Swing Lens Panos with the Noblex 6/150 F

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2 жыл бұрын

See that? No mid-roll ads! That's thanks to the contributions of viewers like you. If you enjoyed this video, please consider making a contribution at www.nickcarverphoto.com/contr...
And check out my online course all about light metering for film photography: www.nickcarverphoto.com/metering
Here's a video about Kornelius Schorle, the creator of the Noblex: • Kornelius Schorle
Hey I know it looks like I got a boog under my left nostril there, but I assure you it's just a rouge blonde mustache hair catching the light. Didn't do a fantastic job on my last trim...
Anyway...here's a video about the Noblex 6/150F swing-lens panoramic camera! A viewer was kind enough to trust me with this camera for a couple months. Much like a Widelux or Horizon camera, this Noblex creates panoramic images on a curved piece of film with a swinging lens. But unlike the Widelux and Horizon cameras, this baby shoots medium format film! Big negatives, big camera, and oh biiiig man shooting with the Noblex like you own the place. We're all suuuuper impressed, big shot.
Dude, I don't know why I still write video descriptions. They always go off the rails and I seriously doubt anyone reads them.
I got some new pictures to share in this video along with my gripes and praises for this unique camera. I don't think I'll ever own a Noblex, but boy it was sure fun taking it for a spin. Hey! Get it? Taking it for a spin? Like the spinning lens. Man, I am under-appreciated.
Website: www.nickcarverphoto.com
Instagram: / nickcarver
*This video contains no paid endorsements of any kind.

Пікірлер: 166

@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel 2 жыл бұрын

And when you think you have seen it all, nick comes up with a new video and shows a totally crazy german panorama rotation camera. 😆 greetings from germany by the way

@burnieplace 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 35mm Noblex. I love it. It produces 24x66mm negatives, so a wider ratio that the 120. My model has the ability to shift the lens upwards to avoid converging verticals. Also it has a range of slow shutter speeds down to 1 full second. The 1 second exposure takes over 2 minutes. In the manual there is a description of an accessory exposure meter (Panolux 135) which attaches to the camera and varies the speed of rotation of the drum so that each bit of the frame is correctly exposed.

@Nutterorgables 2 жыл бұрын

When i was at school (I'm 68 now) we used to have photos of the whole school of around 600 children taken using a camera something like this. To prevent the distortion we used to be arranged in an arc around the tripod bearing the camera; this meant that we were all the same distance from the camera. We used to fantasize about running from one end of the photo to the other while the camera was panning, but I'm not sure that anyone ever did it. The cameras used for the photo-finish pictures at horse-racing tracks work by a similar principle, except that the "slot" remains still, photographing the finish line, while the film is wound past the slot as the horses pass the finish line. You get some very odd-shaped horses if you ever see the whole exposure, but it does the job of deciding who passes the post with their nose in front.

@KelseySmithPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video as always Nick! I legitimately did not know this camera existed. Excellent review and fascinating results!

@davidjazay9248 2 жыл бұрын

I get zero scratching with my Noblex, so maybe your friend should get that looked at again. Thanks for the review!

@williamcurwen7428 2 жыл бұрын

I worked with a 35mm Widelux for many years. The Noblex is the best of the bunch. It takes quite a bit of practice before you can make successful swing lens panoramics that don’t look like swing lens panoramics. Eventually it becomes instinctive.

@MaciejRebisz 2 жыл бұрын

Pretty cool design, basically it's an analog equivalent of the panorama mode from your smartphone's camera

@vigodrakken7916 2 жыл бұрын

Its were smart phones and digital got the idea from 🙂

@fotoralf 8 ай бұрын

BTW, the 50 mm lens is a Tessar. The earlier ones were even labelled as such. And the equivalent of a 50 mm lens on 6x6 medium format is a 35 mm lens on a 24 x 36 mm frame.

@velvia7880 2 ай бұрын

~25mm equivalent on 135 full frame.

@shura311 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great review! Thanks Nick!

@xavierbeaudoux 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video! Thank you so much Nick for that masterclass 👊

@kennethrank9489 2 жыл бұрын

Terrific overview of a camera I never knew even existed. Interesting features contrasted and compared. Great job.

