Xpanners Unite!

[xpandebt@9%]

What's the general consensus about Photo.net around here? I wonder because they have graciously provided for an XPan forum. However, the forum is not so popular. Even on here the conversations go for days and weeks without input.

What's up? Where are all my XPanners? A year ago this forum was lively! Now it's dead man walking.

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a?topic_id=1548&category=Hasselblad+Xpan+and+Panoramic

I've been posting photos, now that I've gotten them developed and digitized, but I feel like I'm one of the last Dodo's around here. And I'm the young amateur who wants to change the world using my camera! I want to see more discussion and photos (especially photos)! Aside from a few scattered galleries when I do an online search, I don't find much parallel excitement about this format and equipment anymore. The Photo.net forum is DOA. As far as I know there's no younger, better model out. Is the honeymoon over about the XPan? WHAT'S UP? I'm still excited, even if the film developing and scanning burns a hole in my wallet (I'm poor, so what's a little less money anyway)? Is this becoming a cult classic- or worse, just a cult? My panoramic vision (sounds like a super power) doesn't quit when the popularity goes away. But I would like to see at least a dull humm of enthusiasm!

XPANNERS, UNITE! (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=67069&ppuser=4916)

(Optimus Prime would be proud if you heed my call!)

[jaffa_777]

I love my xpan. I choose to use it for all types of subjects including documentary. It's not just for panoramic landscapes! I have just got back from a trip and have got alot of scanning time ahead of me but will be sure to post some images soon.

[Finder]

Welcome to the world of panoramic photography. It is a rather lonely field to be in. I find photomicrography (through a compound microscope) has a greater number of practitioners and that number is less than astrophotographers.

[Tuolumne]

I think you are just looking in the wrong places. Try these forums/groups:

panoramicphotography@yahoogroups.com

PanoToolsNG@yahoogroups.com

/T

[photogdave]

I love shooting with the XPan but I only really use the 30mm lens. This setup is WAY to expensive for me to buy so I have to settle for occasionally renting it. If I owned a system I'd be much more active in the pano community.

[Finder]

BTW, the "Xpan" format predates the Xpan. It is not new or original. There seem to be no "replacement" on the Horizont. (pun intended.)

[rich815]

A lot of Xpan (and TX-1!) photos on my Fuji Rangefinder Pages website. Link to my page there below, but hit Home when you get there and browse around. So many Xpan shots that honestly some Fuji RF diehards email me occasionally and complain! But I think the Fuji TX-1 (....er...I mean Xpan) desires to be there as much as the other Fuji RF images....

[chris000]

I'm still using my X-pan 1, 45mm and 90mm lenses - it's a great format but I try not to overuse it. A few X-pan pics on my site, take a look

[Simon Larbalestier]

I'm using my Xpans in every current project. As long as they make film i'll be shooting panos alongside my Leica M's and 120 RFs.

[Range Loser]

Hi, I have owned a Fuji TX1 since 1998, when a friend brought one back for me from Japan. I love it and have used it a lot with the 45mm lens.

Take a look at my website. www.andrewmidgleyphotography.com

[ifirdauzi]

I am sad XPAN/TX is discontinued
:|

[dermo]

I use my xpan all the time!

www.dermotokane.com

[rich815]

Hi, I have owned a Fuji TX1 since 1998, when a friend brought one back for me from Japan. I love it and have used it a lot with the 45mm lens.

Take a look at my website. www.andrewmidgleyphotography.com

Gorgeous TX-1 images Andrew and I really like your website. Wish I could find your book on Roman Britain somewhere here in the states (Amazon does not seem to carry it). I've always been intrigued by the history and places since reading about how Barry Thornton would sometimes explore such areas.

[Range Loser]

Hi rich815, thanks for the kind words. "Exploring Roman Britain" is available on Amazon.com. Here's the ISBN ISBN-10: 1845372417
ISBN-13: 978-1845372415.
Cheers, Andy.

