Widelux

Widelux F7
Widelux model F7
Overview
MakerPanon Camera Shoko
TypeSwing-lens Panoramic camera
Intro priceAbout US$750 in 1988
Lens
Lens26mm pivoting lens
F-numbers2.8, 4, 5.6, 8 and 11
Sensor/medium
Film format35mm
Film size24mm x 56mm
Focusing
FocusSet at 5-6 feet
Exposure/metering
Exposure1/15, 1/125, 1/250
Exposure meteringNo
Flash
FlashNo
Shutter
Shutter speeds1/15, 1/125, and 1/250
Viewfinder
ViewfinderYes
General
Made inJapan

The Widelux is a fully mechanical swing-lens panoramic camera first developed in Japan in 1958, by Panon Camera Shoko. There are both 35mm and medium-format models. Instead of a shutter, the camera has a slit that exposes the film as the lens pivots on a horizontal arc. This pivot allows for some distortion effects not available with traditional cameras. The last Widelux model F8 ended production in 2000.