Customer John Farnan generously allowed the use of these shots taken using the RSS4x5Z at 35mm and 50mm focal distances. Find more here.
All images copyright of John Farnan – https://www.johnfarnan.co.uk
John also wrote a review of the camera here: https://www.johnfarnan.co.uk/Reality-So-Subtle-4x5z-Review
"I have been running around with pinhole cameras for over a decade now, having used Zero Images, Holgas, oatmeal containers, pumpkins, and anything else I could make light tight and drill a hole in. I have long been fascinated by the panoramic format as well, so when I acquired a Reality So Subtle 6x17 pinhole it was the merging of two great worlds. James' camera is a pleasure to hold and to use. He has built a beautiful camera that exposes a wonderful image. I am particularly taken with the winding, which is the smoothest I have encountered on a curved plane camera. I am excited for the countless rolls of film this camera and I will share."
- Zeb Andrews, Portland, Oregon.
August 25, 2014
"I took several pictures and I'm happy with the the results. The machine is well built and the pictures are as you would expect from the pinhole, but also quite sharp. I like this. I'm very happy with the purchase."
"La macchina è molto ben costruita. Mi piace molto anche la qualità delle fotografie che, pur mantenendo la tipica resa del foro stenopeico, sono anche piuttosto nitide. Molto utile in certe situazioni anche la possibilità di "decentrare" il foro."
- Vittorio Silingardi, Bolgna, Italy
August 25, 2014
"When I first read something about the RealitySoSubtle 4x5 pinhole camera on Twitter, I fell in love with it immediately. It looked beautiful, and I was intrigued by the fact it had three pinholes. When it arrived, it was as beautiful as I had imagined. The camera doesn't disappoint! It's easy to use: I love the two tripod mounts for portrait and landscapes and the level finders. The pinhole slides work perfectly, and it's easy to put the film holder in the camera. It is lots of fun to play around with the three different pinholes. I'm even considering using them to shoot doubles from different angles. The only thing I have to get used to is the wide angle."
-Inge van de Laarschot, Netherlands
August 25, 2014
"Thanks again for your fine camera and I'm having fun shoot panoramic images with it! Loading film is a bit tricky, but the more you use the camera, the easier it gets to load film. The best feature of the camera is the two shutters for placement of the horizon in the composition of the panorama photo. I also like to make two exposures of the same scene, one top shutter exposure and one bottom shutter exposure, then combine the two using Photoshop."
- Robert Kippenberger, California
August 25, 2014
"Hi James, The Panoramic camera arrived safely. I am delighted with the design and workmanship. Quite wonderful!"
- Kurt Ingham, California
August 25, 2014
“The 5x4 camera is beautifully constructed and you can immediately tell it’s been designed by a photographer for other keen photographers. The different pinholes offer many creative opportunities, pinhole size is optimal (and interchangeable) and vignetting is well controlled. The markings showing field of view are a boon, and spirit levels are pretty much essential in such a wide-angle camera.”
- Alex Yates, Norwich, UK.
August 25, 2014
"I purchased James' 6x17 pinhole, had it shipped to Australia then promptly jumped on a plane to London with it. Loading film was tricky at first but I have it solved now. The results are beautiful. Sharp but soft in the pinhole way. The curved film plane makes for beautiful panoramas and the build quality of the camera is great. Thanks for a great product! I’m looking forward to experimenting a bit more, without the horizon level and such like. Great work!"
- John Ford, Australia
September 20, 2014
"I purchased the 4x5 RealitySoSubtle pinhole camera and it is a very well built camera! And I must say I am more than happy with the first results. It''s a joy to work with the camera and I love the fact you can use the 2 off centre pinholes for shift and tilt action. From now I am a fan off your pinhole cameras!!!"
- Ferry Verwijk, Netherlands
April 3, 2015
"I have been looking for several years for a robust pin hole camera of a size, rugged construction and weight that I could carry with a compact tripod on a bicycle. I have tested the Aupremierplan CNC built 6x17 camera over the the last few months prior to a 13000 km cycling trip over the next six months. The size for my purposes is perfect I had not considered a 120 format previously having worked with 4x5 and 10x8.
The 6x17 negative contact prints well. I am pleased with the results using alternative printing processes. I have found Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 meets my needs perfectly. The construction is exceptionally strong as consequence of the excellent design, sound materials and good build. I have found no problems in using the camera, the trickiest aspect feeding the film through the camera is mastered after a couple of films and watching the helpful video.
I am very satisfied with the camera and the images it produces.The camera will go with me on my journey.
I am certain it is up to the trip and that I will return with some exciting images."
