I just ordered a Chroma Camera 6x17. I loved the engineering and simplicity of the components- Looking forward to getting out there and capturing some images. I love the wide format.
Oh wow. I was completely unaware of that system. I’ll need to check it out. Looks like a great option. Funny you just found this video today because I spent the morning out shooting 6x17. You’ll have to let me know how that camera performs!
Just a few more thoughts on this very exciting camera. As there are three shoe mounts on top, I bought two of the best quality bubble levels, and if they are both in identical alignment, then I know I have a perfectly horizontal camera. Also, I use an acrotech leveling base, and then make minor horizontal panning adjustments from there. With 90 mm lens, even a small tilt forward or backwards will cause bowing.I don’t use the ground glass since depending on it for critical focus means that you’re obligated to shoot the entire roll of film for a single composition. ($20!!) Since I use primarily the 90 mm lens at f22/32, I almost always get sharp images f to b with with focus set at infinity.
WHAT?! Looking through the ground glass is my favorite part!!! Hahaha I get what you’re saying about not needing to burn a whole roll of film on a shot but I ALWAYS use the GG whenever I can just because I love how the scene looks on the GG. But I agree, I’ll often keep the camera mounted and stop down/use a laser distance measure if I need to recompose mid roll
Seems to be quite a bulky system with a lot of parts. I've been shooting 6x17 with a Shen Hao view camera and just love the format. Lens swapping is extremely easy...I keep each of my lenses on its own lens board...just clip one in in a matter of seconds and you're good to go. Mine is definitely not suitable for handheld shooting, however. For film, I lean towards Portra 400 and Ilford Delta 100. The only downside with 6x17 is the limit of four images per roll of film...so I'm generally more attentive to composition and exposure.
Definitely pros and cons to both. I like the shenhao because it has movements and is much more compact. However, it’s also heavier. On the other hand, the camera I have takes longer to set up and as you mention the lens cones are a pain and take up a lot of space. I may some day swap for the foldable shen hao version but the ones I’ve seen are extremely pricey. What I usually do is if I want the option to use camera movements I can always throw a film back on the 4x5. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Wonderful work sir :-) I have a fotoman Mkii but didn't realize you can still buy cones, ground glass, and spacers for them. can I ask where you managed to get them from, please?
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately I’ve had to scrounge online for anything I could find. I was lucky when I purchased the camera it came with quite a bit. I still keep an eye on eBay for items that might come up. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this fantastic video! I also own and use a Fotoman 617, almost exclusively with Provia 100 film, but, as usual, you take it to a higher level! I share your frustrations with the Viewfinder, and I typically use it only to find the exact center point of the frame. I also agree that the red window makes it tough to see the film frame number, and I’m very hesitant to shine a flashlight directly on it! Love seeing the slides on the light table! your exposures we’re beautiful! I’m looking forward to more of your videos making images on 6 x 17 film. Thanks! Eugene
Thanks, Eugene! Ektar 100 is even harder to see through that stupid red window! Glad you enjoyed the images. This is by far my favorite format to shoot so you’ll be seeing it much more. I really want to do more hiking with it this winter at RMNP and have some ideas for scenes with rolling “snow dunes” at first light.
Hello! I use the Fotoman 624 system. I have found that using a red lensed flashlight to view the film numbers through the small hole doesn't affect the film image.
Another thing I learned to prevent lens condensation when I’m in colder weather and going back-and-forth between my warmer car and outside, I’ll keep the camera in a large Ziploc bag filled with those silicone desiccator bags and only open the ziplock bag outside in the cold.
Great tip. I keep all my lenses in a drawer with those moisture absorbers and never thought to try that in the field. Brilliant! I’ll give it a shot this winter for sure.
Great vid & photos. The clouds kept me wanting to see more of the sky. I mean really wanting to see it. I guess multi row panos are out of the ? with film? Maybe a 12"x 20"! Do they make one of them? Nice work.
