back for my 4x5's. I can get 6x9, 6x12, 6x15,and 6x17 with it using the masks. I even have a set up for my Graphlex to do hand holds but I am limited to only the 150 mm though. To use my 90mm, I use my Sinar. It's a lot cheaper for starting out too. The brand I got is the Da Yi and they run about $450.

[Jack Flesher]

I agree with David... For a trial, why not just shoot on 4x5 and crop it down to 6x12 after the fact? This for sure is more expensive per shot, but you get to adjust rise/fall after the fact If you find you *love* the pano format, then look into a dedicated 612 or 617 back or camera.

My measly .02,

[Fred Braakman]

What would be the attraction of such a camera over a 6x12 back for your 4x5" camera?

The smaller size of the camera would be an attraction to me. Carrying less baggage also. In addition, using 120 roll film would be less expensive that cropping the 4x5 negatives. However, a 6x17 back for my camera is also an option to consider.

Fred

[Hiro]

How about cutting a GG mask to see which view you like the best? Or trial shots with cropping or a panoramic dark slide? You are the best judge.

[David A. Goldfarb]

I also have the DaYi 6x17 back and it should work with all your lenses (75-150mm).

[evan clarke]

I have the Shen Hao 6x17 back and have dedicated an Ebony 45s camera and a Super Symmar 150 XL to it, a marvelous setup. I can do vertical and landscape aspect and cannot exceed the lens with movements..Evan Clarke

[lutherasmith]

Fred,

I have an Art Panorama 7x17 I bought many years ago. The advantages I see of a separate camera is, as you stated the roll film and the fact that you are no longer working with a view camera. I love view cameras. Mostly I work with a 5x7 and 8x10 but it is a very different mental process. Sometimes I just want to carry a camera on a smaller tripod and a light meter. I take many more photographs using this set-up. I try more options.

I have been looking at the Gaoersi 6x12. The idea of two squares next to each other as a compositional model looks like a good challenge. I would be interested, if you get one, how it works out for you.

Luther

[Photomax]

I have the Gaoersi 6x17 which allows you to quickly switch between 6x17, 6x15, 6x12. Its a pretty cool camera once you have the correct lens barrel and calibration figured out. A better made option would be the Fotoman 6x17 cameras. Same basic design as the Gaoersi but they look better made IMHO.

Max