Gaoersi 6x12 Experience?

[Antje]

Hi everyone,

In my probably eternal quest for the ultimate panoramic camera for under 3000 Euros, I've come across the 6x12 Gaoersi and wondered if anyone of you revered elders has experience with those cameras. I do have a 6x12 back for my ShenHao and like it a lot, especially because it's so non-nonsense. So, if I can expect the same quality from the camera, that would be more than enough...

Does anyone have experience regarding the film flatness of the non-shift 6x12?

Thanks for your thoughts,

Antje

[Ian Grant]

Well I have a Gaoersi 6x17 and haven't had a problem with film flatness, the 6x12 is essentially the same. They are no frills, but well built, and rugged.

I bought mine so I could use it hand-held if necessary, many places I shoot don't permit tripods. The 6x17's are adjustable to shoot 6x12, 6x15 and 6x17, they don't cost much more than the 6x12's. Personally I'm glad I went for the wider format, once you start shooting with it you're hooked.

Ian

[Antje]

Originally Posted by Ian Grant

Well I have a Gaoersi 6x17 and haven't had a problem with film flatness, the 6x12 is essentially the same. They are no frills, but well built, and rugged.

I bought mine so I could use it hand-held if necessary, many places I shoot don't permit tripods. The 6x17's are adjustable to shoot 6x12, 6x15 and 6x17, they don't cost much more than the 6x12's. Personally I'm glad I went for the wider format, once you start shooting with it you're hooked.

Ian

Ian, thanks... I'm mainly concerned with size (has to fit my backpack) and the coverage my good old Angulon 90/6.8 delivers... On top of that, the dedicated 612 by Gaoersi weighs only 900g - that is very attractive considering hikes through the mountains.

If I'm allowed to pick your brains some more: What lenses do you find you use most?

Antje

[Ian Grant]

No problem, I bought the 90mm & 75mm focus cones, and fitted a 75mm f8 SA and a 90mm f6.8 Grandagon. However I found I liked the 75mm so much I've never bothered using the Grandagon. In fact I've taken it off the Gaoersi mount and put it back on my Wista.

I love the wide format with a wide angle lens, and really enjoy using it, there are the odd occasions where I might need to switch to 6x12 but they are quite rare.

My decision to use 6x17 was due to frustration with 5x4 which just wasn't suitable for some of the images I wanted to make, and I needed something wider. Remember that the 75mm is a fairly standard lens for the vertical 6cm dimension, and is only wide for 12cm/17cm.

There are a couple of images on the 3rd or 4th page of my APUG portfolio with the Gaoersi. Here's another:


The 75mm f8 Super Angulons seem to be quite reasonable prices second-hand, I paid about 200 euros for mine, 2 years ago, boxed and it appeared never used, I've seen several for similar prices since.

My Gaoersi is not a light camera but that makes it easier to hold steady. Hope that helps

Ian

[Antje]

Yes, that does help a lot, actually! There are a few 75mms for sale around where I live, and I think I should just have a look at them using my 6x12 back. I'm really torn... I like the 617 format, of course, but I always end up wishing for a pano cam when I'm deep into the back country and have to lug around a tent and cooking gear. I can see myself carrying a 612, but (as I found out the hard way) not a 4x5, and probably not a 617. Better to have something you like second best, but actually can carry anywhere.

Very nice images btw! I've been to Ephesus a couple of years ago and loved it. I know it sounds weird, but then, I'm a biologist - I found it amazing how so many animals make the ruins their home with astounding ease.

Antje