The Horizon is a panorama camera and part of the Horizon / Horizon family. It was built by KMZ in the Soviet Union from 1967 to 1973. The model was offered in the Soviet Union under the designation Горизонт. The 35 mm camera was also available on the Western market under the names “Kalimar Wide-X”, “Horizont Revue” and “Global-H”.
The way the camera takes the panoramic pictures is a special feature. Some panoramic cameras come with a very wide-angle lens and then crop off a portion at the top and bottom to create the panoramic look.
The horizon works somewhat like a scanner. The film is curved in the camera, and in front of it is the lens, which swings from side to side during the shot, capturing a 120-degree angle of view. The principle is very similar to the panorama function of smartphones, but it is the lens that moves and not the camera or smartphone.
The advantage of this mechanism is that panoramas can be created very easily and there are no problems with the transitions. This also makes it possible to take pictures without a tripod. One disadvantage, however, is that there is of course a certain delay. So if the subject moves faster than the camera, it appears in several areas of the picture.
The negatives of the photo camera have a size of 24 mm x 58 mm. For comparison, a normal picture normally takes up about 24 mm x 36 mm on a 35 mm film.
As you might guess, the lens on this camera is not interchangeable. The Horizont comes with an “OF-28P”. The widest aperture of the lens is f/2.8 and the focal length is 28 mm. The focus of the lens cannot be changed. The closest focusing distance is 100 cm. The range of the focus can be influenced 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 have to be set yourself. For this you can use an external light meter or estimate the exposure. The shutter speed can be set to 1/250 second, 1/125 second, 1/60 second and 1/30 second. For the aperture, you can choose between f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11 and f/16.
Batteries are not required for taking pictures. 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 in. Then the film can be rewound and the roll removed. The camera must not be opened beforehand.
There is also a thread for a tripod on the underside. This is necessary for clear pictures, especially with longer exposure times. There is also a connection for a cable release.
Films for the Horizont
Normal 35 mm film is needed for taking photographs with the Horizont.
Available photo films for the KMZ camera, which can be easily obtained from online retailers, are the Ilford XP2 Super* for magical black-and-white images and the Kodak Ultramax 400* for brilliant colour images. Both films are well suited for a wide range of applications. This is also attested to them in test reports.
The development of the films is offered by many laboratories. Here, one should inform the lab that it is a film with panoramic images. Otherwise, the negatives may be cut in the wrong place.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Panorama camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Film transport mechanism | Rotary knob |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 58 mm |
| Lens name | OF-28P 2.8/28 mm |
| Focal length | 28 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum focus distance | 100 cm / 3.28 ft |
| Focus | Fixed |
| Exposure times | 1/250 second to 1/30 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | No |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Names in other markets | Soviet Union (USSR): Горизонт |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| End of production | 1973 |
| Production duration | 6 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 307,22 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 9 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 220,17 Euro (238.13 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 232,42 Euro (251.12 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 248,77 Euro (268.44 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Horizont
What is the unique feature of the Horizont camera's panorama function?
Unlike cameras using wide-angle lenses and cropping, the Horizont uses a scanning mechanism. Its lens sweeps across the film, capturing a 120-degree view similar to a smartphone panorama, but with the lens moving instead of the camera.
Does this Soviet-era panoramic camera require batteries for operation?
No, the Horizont is entirely mechanical. All functions, including film advance and shutter release, are manual and do not need any batteries for operation.
What type of film does the Horizont camera use, and what are its negative dimensions?
It uses standard 35mm film, but the negatives are larger than normal, measuring 24mm x 58mm to accommodate the panoramic image.
Can the lens on the Horizont camera be changed, and what are its specifications?
No, the lens is fixed. The Horizont features a non-interchangeable 28mm f/2.8 OF-28P lens with a fixed focus and a minimum focusing distance of 100 cm.
How is exposure controlled on the Horizont, considering it lacks a built-in light meter?
The Horizont lacks a built-in light meter; therefore, manual adjustment of aperture (f/2.8 to f/16) and shutter speed (1/250s to 1/30s) is necessary, potentially aided by an external light meter.