RealitySoSubtle 6×17

Original design introduced in 2013 – The RealitySoSubtle 6×17 is a dual pinhole/shutter curved film plane 6×17 panoramic pinhole camera that uses 120 film. The pinholes are located at the centre of a 70mm radius circle. Upgraded in 2024 to include 3rd central pinhole, filter holder and improved ergonomics (image characteristics unchanged).

Camera features

    • CNC machined body from high impact polystyrene
    • Format: 120 film
    • 6x17cm (56x169mm) giving 4 shots per roll using frame numbers 2,5,8,11.
    • Angle of view: 141 degrees.
    • Pinholes: 3x laser drilled 0.3mm – two pinholes for rise and fall effects and 3rd central pinhole
    • F number: F/233
    • Magnetic shutters
    • 84mm width filter mount (Cokin P).
    • Easy loading with removeable insert.
    • Upper and lower pinhole allows horizon to be placed on upper or lower third (camera level). Centre pinhole for horizon in the middle (or for vertical panos).
    • Precise engraved aiming lines for image composition.
    • 1/4-20 tripod mounts and bubble levels on horizontal and vertical ends
    • Rubber feet
    • Film spool tensioner at take up spool

Image Quality

Photos by Zeb Andrews that were made using the 6×17 camera (original model)…(click for larger image on Flickr).

Brooklyn Bridge

Sunsets from Dumbo

Wenatchee River during winter, 240 seconds

Into the tooth of winter

Bends and turns


…this wonderful vertical pano by Ian Leech: Antelope Canyon and these by Andy Martin : Sea Crossing The Zone Ghosts

Curved film plane?

The film plane is curved to ensure even exposure across the negative, not possible with a flat film plane with such an extreme wide angle view (141°). Compare to a flat film plane camera where the distance of the pinhole to film distance increases towards the frame edges causing darkening in the corners of the resulting photos. A side-effect of the curved film plane is that it results in a curved horizon in your photos unless the photo is taken with the camera level.  bmp-Model

Which pinhole to use?

As mentioned above, if you want to have a straight (not curved) horizon in your photo then you need to have the camera level. A consequence of having the camera level,and a pinhole in the centre would mean the horizon dead centre of every photo. That is why this camera has a pinhole above and below centre. It’s simply a matter of making better composed photos. You can chose to place the horizon on either the upper third (use the lower pinhole) or the lower third (use the upper pinhole). Obviously using the central pinhole puts the horizon in the centre.20140127046

Size/Weight

The camera weighs 0.85kg. Length x height x depth = 212 x 89 x 89mm. (Dimensions of ‘box’).

The price is €220 + shipping. You can buy it here.  You can also see more examples in the flickr group.