LMAO, 9:22 mark pitching your course! My man, I do enjoy your videos for the presentation and humor. I don't even do this kind of photography but I watch anyway because I enjoy the show.
Fun fact: New 220 film is available under the Shanghai brand. I've purchased several rolls of Shanghai GP3 in 220 recently and shot a roll with flash in the studio w/my RZ67 with good results.
I'm from China and your introduction helped me a lot, I also bought the shenhao 617 camera, for a person familiar with digital cameras, the 617 reversal film is amazingly beautiful. Please keep making related videos.
Very engaging 6x17 documentary, with very personable Narrator, and a review of a good selection of 6X17 cameras - most of which I had never heard of. Well worth watching.
i took a photo of a liquor store the other night with my lowly peasant canon AE1, just wishing i could afford a 6x17. Darn you nick carver! But seriously, your videos have been inspiring me to shoot lately, so thanks
Shen Hao owes you.... big time. I can barely afford to shoot 15 35mm rolls a year so any of these are out of my reach.... nevertheless I watch because I find your videos fascinating, all of them. Loved the desert trains video, and looking forward to more. Cheers Nick
Great video. Shin Hao does owe you! You did not mention 5x7 cameras. These work better than 4x5 as more lens choices and no clipping. I love these cameras. Sad to say I find the GFX 100II suits me better. Maybe if I were a better more skilled photographer. I have been following you for a long time. Your work just keeps getting better. And it doesn’t get better than that !!!
Never been a fan of panoramic photography but because of your videos I gave 6x17 a try and I'm glad I did. I love it now. I went with the Shen Hao SH617 back that goes into my Chamonix 4x5.
I have a Vpan 617 on a monorail system it’s heavy, they’re rare, and the designer passed away. I used it once and so far i like it. Would LOVE a Shen Hao but 🤑
that subliminal stimuli about the course turned my eyes into black holes and I couldn't stop repeating the whole link for 25 minutes straight until I realized it is not the right time to think about buying a 6x17 camera yet :) thanks for all the information you give us for free, though! enjoy the weekend :)
There’s a new entrant to the “hybrid” market Chroma - have their six:17 which is 3d print, but…. Interchangeable film back and full ground glass. And the price is amazing, less than $550 with one cone and one film back.
Superb video! I had a Linhof 612 and miss it terribly. Took it on trips, easy to handhold (if you felt like it, in daylight), and the chromes were sharper than a blade's edge.
Great round up! I recently got a Chamonix 5x7 with a DaYi 617 roll film back,and it is definitely your fault! I love it though. Definitely the right choice for me, since the only thing I need to switch from the 5x7 to 6x17 is just one relatively small film back. Less of an investment too, that DaYi back was a little less than $600 for a camera I was already planning to get. Would recommend. Looking forward to the second half of the series!
Breaking my regulation viewer status to become a comment leaver, thank you for your sick obsession for all thing 6x17 photography. I only shoot an Xpan currently but I cannot wait to get a 6x17 in the near future.
Another crazy, Carver created wonderful video. Of course. I had never thought much about 6x17 but I am awaiting your further videos to see if I would consider entering that arena. Thanks for all that tasty info Mr. C !!!
Awesome video Nick! I have, and love, the Fujifilm G617. I sometines wish for a bit more telephoto, but all in all I love it. It has become my most used Camera!
Fantastic overview of 6x17, Nick! Thanks for posting this. FWIW KB Canham also makes a 6x17 back (and it's motorized!) bt for their 5x7 cameras.. ... and yes, Shen Hao needs to send you one of those beautiful ebony cameras!
Good to know. Makes much more sense having a 6x17 back for a 5x7 instead of a 4x5, but I never hear about that one. I suppose because 4x5 tends to be more common.
It would be great if some of the other newer large format camera manufacturers made 6x17 offerings. Intrepid has been doing 4x5, 5x7, 8x10 for a while, at fairly affordable prices. Ondu has some interesting cameras coming down the pike, including a 4x10, but that’s still sheet film. And while at least DaYi makes a 617 back for 5x7 that seems flush rather than recessed like the 4x5 backs, it still means that you’d need a full-size 5x7 camera, and a dedicated 6x17 would be a bit smaller.
Nick got me hooked on 6x17 and my Shen Hao is my favorite camera. Watching Nick's videos can lead for serious spending. One other thing to note: If you do your own darkroom printing, you will need an 8x10 enlarger, since a 4x5 enlarger cannot physically handle a negative that wide. It's definitely a wonderful format, and I prefer it to 6x12 by a wide margin.