@kghareeb 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Carver so much for bringing this to us.

@kimmurphy5032 2 жыл бұрын

Enjoyed the video. Thanks! I read the video description each and every time.

@TheHavel33 2 жыл бұрын

This was masterfully explained. The X-pan's and Widelux cameras seemed pretty straight forward, but I never quite realized a curved focal plane camera like this existed! Well worth the watch, thanks Nick. Fascinating camera!

@adolfofernandezdotcom Жыл бұрын

Fantastic review. Well done, Nick.

@irvinwilson3245 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fantastic video Nick! I think you just created the definitive guide to the Noblex, a weird and wonderful camera!

@deirfniw0 2 жыл бұрын

This thing needs a trip to the skatepark. A wide shot on some ramps or halfpipes could be sick! Distortion wouldn't be much of an issue either.

@iamentropy5093 2 жыл бұрын

the photos on your backyard are a perfect example of great street photos. even though they are simple subjecst doing normal things, the proper use of the camera and idea makes the photos very interesting.

@rafai1281 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting perspective. It looks like a cylindrical fisheye.

@1972Russianwolf 2 жыл бұрын

was thinking the same. I get similar effect with an 8mm fisheye on my APS-C Fujifilm cameras.

@camerawrecker 2 жыл бұрын

Very interesting video. Probably the only and certainly the best information available anywhere on this particular camera. Not only a very clear and detailed description of the camera and how to use it, but also relevant user experience with example photos. I also liked the clear explanation of the difference between the two cameras and their results.

@mike747436 2 жыл бұрын

Great review. I have been tempted to buy one of these in the past, but I think the drawbacks, especially the film scratching, are probably just enough to put me off. You've saved me some money!

@unalozmen526 2 жыл бұрын

Many years ago I used to have one of those Noblex cameras too. It also had a one click shift lens. I have shot factory and hotel low light interiors with many rotations (multiple exposure) as well as bright and sharp exterior holiday resort transperancies. Those were the days... Thanks for reminding.

@berthaduniverse 2 жыл бұрын

Def. learned something new today... Thx Nick.

@Larpy1933 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Interesting for sure. You taught me a lot here.

@shaundonnelly4537 2 жыл бұрын

Super interesting video Nick - lots int here that I didn't know. You did a great job with the images too imo.

@omegamanz6 2 жыл бұрын

I bought a Horizon from Russia a while ago, nice to see a review on this type of camera. Thanks

@MichaelPhillipsatGreyOwlStudio 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, man! I've wanted one of those forever!

@darianmartyniuk 2 жыл бұрын

I've been considering purchasing one of these (or to be honest, one of the lower priced alternatives) and found your review interesting to say the least. I am no closer to making a decision, but really enjoyed, thanks! FWIW I have a 6x17 pinhole camera with curved plane and LOVE IT!

@stuartbaines2843 2 жыл бұрын

Great considered personal view of a unique camera. 👍😀

@Light_Camera_Story 2 жыл бұрын

Another Nick Video. Merci Beaucoup Maestro ! 😊 Edit: I also read the description.

@russellbaston974 2 жыл бұрын

I had one of these, great camera to use. The electronic motor control is imho better, even essential for this size of format. There is a ‘slow speed’ module which gives more exposure options. The lens is very good, sharp with good contrast. I never had any scratching issues.

@peterdadson7713 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting camera. Researched swing lens cameras not to long ago after watching a video about Jeff’s photography. Like you they didn’t fit my type of photography so I will stick with my XPan and Shen Hao. The video was informative so thanks for that.

@ddgarage7025 2 жыл бұрын

This is what a king photographer looks like. Peak performance. One thing I'd say, there's something funky with the audio where it's panning slightly to the right. Not sure if it's because of a stereo microphone or some processing but I'd probably say mixing down in mono and mirroring settings for comps/fx would be a good idea!

@dcallan812 2 жыл бұрын

Well that would get you noticed! intersting bit of kit.

@lloydrvn 2 жыл бұрын

15:54 😆 Great video as always, Nick! You're always fun to watch and very informative. This is interesting because the effect it does is similar to when manually panning a camera from side to side and taking a photo each movement. And when it is stitched in Photoshop, it has this weird side to side inclusion of the scene. And if the camera is tilted ever so slightly it affects the panning and causes weird distortions even more. And also, we read your video descriptions!

