Steelhead Falls

Well said Bob.

I'm not sure why the word "gimmick" has negative connotations, but it seems it does, and there seems to be some upset here.
Based on our conversations regarding other times he has experimented with this, I think Bob was being playful with this - trying it out, seeing how the inclusion of the rebate and sprocket holes either works (or doesn't) with the subject and with what he was trying to express. It is sort of like a poet confining himself to iambic pentameter, to see if the restrictions of the structure can be made to enhance the poem, rather than weaken it.
The inclusion of the rebate and sprocket holes could be nothing more than a crutch or, if you prefer, a gimmick, but I certainly don't see that here (or in Bob's other examples of this sort of play that I have seen).
I can, however, see that some might find it overly distracting, and have trouble getting past it. For those, I think the adage YMMV is entirely appropriate.

@jtk I haven't noticed any problems with it.

@MattKing I agree with your general perspective on this.... I'd take that a bit further:

Yes, we can make shots like this, without sprocket holes, with wide lenses...in fact, we can shoot similar vertical panoramas without distortion and without cropping, by various inexpensive digicams (panorama mode can be used vertically).

For me, these "rebate"/sprocket-holes are interesting in themselves, actively POSITIVE:

Would make a very interesting mural.

gimmick
noun
an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, especially one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.
a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal: An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.
a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.
Electronics Informal. a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.
verb (used with object)
to equip or embellish with unnecessary features, especially in order to increase salability, acceptance, etc. (often followed by up):to gimmick up a sports car with chrome and racing stripes.
verb (used without object)
to resort to gimmickry, especially habitually.

I don't feel the use of the word "gimmick" was made in a positive manner. By definition there doesn't seem to be many uses of the word that are complimentary. I'm all for constructive critiques. Not cheap shots.

I meant no disrespect here, and I'm sorry if I have offended anyone. I have used this gimmick myself from time to time. I did say in the original post that I liked the image. I also use pinhole cameras, Holgas, panoramas, and anything else I can get my hands on.

I used the word gimmick because the image includes things not found in most of the images in this forum. Namely the sprocket holes, frame numbers, and other texts. It would have been a good image without these things. But with these things, I find it interesting.

No offense intended. This was not intended to be a cheap shot. The first few words of the definition above are "ingenious or novel".

I in nowise support or use gimmickry in my photography or other aspects of life. I employ creative license through visual expression.
I think a wise man or woman once said , “if you can’t say anything nice, shouldn’t speak at all. “. However, intelligent, constructive critics welcomed.
To keep everyone happy ... here you are:

This image has been regrammed by ILFORD PHOTO with almost 1100 acknowledgments by real people. Maybe it doesn't mean much ... just thought I'd share that with y'all.

Visit PhotoBob's gallery to see other examples of this device used well.

Thanks JTK