Kodak R.B. Cycle Graphic Cirkut No.6

Introduced in 1920, the R.B. Cycle Graphic Cirkut No.6 by Kodak represents a notable, if somewhat specialized, entry in early 20th-century panoramic photography. While the larger Cirkut cameras were renowned for creating vast, continuous panoramic images using roll film, this No.6 variant intriguingly utilized 135 format (35mm) film. This smaller format adaptation significantly increased portability and made panoramic photography more accessible for specific applications like architectural studies, group portraits, and landscape documentation where extreme width was desired but cumbersome large-format equipment was impractical. The camera likely employed a complex mechanism to move the film past a stationary slit shutter while rotating the camera body or lens, capturing a wide-angle sweep on a standard 35mm frame. Its design leveraged the Cycle Graphic platform known for robustness, but tailored for the unique demands of 135 panoramic capture. Primarily marketed towards professional photographers and commercial studios requiring high-quality panoramic images without the bulk of traditional Cirkut setups, it occupied a distinct niche in the market.

This camera occupies a specific place in Kodak's portfolio as an innovative, albeit niche, solution for panoramic photography using the emerging 135 format. It demonstrates Kodak's ongoing exploration of panoramic techniques beyond their established large-format systems. While it didn't achieve the widespread popularity or historical impact of landmark 35mm cameras like the Leica, its design represents a practical approach to achieving wide-angle sweeps with more manageable equipment. Surviving examples are relatively scarce, underscoring its specialized nature and making it an interesting piece of equipment for collectors interested in the evolution of panoramic formats and Kodak's engineering efforts.