[Rob-F]

I'd like someone to make some alternative focal lengths in the XPAN mount. I think a lens halfway between the 30mm and 45mm would be useful. That would be about 38mm. I have a hunch it could be made, with advanced design methods, to cover well enough so as not to need a center filter. Or if not, maybe to hold down the light falloff to the point where you don't need the filter with black & white.

[sepiareverb]

Still saving up for my 30mm, and I'm shooting the XPAN2, with the 45 mostly, every once in a while. I go through a burst of XPAN rolls, then drift away for a while. A wonderful camera.

[Finder]

I'd like someone to make some alternative focal lengths in the XPAN mount. I think a lens halfway between the 30mm and 45mm would be useful. That would be about 38mm. I have a hunch it could be made, with advanced design methods, to cover well enough so as not to need a center filter. Or if not, maybe to hold down the light falloff to the point where you don't need the filter with black & white.

Well, to eliminate mechanical vignetting would make the lens extremely expensive if it were f/4, or it would have to be very slow - f/11. As far as natural vignetting due to the cosine 4th law, there is not much you can do. BTW, the original lenses were made using advanced design methods.

[Finder]

Hi, I have owned a Fuji TX1 since 1998, when a friend brought one back for me from Japan. I love it and have used it a lot with the 45mm lens.

Take a look at my website. www.andrewmidgleyphotography.com

But not all those panoramic images were taken with a TX1. Are you also using a Widelux or Horizont?

[jan normandale]

What's the general consensus about Photo.net around here? I wonder because they have graciously provided for an XPan forum. However, the forum is not so popular. Even on here the conversations go for days and weeks without input.

What's up? Where are all my XPanners? A year ago this forum was lively! Now it's dead man walking.

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a?topic_id=1548&category=Hasselblad+Xpan+and+Panoramic

I've been posting photos, now that I've gotten them developed and digitized, but I feel like I'm one of the last Dodo's around here. And I'm the young amateur who wants to change the world using my camera! I want to see more discussion and photos (especially photos)! Aside from a few scattered galleries when I do an online search, I don't find much parallel excitement about this format and equipment anymore. The Photo.net forum is DOA. As far as I know there's no younger, better model out. Is the honeymoon over about the XPan? WHAT'S UP? I'm still excited, even if the film developing and scanning burns a hole in my wallet (I'm poor, so what's a little less money anyway)? Is this becoming a cult classic- or worse, just a cult? My panoramic vision (sounds like a super power) doesn't quit when the popularity goes away. But I would like to see at least a dull humm of enthusiasm!

XPANNERS, UNITE! (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=67069&ppuser=4916)

(Optimus Prime would be proud if you heed my call!)

If you are using an Xpan maybe put some into your gallery for starters? That would ensure others see the shots and could be an impetus to stimulate other owners to post and discuss images with the Xpan

[xpandebt@9%]

If you are using an Xpan maybe put some into your gallery for starters? That would ensure others see the shots and could be an impetus to stimulate other owners to post and discuss images with the Xpan

I have a few... (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/member.php?uid=4916&protype=1)

I use all three lenses.

[jan normandale]

I have a few... (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/member.php?uid=4916&protype=1)

I use all three lenses.

c'mon XPan.. don't tease us .. lets see some from the ends... ie 90mm and the wide-ass 30 mm.

BTW: If you own that one I know why your avatar is Xpandebt! ;- )

[xpandebt@9%]

c'mon XPan.. don't tease us .. lets see some from the ends... ie 90mm and the wide-ass 30 mm.

BTW: If you own that one I know why your avatar is Xpandebt! ;- )


Well, actually, all three lenses are represented in my shots here (and thanks for recognizing the heafty debt load- still paying my credit card). For example:

30mm (oops): http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=67403&ppuser=4916

90mm: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=67404&ppuser=4916

If you're not convinced, just look at the same island poking up in the background of each shot. These both were taken from the exact same spot: my bedroom window on tern island.

