Panos cropped from M7 43mm images - Opinions?

[Mr_Toad]

Hi, All,

This may be kind of an obvious question....but here goes:

In your opinion, can good panoramic images be cropped from 6x7 images taken with the Mamiya 7 and its 43 mm wide lens?

(i finally invested in a Mamiya 7 and a 43..as I'm hoping I can use the kit for some handheld panoramic images on 120 (and thus support some enlargement). The 617 and 120 swinglens I have are not so well-suited for spontaneous shooting and for images with lots of action and movement.)

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated,

Robt.

 

[Ezzie]

I would suspect so. The x-pan has a large following, and I've seen enlargements from the 65mm wide negatives, and they hold up very well. Yours would be in the same realm negative size wise, and the Mamiya 7 reputedly has optics on par with the x-pan, if not better.

 

[kipkeston]

I would get the 35mm adapter kit and save your self the cost of 120 film.

 

[EdSawyer]

It should be fine. But almost a shame to crop such stunning negs as what the M7/43mm produces.

Frankly, unless using 35mm emulsions that are not available in 120, I'd skip the pano adapter. Shooting 120 gives you the option of full frame later down the road, if desired.

-Ed

 

[Mr_Toad]

Thanks, Ezzie and Kip,

The adapter idea is EXCELLENT!

Sure enough...the Mamiya site reads: "The adapter produces 24 x 65mm images on 35mm film, providing an aspect ratio of 1:2.7." (...and they're easy to find in the used market...)

Also, as Ezzie describes with the XPan, the quality of the M7 lenses should provide the image quality I've been looking for....for the print size I'm seeking.

Thanks again!

Robt.

 

[Mr_Toad]

Thanks, Ed,

Good point...

At 80 to 90 bucks for good used adapters, I think I'll order one...just to have the option.

Robt.

 

[kipkeston]

Hope it works out for you! Now that I've got a 50mm, I ought to use the 35mm more.

 

[Snapper_uk]

Yes, absolutely. I did it with a borrowed 43mm - superb results.

I wouldn't recommend getting the panoramic kit though. My 35mm pics didn't seem to be as sharp as when I used 120 film, so I sold it in the end. At least with 120 film you've got the option whether to crop or not.