Fuji G617

Fuji makes some strange and wonderful cameras.  Among these is the Fuji GX617.   (I have the older "G" model, with a fixed 105mm lens).  Using 120 roll film, the 617 takes a frame 2.25" wide by 7 inches long.  Essentially, that’s half of a 5X7" sheet film!  Remarkably the camera can be hand-held, though you wouldn’t want to.

The image height to width ratio is 3:1.  (Click here for a discussion on aspect ratios). Also, only 4 pictures can be made per 120 roll and accurate framing isn’t easy unless a ground-glass is used, (only when the camera is empty of film, of course).

Joshua Tree National Park — 1998

The Fuji’s wide 105mm lens (there are 90mm, 105mm, 180mm and 300mm lenses available for the GX)‚ needs a 2-stop centre ND filter to provide a completely even exposure field.  The shot above didnotinclude its use and you can see the subsequent darkening of the upper left and right hand sky.  I should have used it.  Photographs of scenes without areas of clear sky seldom require its use.

Shenandoah Sunrise — 1998

A more critical issue with the Fuji, as with all wide-format and panoramic cameras is that they must be positioned absolutely level. Anytilt whatsoever will ruin the photograph.  The Fuji 617 has built in bubble-levels for this purpose.

Guest Photographer Alain Briot uses the Fuji 617 as well. A portfolio of his panoramic images can be foundhereand an essay on why he uses theFuji GX617panoramic format camera can be foundhere.