The Viscawide-16 is a Japanese panoramic camera for 16mm film, which was manufactured by Taiyō Kōki from 1961 onwards. It is characterized by its unusual shape, the rotating lens and the panoramic shots in the format 10 x 52 mm, which according to the manufacturer it captures on 16mm film.
Lens
The Viscawide-16 is equipped with a permanently installed Lausar 2.5cm f/3.5 lens from Tomioka. The focal length is specified as 25mm (2.5 cm). The aperture can be set manually from f/3.5 to f/16. A special Viscawide-16 UV filter was available as an accessory.
The camera has no automatic focus or zone focus setting. The focus must be set manually using a distance scale. There is no lens mount for interchangeable lenses.
Exposure settings
The Viscawide-16 offers only two shutter speeds: 1/60 second (S) and 1/300 second (H). The selection is made using a lever on the side of the camera. Some models also have an “OFF” position, which serves as a shutter lock.
There is no integrated light meter. The photographer must estimate the exposure based on experience, external light meters or exposure tables. An exposure table is attached to the back of the camera.
Flash system
The Viscawide-16 has no integrated flash system and no flash connectors.
Additional functions
The camera has a simple folding viewfinder, a manual film transport lever with integrated frame counter and a small reset button for the frame counter. There is no self-timer. On the right side there is an eyelet for attaching a carrying strap. The camera has a tripod thread.
Dimensions and weight
The Viscawide-16 has dimensions of 121.8 × 53.8 × 47 mm and weighs about 300 grams (without film cassette). The compact size allowed photographers to easily carry the camera in their pocket.
Film recommendations
The Viscawide-16 uses special film cassettes labeled “VISCAWIDE-16 CO.LTD”. The camera can process both perforated and unperforated 16mm film. There is no DX coding.
The film speed (ISO) must be set manually, although the camera does not offer a direct setting for this. The exposure must be adjusted according to the film speed used. Approximately 18 shots in 10×49/52 mm format are possible per film roll.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Panorama camera |
| Film format | 16mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 10 mm x 52mm |
| Focal length | 25 mm |
| Widest aperture | f/3.5 |
| Smallest aperture | f/16 |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/300 second, 1/60 second |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Cable release thread | No |
| Self-timer | No |
| Connection for camera strap | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Size | 12,18 x 5,38 x 4,7 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 4.80 x 2.12 x 1.85 inches |
| Weight | 300 Grams |
| Company name of the brand | TAIYO KOKI CO., LTD. |
| Country of production | Japan |
| Estimated value / Used price | 206,71 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 5 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 256,44 Euro (277.09 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Viscawide-16
What kind of pictures does the Viscawide-16 take?
This interesting camera shoots panoramic pictures. It uses 16mm film to create images that are wider than they are tall, specifically in a 10 x 52 mm format. It allows you to capture expansive scenes in a unique way.
Does the Tomioka Lausar have any automatic settings?
No, the Lausar lens on this camera does not have any automatic features. You will need to manually adjust the focus by using a distance scale, and there is no automatic focus or zone focus.
How do I know what settings to use if there is no light meter in the device?
Since there is no built-in light meter, you'll have to rely on your own experience or use external tools. You can use a separate light meter or reference an exposure table, which is conveniently placed on the back of the device. Remember to adapt the settings for the film sensitivity you want to use.
Can I use a flash with it?
Unfortunately, this vintage piece does not support flash photography. It lacks both an integrated flash unit and any external flash connections, which means you'll need to rely on available light or continuous light sources when shooting with the Viscawide-16.
Is this a heavy piece of equipment?
Not at all! The Viscawide-16 is quite lightweight. It weighs around 300 grams without a film cassette, making it easy to carry around in your pocket. Its compact size was one of its selling points.