First trials with the upgraded Fotoman 612

Half a year ago, I ordered a brand new 6x12 panorama camera from the Chinese manufacturer Fotoman. We knew it would only be a matter of time for the Chinese to set their sights on capturing their share of the photo market. It will be a while before we can expect the first full frame 16 MP digital SLR to come out of the Middle Kingdom. But over the last two years they have started to introduce compelling offerings for analogue, large format photographers. Gone are the days of the rustic Seagull TLRs (although they still exist). Shen Hao, Widepan and Fotoman have quickly become household names for photographers seeking affordable, high quality cameras in a variety of larger formats (starting at 6x9 cm and going up to 7x17').

Fotoman produces and markets a limited number of analogue panoramic (6x12, 6x17, 6x24) and large format wide-angle cameras (4x5, 8x10). As Fuji has stopped the production of its celebrated 6x17 system, Fotoman is now primarily competing against Linhof and Horseman (and against really exotic contraptions such as the Gilde 617) in the panorama segment.

The Fotoman adopts essentially the same concept as the Linhof: the camera is a modular assembly of a fixed-format, rigid-back body, a lens (connected to the body via a customised cone assembly) and a viewfinder. The advantages of the Fotoman 612 are obvious: it is significantly cheaper compared to the Linhof and it offers more flexibility in terms of body-lens combinations.

The disadvantage for early customers of the camera is that some aspects of the design are still evolving as Fotoman is building experience with its line of cameras. The camera I bought last year was fully functional but suffered from a mediocre viewfinder and fairly stodgy focusing ring without a depth-of-field scale. I found that very annoying when using the camera as a street shooter. So I was very glad to hear that Fotoman had upgraded both components (they are obviously listenting to their customers). They invited me to send in the camera for a free upgrade and about a month ago I got it back with a new, clear viewfinder and a much smoother focusing ring with dof scale. Beautiful!

I didn't have a lot of time to try out the camera over the last few weeks. But the first rolls are quite promising. The focusing mechanism works well and the viewfinder is a pleasure to use.
Above is a backlight shot of 17th century Park Abbey, which is very close to where I live (taken on Rollei R3 film @ 400 asa).

I have promised Paul Droluk, an American who is leading the Fotoman business, to write a full-fledged review of the camera as soon as I have some more experience with the upgraded version. My first impressions, however, are very positive. And I'm delighted by the ease of communication with Fotoman and the high level of their customer service. If I were Linhof, I would be very worried.