New $784 Camera Makes Panoramic Film Photography Affordable

Panoramic film photography has always carried a hefty price tag, with vintage cameras selling for thousands of dollars and requiring specialized film processing. Robin Beerman, a Dutch photographer, just changed that equation with a clever design that brings costs down by 75%.

His BeerPAN camera shoots gorgeous 65x24mm panoramic frames on regular 35mm film that any drugstore can develop. A standard 36-exposure roll captures about 20 wide-angle shots, eliminating the need for expensive custom lab work that medium-format photographers face.

Beerman designed the camera around affordability without sacrificing quality. The body combines 3D-printed nylon with machined metal parts for the critical components like gears and lens mounts, keeping production costs reasonable while maintaining durability.

The camera works with Bronica ETR lenses, which photographers can find used for reasonable prices online. Beerman chose this mount specifically because these lenses are sharp, compact, and widely available on the secondhand market.

The waist-level viewfinder encourages a slower, more intentional approach to photography. Instead of pressing the camera to your face, you look down into the frame, which naturally makes you think more carefully about each shot.

"Looking down into your image rather than pressing a camera to your face changes how you compose and naturally slows you down," Beerman explains. He wanted to combine accessible panoramic photography with this meditative viewing experience.

The Ripple Effect

Beerman's commitment to accessibility extends beyond the initial purchase. He plans to release full design files under the Open Community License a year after shipping all orders, allowing anyone with a 3D printer to repair, modify, or improve the camera.

This open-source approach means the BeerPAN won't become obsolete or unrepairable like vintage cameras. Photographers can order replacement parts directly or even print their own components, ensuring their investment lasts for decades.

The camera comes in two versions: a base model at €660 (about $784) and a premium version with anodized aluminum plates for €840 ($998). Both are currently available through Kickstarter, with shipping planned for December 2026.

For photographers who love the tangible experience of film but couldn't justify spending thousands on panoramic equipment, this represents a genuine breakthrough. The format that once belonged exclusively to professionals and collectors is finally within reach.