p.1 #1 · One of My First Keepers with the 6x17 Film Setup
I wanted to share one of my first photographs that I feel really came together with my 6x17 setup.
As you guys know, photographers are never completely satisfied 😂 — there is always something to learn, adjust, or improve. I’m still getting comfortable with shooting 6x17 film, but this is one of the first frames where I looked at the scan and thought, “Okay… now we’re getting somewhere.”
There’s something very different about composing in this panoramic format. It forces me to slow down and really pay attention to the entire frame from one edge to the other.
Camera: Shen Hao HZX45-IIA 4x5 Field Camera
Back: Shen Hao 6x17 120 roll-film back
Lens: Fujinon 180mm f/8
Film: 120
Still learning the system, but I’m really enjoying the process. Would love to hear what you guys think — especially from those of you who have spent time shooting 6x17.
One of my first good ones… hopefully many more to come. 📷🎞️
p.1 #5 · One of My First Keepers with the 6x17 Film Setup
Lovely to see 6x17 being used in 2026!
My one suggestion would be to pay close attention to the frame edges, the cutoff tree and road on the left edge is distracting. One tends to be caught up in the details and miss things that detract from an otherwise splendid effort.
p.1 #6 · One of My First Keepers with the 6x17 Film Setup
guidostow wrote:
Lovely to see 6x17 being used in 2026!
My one suggestion would be to pay close attention to the frame edges, the cutoff tree and road on the left edge is distracting. One tends to be caught up in the details and miss things that detract from an otherwise splendid effort.
Thank you—I appreciate the feedback! This is one of my first good frames with the 6×17 setup, and composing carefully on an upside-down ground-glass image definitely takes some getting used to. I agree that the left edge could be cleaned up. I wasn’t planning to sell or present the photograph exactly as shown here, but I wanted to share my early results while I learn this camera. Thanks again!
p.1 #7 · One of My First Keepers with the 6x17 Film Setup
epphoto wrote:
Thank you—I appreciate the feedback! This is one of my first good frames with the 6×17 setup, and composing carefully on an upside-down ground-glass image definitely takes some getting used to. I agree that the left edge could be cleaned up. I wasn’t planning to sell or present the photograph exactly as shown here, but I wanted to share my early results while I learn this camera. Thanks again!
Large format is a journey, it looks like you are making good progress. I used large format for years, much of it with an 8"x20" camera. It is seductive and a little overwhelming to get lost in the space a large pano ground glass! But taking ownership of every bit of detail on them is what makes them truly sing...
p.1 #8 · One of My First Keepers with the 6x17 Film Setup
guidostow wrote:
Large format is a journey, it looks like you are making good progress. I used large format for years, much of it with an 8"x20" camera. It is seductive and a little overwhelming to get lost in the space a large pano ground glass! But taking ownership of every bit of detail on them is what makes them truly sing...
p.1 #12 · One of My First Keepers with the 6x17 Film Setup
DanDerbyIII wrote:
Looks great!
Love panoramic. I've always wanted to buy one but can never afford it. Lately I've been tempted to get one of my hasselblad backs converted.
look this one, Im working with the guy to make a 120 film back for a 617 and 612
If I know this camera was existing. I was going to
buy this one. and the film back its only $120.00 us
