6x17 Photography: Basics & Resolution

This is Part 1 of my 4-Part Series on 6x17 Photography.
View Part 2 here: • 6x17 Photography: Came...
View Part 3 here: • 6x17 Photography: Lens...
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VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
I’m a 6x17 photography fiend. Something about it just speaks to me. In fact, whenever I think “you know what, I’ve been shooting too many 6x17 photos lately…I need to put my 4x5 camera or any of my myriad medium format cameras to use instead”, I always just end up finding compositions for my 6x17 camera. So needless to say, my trusty Shen Hao TFC 617-A gets a lot of use.
But when I first ventured into 6x17 film photography several years ago, I didn’t find very many resources to help me get started. Apparently obscure formats equal scarce instruction. All I knew was that the Fuji GX617 was the most beautiful camera I’d ever seen and I wouldn’t be able to afford it in a million years. So on account of this paucity of information (sick word choice, Nick), I’ve decided to create a short series of videos covering what I know about 6x17 panoramic photography to help fill the gaps in knowledge out there on the interwebs. From resolution to lens selection to composition, I’ll be taking a deep dive into this specialized format over the course of 3 videos. Or maybe it’ll end up being 4, I dunno.
This video may end up appealing to a grand total of 11 people. I mean, how many folks are really looking at getting into 6x17 photography? But no matter. I do this for the passion. I do this for the thrill of the game. 50k views? Pssh. Nah. I’ll take 11 people hanging on my every word about an obscure film format while they’re taking a dump. That’s why I do this. For those people.
Thanks for watching!
Website: www.nickcarver...
Instagram: / nickcarver

[@bradleyverde]

Legit lol'd at the screamin' eagle + fireworks. 'MERICA!

[@Nicholas-Doyle]

I also had to rewind this to laugh at it again, haha. I'm a sucker for this shit. Rollie does it all the time on @climatetown.

[@eliebreaux6504]

I don't think I've ever commented on a KZbin video, but I just wanted to thank you for your channel. You frequently focus on critical topics that noone else seems to cover. I have learned a tremendous amount watching your videos and have been able to put it to good used shooting 6x6 and 6x17 on a recent family road trip out West. As someone who uses modern digital cameras everyday for work (Sony's even, your favorite) this type of pursuit helps keep me connected to what I loved about photography as a kid. Thanks for all you do.

[@janradtke8318]

The mentioned rabbit hole of actual resolution of the picture vs. pixels in the file is a deep one - and nobody has returned from it has found any happiness.

[@fingersmcginty]

This guy is SO engaging, intelligent, with excellent (well-rehearsed?) commentary that requires no edits to keep it coherent. He must be an educator. Or a dad. I learned so much from just the first of these four tutorials. I wish I could AFFORD to shoot film again. Now I need to translate what he's saying about 120 film at 3:1 to my GFX sensor's output....and print, baby, print.

[@lloydrvn]

The day Nick finally sells a book should be a public holiday. Seriously, this man is a national treasure. Even Nick Cage would want to steal this guy.

[@raphajptube]

Thanks for putting this together I see it as a love letter to 6x17.

[@pdp11]

Three minutes ago I was thinking to myself, hmm, some Nick Carver video would be nice, and then this video drops out!

[@royijpelaar1993]

inally, finally another video from you. although the video is already 6 days old I still think it's great, I've had to wait a while for one of your videos. Totally awesome

[@bobsykes]

One thing I find is awesome about your channel is that I always learn useful things to help me improve photos in the styles I typically make, even if I don’t currently intend to do the specific thing you are teaching, such as making these medium/large format panoramas on film. I’m really glad that you still enjoy making these, because I sure enjoy watching them.

[@tonyhayes9827]

As always, comprehensive input from a great teacher.

[@abramhansen]

I've started making digital panoramas at 3: 1 aspect ratio just because of your channel. It really is the supreme aspect ratio

[@27photogger]

Is there an in camera setting to achieve that 3:1 for Panorama?

[@abramhansen]

@@27photogger Probably on some cameras, but I do stitched panos

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Absolutely superb. Educational and brilliant delivery.

