Horizon 202 vs. 202s

I am looking for info from owners of these cameras. First is the new drive

system on the 202s working well and in a reliable manner? Are the images sharp

or is the lens and film platen not up to giving excellent images. Last, since

the images are less wide than similar cameras from other manufacturers, are you

happy with the panoramics or if you could buy something else what would you buy?

I have a very recent Horizon 202. The lens transport in the 202s is supposed to be quieter

and smoother. The 202 lens transport is quite loud and the sharpness is a little better

than fair compared to the other wide angles I routinely use ( Mamiya TLR 65mm, and 20

and 24 mm Nikkors). There is also a thin vertical strip at the far right side of the negative

that is out of focus - very easy to crop but annoying. Gripes aside I do enjoy using it and

the images are unique enough to make it worth the $200+ I paid for it. If I had a less

limited budget I'd hunt down a Widelux F8, Noblex 135, Hasselblad X-Pan, or ?.

Harvey,

 

They are fun cameras but if you know you like the format you would be best served by

getting a Widelux

John is the Widelux 6 and 7 that much different? I heard that they were virtuly the same mechanically as borne out by taking them apart.

I have a Widelux FV and love it. But it had banding when I bought it.

 

Contacted Bob Watkins in Illinois, a guru on these things. He said that the F8 biggest difference is that the transmission gears are helically cut, and have more teeth, to prevent banding from uneven movement of the lens turret.

 

F8 gears can be retro-fitted into an older Widelux, so that's what I had him do. Not a cheap operation, but I've been happy ever since.