Beyond the Laughs: Seth Rogen's Passion for Panoramic Film Photography Revealed!
Most people know Seth Rogen as the hilarious actor behind some of the biggest comedy hits of the 2000s, or perhaps from his more recent work on Apple TV's 'The Studio.' But what if I told you there's a whole other side to Rogen, one that involves vintage cameras, meticulous light readings, and a deep appreciation for the art of panoramic film photography? Yes, you read that right!
In a recent appearance on GQ’s ’10 Essentials’ YouTube series, Rogen unveiled his surprising passion, confessing that he’s “got really into panoramic cameras.” He proudly showcased two of his prized possessions: a classic Widelux and a highly sought-after Hasselblad XPan.
Let's dive into the Widelux first. Rogen emphasizes that this camera is “purely mechanical,” a statement that's crucial for understanding its unique charm. This means there are no fancy electronic components to rely on. Instead, everything – from the shutter speed to the aperture – must be set manually, often requiring a separate light meter to ensure proper exposure. It's a hands-on, almost meditative process that forces the photographer to truly connect with the light and the scene.
He jokingly says, “It’s hard to load the film,” as he demonstrates the Widelux's intricate design. This is because the Widelux uses a swing-lens mechanism to capture its extra-wide images, meaning the lens physically moves across the film plane during exposure. “There’s a little tiny slit that lets the light in,” he explains, highlighting the delicate nature of the system. The Widelux is known for its distinct distortions and light leaks, which many film photographers embrace as part of its unique character.
Rogen shares that he's captured some “really cool pictures” backstage at 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) with his Widelux. He's also documented other behind-the-scenes moments, including a snapshot of him and Snoop Dogg in the studio while recording ‘Take Yo Panties Off’ for the 'This is the End' soundtrack – a truly epic moment captured on film!
But here's where it gets interesting. Rogen also owns a Hasselblad XPan, which he rightly points out is “much harder to find” than the Widelux. The XPan, also known as the Fujifilm TX-1 or TX-2 (Rogen owns the latter), is a dual-format 35mm camera that can shoot both standard 35mm and panoramic images. “Fuji manufactured the camera, and then some of them were rebranded as Hasselblads.” Its rarity and versatility have made it a cult favorite among photographers, driving up its price on the used market.
“There’s probably no greater cliche in all of the world than an actor thinking they’re a photographer,” Rogen jokes, displaying a healthy dose of self-awareness. “You’re around good lighting, you’re around cinematic things all day, you work with cameras, you get it in your head to get some cameras and to try to learn about cameras, as you should!” This statement touches upon a common perception, but Rogen seems genuinely passionate about the craft, suggesting that his interest goes beyond mere celebrity hobbyism.
And this is the part most people miss: Rogen isn't the only Hollywood star with a love for panoramic film cameras. He mentions that fellow actor Jeff Bridges is also famously associated with the Widelux. As PetaPixel has previously reported, Bridges isn't just a user of the Widelux; he's actively involved in reviving it through his new WideluxX project. Bridges and his wife, Susan Geston, are collaborating with Silvergrain Classics to reverse-engineer the Panon Widelux F8, aiming to improve upon the original design while staying true to its unique spirit.
Bridges describes the Widelux's unique aesthetic as the “sort of missing link between still photography and motion picture photography because of that lens that actually moves.” This perspective offers a compelling insight into why these unusual wide-angle cameras might appeal to those working in the film industry. The sweeping perspective and cinematic quality of panoramic images resonate with their visual sensibilities.
So, what do you think? Is there something inherently cinematic about panoramic film photography that draws in actors like Rogen and Bridges? Or is it simply the allure of a unique and challenging artistic medium? Could it be that these actors, surrounded by visual storytelling in their professional lives, find an outlet for their own creative vision through the lens of a panoramic camera? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Have you ever tried panoramic film photography? What are your favorite cameras and techniques?
