Are there any MF still cameras that can shoot (Approx.) a 2.2.1 aspect ratio?

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Feb 11, 2024

Though it'll definitely be some time before I can afford to buy myself another nice camera, I've been thinking I'd want some MF cameras that can get as close as possible to 70mm cinema aspect ratios. I've already determined I want something like a Fuji gx680 is about the same as a true imax aspect ratio, however, I don't know any cameras that would give me something closer to standard 70mm, or if any were ever made. if there are, I'd be genuinely interested to know about them.

Dan Fromm · Feb 11, 2024

Shoot 2x3 (6x9 in metric) and crop.

ic-racer · Feb 11, 2024

If 4.5 x 9cm is too small, check out a 6x12cm camera.

OAPOli · Feb 11, 2024

Other options. a) 35mm film (via adapter) in horizontal travel and 220-compatible cameras (e.g. Pentax 67, Fuji 690). b) Mask the film back of vertical travel SLRs (Hasselblad, Bronica, etc) and fool the camera to make half-frames (via double-exposure and manual film advance). See example below from Bronica SQ-A. That'll be pretty close to a cinema frame.

20210327_142006(1) by Olivier, on Flickr

PS. GX680 shoots 6x8 frames i.e. 4:3 ratio

Dan Daniel · Feb 11, 2024

There is the Fuji 6x17, which makes nominal ~6cm by 17cm negatives. I think they are in the $2000 area. And interchangeable lenses, I believe.

There are old Kodak cameras that used roll film of a wider width than 120. And made wonderfully long negatives. It isn't hard to add metal rails on each side of the image opening to make 120 film usable. Kodak 616 film, for example, is 4.25 inches long. So you could take one of the cameras that used this size, buy adapters to be able to use 120 film, mask off the image area, and get about a 2x4.25 image. On a good day, you could use just the film transport part of the camera and install a better lens and helical system on the front.

Here's a list of Kodak formats which might lead you to a good camera to start with.

The History of Kodak Roll Films - The Brownie Camera Page

benveniste · Feb 11, 2024

While there were quite a few cameras made marketed as 6x13cm, as far as I know they were all stereo cameras. Croma makes a modestly priced 6x12 camera, but I know nothing about it save that it exists.

Romanko · Feb 12, 2024

You can adapt a 6.5 x 11.5 cm folding camera (for type 116 / 616 film) to use 120 type film. This is probably the closest to your target ratio. Make your reduction mask a bit narrower than nominal 60 mm and you get the exact ratio. This is probably the cheapest option as type 116 folders can be found for less than $100. The adapters are inexpensive and the mask can be cut out of card paper.

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Feb 12, 2024

ic-racer said:
If 4.5 x 9cm is too small, check out a 6x12cm camera.

interesting- what are some of these camera's names?

OAPOli said:
Other options. a) 35mm film (via adapter) in horizontal travel and 220-compatible cameras (e.g. Pentax 67, Fuji 690). b) Mask the film back of vertical travel SLRs (Hasselblad, Bronica, etc) and fool the camera to make half-frames (via double-exposure and manual film advance). See example below from Bronica SQ-A. That'll be pretty close to a cinema frame.

20210327_142006(1) by Olivier, on Flickr

PS. GX680 shoots 6x8 frames i.e. 4:3 ratio

would a 6x7 adaptor be expensive and where could I get one?

Romanko said:
You can adapt a 6.5 x 11.5 cm folding camera (for type 116 / 616 film) to use 120 type film. This is probably the closest to your target ratio. Make your reduction mask a bit narrower than nominal 60 mm and you get the exact ratio. This is probably the cheapest option as type 116 folders can be found for less than $100. The adapters are inexpensive and the mask can be cut out of card paper.

I've got a 1946 expired 116 verichrome I've wanted to use for something, but the problem is finding a camera that doesn't have damaged bellows. plus, finding 120 adaptors isn't that difficult

Oldwino · Feb 12, 2024

Do check out the Chroma cameras https://chroma.camera/en-us/collections/six-12-medium-format-camera-system

I‘ve not used them, but there are some interesting cameras available.

Kino · Feb 12, 2024

TheGreatGasMaskMan said:
I've got a 1946 expired 116 verichrome I've wanted to use for something, but the problem is finding a camera that doesn't have damaged bellows. plus, finding 120 adaptors isn't that difficult

If you have a smaller format camera that can utilize a heavy paper bellows, this website will generate a plan for a very reasonable fee.

Bellows project tailor-made for you – only images

apenasimagens.com

OAPOli · Feb 12, 2024

TheGreatGasMaskMan said:
would a 6x7 adaptor be expensive and where could I get one?

Look for "35mm to 120 film adapter"

Donald Qualls · Feb 12, 2024

Any 6x7 camera that takes 220 can feed and advance 35 mm and (if you crop off the sprocket holes) give approximate 24x67 to 24x70 mm frame. A mask in the viewfinder will aid in framing. It's a bit wider than 2.2:1 in fact; you're closely in the range of 2.8:1. With an RB67 or Pentax, you can use a wide angle lens (I have a 50 mm for my RB67) to get a pretty wide panoramic frame.

