aeturnum
Established
I've been thinking about getting a 6 x 17 pano camera to compliment my XPan. Most options (fuji G617, Linhoff, Horseman) lack the ability to swap between film backs and ground glass mid-roll. According to the dealer I emailed, the Dayi 6 x 17 film back has a dark side.
It seems that Dayi is one of several chinese brands available largely through third parties in the west. Their products are offered on ebay or the troublingly-similar-to-b&h bhcamera.us website.
Does anyone have any experience with their cameras (or the 6x17 in particular)? I see some questions on flickr groups (dayi 6x17, 6x12 and wider), but they are concentrated on the 4x5 roll film back.
It seems that Dayi is one of several chinese brands available largely through third parties in the west. Their products are offered on ebay or the troublingly-similar-to-b&h bhcamera.us website.
Does anyone have any experience with their cameras (or the 6x17 in particular)? I see some questions on flickr groups (dayi 6x17, 6x12 and wider), but they are concentrated on the 4x5 roll film back.
thegman
Mentor
I just bought a Linhof 612, and I was choosing between that and a Horseman SW612. The SW612 has a removable back, although perhaps 6x12 isn't what you're after.
Never used a Dayi, but I have used the very similar Gaoersi, which although the build is not what you'd call graceful, it's was 100% functional, and of course a more for your money than Linhof etc.
I've also had a couple of Fotomans, a 6x9 and a 4x5, both nice cameras.
I think if I had my time again, I'd be tempted with the Horseman SW612, a bit cheaper than a Linhof, and looks a bit smaller too (at least width-ways). Also the Horseman backs have a thumb wind lever, rather than a knob on top.
Never used a Dayi, but I have used the very similar Gaoersi, which although the build is not what you'd call graceful, it's was 100% functional, and of course a more for your money than Linhof etc.
I've also had a couple of Fotomans, a 6x9 and a 4x5, both nice cameras.
I think if I had my time again, I'd be tempted with the Horseman SW612, a bit cheaper than a Linhof, and looks a bit smaller too (at least width-ways). Also the Horseman backs have a thumb wind lever, rather than a knob on top.
Jan Pedersen
Well-known
I had a DaYi 6x17 which I regrettably sold when I needed money for something else.
Don't we all do that mistake once in a while?
The DaYi is a great camera, heavy and build like a tank. The model I sold had a nice 20mm front rise, not sure any of the other panoramic cameras have that feature.
Extra cones and backs are a little expensive but was readily available when I had mine.
I would not hesitate to buy one again.
Don't we all do that mistake once in a while?
The DaYi is a great camera, heavy and build like a tank. The model I sold had a nice 20mm front rise, not sure any of the other panoramic cameras have that feature.
Extra cones and backs are a little expensive but was readily available when I had mine.
I would not hesitate to buy one again.
Corran
Well-known
This isn't necessarily answering your specific question, but...
I've had the DaYi 6x17 back for 4x5 cameras, which I didn't like. I then got a Horseman 612 back, which is really nice but I preferred the ~3:1 aspect ratio of 617. Now I have a Shen Hao 617, which is a fantastic camera.
I never considered any of the "cone"-style 6x17 cameras. I find the concept limiting and also expensive, not to mention seamingly unwieldy in the field and with too many things to carry, compared to just a bellows-focusing camera. The DaYi back would've been fine if all I shot was a 90mm lens, but I wanted to do more. The Horseman I kept because it was small and easy to throw in an extra slot in my bag if I don't want to take the full 617 camera, and I've begun using it with 35mm film which is a lot of fun (like the LOMO Sprocket Rocket, but not crappy lenses).
The key thing about the Shen Hao is folded up, it fits right into my bag. I can carry both it and my Chamonix 45n1, or Linhof Tech if I'm shooting that, with a variety of lenses and a days worth of film, in my large bag. Every time I shoot with just one or the other camera, I of course find compositions that work with the camera I don't have...I've been trying to take both because of this. If I had a cone system camera, I doubt I'd be able to do this.
If you only shoot a couple of focal lengths it might work just fine for you though.
I've had the DaYi 6x17 back for 4x5 cameras, which I didn't like. I then got a Horseman 612 back, which is really nice but I preferred the ~3:1 aspect ratio of 617. Now I have a Shen Hao 617, which is a fantastic camera.
I never considered any of the "cone"-style 6x17 cameras. I find the concept limiting and also expensive, not to mention seamingly unwieldy in the field and with too many things to carry, compared to just a bellows-focusing camera. The DaYi back would've been fine if all I shot was a 90mm lens, but I wanted to do more. The Horseman I kept because it was small and easy to throw in an extra slot in my bag if I don't want to take the full 617 camera, and I've begun using it with 35mm film which is a lot of fun (like the LOMO Sprocket Rocket, but not crappy lenses).
The key thing about the Shen Hao is folded up, it fits right into my bag. I can carry both it and my Chamonix 45n1, or Linhof Tech if I'm shooting that, with a variety of lenses and a days worth of film, in my large bag. Every time I shoot with just one or the other camera, I of course find compositions that work with the camera I don't have...I've been trying to take both because of this. If I had a cone system camera, I doubt I'd be able to do this.
If you only shoot a couple of focal lengths it might work just fine for you though.
didjiman
Richard Man
I had a Fotoman 6x17, then I sold it and now have a SH PTB617. The SH is a lot more flexible.
I have never taken both my 4x5 and the 6x17 out together, but the lens can be shared and it's a nice thought...
I have never taken both my 4x5 and the 6x17 out together, but the lens can be shared and it's a nice thought...
aeturnum
Established
I had not heard of the Shen Hao PTB 617, and I agree that it looks like the best of both worlds. The ability to fold up and carry seems especially useful. Good to know that Dayi is also a quality brand.
Ezzie
E. D. Russell Roberts
I have a DAYI 6x12 back for 4x5. It is very basic, but works as intended. Heavy beast, can't see it breaking in the next 100 years.