@tomhath8413 2 жыл бұрын

Exactly. This camera does the stitching in real time, directly onto the film.

@draganbalzic4493 Жыл бұрын

I remember Cornel all too well dating back to the Sky Park Circle days of the late 80’s

@inkaststudio 2 жыл бұрын

Oh great, just purchased one after watching your video 😅 I love the look 👍🏾

@shaunbailey4952 2 жыл бұрын

love the content. hate the lack of it.

@duckfan7684 2 жыл бұрын

That's the strangest camera ever! Thanks for sharing, great video.

@hooterwah00 2 жыл бұрын

omg i always wanted one of these beauties

@almoskosz7848 2 жыл бұрын

I am officially jealous. I would love a noblex. I already own a KMZ Horizont (old metal one) and love it, I really dig the kinds of images it allows one to make but the noblex is a whole different league!

@snaefellvideo 2 жыл бұрын

I have both the Noblex and the Horizon for 35mm. Besides from the possibility to shift some of the models, both are pretty much similar in function and outcome. Only thing is: The Noblex is operated electronically (with all problems this can cause) and the Horizon is a purely mechanical camera. Negative size is slightly different, 24x66 on the Noblex vs. 24x58 on the Horizon, giving the first a slightly wider image. However: The Noblex has a serious archilles heel and this is the electronic drive of the drum. This has been done via a rubber coated friction wheel, which hardens over time making the times inconsistant. It is also sensitive to long times of not being used. There are (of course) no original parts available anymore, but there are a few workshops which can still service these cameras. It is a fine camera, but in the long run I would rather use a Horizon.

@fotoralf 8 ай бұрын

@@snaefellvideo Exactly. I had a Noblex 150 with all the bells and whistles and I still own a Horizon 202. The company that made the Noblex had the parts made by various suppliers and just assembled the cameras. One day, they decided this wasn't profitable anymore, so they assembled the remaining parts into cameras and closed down their camera business without stocking a single spare part. That's when I sold my Noblex on the spot, not wanting to risk ending up with a 4-figure wreck. But I still miss it. If you like the results it produces it as - as the English say - the geratest fun to be had with one's socks on.

@jeremymudd8507 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great review and video (as always) Nick! I've been looking at one of these for awhile now to add to my growing obsession with panoramic cameras. Thanks to your thorough review I think I'll just skip it and shoot more with my GX617. I think if I bought the Noblex it wouldn't be long before I was tired of the stretched look in landscape and architecture images, and it would start to feel gimmicky to me. If I want funky 1x2-ish panos I'll just stick with my Holga 120 Pan. Thanks again!

@peacefulcyclist7944 2 жыл бұрын

sweet review!

@pbsalfen 2 жыл бұрын

The palms, on the LH side in the Noblex shot @ 12:36, look like the ones from "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World"!

@GindahouseC 2 жыл бұрын

I got one of these in the beginning of 2020 (with the motor grip and panolux meter). It's one of the only cameras I ever sold and the one I sold the fastest. While it was kind of fun to use, the results just weren't for me. I took it out on 2 walks (I only do street photography-ish stuff with all of my cameras) and it was great in use. But I just couldn't get myself to like the distortion of the swing lens. I'll stick to my XPan and keep my eyes out for an affordable 6x17 camera. I tried out the Linhof Technorama 617 once and that was such a fun beast to shoot.

@casperghst42 2 жыл бұрын

I must say that 6:17 has slowly become my favorite crop - I know cropping a digital photo is not the real thing, but does work for some photos. Maybe one day, I’ll become a film photographer.

@unisound9172 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching~❤

@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705 2 жыл бұрын

Gee, thanks Nick. Now I want one.

@msamiullah001 2 жыл бұрын

such weird camera, great video as usual !!!

@natekong3596 2 жыл бұрын

YT algorithm really screws up. How did I not get notification for Nick Carver video?

