Newbie: Cheapest setup for a 6x17 camera?

[jasonjoo]

Hey folks,

I've recently switched over from digital to film. I've sold off much of my digital equipment and picked up two Rolleiflex 3.5E's (one needs a CLA badly) and an EOS 3 body as well. I really enjoy shooting MF and do like the square format, but I've been thinking about adding a 6x17 pano camera as well.

I'm really new to the analog world and would love to hear some of your input/advice into getting started with a 6x17 camera. From what I've read briefly, I can either go with a dedicated panoramic camera or use a large format camera with a panoramic back.

What's the best way to go about this?

Thanks,

Jason

[Jim Noel]

Probably the lowest cost way is a SHen HAo field camera and a Shwn Hao 6x17 back. Add a lens from 90 - 135 and you are ready to go.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Or even cheaper, look for a Crown Graphic and a 6x17 back. These backs work with any camera that has a Graflok or international type back. On my Linhof Tech V I use a DaYi 617 back, which I've been satisfied with. The Focus 617 back is an updated version made by the same company.

These 6x17 backs for 4x5 cameras work full-frame with lenses from 72-150mm, as long as they can cover the format, and as long as the subject isn't too close. Longer lenses, or lenses with in the range but at very close subject distances (like a 150mm lens closer than 6 feet) will vignette, but you'll still get a pretty long panoramic image--like 6x15 or 6x16.

If you get a Graphic with a rangefinder and a separate viewfinder for 6x17, you can even have a handholdable, rangefinder coupled 6x17 camera, with lenses around 120-150mm. I use 6x17 back this way on my Linhof Tech V with a rangefinder cammed 150mm lens and a Gaoersi adjustable 6x17 finder.

[rkmiec]

as far as a purpose built panorama camera the fotoman is the cheapest,1700 usd for body and focus mount plus lens.say 600 for a top of the line used lens maybe less.
the shen ho 5x7 and the 617 back would be 1900 plus lens.
the shen ho 4x5 and 617 back around 1200 plus lens.
also check the auction site as i have seen all the above equipment regularly.

[Tim Boehm]

Canham has a 6x17 automatic back that will fit onto their 5x7 cameras.

Here’s a picture of the MQC5x7 fitted with the 6x17 back:
http://canhamcameras.com/Roll%20film%20back.html

That back is $1195. He has a few 5x7 models; the MQC5x7 is $2650.

Fuji also makes a 6x17 camera, but it’s very expensive.
http://dannyburk.com/equipment_reviews.htm
http://dannyburk.com/fuji_gx680iii.htm


http://www.dannyburk.com has some great 6x17 color panos made with the Fuji.
He states on his site that he also has the Canham setup.

[Tim Boehm]

The items I cited in my previous post really aren't the "cheapest;" I'm just giving you other ideas. Good luck with that format, I really like it.

[jasonjoo]

Yikes, I guess this next camera of mine will have to wait a while longer! I knew it would be expensive, but this is a TINY bit over my budget

Thanks for the help. I'm sorry to say but, it may take a year or so for me to save up some more funds

Jason

[Nick Zentena]

Cheapest an old 5x7 with cropped film. Or a L dark slide.

[Ian Grant]

Actually the cheapest 6x17 camera is the Gaoersi, I bought mine last year direct from China. It's very different using a dedicated 6x17 and much more versatile and practical than using a 6x17 back on a 5x4 or 5x7 camera.

Ian

[jasonjoo]

This may be a long shot, but is it cheaper to go with a 6x12 setup? I'm guessing no, but I'd thought I'd try! I'm really fascinated by these pano-cameras. With digital it was very easy to stitch multiple images, but it never really intrigued me. However, being able to see the pano as I'm taking it is so much more... interesting.

Call me crazy! I'm really in love with analog photography! Hopefully I'll start developing my own negs and prints too!

Jason