Widelux

The Widelux is a fully mechanical swing-lens panoramic camera first developed in Japan in 1948, with both 35mm(the F6, F7 and F8 models) and medium-format (1500) models available. The WIDELUX cameras manage this trick because of a 26mm lens pivoting on an axis. This pivoting lens allows for some special effects not available with traditional cameras, as shown in this website devoted to experimental widelux photography. http://www.widelux.net

WIDELUX trademark has still a lot of fans and users: one of them is the actor/photographer Jeff Bridges who made a whole book of his panoramic pictures. As of 2006, the current model for 35mm is the F8. There are important differences between the F and 1500 series cameras. The 35mm cameras have a set focus (5 ft to infinity), whereas the 1500 Widelux can focus at any of seven settings. The 35mm cameras have three shutter speeds, 1/15th, 1/125th and 1/250th of a second, whereas the 1500 Widelux has shutter speeds of 1/125th, 1/60th and 1/8th of a second. The F series cover a 140 degree view, whereas the 1500 series covers a slightly wider area (150 degree view). Finally, the 1500 Widelux, like other large format cameras, has a shutter that must be cocked before the camera will fire. The Widelux has been used on some NASA missions for its 140° coverage.

Cameras with similar functions include the Noblex and Horizon.

http://widelux.blogspot.com" Widelux Blogspot

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/widelux/links" The Widelux Experience (the most complete compilation off all info about this Camera (check Links área)