[@johnsilver228]

Brooo I was just telling a friend about you and how you do some sick landscapes. I was opening up KZbin to watch some old videos for this one to pop up haha.

[@nickcarverphoto]

I’m infiltrating your entire life, my man!

[@johnsilver228]

@@nickcarverphoto You’re a mind reader 🫣🥸

[@SonOfWalhall]

This format is really cool. Perfect for big prints

[@jeffreystulin8130]

Inspirational. No fluff. Brilliantly taught. Thanks Nick.

[@mp3style]

the graphs in this vid are phenomenal oml

[@boristahmasian9604]

Nick, great job explaining the format and its pros and cons. A friend of mine traveled to Armenia back in 2001 and came back with "only" 105 images. He had the best 12 to 14 images (I don't remember the exact number) scanned with a very hi-res flatbed scanner and printed some test prints about 40 inches wide. He has a great eye. Combined with the format's unique perspective, they are some of the most amazing photos I have ever seen. He used the Fuji 6x17 camera. We talked quite a bit about the challenges of shooting with the format. The external viewfinder for framing only and focusing by numbers and now really knowing if you nailed the focus are foreign to me. I shoot panos with my Sony A7RIV and love the images I get. All the issue you mentioned in the video are there and need to be dealt with. Your channel is very unique and I am glad I discovered you. Keep up the good work. Thanks a bunch.

[@Average-Joe_N]

This was a very well structured video Nick, flowed very well. Can't have too much 6x17 in your life

[@SohNatan]

You're the best Nick! whenever a new video comes out I'm 100% sure I'll get amazing photographic content and knowledge, and also my daily dose of stand up comedy.

[@steveboice]

Love the 6x17 format. Thanks for keeping this format alive.

[@richardsimms251]

Great discussion

[@GirdHerd]

Nick, You're an outstanding teacher. I now have a good understanding of how a 120 negative, in this case 6x17, compares to a 35mm negative. I shoot mainly landscapes and wish I had a 6x17 camera.

[@jimnorman3653]

Fabulous program, Nick. You did leave out something important: 6x17 is highly addictive, as is the Shen Hao. I used a Noblex for years, but wanted wider without the Fuji cost. Now, 6x17 is my favorite format, even over 6x6, 4x5 and 8x10. It's your fault, brother. When you talk about films, be sure to mention infrared, available in 120 and really interesting with the R72 filter.

[@kzed0]

You do all this for free? And you have the absolutely excellent Large Format Online Course? I really don't know anyone who's done this much for educating people in LF (&adjacent) photography in recent times. Hats off to you.

[@extremelydave]

Nick is cookin' with gas again. Great video Mr Nick. Learned a lot here today. Keep these babies comin'!! I may upgrade from 645 yet!!!

[@georgesmith4509]

A great production!! As well as being very informative, it is also very entertaining. there was no time filling wasted chatter. Other You Tube presenters should watch and take note. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole piece. Especially the size comparisons between 35 and 6x17 at 9:00 minutes

[@samwestenskow]

I’ve been hoping for a video like this for a while. I’ve been considering building my own 6x17 camera quite a bit recently so this is really helpful.

[@nilzthorbo5437]

your studio style is awesome. and so is your content. Thank you =)

[@cdzinsmeyer]

Great stuff, as usual, Nick. Really nice to see you posting more often.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

While I will probably never shoot this way, it’s fascinating to watch your videos!

[@sebastiantrandafir5607]

Hello Nick, I've been hanging on your lips for so many years and I am happy about each of your 6x17 videos. You can say that you brought me to 6x17 format many years ago. I can only add too well that you can only take your TFC 617 with you on air travel. For this reason, I also chose the PTB. It is easy to fold, it takes up much less space in the backpack and is not much less than your TFC. The cameras are susceptible to wind and shocks anyway ... However, since I bothered me in the field in the field, I bought a photo novel as the 2nd 6x17 camera. In times of 3D printing, you can simply design the expensive controllers yourself and print it out at will. Because I have become a bit difficult for me over time, but I did not want to miss the quick availability, I simply designed a body that can be used by the Fotoman Conen and the 6x17 back of the Shen Hao PTB. I have been using the part on my tours for almost a year, so I was traveling in Florida, Scotland, in Germany, Spain and Greece. After my trip towards the US west coast in the coming month, I will take the time and revise the layout so that you can have it milled out of aluminum. Sorry for my ramblings! I am really thrilled to see the world in 6x17, great job and big thank you! Cheers Seb

[@edmontonian5270]

I'd say you're most well know for your palmade recommendations, THEN your 6x17 photography. I jest, I jest. Thanks for another fantastic photography video. I can safely say that you revived my interest in pano-photography. I've even printed a few beautiful Alberta images on acrylic and receive complements on the regular. It's just such a cool format. Keep on truckin' my friend. Much love.