@osullic 2 жыл бұрын

Really good Noblex intro video. I have a 35mm model - the 135 S. I bought it new in 2002, and it's still going strong after ~20 years. Not my main camera of course, but I've made some of my favourite photos with it. (Incidentally, I don't get the scratching you mentioned - maybe the medium format models are more prone to it?) Just a point - you mention that the Noblex is a 6x12 camera. There was another medium format model called the 175 UX, which had a 75mm lens. The longer focal length produced a more "zoomed in" effect, and recorded a 138-degree-wide view across 50 x 170 mm of film.

@wutianyue 2 жыл бұрын

excellent review！！！

@myownirvana 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Nick. I’d always wondered how those cameras performed.

@realitytunnel 2 жыл бұрын

I've seen one of these in my local camera museum (although it was for sale, not one of the museum pieces). I was mesmerised by the look - seemed more like a Cold War spy weapon to me than a camera, but I had no idea how it actually took pictures, or what those pictures would look like. Now I do - thanks! Interesting panoramic street photography option these days is actually digital (I know, I know...) Fuji GFX 50R in 65:24 mode, which apparently is the same as the old Fuji TX-1/TX-2/Hasselblad X-Pan ratio. Any of those would also work, I guess, but they go for mind-bending prices now and they're limited to 35mm negatives...

@totallynotpetrvagner 2 жыл бұрын

Great video as always 🖤 Dont know if I love it or hate it the way you described it. 28mm focal length is the street photography focal length for places like New York. Hit the busy streets with it looking like a maniac with a doomsday device 🤗😃

@scrptwic 2 жыл бұрын

Nick the picture similar to what I get out of my 8mm Rokinon fisheye lens

@coffeeandboatshoes 2 жыл бұрын

babe wake up, new nick carver video dropped

@senior_ranger 2 жыл бұрын

This just feels wrong --- a Carver vid on Monday??? It feels like eating dessert first. Fascinating look at a camera I've never heard of (and would never use!). Thanks.

@tilleyyellit 2 жыл бұрын

Such a good review, the vignetting section was great. I tried out the fuji 617 recently and I ran into that issue.

@jaywesselink8709 2 жыл бұрын

My perception of the vignetting issue is that with the Fuji 617 and any flat film camera is the distance from the center of the lens to the film increases out to the edges, corners of the image hence the fall off. The swing lens is a constant distance as it rotates.

@fotoralf 8 ай бұрын

@@jaywesselink8709 Quite so. This is one of the main differences between the Fuji (or any other 6x17) and the Noblex. The former is large format photography, basically 5x7 inch with half the height, while the Noblex is medium format, just with a wider image. This has a number of consequences. To get even sharpness and limit vignetting to an acceptable level with 6x17 one needs to stop down to at least f/32, better 45, with the equivalent exposure times. Add a centre-graded filter and your exposure time doubles yet again. That's when you begin to get noticeable motion blur with a river barge driving by in bright daylight. Hand-held shooting is an absolute no-no. The Noblex produces sharp images at f/8. So, handheld and street photography isn't a problem at all.

@extremelydave 2 жыл бұрын

Nick delivers again! It was a turkey this time but was a fun video all the same, you don't want to get stale doing the same thing over and over and over, eh?

@derekkonigsberg2047 2 жыл бұрын

The first time I ever heard of what I think was a swing-lens panoramic camera, was when I was a kid and heard people taking about what was once used for taking large group photographs at summer camp. No idea what camera was being described, or even what format, but the typical results were a very wide print. Also, apparently it wasn't uncommon for kids to jump from one side of the frame to the other mid-exposure.

@RomanatorII Жыл бұрын

I read the description!

@JarredSpec 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting! Ordered a PressPan from Freeman/Watchmemake this week myself. Can’t wait to get my hands on it!

@jeremymudd8507 2 жыл бұрын

If the wait is long and you are looking to pick one up quicker, let me know. I got one in the Spring and am just not in love with it, no matter how much I want to like it. Looking to sell it and move on. Its set up for the Mamiya Press lenses and has 2 press viewfinder masks. It's the all black version of the donor body.

@JarredSpec 2 жыл бұрын

@@jeremymudd8507 Ahh true! What is it you’re not liking about it?