I need to get out and take more shots, but for all of you who have claimed to use your XPan on a regular basis, shame on you for not sharing! Let's see a wave of new photos in the XPan gallery! I've taken over with over 50 of mine. Where are yours? Let's have fun!

[jan normandale]

Well, actually, all three lenses are represented in my shots here (and thanks for recognizing the heafty debt load- still paying my credit card). For example:

90mm: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=67403&ppuser=4916

30mm: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=67404&ppuser=4916

If you're not convinced, just look at the same island poking up in the background of each shot. These both were taken from the exact same spot: my bedroom window.

I need to get out and take more shots, but for all of you who have claimed to use your XPan on a regular basis, shame on you for not sharing! Let's see a wave of new photos in the XPan gallery! I've taken over with over 50 of mine. Where are yours? Let's have fun!

Yeah I like the shots.. that first one I assume is the 30.. pretty nice! I'll post some soon as I scan the negs.. it's a pain but .. what the heck.. Check in a couple of days.

[xpandebt@9%]

Yeah I like the shots.. that first one I assume is the 30.. pretty nice! I'll post some soon as I scan the negs.. it's a pain but .. what the heck.. Check in a couple of days.


Thanks.

Oh, and yeah- it can be a pain and time consuming, but worth the feedback in my opinion.

I won't belabor the scanning issues, as previous threads have, and I don't wish this thread to turn into a replica, but I use the V700 scanner, so I don't have to worry about scanning two sides of the image. It works well, quality is certainly good enough for online, and this scanner provides much higher quality scans when needed. (Full disclosure, all my Tern Island photos here were scanned by the developer, not me- 34 rolls of film is a bit of a workload, so I cheated and bought CD's).

[PlantedTao]

I went on a vacation to Belize with Xpan and R2...
The Xpan was loaded with color and the photos are incredible...I used it to document to the trip and really dont like or use it for traditional landscape shots.
The R2 did the traditional B&W and my photo album that I put together with photos from both cameras looks great...the combo of the two formats gets lots of compliments and everbody loves the unique format...
This is a great camera and one I would never part with, just wish I had the 30mm
Unfortunately I would rather be out shooting or using the darkroom over scanning...so no pics :)

[anglophone1]

I'm using my Xpans in every current project. As long as they make film i'll be shooting panos alongside my Leica M's and 120 RFs.

Substitute my RD 1s for Ms and my reply is the same as Simon's................
Clive

[Riccis]

I finally was able to get my hands on an XPan and are now using it for my professional wedding work...

http://www.riccisvalladares.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/thefirstdance.jpg

http://www.riccisvalladares.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/alleydetails.jpg

http://www.riccisvalladares.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/noparking.jpg

...and for my personal work as well...

http://www.riccisvalladares.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chig0002.jpg

http://www.riccisvalladares.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chig0004.jpg

http://www.riccisvalladares.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/chig0006.jpg

Enjoy!

Riccis

[RdEoSg]

I have an Xpan with the 45 and 90 lenses, but I don't use it as much as I should. I take it with me on local photo excursions, but anything involving an airplane results in the camera staying home usually. I have my hands full with my Canon digital and Leica. I can't manage to carry the Xpan around as well. I use it mainly for scenic photos. I'll be going to Yosemite in May. You can bet it will be coming with me there!!!!

Unfortunately I don't have many images up from it. I need to post more. Once I get back from my trip I am leaving for on Monday I will try to scan and post some more!


Andrew: Great shots on your website! Is that Poland I spy on some of the black and white images? That's where I'm going Monday! I've been there before and really hope to put the leica to use this time. It will be my first trip abroad with it.

[jan normandale]

Riccis... which lens/lenses are you using with your Xpan?

[Riccis]

Jan:

Just the 45mm.

Thanks,

Riccis

[jan normandale]

I'm using the 45 also but wondered about the 90mm. Most people seem to use the 45.

Anyone here using the 90mm?

