I think it’s fair to say that most of us, if not all, have that one regret when it comes to letting a camera go. Maybe we needed the money, maybe we made a trade for a different camera, maybe we just sold it out of boredom. Different people different reasons. When I first got into film photography a few years back, I had picked up the Widelux F7. I really didn’t understand film and I surely didn’t understand the Widelux and what it’s capable of doing. All I knew is I loved the panoramic view, so Widelux it was. The camera was fun to use and I did not appreciate it at the time like I should have. I ended up selling it…with regrets not too long after.
I went panoramaless (if that’s even a word lol) for quite some time. I knew the Widelux was way out of my price range so that wasn’t an option. I started doing my research on other 35mm panoramic cameras and ended up with three of the Horizon models over the last couple of years. The Horizon panoramic cameras are still a little pricey but nowhere near the cost of a Widelux. So I took my chances, trading one away and the other two breaking on me. So back to square one for me.
I’ve been going through cameras, lenses, and other photographic gear in the past year or so and selling them to make purchases that I really need and want. I know I know, some people say wants and needs are two different things but in my pursuit of the Widelux, they’re the same. I wanted one and I needed one. Afterall, I was…panoramaless. The funds weren’t quite there for the full price but I started to browse EBay looking to see if I could find a deal. What do you know, I found myself eyeing a Widelux F6. The bid was low and not much time was left. So I messaged the seller and asked some questions, specifically to the return policy. (It’s important to protect ourselves as buyers). I put a bid in at the last second and the Widelux was mine.
Waiting for the Widelux to get in my hands was torture. Fortunately, it only took three days to arrive. She is clean, she runs smooth, and she’s a beauty. Of course, I had my concerns. Would this camera have any banding issues? Would this camera have inaccurate shutter speeds? Would this camera have any other issues that would cost an arm and a leg to repair? I mean after all, I did get this camera for a STEAL. Was it too good to be true? One way to find out.
When testing cameras, sometimes I will test a film I’m not familiar with as well. Two birds one stone, or two stones one bird. However you see it lol that was a joke btw. Anyways, I chose Kentmere 400 as my test roll. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve shot Kentmere 400 so I figured it would be nice to get reacquainted with it. I loaded the Widelux up and headed out the door. Shooting the first roll, I did not have any issues. Everything seemed to operate fine. Everything was nice and smooth. One more thing to check off the list….banding. After I developed the first roll (Xtol Replinished) and scanned it (DSLR scanning) I found zero banding issues. Thank goodness. She’s a keeper.
I always had regrets letting go of my Widelux F7 and now this F6 will stay with me. I don’t want to experience that feeling again lol so my question is this….do YOU have that one camera you regret letting go of? Did you ever find another? Do you plan on finding another? I would love to hear about your biggest regret when it comes to letting a camera go.
Widelux F6/Kentmere 400/Xtol Replinished
Widelux F6/Kentmere 400/Xtol Replinished
Widelux F6/Kentmere 400/Xtol Replinished
Widelux F6/Kentmere 400/Xtol Replinished
Widelux F6/Kentmere 400/Xtol Replinished
Widelux F6/Kentmere 400/Xtol Replinished