SilverBridges has revealed WideluxX Prototype No. 0001. The team includes Jeff and Susan Bridges, Charys Schuler, and Marwan El Mozayen. They build the camera in Germany near Wetzlar. The goal is simple. Keep it analog. Keep it mechanical. Make it last for decades.
The prototype appeared alongside the IAPP convention in Minneapolis. The group also posted an introduction online. You can follow updates on wideluxx.com and on the Silvergrain Classics Instagram. More details will roll out as testing continues.
What the WideluxX is
The WideluxX is a swing-lens panoramic 35 mm film camera. A rotating lens exposes the film through a narrow slit. As the drum sweeps, it scans the scene line by line. The result is a wide frame with a unique sense of motion and space.
The team says the “DNA is still the Widelux F8.” However, they had to rebuild every part. The original Panon factory burned down. Drawings and parts did not survive. Consequently, SilverBridges reverse-engineered the mechanism from the ground up.
What changes compared to vintage models
SilverBridges aims to preserve the look while improving handling and service. First, they are redesigning the advance and rewind knobs for better grip. Second, they are testing a cable-release adapter that does not require removing the shutter button bushing. Third, they plan parts that may also support F7 and F8 cameras. That is welcome news for owners who struggle to find spares.
Several items remain unknown. The team has not shared final lens module details. Metering, if any, is still a question. The final exposure range and the price also remain under wraps. Therefore, consider the current body a work in progress.
How swing-lens panoramas work
Swing-lens cameras do not expose the full frame at once. Instead, the lens rotates, and the slit governs exposure time at each point. Drum speed and slit width must stay very consistent. If they drift, density bands can appear. Film users often call this issue “banding” or “capping.”
Good engineering and service reduce these risks. Fresh parts, proper lubrication, and tight tolerances help. That is why the new build matters. It targets reliability first, without losing the classic rendering.
The classic Widelux line at a glance
Knowing the older models helps set expectations.
F-series essentials
The 35 mm Widelux line typically produced about a 24 × 59 mm frame. Most models used a fixed-focus 26 mm f/2.8 swing lens. Focus sat near five meters, and depth of field reached infinity at common apertures. The effective field of view was around 140 degrees. Later models offered three shutter speeds: 1/15, 1/125, and 1/250. Apertures often ranged from f/2.8 to f/11.
Model evolution
Early bodies such as FI, FV, FVI, and F6 used different timing sets. Over time, speeds converged on the familiar trio. The F6B, F7, and F8 added gearing refinements and, in some units, a top-deck bubble level. The F8 is the most common “modern” variant. Many users prefer it for stability, parts availability, and the standardized speeds.
Known pain points
Aged parts can cause uneven drum travel. At the fastest speed, that issue is more likely. Users also face a limited exposure envelope. Three speeds and a modest aperture range restrict flexibility. Photographers often carry ND filters or select slower film. One handling tip helps. Change shutter speeds after winding to avoid stressing the governor.
Medium format outlier
Panon also built the Widelux 1500. It used 120 film to create a roughly 6 × 12 cm frame. It offered three speeds and a focusing scale. Production ended after the factory fire. Today, these cameras are rare and costly to maintain.
WideluxX vs the old Widelux: what you will notice
Handling
The new knobs should improve grip and feel. The cable-release adapter should simplify long exposures. Overall, the control layout should remain familiar to F-series users.
Reliability and service
Vintage bodies depend on condition. Many need a clean, lube, and adjust to avoid banding. Parts are scarce, and skilled technicians are few. The WideluxX addresses this gap. New parts, modern tolerances, and a current production line promise better uptime.
Exposure envelope
The classic line offered only three speeds. The WideluxX may change that, or it may not. We will know once the team locks the timing set. Any added flexibility would help in bright light or when you shoot color slide film.
Format choice
The WideluxX focuses on 35 mm for now. A 120 model is not announced. If you need 6 × 12 today, you still need a Widelux 1500 or a different panoramic system.
Why this revival matters
First, it restores a true swing-lens camera to active production. That alone is rare in 2025. Second, it helps keep existing F-series bodies alive with new parts and knowledge. Third, it invites a new generation to learn the craft. Panoramic frames reward patience, careful leveling, and timing. The results look unlike any rectilinear ultrawide shot.
Jeff Bridges has photographed sets and scenes with a Widelux for decades. His work showed many of us what this format can do. Now he and the team are building a tool that others can use and service. That is a strong statement in a digital age.
What we know and what we await
We know the WideluxX is mechanical, 35 mm, and swing-lens. We know it is handmade in Germany. We also know the team is testing ergonomic updates and exploring legacy support. We do not know the price, the final speeds, or the exact optics. We also do not know the shipping window. However, the prototype looks real, and progress appears steady.
Should you care as a working photographer
If you value the swing-lens look, yes. The camera offers a distinct perspective and a cinematic feel. Street scenes bend. Moving subjects stretch or compress in interesting ways. Landscapes gain sweep and rhythm. With a reliable drum and a service path, you can chase that look with less risk.
Collectors will care as well. A new, supported panoramic camera is uncommon. Repairable mechanics and a living parts pipeline add long-term value.
Final notes
Use a level. Keep horizons straight when possible. Plan for light. Consider ND filters for bright days, especially if the final speeds mirror the F8. Practice your wind-shoot cycle until it becomes automatic. Finally, watch wideluxx.com and Silvergrain Classics for the next update. As new facts arrive, you can refine your kit and your expectations.