Suggestions
for panoramic cameras: Fuji GX617, Linhof Technorama 617, Dr Gilde
617, KST Eyescan 624
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The
snapshot here shows the large format 4x5 seamless digital
panorama system in action in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri.
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A
35mm camera system is a good start, and a 21 mm lens
is going in the right direction, but you do not really get into
the panorama stage until
you
try out the 15 mm (non-distorting) lenses. Leica, Nikon,
and possibly other companies make them. Some years Nikon offered
a 14mm, other years a 15mm. These are not fish-eye lenses. Do not
attempt to do panoramic photographs with a fish-eye.
We do not recommend Sigma, Tamron, or any cheap after market lenses
unless you are only taking snapshots for the Internet. If you are
doing serious photography, get a serious lens.
The
snapshots here shows the large format 4x5 seamless digital panorama
system in action in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Notice how
we use a Kart-a-Bag;
this doubles as a cart and as a sturdy table for all the equipment.
You can get this Kart-a-Bag from the company of the same name, a
division of Remin.
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| Here
is the digital panoramic results by Nicholas Hellmuth, fields
in Ozark Mountains of Missouri. |
Next
step in 35mm would be the innovative Hasselblad Xpan.
But
to get mural-sized enlargements, we recommend medium format. A few
cameras such a Horseman SW612 or Linhof Technorama 612 PC II offer
6x12 cm negative size, but if you need an image that proportion
migth as well go all the way to 6x17 cm with the Linhof or Fuji
option. Once you are thinking about this class of equipment you
get into the realm of serious panorama cameras, and at this point
we recommend you join the IAPP.
At one point I had a hand-made adaption of a Linhof ThechnaKardan.
I got it from Ken Hansen in the 1990's. Can't remember wheter it
was one of the Chet Hanchett panos; I believe it was wider than
17 centimeters.
When people talk about serious panorama cameras (with moving lens),
the Linhof Technorama 617 S III or Fuji GX6 17 (6x17
centimeters) are what most people think of first. But everyone who
uses them lists the features they are missing. That is why Dr Gilde
has created his engineering marvel. We recommend the next step deeper
into a serious hobby, second business, home or retirement business
panorama photographer would be to move up to a Gilde camera.
Dr.
Gilde System-Kamera-Technologie
I
have seen these remarkable Gilde 66-17 MST 3D cameras at Photokina
over the years, but have never had a demo model available to try
it out. Off hand it appears to have every feature that is missing
on the Fuji 617 and Linhof 617. If you wish to acquire more direct
information, contact gilde@gilde-kamera.de.
IAPP, International
Association of Panorama Photographers
The
best magazine for panorama photography is from IAPP, the International
Association of Panorama Photographers. This IAPP magazine covers
every kind of panorama camera equipment that was ever made. The
only camera not well covered are what we have found to be the two
best: the best for traditional film being that of Dr Gilde; the
most sophisticated for digital panoramics being that from Better
Light, a panorama camera developed by Michael Collette. IAPP members
use primarily traditional film rather than digital, but they are
open to learning about digital technology.
Exhibit
of Panorama Photographs of Guatemala
The
Popol Vuh Museum recently opened an exhibit of digital photographs
by Nicholas Hellmuth, the exhibit shows over 50 circumferential
rollouts of Maya vases (described on www.maya-archaeology.org).
In addition there is a 15
foot long panorama of Guatemala City, printed on cloth with
a Hewlett-Packard DesignJet 5000ps large format printer.
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