Horseman SW617 Professional: Reviewing the Super Wide 6x17 Panoramic Film Camera

• Posted on 13 July 2026
• By Jamie Diger
• Posted in 120, 6x17, camera review, Film Photography, Horseman, medium format, panoramic, rare cameras, Rodenstock, wide angle lens

The Horseman SW617 Professional is a modular panoramic film camera that produces 6×17 cm negatives on 120 roll film. Often compared to the Linhoff Technorama 617 and Fuji GX617, the system supports a selection of Schneider and Rodenstock optics ranging from approximately 65mm to 180mm. We had the opportunity to run a few test rolls through a SW617 with a Rodenstock Grandagon-N 90mm f/6.8.

The Horseman SW617 Professional is a modular panoramic film camera that produces 6×17 cm negatives on 120 roll film. Each roll yields four panoramic exposures, with each negative offering roughly four times the image area of a 6×4.5 cm frame.

Unlike the Fuji GX617, the Horseman features interchangeable lenses. The system supports a selection of Schneider and Rodenstock optics ranging from approximately 65mm to 180mm. Here at Seawood, we were lucky enough to get our hands on an SW617 fitted with the Rodenstock Grandagon-N 90mm f/6.8. On the 6×17 format, the 90mm lens provides an angle of view roughly equivalent to a 20mm lens on a full-frame 35mm camera, making it well suited for landscapes, architecture, and interiors. The Grandagon's large image circle easily covers the 6×17 format while accommodating the camera's built-in rise and fall movements.

The SW617 Professional is a fully mechanical camera with interchangeable lens cones and removable/ interchangeable roll film backs. Focusing is accomplished using a helicoid mount with engraved distance scales, while composition can be done with either an external optical viewfinder or a ground glass focusing back. Exposure is set manually using the leaf shutter built into each lens, allowing flash synchronization at all shutter speeds.

A quick search on YouTube might leave you with the impression that the SW617 must be mounted on a tripod and focused on the ground glass. In our experience, we were just as successful when handholding and zone focusing. The camera offers the flexibility to work slowly and deliberately on a tripod or to shoot more spontaneously in the field, depending on your preferred workflow.

This particular system lasted less than 24 hours in our inventory, which speaks to the continued demand for the SW617. The combination of the Horseman SW617 Professional and the Rodenstock Grandagon-N 90mm delivered straightforward operation, impressive sharpness, and excellent control of distortion. Does it live up to the hype? We think so.

Check out our current selection of medium format cameras and accessories here.