Viewfinders with panoramic cameras (and centre spot filter)

Hi, I am continuing to do my research. The expensive Fuji GX617 has interchangeable lenses does each different lens have its own unique viewfinder? What about cameras like Dayi 617 - you can mount different lenses (with the cones) I assume they don't have different viewfinders and there will be times when the ground glass is not suitable to be used?

Are centre spot filters only required for lenses 105mm and wider? Is this requirement the same for a standard large format camera with the 617 roll film back?


Many thanks.

Ray, the conventional usual center filter recommendation is to use one on lenses that cover > 80 degrees. On 6x17, a 105 covers 80 degrees. It is at the edge of "needs a CF." Shorter on 6x17 certainly needs one.

Yes, a CF is needed for shorterthan 105 mm on 6x17 regardless of the camera the roll holder is attached to.

Many times you will want to burn the edges of the print. Depending on which light supply you have on the enlarger that is 17cm across, the edges may need more than a little burn. I'd see how difficult it is to print your negatives first. I use some pretty wide lenses and have never needed a center filter. I think they are for special cases, like large transparencies on a light box, etc.

Here is an example, 125mm on 8x10. It is pretty wide, you can see straight down onto the drain in front, yet still see the underside of the bridge.
This is a straight print. I did not burn or dodge the corners of the sky. They are darkened just a little and came out 'just right.'

Here is another example of extreme wide angle on 8x10 with no dodge or burn in the sky. Since the lens has limited coverage on 8x10, I tilted the baseboard of the enlarger to help straighten the bridge. This brought the top of the print farther from the enlarging lens and consequently lightened it. Came out just perfect.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Panoramic-Photography-Composition-Exposure-Exhibition/dp/0240809203

This is a really good book on the subject which deals with film cameras (and digital from memory but there is a lot of film in there), the different models, centre filters etc etc. I only paid about £5 for my copy though but if you find a copy cheap it's well worth it

the only catch is I'd never seen a Gilde 66-617 before that book, and ever since I've always wanted one.