What's the appeal of panoramic photographs? Is it the cinematic aspect ratio that makes these images look so grand and inviting? Or is it the ability to use negative space in a variety of positions for making dramatic portraits? No matter the reason, photographs in the 2-to-1 aspect ratio are especially prone to draw the viewers' interest. The problem for photographers is that making panoramic requires either cropping images from larger film, which both wastes film and decreases clarity, or buying an expensive camera designed specifically for that image size. Fortunately, the good folks at Lomography have an inexpensive answer for you.
The Lomo Belair X 6-12 is a versatile medium format camera that can make images that are 6x6cm, 6x9cm, or 6x12cm. Additionally, the kit comes with 58mm f/8 and a 90mm f/8 lenses. Combined with the three different aspect ratios, it's like having six different cameras in one!
Even with the options of focal length and aspect ratio, the Belair X 6-12 is not a camera that's going to overwhelm the user with lots of controls. With a film speed dial and a built-in light meter, the Belair X 6-12 will choose the shutter speed for you to make sure your images are exposed properly every time.
If you've ever wanted to experiment with panoramic photography without having to sell any major organs, track down a Lomo Belair X 6-12 and put it in your collection. There's no better or easier way to put six cameras in your bag at the same time.
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Lomo Belair X 6-12
Quite honestly, we have mixed feelings about the Lomo Belair 6x12. The camera makes 6x12 negatives, which is always really cool, it is multi-format, and has interchangeable lenses. This particular camera is a three lens kit, with the 58mm, 90mm, and Belairgon 114mm. Ironically, the Belairgon 114mm lens feels significantly better built than the camera itself. The Belair seems to have the durability of a graham cracker... Having said that, we're certain that, in the right hands, it can produce some cool stuff.