Re: [Rollei] Panorama head question

[Richard Knoppow <dickburk >]

At 12:57 AM 06/07/2002 +0000, you wrote:
>I'm wondering if using a Rollei panoramic head generally gives images that
appear to line up properly when put together afterwards (I'd be scanning
and then joining them in Photoshop), or if particular conditions are
required, such as avoiding certain subject matter (like regular geometric
patterns, squares etc). I'm thinking primarily of making images from two or
three frames, shooting landscapes, cityscapes and interiors. Any hints
appreciated. 
>
>Joe B.
>
  The images won't merge evenly at the edges due to the the lens being
rectilinear. OK, what does that mean? The perspective of the iamge on the
print is such that it will look right to the eye when the eye is at the
equivalent position of the lens relative to the film. If you photograph an
array of golf balls the ones in the corners will look egg shaped unless the
picture is viewed one eyed from exactly the position of the lens for a
contact print, or from a distance equal to the lens distance times the
magnifiction for an enlargement. Since a merged panorama no longer has a
single viewpoint the distortion at the edges and corners will result in a
quite noticable discontinuity in the image. Computer programs are available
which correct this distortion. 
  The individual images would have to be printed on a section of a sphere
to be correct.
- ----
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk  

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