Last Updated on 10/30/2020 by Chris Gampat
Let’s do a little throwback to 1989 and see if anyone still remembers the quirky Brooks-Veriwide camera and its cameo in Ghostbusters II!
Looking for the next quirky camera to add to your camera collection? We can trust Paris-based photographer and filmmaker Mathieu Stern to always have something interesting to consider. This time, it’s another nostalgic camera that made a Hollywood cameo: a Brooks-Veriwide medium format panoramic camera that appeared in Ghostbusters II in 1989.
As Stern mentioned in his video below, the Brooks-Veriwide is a rare a 6×9 medium format camera, and thus, you better be ready to part with some serious cash for it. But of course, before you do, we’re sure you’re curious about how the camera operates. While he wasn’t able to find the exact same camera, he was able to borrow a Plaubel 69W Proshift, the next version of the Brooks-Veriwide, from the Camera Rescue team. He took it out for a spin and the results are for you to decide whether the camera is worth getting for the hefty price.
Of course, there’s always the novelty factor that comes with its Hollywood cameo. However, it’s certainly an interesting camera on its own for both film photographers and vintage camera collectors alike. According to camera-wiki, the Brooks-Veriwide was a revision of the Brooks-Plaubel Veriwide 100, done in the press camera style of the 1960s. While made in Japan, it’s comprised of components from Graflex, Deckel, Schneider, and Marshal. The lens is a Schneider 47mm f8 Super Angulon lens, while the shutter is a Syncro Compur MXV by Deckel. It can also use many of the accessories from the Graflex XL series.
If you’re curious about both the Brooks-Veriwide and the Plaubel 69 Proshift (which is on our list of 6×9 medium format cameras to get your hands on today), Mathieu’s test shoot covers the handling, quirks, and results to give us an idea of what to expect. If that has got you convinced and wanting one, you can grab this one from eBay.
As always, don’t forget to check out Mathieu Stern’s YouTube channel for more of his fun photography videos!
Cover image from the video