Haha I wouldn’t stay they’re out of the question. I haven’t tried it before but I don’t see why not. Minus the fact the scanned file would melt my computer haha. I definitely wish I panned up a little more to show more sky but was worried about losing the aspens and ridge. I shot some ektar 100 with a wider lens as well but haven’t scanned them yet and it’s hard to show color negative images on a light table
The detail in those images is just amazing! I agree that the image could have used a bit more "breathing room" at the top of the frame, but believe me, these kinds of images are what I dream of taking with my digital "stuff." Well done!
Thanks David! I definitely goofed not leaving more breathing room but think when printed large it will looks great. Usually I have my phone on a hot shoe Mount so it’s fixed. As you can see in the video I was fiddling with it trying to line it up and just didn’t quite nail it. Glad you enjoyed the images though!
I thought WooHoo an afordable 617 but Dam, it looks like Fuji is still the way. Cracking scene and nice light, I'd probably go with the later softer light.
Thanks Andrew. Curious on your thoughts on why the Fuji is still the way to go? It’s a fantastic camera and a joy to use but the lack of lens selection was a killer for me. To get a full set of lenses with the Fuji you’d be looking at close to ten grand for a 30 year old camera… I’d rather spend a quarter of that (I got mine for $1400 with two lenses) and save the rest for film. Would love to hear your thoughts though!
@@MrNegative that sounds like a great deal and you're right to go for it. I only said that as I just had a quick google and the UK price for that Fotoman is more than the Fuji! TBH I stopped using film and sold mt RB67 kit because I didn't use it enough but always said I'd like to do 617, the way prices have gone it's going to be a printed plastic one or make one 🤣 (I'm a machinist but lack the knowledge to put together a camera)
@@andrewsimpson5436 ew that’s absurd!!! I can’t believe the prices have gone up so much! I should have mentioned I did buy mine used on eBay years ago. The 3d printed options are definitely something I’ll keep an eye out on for weight savings alone. I’m right there with you on the prices that keep going up. I far too often leave the film camera in the bag because I will think, “do I like the shot… yes… do I like it for $20… ehhh maybe not.”
I agree with your pick of photograph. It is truly beautiful. I am not into panoramic cameras as I mostly stick to 4X5 for large format, but if you ever wished to upgrade, have a look at the Alvandi 617 . The engineering is on a different level, pricy though.
I found that with my Fuji GX 617 90mm lens, though super sharp and renders beautifully, it’s image circle is relatively small so I always found myself using the center filter to avoid vignetting. With my Fotoman, the 90 mm lens that I’m using has a large image circle and thus no vignetting that I can see. This gives me an extra stop and a half to work with!
I was never able to find a damn 90mm for mine haha. But the ones I did find didn’t have a center filter so I never pulled the trigger for exactly that reason. Don’t get me wrong, if somebody gifted me a gfx with all the lenses I’d be a happy man but the flexibility of the Fotoman makes it worth the minor annoyances
@@MrNegative It would be nice, there are many garbage pictures on the web, and you are hiding some really nice masterpieces in a small size, at an angle though a light table captured with video camera, compressed by youtube, at a timestamp in a small portion of video. there are many picture hosting and / or social media websites you can put them on.
Can you give any info on getting to this vantage point? Perhaps a trail head name or something? I'm a single father and its difficult to figure it out while im there i need a plan because im usually only able to get away for 1-2 days
Sorry, there really is no trail (that I’m aware of). It’s really just bushwhacking up the side of the mountain. It’s a pain and I end up on a slightly different route every time I go.
I actually use two. This one allows you to select a film simulation and has some other features I like: apps.apple.com/us/app/viewfinder-preview/id1216484605
And this one allows you to see multiple focal lengths at once: apps.apple.com/us/app/mark-ii-artists-viewfinder/id711280537 I generally use the second one to find a composition and then the first one to refine it if I have time
I just ordered a Chroma Camera 6x17. I loved the engineering and simplicity of the components- Looking forward to getting out there and capturing some images. I love the wide format.
Oh wow. I was completely unaware of that system. I’ll need to check it out. Looks like a great option. Funny you just found this video today because I spent the morning out shooting 6x17. You’ll have to let me know how that camera performs!