I had a Linhof Technorama in the late 80s and was always a bit annoyed that a had no tilt and shift. I had to sell it in the2000s anyway and family things had priority. Then about 2 years ago i stumbled about your video about the Shen Hao and since then i watched out for a used one. This year i got one finally from a young photographer who had to sell for the same reasons i had once to sell. It came together with 2 filmbacks for a reasonable price. I love that camera although i did not find time to shoot so much as i want this year. But vacation time comes soon… Thank for that series about 6x17…
I use a 5x7 view camera for most of my work, and occasionally want a panoramic composition. Since I've been on a weight watching streak I really don't want the added weight (and cost) of a 6x17 back, so use a modified dark slide instead. For the cost of about an ounce or so (a dark slide cut down to expose half of the frame), I get to do 6x17 if the composition calls for it. Hardly any extra weight, and the only cost aside from an ounce or so and an old dark slide that I already had, is keeping track of which side of the film holder is exposed. If I were to do much more 6x17 it might be worth a dedicated camera, but the modified dark slide works well for me.
Another great video. I purchased that 1980s bad boy Fuji 617 and love it. You might mention the filters you should use to "even out' the light across that wide view. Mine came with 77 mm centre ND filter (Marumi). I also use bull dog clips to fasten my Lee Filter holder on those bull bars for ND filters (little and big stopper). And you are right very hit and miss with any graduated filter to find centre/horizon. I have to scan the negative myself (using Epson 700) as the pro-lab can not do this, they can only do half and you have to stick them. I really appreciate your videos and bought the light meter course (and a Pentax spot meter V), use the range finder method to focus this beast and epson scanning lesson. Long live film photography (I learnt on a Yashica-D back in La Mirada high school in the mid-60s). Have you noticed you can not buy colour 35 mm film at the moment? too many hipsters out there.
I'm tempted to get the 5x7 back for chamonix hs1. The 5x7 6x17 adapters seem like a much better option and most of the benefits of a dedicated 617 view camera without the lens limitations of the 4x5 versions being offset. just a bit bulkier but then you can also shoot 5x7.
Hello Nick, I hope you and your love ones are doing well. I love the aspect ratio, and I was looking to buy a Hasselblad X-Pan but they are super expensive so the next best thing and cheaper was to buy the Shen Hao SH TFC617-A and I did it. Practice time now. Thank you for all the videos you made/make and keep the great work!
Great news Nick, shanghai just last year put 220 back into production! Im looking at some GP3 here which i love, in 220, and dated for october 2024. It may not be colour, but 220 lives!!!!
A great video. The best channel For panoramic and films photos! You are a very good teacher. And Good idea you put subtitles. It s Very nice for french people. It s Much easier to understand you!
Hi Nick! Your liquor store video inspired me to buy the Shen Hao 6x17. You missed one other 6x17 type..the Noblex 150/175 swing lens 6x17 camera. Kind of a Widelux on steroids. But takes excellent images. You might also mention pinhole 6x17’s too? But like you, the Shen Hao is my first love. Looking forward to your next video, especially lenses!, so far, I’m all Nikkor….can’t wait for the rest of the series. I’m stuck on panoramic….
I have a 6x17 pinhole camera from Realty so Subtle. It has a curved film plane so there is no light fall off .Uses 120 film ,4 shots per roll has a 140 degree FOV . Has 2 pinholes to give you a way to have horizon higher or lower on your composition. Takes a while to figure out how to achieve good compositions with such a wide view but you can get some very nice shots when you figure it out. It makes very nice contact prints and hi rez scans can give you a relatively sharp , vaguely soft look ,I print up to 6.5 x20 inch and looks very nice. It is fun to shoot.
thanks for the great overview. trying out ine of the shen haos would be splendid! i have a Reality So Subtle 6x17 pinhole camera and it‘s lots of fun if you don‘t expect a perfect framing and exposure obviously…
I've been talking to Angus Noble about his new 6x17 camera which I think is a good deal for the money. He is happy to work with my 125mm Fuji lens. However one sticking point for me is that you can't easily switch between using that lens with 4x5 and 6x17. I think he is also looking at an optical viewfinder.
On my Wista a 75mm lens worked well with a 6x17 back for 4x5" cameras. With the wide angle bellows there was also some movement of the lens possible. Worked well from the view of the images but was a bit finicky. I never used it much and eventually sold it.
Worth mentioning that Joseph Koudelka did a ton of work with a pair of 6x17's on his shoulders and shooting them like giant Leicas. Cool shitake, big time. Which 115 are you using? I'm thinking about getting one for my 5x7, only have the 120 Angulon now. Cheers man, dig the shows.
Our local shop in Tulsa had an estate sale complete GX617 kit in mint condition that sold for $9900 with a full set of lenses. Beautiful camera but its all-in to own one (for me anyway).