[@berthaduniverse]

Good evening Nick. Nice piece here. As a former scanner operator, if you have the drum to fit/mount it, you can scan it. I used to scan 20x24 reflective and commonly 8x10 transparency...

[@zeus.edwards2662]

man i dont do film but i love this channel a lot!!!!! teachs a whole heap to grasp your head around... keep uip the good work

[@photog1529]

Great video, Nick. I bought a Shen Hao 6x17 about three years ago and immediately fell in love with the panorama look. Unlike digital with instant feedback, there's the anticipation of waiting for the negatives to be developed to see if I "nailed" the shot. As long as composing and exposing are done correctly, there shouldn't be any worries or surprises. Just need to be careful...when going through my first several rolls of film, I concentrated so much on composing and exposing that I totally forgot to remove the dark slide before pressing the shutter and advancing the film. Right there, you're limited to only three images per roll. For anyone thinking about getting into medium or large format film, I'd strongly recommend Nick's metering class.

[@davidbaures1256]

Excellent, as always! Thank you for sharing.

[@trix-4656]

Years ago I had a Linhof 6x12; there was also a Linhof 6x17 and a Fuji 6x17 all with stationary lenses and relatively easy to transport and they could be used without a tripod. True, no shift, no rise, no drop, but the results were outstanding. After years of using 4x5, it was a pleasure to use this portable 6x12.

[@thebitterfig9903]

There was a video I saw somewhere else, where the host said that 612 was as large as you can go with a negative and still have a convenient camera. There may be other benefits than convenience, but that sounds right.

[@leonardodecesaris4987]

Very interesting , thank you for the video .IL will check for the next one

[@fotoresearch]

The best presentation I could think of, how to use the 6x17 format, what are its advantages, disadvantages (? :) ). It's not just about arguing "mine is more important than yours" but showing the many advantages and differences in this format that are tangible. Thank you :)

[@shokoufa69]

This is an outstanding video Nick. Look forward to more.

[@ApostolosNikolaidis1]

07:52 Sony a8-39 mark VII haha laughed out loud!

[@kevinlord1766]

Enjoyed the video and really want to get into 6x17! One note - I have a CoolScan 8000 and it can definitely scan 6x17 as the scanning area in the MF holder is about 20 cm long.

[@LennyCooke636]

Very informative as well as entertaining as usual...

[@madridfilmcameras]

Thanks Nick for another cristal clear video with lots of helpfull info 🤲🏻

[@saikatduttachowdhury535]

Very insightful. I personally like the panorama format and tries my hand with digital. Eagerly waiting for the following instalments.

[@kronkite1530]

I do like your ironic deliver! Miss the videos too, always good news to spot you have a new one out.

[@kenantahmiscic7938]

This is quality content!!! Love this dude😃

[@jaydigshistory36]

You look healthier. Can’t wait for the next two!

[@timryan894]

I think I need to invest in a 6x17 film camera. When I’m shooting digital, I find that I am drawn to shooting and stitching panoramic scenes about 50% of the time because they really help tell the story of a location in its fullest context when I support it with more isolated detail shots. My tripod has a geared head sitting on top of a nodal pan head (I exposure blend my stitched panos so I have to use a nodal head or my stitched panos won’t line up exactly). I took your metering course and will be taking the large format course also once I make the investment. Love your content and the way you deliver it

[@dpulte]

awesome as always nick!

