This is the typical configuration deployed by most users: the Zörk Panoramic Shift Adaptor (PSA) with Tripod Mount, fixed to a modified Really Right Stuff (RRS) L Bracket on an Acratech Ball Head. The Canon 5D (here pictured) is an ideal tool for this purpose, being free of all the awkward lumps and bumps that make a Canon 1 Series camera feel so good in the hand.

Note that the lens, not the camera is mounted . . .

Only in this configuration is parallax-free stitching possible, with body only movements. This arrangement allows precisely the same functionality as a view camera rear standard shift movement. Mounting the body on the tripod and shifting the PSA is exactly like shift the front standard of a view camera. Whereas shifting the lens changes the field of view, shifting the body just moves the sensor to a different part of the image circle.

This is done like this . . .

. . . for panoramic horizontal stitching, giving as aspect ratio of 3.3:1 with a full frame camera - that's 11,000 x 3,328px (37 megapixels) on the 1Ds II or 9,700 x 2,912px (28.2MP) on the 5D (pictured).

Alternatively, the body can be rotated 360° to any position. When vertically aligned, a three or four frame horizontally-oriented 'striping' technique will yield even larger files. With the camera set like this . . .

. . . and the body is shifted across the lens horizontally, the assembled file will have an aspect ratio of 1.89:1 with a full frame camera. The resulting image will measure 9,435 x 4,992px (47 megapixels) when shot with a Canon 1Ds II, or 8,255 x 4,368px (36 megapixels) when shot with a Canon 5D.

NEXT PAGE >