[didjiman]

I'm using the 45 also but wondered about the 90mm. Most people seem to use the 45.

Anyone here using the 90mm?

I use all 3.

[jan normandale]

didjiman... you need to modify your link , it's not working. I think you don't need the HTML there...

I'm going to you link thru another page.

Are your "August Japan" images shot with the 90mm? If not maybe you could point me to some. Thanks!

[didjiman]

didjiman... you need to modify your link , it's not working. I think you don't need the HTML there...

I'm going to you link thru another page.

Are your "August Japan" images shot with the 90mm? If not maybe you could point me to some. Thanks!

The one in my signature? I will change. Thanks.

As I said in the other post, I took 11 rolls of slides. Obviously not all are winners, but I suspect I am about 1/3 through the good ones. I used the 90mm may be 1/4 of the time and the rest split pretty much between the 30 and 45. Unfortunately, I didn't note down which ones are taken with which. You can some times guess base on the perspective. When I find one that I am reasonably sure of, I will let you know.

All three lenses are excellent, that's for sure. I hope you enjoy the photos.

[haagen_dazs]

arghh... i am GASing for an XPAN
how much should a well kept XPAN1 cost these days?
as well as a 45mm lens?

[PlantedTao]

Well, I would say a Xpan I can be had for about $1,500 to 1,200 with lens...
The thing about the xpan, dont go for the mint ones...the paint on the camera is horrible...it flakes easily. So one may look beat up, but that is just a look...the camera is built like a tank and feels that way too. It does have a exposure counter and that is what I would pay attention to. (although I forget how to check it) :)
KEH has one for a bargain price...I would get that and go for the mint 45 lens (which they do not have).

If you are a RF lover this is a must have camera because it fits so well with whatever other rangefinder(s) you currently own.

Cheers.

Jason

[haagen_dazs]

thanks jason
kind of getting some serious GAS attack..
i want to get ready for autumn that is coming

in the past, the x1 was always sold with the 45 lens is that right? (coming together in the same box)

shucks..sigh. where can i get one.. i want ONE!!! ><"

[PlantedTao]

thanks jason
kind of getting some serious GAS attack..
i want to get ready for autumn that is coming

in the past, the x1 was always sold with the 45 lens is that right? (coming together in the same box)

shucks..sigh. where can i get one.. i want ONE!!! ><"

yeah, it was and generally is always sold with the 45, but KEH breaks it up...which is kinda nice like I said because you can get a rough looking body and a minty piece of glass...

it took me a while to get one...they dont seem to comeup too often since most people want to hold onto them :)

[RdEoSg]

Mine was mint condition, then one day I stuck in it my courier bag while wandering London. Took it out at the end of the day and one whole side is nothing but ugly titanium.. ONE DAY!!!!

[Jim Watts]

......... It does have a exposure counter and that is what I would pay attention to. (although I forget how to check it) :)
KEH has one for a bargain price...I would get that and go for the mint 45 lens (which they do not have).

Cheers.

Jason
Hold down the AEB button on the back and then turn the camera on multiply number by 10 for frame count.

Age of camera can be determined by letters in serial number. More in my post in this thread: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41629&highlight=VHPICTURES

[david b]

I had posted a full kit here. Check in the classifieds.

It took a while to go and the body, 45, and 90 were finally purchased by people outside of RFF.

I still have the 30mm for sale.

Check the classifieds.

The cameras are built really well. The xpan 1 has soft paint, as mentioned above. This should not stop you from buying one with missing paint. As long as it is mechanically perfect, that is all that matters.

[haagen_dazs]

I had posted a full kit here. Check in the classifieds.

It took a while to go
wrong timing for me...
guess i am now looking for one :p :o gas......

[AusDLK]

I have all three lenses. I never use the 90mm. Maybe I would if I took it with me... Mostly I use the 30mm. If I have room for just one lens, it's always the 30. (I never use the 90mm Rokkor for my M's either.) Guess I'm just a wide-angle guy.