[@johnnyabsley]

Fantastic video. As good as your on location videos are, I think I may enjoy these tutorial videos more. So in depth and detailed... Though one thing is missing... You gotta bring back the hat you used to always wear in your early videos of yesteryear 😅

[@nickcarverphoto]

I am very happy to hear that. Sometimes I worry no one would care if it’s not an on location video. As for the hat…oh boy I can see the comment section now 😳

[@jimpurcell]

So very glad you are sharing this info!!! Thanks.

[@danielscheerer3032]

I'll never do it, but I love learning from you! Cheers, Nick.

[@foundlightprints]

Great comprehensive coverage and information.

[@장준환-r2e]

very good many camera and holder thank you next up service waiting

[@fergusgreenimagery]

Great Video Nick, some book publishers offer a layflat lustre paper which is suited for pano images across 2 pages.

[@simon-plaus7813]

Very informative and interesting. I wish you can do this video on the 6x6 and 6x9

[@JMC0704]

Excellent information. Thanks.

[@mikebarbee8621]

Great content Nick! I love your work, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@Adam-pm1cy]

Super duper excellent! Having bought a Fuji G617 a couple a months ago, this video was really interesting, looking forward to the following episodes! 😀

[@KODAKER]

Hoping one day I could pick up my own 617! Great Stuff Nick! Not always checking youtube app but I'm Always get excited when I see you posting in IG that you have a new video....Keep em coming!

[@luxdalet]

I may never get the tools or time, but watching you teach about it and showing those prints is freaken epic! I will follow along the series. And will be first in line to buy your book of those wide prints!

[@danmckee4988]

Cool, I enjoyed your presentation! I shoot digitally, but if I ever go to film, 6 X 17 may be the way I'll go. I like the "cinematic" format, I shoot panos quite often, I believe it's the way we naturally view the world.

[@MeasuredLight]

Fantastic video, Nick! I am a huge fan of 6x17. I use a Fujifilm G617, so no movements though. Can't wait for the next one!!

[@johnarnsdorf]

I really wish you hadn’t made this video. 😂 I’ve already been jonsing to pick up a 6x17 camera and now I think you’ve pushed me over the edge. It’s such an elegant format!

[@garyjones101]

I jumped into 6x17 not long after I got into 35mm and carried both cameras with me. Loved the compositional aspect of shooting with the Fuji617. I do miss 220 rolls. Loved that composition where you centered the tree in the middle with the desert behind it.

[@c141charlie]

Nick, you missed your calling to be a university professor of photography. This was a great lecture.

[@sheldonspock5566]

Seems like nobody else pointed this out, just wanted to provide a quick correction. Panavision 70 aka Super Panavision is just regular 70mm, in the 2.20 aspect ratio, and uses spherical lenses. What you're talking about is Ultra Panavision which is 70mm with anamorphic lenses thus becoming a much wider aspect ratio, 2.76:1. Now that's a rare and exquisite beast indeed.

[@OccultDemonCassette]

I've had good results when utilizing a down-sampling sharpening algorithm to retain the majority of the detail from a 4800ppi and reducing it to a 2400ppi file size for smaller prints.

[@georgfritz]

Thank it was very informative and entertaining .

[@ducgerard2361]

I enjoy very much your channel. I enjoy too your photos done with Your 617 camera. I m french and I like to discover true USA i mean not The usa of travel agencies! One of My favorite pictures you took is the Liquor shop. One thing more i can Improve my english even some time You speak a little bit fast!... Some Panoramic movies are also made With the ratio 2.40. I like this ratio. I use the noblex 150. I like the noblex because it has a very wilde Angle of 146°. If you use it to Take landscape photos it s really A great camera. The lens is very Sharp. Thank you very much for Your videos.

[@heresmyurl]

I traveled with this camera in my carry on to Tbilisi. You're right, its a bit unweildly, but if you commit to 3 socks and a pair of underwear for the whole week long trip, you can fit the camera easily!

[@184186]

Nick...I was expecting a video on the Fuji 617 not the Shen Hao! I have a Shen Hao 5x7 and never knew about them producing a 617! Very interesting.

[@azza6039]

Now we're back in business!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Fascinating!

[@itsjantore]

Dude, solid video! If it wasnt for the cost of both the equipment and it being nearly impossible to scan negatives in Norway, I would try this out.