Just a few more thoughts on this very exciting camera. As there are three shoe mounts on top, I bought two of the best quality bubble levels, and if they are both in identical alignment, then I know I have a perfectly horizontal camera. Also, I use an acrotech leveling base, and then make minor horizontal panning adjustments from there. With 90 mm lens, even a small tilt forward or backwards will cause bowing.I don’t use the ground glass since depending on it for critical focus means that you’re obligated to shoot the entire roll of film for a single composition. ($20!!) Since I use primarily the 90 mm lens at f22/32, I almost always get sharp images f to b with with focus set at infinity.
WHAT?! Looking through the ground glass is my favorite part!!! Hahaha I get what you’re saying about not needing to burn a whole roll of film on a shot but I ALWAYS use the GG whenever I can just because I love how the scene looks on the GG. But I agree, I’ll often keep the camera mounted and stop down/use a laser distance measure if I need to recompose mid roll
Seems to be quite a bulky system with a lot of parts. I've been shooting 6x17 with a Shen Hao view camera and just love the format. Lens swapping is extremely easy...I keep each of my lenses on its own lens board...just clip one in in a matter of seconds and you're good to go. Mine is definitely not suitable for handheld shooting, however. For film, I lean towards Portra 400 and Ilford Delta 100. The only downside with 6x17 is the limit of four images per roll of film...so I'm generally more attentive to composition and exposure.
Definitely pros and cons to both. I like the shenhao because it has movements and is much more compact. However, it’s also heavier. On the other hand, the camera I have takes longer to set up and as you mention the lens cones are a pain and take up a lot of space. I may some day swap for the foldable shen hao version but the ones I’ve seen are extremely pricey. What I usually do is if I want the option to use camera movements I can always throw a film back on the 4x5. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Fantastic images and very inspiring thank you.
Thank you, Darren! I appreciate it!
Wonderful work sir :-) I have a fotoman Mkii but didn't realize you can still buy cones, ground glass, and spacers for them. can I ask where you managed to get them from, please?
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately I’ve had to scrounge online for anything I could find. I was lucky when I purchased the camera it came with quite a bit. I still keep an eye on eBay for items that might come up. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this fantastic video! I also own and use a Fotoman 617, almost exclusively with Provia 100 film, but, as usual, you take it to a higher level! I share your frustrations with the Viewfinder, and I typically use it only to find the exact center point of the frame. I also agree that the red window makes it tough to see the film frame number, and I’m very hesitant to shine a flashlight directly on it! Love seeing the slides on the light table! your exposures we’re beautiful! I’m looking forward to more of your videos making images on 6 x 17 film. Thanks! Eugene
Thanks, Eugene! Ektar 100 is even harder to see through that stupid red window! Glad you enjoyed the images. This is by far my favorite format to shoot so you’ll be seeing it much more. I really want to do more hiking with it this winter at RMNP and have some ideas for scenes with rolling “snow dunes” at first light.
Hello! I use the Fotoman 624 system. I have found that using a red lensed flashlight to view the film numbers through the small hole doesn't affect the film image.
Beautiful images. Bravo. Where can Fotoman be bought?
Thank you! I bought mine used I’m not sure they’re still being made
Another thing I learned to prevent lens condensation when I’m in colder weather and going back-and-forth between my warmer car and outside, I’ll keep the camera in a large Ziploc bag filled with those silicone desiccator bags and only open the ziplock bag outside in the cold.
Great tip. I keep all my lenses in a drawer with those moisture absorbers and never thought to try that in the field. Brilliant! I’ll give it a shot this winter for sure.
Great vid & photos. The clouds kept me wanting to see more of the sky. I mean really wanting to see it. I guess multi row panos are out of the ? with film? Maybe a 12"x 20"! Do they make one of them? Nice work.
Haha I wouldn’t stay they’re out of the question. I haven’t tried it before but I don’t see why not. Minus the fact the scanned file would melt my computer haha. I definitely wish I panned up a little more to show more sky but was worried about losing the aspens and ridge. I shot some ektar 100 with a wider lens as well but haven’t scanned them yet and it’s hard to show color negative images on a light table
@@MrNegative All good. Still, very nice photos. You live in a beautiful part of the country.
