Panoramic camera overview

[JBrunner]

I have always been fascinated with panoramic formats, I was just curious how many different kind of panoramic cameras are out there? Are there any that won't break the bank, as in not being the primary camera one owns? What is the benchmark, regardless of cost?

[jamie young]

There are lots of different cameras out there, and the more complicated the mechanism, the more expensive the camera. A good web site to go to is
http://www.panoramicassociation.org/home.php
Rotational cameras are usually the most expensive. The modern ones are more practical, but cirkuts can be had for a reasonable amount. They are pretty challenging to use, and you can't buy film that's prepared to shoot anymore. You have to find a film source, and then spool your own. It's a lot of work. Modern cameras like roundshots are costly, but have a short learning curve. You can scan the negs and print them on a inkjet.
Swing lense cameras like the widelux, noblex and widepan are cheaper, and can be found at a reasonable cost. Some of the cheaper swing lense cameras can have funky mechanics, like the horizon, and it can be hit or miss to get one that runs smoothly. The next option is to use a non mechanical camera that crops the image to achieve the panoramic effect, or just crop your shot from a regular camera.
They all work, and you just have to fit your tool the the subject.
Jamie

[roteague]

You might get yourself a copy of "Lee Frost's Panoramic Photography". This book discusses all types of panoramic cameras.

I know what you mean about panoramic, I'm smitten with it myself. I think that next year, I am going to get one of the new Horseman 6x17 cameras. Until then, I am making do with my 6x12 back for my Toyo.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Hey Robert, maybe I can bring my 6x17 back out this summer, and you can try it out. The Horseman looks great, but I still think a 6x17 back for a 4x5" camera is more versatile. The Horseman has rise/fall, but no tilts and swings, and doesn't it need its own helical mount lenses that cost a fortune, like the Linhof?

[roteague]

Hey Robert, maybe I can bring my 6x17 back out this summer, and you can try it out. The Horseman looks great, but I still think a 6x17 back for a 4x5" camera is more versatile. The Horseman has rise/fall, but no tilts and swings, and doesn't it need its own helical mount lenses that cost a fortune, like the Linhof?

Great, when are you coming? Which island? It would be good to get together once again.

[David A. Goldfarb]

We'll be on Moloka'i again from about June 15-August 15, with a little time in Honolulu visiting the family on either side of that. I find I can get more writing done on Moloka'i than anywhere else.

[europanorama]

http://forums.delphiforums.com/pancams/start

i started this forum since there was none at that time. but meanwhile the one on panphoto.com is publictly open. but they are completing eachother. but there are never ever enough informations to make the right decisions. rotapancams are so limited, heavy or expensive. one cannot compare with normal photography. even with newest digital rotapancam. lets wait for photokina what will come.

[doughowk]

What's the difference between a banquet camera and a panoramic camera? For example, I've heard 7X17s called banquet cameras, but the nameplate on my 7X17 Korona says "Panoramic View"

[Troy Hamon]

And if you want a cheap, though very low quality, panoramic camera, outfit a Holga or a MF folder for 35 mm film...never tried it, but I might do so soon...

[trebor569]

Has anyone got any thoughts on the Fotoman MK2 Panoramics?
I have a hankering for their 6x24