The Kalimar Wide-X is a panoramic camera. It was built by KMZ in the Soviet Union. There it was offered under the model name Горизонт. This model was sold under the Kalimar brand in America.
A special feature of this camera is its unique method of capturing panoramic images. While many panoramic cameras use a particularly wide-angle lens and cut off parts at the top and bottom to create the panoramic effect, the Kalimar Wide-X acts more like a scanner.
In the Kalimar Wide-X, the film is in a curved state, in front of which the lens moves from side to side during the shot, capturing a 120-degree angle of view. This is very similar to the panorama function on smartphones, although here the lens is moved rather than the camera or smartphone.
What is special about this mechanism is the possibility to easily create panoramic images without any difficulties in the transitions. Therefore, pictures can also be taken without a tripod. One disadvantage, however, is that there is a certain time delay. If the subject moves faster than the camera, it can appear in several image areas.
The negatives of this camera measure 24 mm x 58 mm. For comparison, a conventional image is usually 24 mm x 36 mm on 35mm film.
As you might expect, the lens on this camera is not interchangeable. The Kalimar Wide-X comes with an "OF-28P". The maximum aperture of the lens is f/2.8 and the focal length is 28 mm. The focus of the lens is not adjustable. The closest focusing distance is 100 cm. The focus range can be changed by the selected aperture.
It should be noted that this camera does not have a function to measure the correct exposure. Aperture and shutter speed must be set individually. For this purpose, an external light meter can be used or the exposure can be estimated. For the shutter speed, you can choose between 1/250 second, 1/125 second, 1/60 second and 1/30 second. For the aperture, the values f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11 and f/16 are available.
No batteries are needed for photography. All functions are mechanical. Film transport is manual. Before rewinding the film at the end of the roll, a small button on the bottom must be pressed. The film can then be rewound and the roll removed. The camera must not be opened before this operation.
There is also a thread for a tripod on the underside. This is especially necessary for clear pictures with longer exposure times. A connection for a cable release is also provided.
Films for the Kalimar Wide-X
Standard 35mm film is required to shoot with the Kalimar Wide-X.
Films available for the KMZ camera, which are easily obtained online, include the Ilford XP2 Super* for striking black and white images and the Kodak Ultramax 400* for vibrant colour images. Both films are excellent for a wide range of applications, as numerous test reports prove.
Film processing is offered by numerous laboratories. It is important to inform the lab that the film is panoramic. Otherwise the negatives could be cut in the wrong place.
Similar versions
Versions based on the Horizont