- Len Collingwood, Edinburgh
April 9, 2015
“ I own several pinhole cameras and it has become my favorite way of making photographs. The 6x17 is my first panoramic pinhole camera and I have found it a joy to use, getting great results and attracting much attention when it set upon my tripod. The camera is beautifully built and very sturdy. I know it will give me years and years of pleasure.”
Gretchen Hayhurst, Oregon
April 9, 2015
"I enjoy using many different cameras and formats, and the 6x17 panoramic pinhole adds to my creative vision in a totally unique way. It is extremely well-built and ergonomic for actual use. James was communicative and helpful, and my new camera arrived in the USA in no time! Keep an eye on my blog; the Reality So Subtle 6x17 is already featuring there regularly."
Reed George, USA
Blog: DMC-365.blogspot.comApril 9, 2015
"I received the RealitySoSubtle 617 camera last year as a Christmas present (after some notsosubtle hinting!). I can truly say the camera has way surpassed my expectations. The build quality is excellent, it feels very durable and has proven to be so in the field. Its also quite easy to use once you get the hang of loading the film - I would recommend for anyone to retain the paper backing of a previously developed roll and use it to practice loading a few times. I used 5 or 6 different films in the camera at this stage (colour and B&W) and I can say the camera is a joy to use on each occasion. Yes, it really is wider than you first expect, and the guide lines are an accurate guide to composition. The pinholes are of high quality too - the images are sharper and with more contrast than I expected. Some key points - the image is evenly lit to the edges, there are no light leaks, the bubble level is accurate, the film doesn't fog from the film counter window, roll uptake is tight, and the tripod mount is firm and doesn't loosen or strip in use. Overall its an excellent option for anyone interested in a wide pinhole camera."
Fran Morrin - Ireland
April 17, 2015
"The RealitySoSubtle 6x17 is a little "Miracle Machine". Because it is so simple, it forces me to study a scene, watch every line I want to have in my photo. And in the end I’m being rewarded with images that are unique in every aspect i can think of. It is a beautiful and very well crafted camera!"
- Martin Melcher, Germany
April 29, 2015
Every time I use my Reality so subtle, I am amazed by the possibilities the camera offers and the results that I get. Taking pictures without a view finder, let alone live view or a digital screen to view results, it's all part of the fun! And what a nifty box it is. Having a fixed built in shift makes all the difference. Great addition to my gear.
- Frans Rutten, Netherlands
May 2, 2015
The 6x17 pinhole is absolutely the best out there. It is well conceived and designed to give you the best of sharpness, angle of view and ease of use. The resulting angle of view, 141-degrees, will blow your mind. If you thought pinhole photography was just for fun, think again. My results are amazing and ready to hang on a wall and be published.
- Chester Chen, Singapore
October 14, 2015
Yes, I bought 6x17 camera from you and my experience with it it's great. The camera is great and film is really beautiful exposed. Loading is little tricky but don't have any problems with it and when the roll of the film is close to the end you have to little stronger advance the knob but that also isn't a problem. All in all I'm very satisfied with it and I would recommend it!
- Igor Vrabec, Croatia
October 14, 2015
The camera is great and film is really beautiful exposed. Loading is little tricky but don't have any problems with it and when the roll of the film is close to the end you have to little stronger advance the knob but that also isn't a problem. All in all I'm very satisfied with it and I would recommend it!
- Mark Hazell
May 31, 2018
I bought one of James' cameras (the 6X17) to experiment with pinhole
photography. It's beautifully made and the explanatory video really
helps you get started with the beast. I now own several of the cameras
and really appreciate the workmanship and the support James provides.
If you're an experienced pinhole photographer the quality of the
cameras will be obvious to you. If you're a newcomer like me you can
be sure of the best possible introduction to the process.- John Wilson, UK.
May 31, 2018
This Reality So Subtle 6x17, from Au Premier Plan, turned out as one of my favorite cameras to just carry around and see the world in a very unique and wonderful way. I love the curved film plane, and specially the double pinhole for adjusting the horizon up or down... genial! Can't stop recommending it.
Btw: will be heading for the 8x10 in a near future... that would also be something!- Raul Coelho
May 31, 2018
"Through being well designed and well engineered, the Reality So Subtle 6x17 achieves a level of image quality rare for a pinhole camera. In a discipline where aspects of the final image are often expected to be a matter of luck, the Reality So Subtle brings a confidence and consistency that bridges the gap between pinhole photography and more mainstream medium format photography. It's a fantastic, liberating creative tool and is currently seeing far more use than my Bronica medium format gear!"
-Ed Cole
May 31, 2018
© All rights reserved