The detail in those images is just amazing! I agree that the image could have used a bit more "breathing room" at the top of the frame, but believe me, these kinds of images are what I dream of taking with my digital "stuff." Well done!
Thanks David! I definitely goofed not leaving more breathing room but think when printed large it will looks great. Usually I have my phone on a hot shoe Mount so it’s fixed. As you can see in the video I was fiddling with it trying to line it up and just didn’t quite nail it. Glad you enjoyed the images though!
I thought WooHoo an afordable 617 but Dam, it looks like Fuji is still the way.
Cracking scene and nice light, I'd probably go with the later softer light.
Thanks Andrew. Curious on your thoughts on why the Fuji is still the way to go? It’s a fantastic camera and a joy to use but the lack of lens selection was a killer for me. To get a full set of lenses with the Fuji you’d be looking at close to ten grand for a 30 year old camera… I’d rather spend a quarter of that (I got mine for $1400 with two lenses) and save the rest for film. Would love to hear your thoughts though!
@@MrNegative that sounds like a great deal and you're right to go for it. I only said that as I just had a quick google and the UK price for that Fotoman is more than the Fuji!
TBH I stopped using film and sold mt RB67 kit because I didn't use it enough but always said I'd like to do 617, the way prices have gone it's going to be a printed plastic one or make one 🤣 (I'm a machinist but lack the knowledge to put together a camera)
@@andrewsimpson5436 ew that’s absurd!!! I can’t believe the prices have gone up so much! I should have mentioned I did buy mine used on eBay years ago. The 3d printed options are definitely something I’ll keep an eye out on for weight savings alone. I’m right there with you on the prices that keep going up. I far too often leave the film camera in the bag because I will think, “do I like the shot… yes… do I like it for $20… ehhh maybe not.”
I agree with your pick of photograph. It is truly beautiful. I am not into panoramic cameras as I mostly stick to 4X5 for large format, but if you ever wished to upgrade, have a look at the Alvandi 617 . The engineering is on a different level, pricy though.
Oh wow that looks like a gorgeous camera system. Just when I was thinking I was content with my kit haha!
I found that with my Fuji GX 617 90mm lens, though super sharp and renders beautifully, it’s image circle is relatively small so I always found myself using the center filter to avoid vignetting. With my Fotoman, the 90 mm lens that I’m using has a large image circle and thus no vignetting that I can see. This gives me an extra stop and a half to work with!
I was never able to find a damn 90mm for mine haha. But the ones I did find didn’t have a center filter so I never pulled the trigger for exactly that reason. Don’t get me wrong, if somebody gifted me a gfx with all the lenses I’d be a happy man but the flexibility of the Fotoman makes it worth the minor annoyances
nice
Thank you, James!
is it possible to see the scans on the web somewhere?
Sorry, I don’t have the scans posted anywhere to view. That’s a good idea though I will try and do something similar in the future
@@MrNegative It would be nice, there are many garbage pictures on the web, and you are hiding some really nice masterpieces in a small size, at an angle though a light table captured with video camera, compressed by youtube, at a timestamp in a small portion of video. there are many picture hosting and / or social media websites you can put them on.
Can you give any info on getting to this vantage point? Perhaps a trail head name or something? I'm a single father and its difficult to figure it out while im there i need a plan because im usually only able to get away for 1-2 days
Sorry, there really is no trail (that I’m aware of). It’s really just bushwhacking up the side of the mountain. It’s a pain and I end up on a slightly different route every time I go.
@@MrNegative thanks for the reply. Is there a start point? What road do you take to where you park?
Could you share a link to the viewfinder app? Thank you!
I actually use two. This one allows you to select a film simulation and has some other features I like: apps.apple.com/us/app/viewfinder-preview/id1216484605
And this one allows you to see multiple focal lengths at once: apps.apple.com/us/app/mark-ii-artists-viewfinder/id711280537 I generally use the second one to find a composition and then the first one to refine it if I have time
Thank you so much, really appreciated!
You’re very welcome. Happy to help.