[david b]

yeah...i think I am going to start to use my 30mm again.

[jan normandale]

The one in my signature? I will change. Thanks.

As I said in the other post, I took 11 rolls of slides. Obviously not all are winners, but I suspect I am about 1/3 through the good ones. I used the 90mm may be 1/4 of the time and the rest split pretty much between the 30 and 45. Unfortunately, I didn't note down which ones are taken with which. You can some times guess base on the perspective. When I find one that I am reasonably sure of, I will let you know.

All three lenses are excellent, that's for sure. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Yes I liked all of the shots you had put up.. wonderful stuff from the Xpan for sure.

[haagen_dazs]

hi xpanners
could someone tell me if this is a good price?
Item number: 280156138330

if not, what should it be based on the descriptions
?

many thanks

[Ali Riza Kutlu]

it looks like a good price..not bad at all. I bought mine for 1400$ but there are some paint loss on my camera. This camera looks good to me..just make sure you are dealing with good seller..ebay makes me nervous as hell.

A

[haagen_dazs]

hi xpanners
could someone tell me if this is a good price?
Item number: 280156138330

if not, what should it be based on the descriptions
?

many thanks

hi
normally the center filter for the 45mm lens goes for >200USD
does anyone know how much does the 45mm lens hood usually cost?

anyone else might be able to offer me advise on Item number: 280156138330 ? :)
thank you

[szekiat]

dunno where u got that quote of >200USD as i got my centre filter from cathay last time for under 200SGD. As for the hood, u don't really need it but if u want it, its scarce as hen's teeth. U might have more luck calling up hassy direct and asking for one. Might get it free.

[Tuolumne]

$175 at PopFlash:

http://www.popflash.com/index.php?p=product&id=1883&parent=0

/T

[haagen_dazs]

$175 at PopFlash:

http://www.popflash.com/index.php?p=product&id=1883&parent=0

/T

Tuolumne....Are you still considering selling your xpan? :):p

[Tuolumne]

Yes. I just need to inventory it. I haven't been using it much and you want to, so it seems that you will be happier with the camera and I with the money, which I will promptly use on more photo gear I probably don't need.

/T

[Peter in Cairns Qld]

Hello.
I have just purchased an X-pan 2. Receive it in approximately 2 weeks time from Germany. Can't wait!
I have been looking at the many photos scanned and posted all over the web and in a number of books I have purchased, the quality of colour rendition and detail even in reasonably large photos is amazing. I have been looking for something that does't require a suitcase to carry around, like a 617 camera system, yet give detailed panoramic type photos without significant cropping.
I hope the X-pan is not dead in the water since I'm a novice with lots to learn and I love to look at and learn from the great photos other photographers have taken.
Long live the x- pan format.
( Is there any chance hasselblad might release an X-pan 3 in the future? )
Regards

Peter in Cairns Qld Australia

[Steeljam505@gmail.co]

After many years as a commercial photographer, I retired and lost interest in photography until I bought a Noblex and a Leica M3
http://members.home.nl/jeltsema
click on the stamps to proceed

[jan normandale]

After many years as a commercial photographer, I retired and lost interest in photography until I bought a Noblex and a Leica M3
http://members.home.nl/jeltsema
click on the stamps to proceed

I have no doubt that those two would stimulate your interest.

[Peter in Cairns Qld]

Dear Range Loser,
Love your panoramic photos.
Is it possible to view them bigger than the approx 7cm by 16cm that they come up at?.
Keep up the great work,
Kind regards
Peter in Cairns Qld Australia

[dspeltz]

I have all three lenses. I never use the 90mm. Maybe I would if I took it with me... Mostly I use the 30mm. If I have room for just one lens, it's always the 30. (I never use the 90mm Rokkor for my M's either.) Guess I'm just a wide-angle guy.

I have all three lenses and rarely used the 90 until recently. I was surprised at how terrific it was. A small telephoto with extra wide coverage that picks out detail that is lost in the 30 and 45.

