A groundbreaking panoramic film camera designed to capture expansive, uninterrupted landscapes has been developed by industrial designers Derek Chiang and Ellie Kim. The Sasquatch 617, a medium-format panoramic film camera, addresses the longstanding challenge of photographing wide landscapes that exceed the limitations of standard photographic framing, offering photographers a unique tool for capturing nature's grandest vistas in a single, continuous frame.
Unlike conventional digital panoramic photography that relies on stitching multiple images together to create a wide view, the Sasquatch 617 produces one seamless, uninterrupted photograph. This distinctive capability makes it particularly well-suited for dynamic outdoor environments where movement is present, such as trees swaying in the wind or ocean waves crashing against the shore. The camera's ability to capture these moving elements without the distortion or misalignment issues common in stitched panoramas represents a significant advancement in landscape photography.
The camera's construction combines durability with precision engineering, featuring a robust exterior frame made from 304 stainless steel paired with 3D-printed polycarbonate components. When equipped with a lens, the complete system weighs approximately 1 kilogram, making it portable enough for extended outdoor photography sessions. The thoughtful design balance between strength and weight ensures the camera can withstand harsh outdoor conditions while remaining manageable for photographers traversing challenging terrain.
Functional features of the Sasquatch 617 include a precision focusing ring for sharp image capture, a rear door panel that provides complete access to the film chamber, and manual film advance knobs for reliable operation in all conditions. The camera system also offers several optional accessories to enhance usability, including a magnetically attached viewfinder for accurate composition, a magnetically attached shutter release cable for stable shooting, and a protective lens cover to safeguard the optics during transport and storage.
The development team has specifically engineered the Sasquatch 617 as a robust tool designed for serious outdoor photography while maintaining the precision required for professional-quality results. The camera's construction and operational features reflect a commitment to both durability and photographic excellence, ensuring reliable performance in demanding field conditions.
Photographers interested in the Sasquatch 617 will have the opportunity to secure their camera through a Kickstarter campaign, with pre-orders becoming available in September 2025. The development team has announced that shipping of the finished cameras is planned for late December 2025, giving photography enthusiasts several months to prepare for what promises to be a revolutionary tool in panoramic landscape photography.