@jeremymudd8507 2 жыл бұрын

@@JarredSpec For some reason the images aren't as crisp as just shooting 35mm panoramas with adapters in my RB67 ProSD 220 back, even with the same ektar film stock on what should be the same quality 50mm Mamiya lens. Also haven't fallen in love with the form factor - the handle just feels smallish to me, and the camera just feels off-balance. I've put about 15 rolls thru it so far. Maybe I need to do a side-by-side with the Mamiya and the same film stock on the same exact subject.

@thedubc 2 жыл бұрын

My friend - and fellow photo assistant - had a 'Widelux' 35mm back in the 90's. Crank it up, press the shutter, and... pzzzzzzt! the lens panned from left to right 180 degrees. I think you go 6 frames out of a roll of 36.

@TroySherk 2 жыл бұрын

I'm surprised it wasn't compared to an iPhone's panorama feature since that's essentially the same "cigarred" look you end up with. Great review of it though. I love the cactus shot.

@gayleruble6529 2 жыл бұрын

Dude I laughed so hard with the mad -dog analogy! That nailed it! LOL

@marknachmias423 2 жыл бұрын

Niche of a niche

@27photogger 2 жыл бұрын

I do read the descriptions 🙃

@kevinmorgan7091 2 жыл бұрын

Cool camera. It would be interesting to view the prints with the ends bowed towards you, opposite to the way they were taken. Probably useful in some commercial settings but I wouldn't like to frame one at home!

@jaywesselink8709 2 жыл бұрын

If you hold a Noblex print close to your face and curl the edges around your field of view the distortion is straightened out.

@dierktopp4780 2 жыл бұрын

a good explanation of the images using a rotating lens! - we all use rotating lenses making panorama shots with the smartphones and get the same effect :) You did not mention, that you expose the film and loose the shot of the film, when you insert a filter.

@osullic 2 жыл бұрын

I've owned a Noblex 135S for almost 20 years, and I just learned something new in the past few days... You can actually install/remove filters without losing any frames. There's a key step in the German-language user manual, which wasn't included in the English-language manual for some reason... "Stellen Sie die Kamera in Normallage; mit dem Objektiv leicht geneigt nach vorn." "Put the camera in the normal [upright] position, with the lens slightly tilted forward." Listen carefully when you tilt the camera forward - you can hear something falling into place inside the camera - this is a cover for the slit in the drum, so that when you rotate the drum to access the lens, no light penetrates to the film chamber, and you can thereby install/remove filters without wasting any film or ruining any exposures. (If you do this process with the back of the camera open - without film loaded of course! - you can actually see the cover in question, doing its job of blocking the slit.) Amazing that I've had and used this camera for so long, and only learnt about this "trick" now.

@leshapiro 2 жыл бұрын

I have been using this camera for five years and Nick you are correct it is the most finicky camera ever created. You have been fortunate to lose only a few frames. Several years ago I had the camera serviced when the drum speed started to vary. Apparently the coating on the drum needs to be resurfaced after some many revolutions. Vertical panorama with this camera are really interesting and I just came back from Sequoia National Park where I did vertical panos of those amazing trees.

@osullic 2 жыл бұрын

When you press the shutter release, inside the Noblex, a motor rotates a drive wheel, which in turn rotates the drum that contains the lens. The drive wheel has a kind of rubber rim, which after many years, will harden and crumble away. A common Noblex problem. You can pay to have it fixed... or, if you are brave, and at your own risk, you can open the camera up and try to repair it yourself. I managed it successfully with my 35mm model, and new rubber rings to replace the drive wheel rim only cost me a few pounds.

@magnusa.5599 2 жыл бұрын

nick, thanks for giving pretty much an overview of pano cameras and their ways. as a newly owner of a widelux (thanks to his dudeness...) i was wondering about the vertical bands that happened on some frames only. now i know it's how the flare shows itself. this camera could well be the pentax 67's bulky brother. what a pretty bunch. also: on your multiexposure frames, did somehow underexpose each single shot in order not to overexpose the whole thing? cheers from germany.

@ChrisMarxen 2 жыл бұрын

Now guess what camera doubles in price after this video. Once it's over 2K$ I'm sure my subconscious will decide i want one.

