Welcome to Fab's in the Wild This is panoramic film photography in real places, trails, forests, and people you remember. No filters. No presets. Just negatives that don’t lie. 6x17 and 6x12 shots, loaded by hand, metered by guess, usually one chance. If it’s out of focus, fine. If it’s grainy, even better. No preview, no retakes. Film doesn’t invent. It records. Light, flaws, luck, that’s all you get. If you want wide frames, real moments, and zero algorithm polish, you’re in the right place.

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My Horseman SW612 Setup

AUTHOR
DATE
June 26, 2025
CATEGORY

Introduction

In this post, I’m going to walk you through every modification I’ve made to my Horseman SW612 medium format panoramic camera. This setup has evolved into a highly efficient, field-ready system that allows for fast shooting, reliable metering, accurate focusing, and secure mounting, all with analog simplicity. If you’re here from YouTube or curious about the complete rig, you’re in the right place. You can also watch the full video breakdown here.

The Camera: Horseman SW612

The Horseman SW612 is a compact medium format film camera that shoots 6×12 panoramic negatives. It’s designed for handheld or tripod use and accepts interchangeable lenses. My standard lens is the Rodenstock Grandagon or Schneider Super-Angulon, depending on the shoot.

Modifications and Accessories

Center Filter for Vignetting Control

To ensure even exposure across wide panoramas, especially with slide film like Provia, I’ve installed a Rodenstock E58/77 ND 0.45 center filter. This 1.5-stop neutral density filter corrects for edge falloff inherent in ultra-wide angle lenses.

Mechanical Add-Ons

Lens Guard

  • Custom-colored for quick identification and style
  • Easily mounted using a coin or Leatherman
  • Doubles as a carry handle for handheld use

Quick Release Plate: Arca-Swiss Monoball Fix

  • Extremely slim design
  • Locks firmly to prevent rotation
  • Enables fast, secure tripod mounting

Tripod Setup

Gitzo Traveler Tripod (GKTBB1)

  • Lightweight yet rugged
  • Two leg positions for stable setup on uneven ground
  • Compact enough for long hikes

Cold Shoe Riser: SmallRig SC-300

  • Installed behind the film back
  • Lifts the viewfinder above bulky filter systems
  • Maintains line of sight while introducing minimal parallax error

Focus and Exposure

Accessory Rangefinder

  • High contrast image
  • Used alongside a laser rangefinder for precise distance
  • Mounted on cold shoe or SC-300 bar

Voigtlander VC Meter I

  • Classic light meter with LED indicators
  • Fully mechanical dial interface
  • Mounted on top of the camera for immediate readings

Filter System

Lee Filters SW150 System

  • Mounted via step-up rings: 77 → 86 → 105 mm
  • Uses a threaded donut adapter to avoid slipping
  • Supports center filters and ND grads for slide film

Additional Mods

Mechanical Self-Timer

  • Installed in the shutter release port
  • 15–20 second delay
  • Useful for self-portraits or tripod shots

Cable Release

  • Used for long exposures (Bulb mode)
  • Compatible with the camera’s top shutter release only

Workflow Benefits

This setup was developed for a faster, smoother analog photography workflow:

  • No fumbling with handheld meters
  • Focus and composition are intuitive
  • Secure tripod attachment and easy leveling

Whether I’m shooting color slides, black and white film, or panoramas in tricky light, this rig allows for precision without the friction.

Conclusion

The Horseman SW612, in its stock form, is already a cult favorite among panoramic film shooters. But with thoughtful accessories and practical mods, it becomes a powerful tool that rivals even digital workflows in speed and clarity. If you want to dive deeper into how each part works together, check out the full YouTube video here.

This post is part of my analog photography series. For more detailed builds, film comparisons, and shooting strategies, explore the blog or subscribe on YouTube.

Thanks for reading, see you in the field.