Photographer Captures Band with Retro Swing-Lens Panoramic Camera

Summary

UK-based photographer Chris Lombardi, a self-proclaimed "film nerd," utilized a Widelux swing-lens panoramic camera to photograph the disco-rock band The Great Leslie during a recording session at Abbey Road Studios. The Widelux, a legendary camera introduced in the 1950s, features a rotating f/8 lens that provides a 126-degree field of view for cinematic-style images. Initially produced for 120 film, a 35mm version, the Widelux F1, was released in 1958, creating 24x59mm images through a slit for creatively distorted frames. Actor Jeff Bridges' company, SilverBridges, has recently begun recreating the camera as the Wideluxx, combining its iconic lens with modern technology.

Key points

• Photographer Chris Lombardi used a Widelux swing-lens panoramic film camera.
• The Widelux camera captures images with a rotating lens and a 126-degree field of view.
• The band The Great Leslie was photographed at Abbey Road Studios.
• A modern recreation of the Widelux, called the Wideluxx, is in development.