Great series. I owned a Panoraflex 617 with a 90mm lens in the past and sold it for the Linhof Technorama 617 SIII with 72 and 180mm lens. I love the Shenhao but I found it when I already owned the Linhof and since I know the ex-owner I will never trade it in. I added the Reality So Subtle 617 and it is one of my most loved camera. Maybe something interesting to add to your collection as well ;)
There are roll film backs for 5x7 view cameras that would not have the focal length limitations of the backs for 4x5 cameras. Canham even makes a motorized one.
great systematic review of these cameras, but one thing if you need to use 220 it would be far cheaper to get a 24 exp. hasselblad back for these cameras, and add it to a flexbody, than the expense of on of these panoramic format cameras, or even go for a Mamiya universal or super 23 press camera (6x9)- a cheaper 'almost panoramic' format, and these DO use 220, just turn the scale on the winder, OR go by the numbering system on the back itself, (red-window) style film indexing.
I'm having problems using my Shen Hao 6x17 back on my Toyo 45CF. I cannot seem to get my front standard to attach to the rails and allow myself to focus to infinity. The front standard has to be set up too far back and I run out of rail. I'm just barely able to get enough contact to partially secure the front standard to the rail. I am using a 135mm lens, it's the best choice considering my other two lenses (90mm and 210mm) are not ideal with my current problem. I appreciate that it is due to the focus plan with the 6x17 back being about 45mm further back from where the camera's native focal plane is located. I've tried recessed lens boards to try and help with the problem but still no dice. The lens is so far back into the board that you cannot get to the levers to make adjustments to aperture and shutter speed, along with being able to cock the shutter. Ultimately I've come to the conclusion that this is a good as it is going to get.
There's a Chinese dude who made a new Hybrid style 617 camera and sold dozens of them last year. The body, film back and lens cones are all made of aluminum, and the overall build quality seems quite nice to me. I can send you a link if you are interested.
The Intrepid company in the UK makes some affordable view cameras. If I weren't satisfied with my Linhof Technika and Graflex 4X5 cameras, I think I'd give an Intrepid 4X5 a look.
I always wonder, with trying to focus on the view camera in lower light, could you shine a laser point onto the object you're focusing on? It seems silly, but it feels like you'd be able to see it from a distance and it could be really useful. Let me know if I'm crazy!
The Fuji 617 looks as tough as Rocky IV. For best results, Doc said to set the shutter speed to exactly 88 mph. KITT, pick up Nick on the way to The Breakfast Club so he can grab a pano of Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy.
I have the G617 and absolutely love it but I know I will end up getting a view camera at some point. Need those movements. I had the 6x17 back for my 4x5 but hit the same problems you mentioned. You can't go wife or long very easily. It might be worth mentioning centre filters on the next video. It really makes a difference on the G617 and with my 90mm.
@Ben Reynolds: I got it wrong: I thought you're talking about the G617 WITH 90mm. Sorry for that. Btw. I also have the G617 and I love it. There are a lot of limitations, on the other hand the camera is fast and easy to use.
I know you probably dont like this option, as sharpness isn’t very good. Nevertheless, I shoot 6x17 on two cameras, a home made 3D printed pinhole camera and a RealitySoSubtle pinhole camera. I have some gorgeous results, at least in my opinion, but you probably wouldnt like the lack of perfect sharpness.
Great video Nick ! Damm your a good salesman I just ordered the ebony 617 !! Only joking Truthfully after reading Alex Burkes blogs on 617 where he ways up the pros and cons i decided to stick to a 45 field camera and crop my images to 617 or 612 Perhaps when the world settles down and the dollar ain't spanking my pathetic £££ I will go for the she hao 617
Great video! Minor correction - there are lens cones for the Tomiyama Art 170 to support different focal lengths, though "you're on your own buddy" when it comes to figuring out the frame lines if you don't want to use the ground glass. I love mine, but am selling it to fund more 4x5 gear (shameless plug, DM me for details ;) )
Uh. Nick… what about the fotoman 617?! Dafuqs wrong with that one?! In all seriousness, sold my gx617 to get the fotoman and haven’t looked back. Only downside are the cones take up space and I hate the four screws which are clumsy and easy to lose. Otherwise, I think it’s the perfect design for 6x17
i'm so tempted to buy a 617 back for my 4x5 camera, but the price are absurd. I think I'll buy a gx617 when something comes up affordably. There is a guy asking 5k CAD for one near me but the lens has white markings everywhere (claims its not fungus) and im assuming its the paint depeeling from inside the lens.
There is actually now 1 whole company making 220 again, namely Shanghai GP3, though I only know of 1 supplier for me to get any and I can't use it with my TLR anyway
