Inspired by the Spaceview FT-2, an artillery spotting camera used to verify the launch and impact of military projectiles, this is the Russian true panoramic swing lens camera that captures expansive 120° images, equaling the full visual field of the naked human eye. Invented by the renowned Russian arms designer Fedor Vasilievich Tokarev, the Spaceview FT-2 was the first mass-produced panoramic camera, highly regarded in the former Soviet Union as proof of the superpower's technological prowess. The camera's swing lens pivots from side to side while, at the same time, a narrow vertical slit between the lens and the film progressively exposes the film, resulting in 58 mm wide negatives that are 62% wider than standard negatives. The mu lticoated Arsat 28 mm glass lens produces crisp shots that capture foreground and background nuances while limiting optical aberrations. Compatible with all types of 35 mm film (color negative, black and white, slide, infrared, violet, and more), the camera has a full range of variable aperture settings from f/2.8 to f/16 and shutter speeds of 1/500 to 1/2 seconds, ensuring superior exposure for large group photographs in low-light indoor settings or landscape shots in ample natural light. A spirit level in the viewfinder allows you to determine with a glance whether your camera is plumb, resulting in level, perfectly aligned horizon photographs. The manual-wind camera does not require batteries-all of its functions are powered by whisper-quiet, clockwork mechanics, allowing inconspicuous use in museums, botanic gardens, or nature preserves. Includes a tripod mount and a cable release thread for shake-free long exposures, a wide handhold to ensure a confident grip, and a leather carrying case. 24 x 58 mm negatives can be developed at professional photography laboratories. 4 1/2" H x 6" W x 3" D. (1 3/4 lbs.)