While various film formats boast distinct and widely recognized frame sizes, 6×17 cm (617 format) stands out as a significantly less common frame size in traditional film strips. It is primarily found in panoramic cameras designed for large-format photography, rather than the readily available roll film used for standard frame sizes that are typically cut into strips for archives, projectors, or viewers.
Understanding Common Film Frame Sizes
Before diving into the uncommon, it’s crucial to grasp the prevalence of standard frame sizes. 35mm film, the workhorse of photography for decades, offered the classic 24x36mm frame. This format’s ubiquity cemented its place in both amateur and professional photography. Beyond 35mm, medium format cameras, using 120 film, presented opportunities for larger frame sizes. Typical 120 film frame sizes include 6×4.5 cm, 6×6 cm, and 6×7 cm. These formats provided superior image quality and detail, making them popular for portraiture, landscapes, and fine art photography. Even more specialized formats like 16mm film (primarily used for filmmaking) and Super 8 film had their own defined frame sizes.
The crucial point is that these common frame sizes were almost universally designed to be easily processed and viewed either as individual slides, negative strips or through standardized projection or viewing equipment. The 6x17cm format largely breaks this convention.
The Distinctiveness of 6×17 cm Format
The 6x17cm format, also known as 617, is a niche format almost exclusively used for panoramic photography. Cameras designed for this format, such as the Linhof Technorama 617s and the Fuji GX617, produce extremely wide, sweeping images. However, its very nature – its panoramic scope – makes it intrinsically unsuitable for the typical “strip” format associated with 35mm or even 120 film.
Unlike the other formats mentioned, 6x17cm film is not routinely cut into strips. Its length dictates that the image is usually handled as a single, large negative or transparency. Attempting to cut it into strips would essentially defeat the purpose of the panoramic format, breaking the image into unusable segments. Moreover, the physical size of a 6x17cm frame makes it impractical for most strip-based viewing equipment or projection systems.
Why Some Sizes are More Common than Others
The dominance of certain film formats hinges on several factors:
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Camera Availability: The widespread availability of cameras using a particular format is a primary driver. 35mm cameras, for example, were mass-produced and accessible to a wide range of users. The 6×17 format represents a very specific type of photographic equipment that typically caters to experienced professional photographers.
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Film Availability: The ease of obtaining film in a specific format is another critical aspect. 35mm and 120 film are readily available from numerous manufacturers, ensuring continued use. While 6x17cm film is still produced, it is a specialty item, often requiring specific ordering and potentially higher prices.
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Processing Infrastructure: The infrastructure for processing film is crucial. Labs must be equipped to handle and process specific formats. The ubiquity of processing labs handling 35mm and 120 film contributed significantly to their popularity. Due to its larger size and often more demanding scanning or printing requirements, fewer labs cater specifically to 6x17cm film.
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Viewing and Projection Equipment: The availability of compatible viewing and projection equipment also plays a role. 35mm slides and negatives could be easily viewed using inexpensive viewers or projected onto screens. The 6x17cm format, given its size, presents challenges for standardized viewing and projection. Digital scanning and printing are often the preferred methods for showcasing these images.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Film Frame Sizes
H3: 1. What is the difference between film format and frame size?
Film format refers to the type of film used (e.g., 35mm, 120, 4×5). Frame size refers to the dimensions of the image captured on that film. For example, 35mm film usually produces a 24x36mm frame, though half-frame cameras exist.
H3: 2. Why is 35mm film so popular?
Its popularity stems from several factors: relative affordability, compact camera sizes, readily available film, established processing infrastructure, and a versatile frame size suitable for a wide range of photographic applications.
H3: 3. What are the advantages of using larger film formats like 120 or 4×5?
Larger formats capture more detail and offer greater tonal range. This translates to higher image quality, especially in large prints or detailed scans. Larger film formats also lend themselves better to extensive cropping and manipulation, while retaining sharp detail.
H3: 4. Can I convert my 35mm camera to use a larger film format?
Generally, no. The camera body and lens are specifically designed for a particular film format. Attempting to adapt a 35mm camera to a larger format would require significant modifications and would likely be impractical.
H3: 5. What is meant by “half-frame” 35mm photography?
Half-frame cameras expose only half of the standard 35mm frame (18x24mm). This allows you to take twice as many pictures on a roll of film, albeit with reduced image quality compared to the full 24x36mm frame.
H3: 6. What role does film perforation play in determining the frame size?
Film perforations (sprocket holes) help transport the film through the camera and provide a precise reference point for determining the frame spacing. The placement and spacing of perforations are integral to the design of each film format and its associated frame size.
H3: 7. Are there any “alternative” or less common 35mm frame sizes?
Yes, besides half-frame, there have been various experimental or niche 35mm formats, such as panoramic 35mm cameras that expose a wider frame (though not as wide as 6x17cm), utilizing specially adapted camera backs. These are not common.
H3: 8. What is the difference between 120 film and 220 film?
Both are medium format films, but 220 film is twice as long as 120 film (providing roughly twice the number of exposures). 220 film lacks a backing paper along its entire length (except for the beginning and end), allowing for the increased film length within the same spool size.
H3: 9. Is it possible to create my own custom film frame sizes?
While technically possible, it would require specialized equipment and modifications to both the camera and film processing. This is generally not a practical option for most photographers.
H3: 10. How does digital photography affect the relevance of film frame sizes?
Digital photography has largely superseded film in many areas. However, the concept of “sensor size” in digital cameras is analogous to “film frame size” in analog photography. Larger sensors generally capture more light and detail, similar to larger film formats.
H3: 11. What are the advantages of using a view camera with 4×5 or larger film formats?
View cameras offer extensive control over perspective and depth of field, allowing for precise image manipulation. Combined with the superior image quality of large film formats, they are ideal for architectural photography, product photography, and fine art applications.
H3: 12. Where can I get film processed for less common formats like 6×17 cm?
Specialty film labs that cater to professional photographers and fine art photographers are typically equipped to handle less common formats. Online directories and professional photography forums can help locate these specialized labs. Be prepared for potentially higher processing costs and longer turnaround times.