[@mrBenSan]

Hi Nick, as for your future book have you considered a 'Layflat Photo Book' format? It's pretty cool to see and handle in person. For the 'wide format film experience' I personally found my way long ago with a Holga 120WPC, it's a 6x12 pinhole camera but if you know how to use a meter you can get outstanding results even with Velvia. Thanks for the video !

[@AdrianBacon]

This is a great video. I've found a good compromise in 6x9. It's not as big as 6x17, but with the Fuji 6x9 120 cameras, still results in a negative that is waaaay bigger than 35mm. Even if you crop down to 24x72 mm (for 1:3), it's good, though I personally prefer 1:2 for the wide look which results in a big fat 42x84 mm image area, or even 2:3 (the same aspect as 35mm film) at 48x72 mm with lots of image area beyond that for compositional crop breathing room, and a nice 4x resolution bump over 35mm film. No matter how you slice it with 6x17 or 6x9, it's a really big negative relative to 35mm film.

[@Being_Joe]

I'm in the get the best quality when you capture camp. I scan "RAW" negatives and do all the conversions after the scan. I can always down sample and if I really need that larger file I don't need to rescan. File sizes are huge.

[@jordanlaine7412]

Well, this is a ratio I didn't know I needed to be shooting in. I can't say I will ever shoot this ratio on film but my a7RIV with the right settings can certainly shoot these handheld with a photomerge from LRC. I appreciate the video, I'm shooting foliage in the mountains in a day and will definitely pull some pano images; I need some new artwork above my bed and my 24" plotter photo printer can handle this abnormal aspect ratio perfectly.

[@janbielikowski]

Look up Koudelka's "Piedmont", published by Thames&Hudson. I'd say it's a perfect example of book layout for 6x17 format.

[@nickcarverphoto]

Oh yeah you’re absolutely right. Thanks for the heads up!

[@rockstardonut777]

Portra 160 is also “better” (shutter speed not being a limiting factor, with low light and wind or people or other moving objects, and your choice of aperture) as lower ISO films tend to have finer grain (so more useable resolution), smoother tone changes (dark to bright areas), and often better dynamic range. And then as you said, it’s cheaper!

[@carlosoruna7174]

Fondly remember printing trix taken on a fuji 6 17 on a laborator 8by10. Rolls of 4ft paper. Good old days.

[@chromagraphphotoart]

It's like all my Christmases have come at once. First Thomas Heaton realises a video with the new Noble 6x17, then this and finally Ben Horne on the new Intrepid 8x10. Have you three ever been seen in the same room at once????????????????

[@farouk6564]

Awesome content as usual thank you Nick.

[@javixo1997]

Pro tip for anyone DSLR scanning and stitching: use a film carrier! A simple 3d printed one does the job. Set your camera in a way that the long side of your sensor matches the short side of the film and you are good to go, just take photos and advance the film, the stitching is going to be perfect because you are not moving your setup. Taking multiple photos on the short edge of the film doesn’t make sense most of the time unless your film really has enough detail and your lens is capable of resolving it, I recommend testing it before wasting time and sweat

[@KirtFitzpatrick]

For all the high resolution of your photography, I'm surprised your videos aren't 4k. Anyway, just thinking out loud. I like your videos a lot. I'm not into photography myself, although I dabbled in the past. But I find learning how far film can be pushed from your channel really interesting. Somehow seeing a century plus old technology far exceed digital in this day and age is so novel. Also the car camping. ;-)

[@peterkapunkt6783]

This isn't really a century old technology. The lenses and especially the film are much more recent.

[@johnleebold8894]

Good on Nick . Love your work

[@MrNamaikisaru]

I gotcha covered patriots! Bahahaha. I shoot 6x17 with a Toyo field and a da Yi back. Can only use my 150 lens because of the design of the back but it’s still fantastic when I manage to drag it out somewhere. I’m going to print some of my black and white negatives in a darkroom soon.

[@karolaneuer5506]

Interesting. Regarding digital panos: It is a question of the projection mode you choose. This is rectilinear vs. cylindrical projection, this is something you can choose in any real panorama software.

[@manuellion6300]

Nice one! I would have added the potential need for a center filter under the negative. I am still pondering a 6x17 back for my 5x7. If you are not shooting panoramic so often cropping 5x7 or 4x5 can still be a good option.

