How do the models of the Horizon series differ?
The Horizon series started in the Soviet Union. Over the years, different models were produced. Here is an overview of a selection of these 35mm cameras and information on the technical data in a table.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Horizon 202 | Horizon Perfekt | Horizon Kompakt | Horizon S3 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Type | panorama camera | panorama camera | panorama camera | panorama camera |
| Film format | 35mm | 35mm | 35mm | 35mm |
| Film Transport | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Film Transport Mechanism | — | Quick release lever | — | — |
| Picture Format | 58 mm x 24 mm | 58 mm x 24 mm | 58 mm x 24 mm | 58 mm x 24 mm |
| Lens type | Fixed lens | Fixed lens | Fixed lens | Fixed lens |
| Focal Length | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/8 | f/2.8 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/2 – 1/250 – second | 1/500 – 1/60s, 1/8s, 1/4s, 1/2 – second | — | 1/250 to 1 second |
| Light Meter | — | No | No | — |
| Focus | Fixed focus | Fixed focus | Fixed focus | Fixed focus |
| Weight | — | 800 | — | 750 |
| Size | — | 14 x 11 x 6.5 cm | — | 11.75 x 14.6 x 7.3 cm |
| Release Date | — | 2005 | 2005 | 2003 |
| Production start | — | 2005 | 2005 | 2003 |
| Manufacturer | KMZ | Lomography / Zenit | Lomography / Zenit | KMZ |
| Country of Origin | Soviet Union (USSR) | Russia | — | — |
| Age | — | Up to 21 years | Up to 21 years | Up to 23 years |
How do Horizon cameras differ from a normal camera?
To take a panorama with a normal camera, you usually have two options. Either you use a wide-angle lens, take a picture with a lot of content, and crop the final image. This creates the impression of a panorama. The other possibility is to take multiple pictures and stitch them together later. Between individual shots, you move the camera and choose a new image section.
The latter method is similar to the method of Horizon cameras, but the Soviet cameras make shooting much easier. After pressing the shutter release, the camera's optics move from one side to the other, capturing the image information onto the film. This creates a panorama in less than a second. The operation is somewhat like a scanner.
The advantage of this method is that the cameras are easy to use and the shot is quick. The disadvantage is that the shot cannot be interrupted. If a person moves in the image, with other methods you can simply wait a bit and then take the new picture. With a Horizon panoramic camera, the subject appears either double or blurred in the final panorama.
Films for the Horizon panoramic cameras
All models are designed for the 35mm format. There is still a wide variety of suitable films for this format (eBay / Amazon*). Suitable film material is offered by Kodak, Fujfilm, Kentmere, Ilford, Adox, Foma, Rollei, or Lomography.