@frstesiste7670 2 жыл бұрын

Cool camera, excellent review and way to specialized for me. I get this isn't the point of the camera, but did you try to remove the "distortion" digitally?

@1972Russianwolf 2 жыл бұрын

long exposure would be smoother with a faster shutter speed and more exposures. Its doing the equivalent of stacking the images. I'd also like to see what this do to a faster moving subject. potential for some interesting motion blur.

@JaseFilm 2 жыл бұрын

I read your video descriptions.

@12m3g4b5h Жыл бұрын

Very well done review. I was wondering if the Noblex is designed to use filters like the Widelux? Perhaps the most interesting swing lens (film) camera is the Globuscope, which is capable of taking 360 degree images, and is a challenge to use. The camera appeared in the movie Ghostbusters, as a handheld ghost detection device. Thanks!

@Analog_Refined 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Nick awesome video! Which black and white film did you use?

@nadzbanaag 2 жыл бұрын

This could be cool for skate photography

@WoolyColdie 2 жыл бұрын

I was just oogling hard at the horizon 202 last week lol

@davidventura1424 2 жыл бұрын

Ahhh a fellow OrangeCountian!!!

@aristoioannidis7490 2 жыл бұрын

JACKPOT!

@nicklarson8575 2 жыл бұрын

This is essentially how cell phone panoramic images are made.

@bthemedia 2 жыл бұрын

Do a Cirkut camera next! 😄

@andreasschroder7880 2 жыл бұрын

Getting jiggly just reading the title!

@thetallesthobbit 2 жыл бұрын

I'd kill to have one.😩

@baylin95 2 жыл бұрын

Great review... thank you so much for this!! One question - Is the winding knob just used to advance to the first frame, or do you still use it to wind manually to the next frame every time AFTER you press the shutter release? Thanks!

@osullic 2 жыл бұрын

You need to wind the film on after each exposure, of course. There is no auto-winding mechanism in these cameras.

@peterdclark 2 жыл бұрын

Drink every time you hear "Swing-Lens-Panoramic-Camera" :P

@AlejandroRVfoto Жыл бұрын

I think for an expensive panoramic street handheld camera, of course the Hasselblad/Fujifilm XPan/TX1. At least, in my dreams. ;) haha

@michaelprzewrocki4195 Жыл бұрын

special squeezer!

@PaulLemars01 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, you want weird? I used to have a full 360 Globuscope 35mm camera. Looked like a stainless steel wood mallet right up until the whole head started rotating. We used to use it for producing reflection maps on digital models and static swing shots back when I was in the VFX biz. I kept the camera and shot a few 360s with it before giving up on the novelty and sold it to a guy in Rio de Janeiro. very very strange camera to use. Always overhead and with a bubble level on the base. Best results (but never great) were always on a tripod.

@GregoryVeizades 2 жыл бұрын

Lomography makes a camera like that now.

@leica_sl2 2 жыл бұрын

I once ha the 35mm version it's the BEST camera for panos i'm thinking of getting another one.What happened to the last one? well that's something i'd rather forget.Once again a GREAT camera beats digital ,it can take panos "IN TRAFFIC" How do I know? I have the images.One important point is that YOU MUST TAKEYOUR TIME AND WORK SLOWLY, it's not ment for speed

@AaronAnalog1 8 ай бұрын

Masterpiece at 25:42

@lint2791 2 жыл бұрын

That Noblex gave me nosebleed

@ThomasPetzwinkler 2 жыл бұрын

Can you cram an 8x10 wide angle on the Shen Hao? And thereby reduce the softness, vignetting etc?

@tallaganda83 2 жыл бұрын

It had me at Nob

@flyingrock6381 2 жыл бұрын

I DO read the video descriptions!

@chosen_none 2 жыл бұрын

ah, the original rolling shutter ;)

@justiniusjustinius137 2 жыл бұрын

So is the way a Noblex shoots a panorama kind of like when you shoot a digital panorama with the camera body attached to a tripod? I say "camera body" because I think to create accurate stitched panorama you have to rotate around the entrance pupil of the lens.

@bobsykes 2 жыл бұрын

"I used it like a street camera." I absolutely love when you do something so that we don't have to! Fascinating video. Def, won't be buying one of these.