[@johntheexplainer]

You are responsible for me buying a Malefic Triplet (3d printed 6x17) and lately upgrading it to a Shen-Hao PTB-617 🙂

[@ZeLoShady]

Have you heard of Vero before Nick? It might be better suited to your needs for showing off photos. I am not sure if you can go into landscape mode but you can go full screen on desktop and zoom on on mobile. Also, Thomas Heaton recently featured a 3d printed 6x17 camera that uses a smart phone for a view finder and metering. I'd love to see you use it. It doesn't matter whether you hate it, love it, rant or rave about it, I am sure it would be entertaining.

[@OrtwinSchneider]

Hello Nick, As always, an informative and entertaining video from one of my favorite KZbinrs. Years ago you awakened a desire for cinematic and wide-angle photographs with your video series in the deserts. But I didn't want to go the route of analog photography, I did that a long time ago. So I looked for ways to somehow capture the format digitally. Yesterday I received my lens of hope. A 1.6 squeeze factor 35mm anamorphic lens. Together with my Nikon Z7II I will be able to work with the Panavision70 format. In video format 16/9 with a factor of 1.6, the Nikon produces exactly 1/2.84 formats. With 2/3 photo format it is then 1/2.4. I'm going to try out a lot with the lens, simply because shooting in unusual formats is fun. Without your Chanel I would never have thought of it. Thank you for all the content you have uploaded so far. Above all, I like your trips to the desert, for me it will only be trips to the Ruhr area with its old industrial culture and the overhaul of the 1960s architecture. I don't know where this will take me, but I know where it started. With you. Translated from German with Google, if you find errors, you are welcome to keep them.

[@timryan894]

Hello, can you provide the info on that “squeeze” lens you purchased? I also shoot the Z7 and have been looking for something like this. I’m always panning and stitching now

[@OrtwinSchneider]

@@timryan894 As I said, I'm just testing it myself. The lens is a Sirui 35mm T2.9 1.6 with Z mount. Anamorphic lenses have a few quirks that you either like or don't like. They have a barrel-shaped distortion and are not perfectly sharp, especially towards the edge. But that is exactly the level of errors that one knows from cinema recordings of this kind. I plan to make a video about it in the next 2 weeks. Then you can also see picture examples on my Chanel. My Chanel is unfortunately in German, but you can either do it with the subtitles or just by looking at it. I hope I could help you a little bit.

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Spookily good timing! I've been thinking of getting into large format for a while now, and more recently I've decided that I really like the idea of 120 pano formats too. Decided I'll probably go for either a 4x5 or 5x7 view camera and add something like a 6x12 or 6x17 back so that I can try both sheet and 120 pano formats. Can't wait to see the next episode on lenses though as that's a much trickier question to answer for me!

[@sgroadie6367]

Superb. I shoot quite a lot with X-pan the ratio of 65 X 24 - quite close to 6 x 17!!!😅 of course not the real estate you get with 617.

[@Super.Quasar]

I sold my Ebony 617SE this year because of the Cons, plus the preference to use lenses that cover 5x7" for full movements. The killer for me was how do you use the images ? Doesn't work well on social media and only so much wall space for 1'x3' and that's not displaying a 617 pano at its best. I've stepped back to a 4x5 Technika 2000 and a Sinar 6x12 Zoom2 back with movements, which can be cropped easily into a 1x3 format if appropriate. . Your comments on roll film are 100% correct. Your videos are all top notch. Many thanks.

[@shotsphoto]

Great video! Thank you Nick. Looking forward to the next one 👍😃 Due to Nick I am interested to this great format. I own a Plaubel 5x7. My wish is to get a 3D-file of the Shen Hao 617 back to go into a 3D print, which I can mount to the back of my Plaubel on a cheap way.

[@psfphotography]

If your print using a wedding album style book there is virtually no 'gutter' (the center portion) and you can print up to two feet wide and possibly wider.

[@OccultDemonCassette]

Do you ever use the G'MIC plug-in for the advanced sharpening/contrast algorithms it utilizes? Such an amazing plug-in and completely free and open source.