Even a 6x6 will give you 24x56 = 2.3:1, but most 220 capable 6x6 cameras are vertical travel...

The 220 backs for RB67 are quite reasonable since 220 film went out of production (aside from home-rollers and Shanghai). If you bulk load your film, you can splice on a length of leader material to stand in for the paper header on 220, take up to a second cassette, and arrange for the film to come off the supply side spool (blue painter's tape apparently does this naturally?!), and be able to reload in the field while still getting 20 shots on a roll.

Romanko · Feb 12, 2024

TheGreatGasMaskMan said:
the problem is finding a camera that doesn't have damaged bellows

There are several box cameras in this format.

Romanko · Feb 13, 2024

Eugen Mezei said:
But if I could get 220 than I would buy even Shanghai.

Kodak Aerocolor is available in 220 format from ReflxLab:

Reflx Lab Pro100 Color Negative Film-220

Respooled from Aerocolor 2460 Fine grain, low noise Medium saturation, medium contrast Daylight balanced film, ideal for outdoor shooting during the day Film Format: 220 color negative ISO: 100 Process: C-41 (it can also be cross processed in E-6, by which you will get slide film) If you plan to...

reflxlab.com

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Feb 13, 2024

Eugen Mezei said:
Shanghai still produces 220 format? Where can I get it? I never considered Shanghai, as I prefer controlled quality. But if I could get 220 than I would buy even Shanghai.

just be wary they're known for quality control issues- I got a 127 gp3 where the backing paper was wound backwards

B&W FILM

Buy Camera Film Online - Offical Shanghai GP3 Film and Darkroom Shop，we offer free delivery,buy vest black and white Film in SHJCFILM :35mm film,120 film,kodak,fujifilm, large formate film

shop.shjcfilm.com

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Feb 14, 2024

No- I mean the start arrow side was at the end of the roll

Donald Qualls · Feb 20, 2024

Yes, Shanghai appears to have poorly trained line workers and little quality control -- but the actual emulsion seems quite good (if soft -- but then so is Fomapan), and they produce 127, 620, and 220 with new, fresh film and backing paper. Their prices are also good. If you can tolerate a little "lottery" in terms of a good roll or bad roll, they are a valid source for these obsolete formats. If you're primarily a recreational user, you should be fine; if you're serious about your image quality, you may have to accept that 220 is done...

Dan Daniel · Feb 20, 2024

Just ran across this for the first time. Looks like it wouldn't be too hard to get them to take on making a different aspect ratio? It's just stretching in one dimension-

Medium format cameras -

doragoodman.com

grain elevator · Feb 20, 2024

Dan Daniel said:
Just ran across this for the first time. Looks like it wouldn't be too hard to get them to take on making a different aspect ratio? It's just stretching in one dimension-

Medium format cameras -

doragoodman.com

These look well designed, apart from the viewfinders which I find dubious. Being cheap/poor, I'd try printing something myself or having one of the published designs printed and putting in some diy work. Well that or the route described above, feeding a 120 SLR 135 film. A somewhat affordable candidate not mentioned above might be the pentacon six and Kiev equivalent.

Sirius Glass · Feb 20, 2024

Please define the 2.2.1 aspect ratio? Ratios use the ':'

David Brown · Feb 21, 2024

There's always this : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...MI7NmRmru9hAMVXJHCCB1gPwF1EAQYBiABEgLLnfD_BwE

Seriously, I once "really" wanted a Hasselblad Xpan. https://casualphotophile.com/2022/07/08/hasselblad-xpan-review/. However, the shortest lens is a 50mm. I can shoot the 55mm on my 6x7, crop, and come close. Waste film, but save 2-3 grand!

Focomatter · Feb 21, 2024

Ditto to SG's comment. There is no specific 70mm format. I have seen Imax to wide screen movies in 70mm, i.e. the motion picture print. This link shows an Imax frame: https://movies.stackexchange.com/qu...-is-70mm-print-and-why-does-anyone-care#45429
It also discusses other 70mm formats below that. The Imax example most closely resembles a 6x7 format to my eye. Many cameras to chose from. There are also 6x8 cameras such as the Fuji mentioned. There is a good deal of rounding in the 7 dimension among the manufacturers so not all the 6x7s are the same.

TheGreatGasMaskMan · Feb 21, 2024

here's a more comprehensive one

Mike Lopez · Feb 21, 2024

David Brown said:
There's always this : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1609088-REG/holga_200120_120_pan_panoramic_6x12.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI:6879&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7NmRmru9hAMVXJHCCB1gPwF1EAQYBiABEgLLnfD_BwE

Seriously, I once "really" wanted a Hasselblad Xpan. https://casualphotophile.com/2022/07/08/hasselblad-xpan-review/. However, the shortest lens is a 50mm. I can shoot the 55mm on my 6x7, crop, and come close. Waste film, but save 2-3 grand!

This isn't accurate. The XPan lenses are 30mm, 45mm, and 90mm. I have all three.

DREW WILEY · Feb 21, 2024

Later Fuji "Texas Leica" rangefinder cameras were made in 6X7, 6X8, and 6x9 formats. All of these can still commonly be found.

Are there any MF still cameras that can shoot (Approx.) a 2.2.1 aspect ratio?

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