[haagen_dazs]

yeah hoo.. my xpan arrived in the mail!
i cant wait to test it out!
:)

[simonxpan]

XpanII and 30mm rules - wish I had bought this lens 1st!

Simon

[Tuolumne]

I have all three lenses and rarely used the 90 until recently. I was surprised at how terrific it was. A small telephoto with extra wide coverage that picks out detail that is lost in the 30 and 45.

Where did you get your 90?

/T

[quantum-x]

Have the TX-2 w/ 45 and 30mm
30mm is tricky to shoot for me - I shoot mainly night photography, shooting at f11 to compensate for the filter is incredibly tedious, but the results are always worth it.

[SamuelGagnonDotcom]

I bought a xpan1 with 45mm a few months back and it's the best camera ever as far as I am concerned.

My Canon 20d has been collecting dust ever since...

some of my stuff here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31198131@N00/

and on my site: www.samuelgagnon.com (http://www.samuelgagnon.com)

What I like about it is that unlike digital you dont have to always to get the latest camera. Film is film and your xpan will be just as good in 10 years.

[Thardy]

I bought a xpan1 with 45mm a few months back and it's the best camera ever as far as I am concerned.

My Canon 20d has been collecting dust ever since...

some of my stuff here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31198131@N00/

and on my site: www.samuelgagnon.com (http://www.samuelgagnon.com)

What I like about it is that unlike digital you dont have to always to get the latest camera. Film is film and your xpan will be just as good in 10 years.

Do you provide photography for cruise lines? Good shots on Flickr.

[SamuelGagnonDotcom]

Do you provide photography for cruise lines? Good shots on Flickr.

Thanks,

I am actually a videographer cruise ships.

With the advantages of being part of the photo department (free access to the ship's photo lab where I scan & print all my stuff) without the inconveniences, such as taking photos of passengers! :D

[lZr]

xpandebt@9%, don't unite on XPAN. It is only camera. The forum can't unite on gear, but on panoramic images. I think it can go better. I think you will want to post pano images in the gallery, as I do from time to time. Delivering good pano images is not as easy as RF, or (D)SLR images.

[whitecat]

Super images on your site!

[lZr]

Good luck, Erik. Waiting for your pano images.

[OscarGarrido]

Hi, you can see my xpan web
www.garridoserra.com

And a video of NYC pictures from my Xpan + 45mm lens
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xbbBw5Bipq8

[pfoto]

This thread seems to be 100% Xpan. Anybody use a Linhof 617? I am thinking of getting one and would like to hear user experiences.

[lZr]

Oscar, sorry, no images and no video link available.

pfoto - I am riding on Horizon S3 Pro, Russian monster

[SimonPG]

My Xpan II kit is the most compelling experience since I discovered the M7.

To my eyes the XPan panorama format was a dream come true because I am not very keen on conventional very wide angle shooting - I always cropped M7 + 24mm images to a panorama and alas, not enough film for a big print. Then I discovered the XPan. :angel:

In Australia it seems there are far more keen XPan buyers than there are sellers. Maybe we can hope for an XPan IIID :)

[OscarGarrido]

Oscar, sorry, no images and no video link available.

pfoto - I am riding on Horizon S3 Pro, Russian monster

Don't work?

[lZr]

Yes, I see the images. Marvelous site, organization and work

[OscarGarrido]

Thanks IZr
Greetings from Spain

[pfoto]

Great stuff there Oscar, congratulations!

[StillWish]

Nice picures Oscar, pure XPan. Grats from Spain too :)

[sjw617]

Erik,
the first one is outstanding !!!

Steve

[semrich]

Oscar, I like your Xpan work on your website really good stuff. I find it interesting how to my eye the Xpan photos really look so much better for street shots at the angle you use in your composition.

what film were you using and at what speed you shot it?

[pfoto]

I like the second one Erik. That face goes very well with the vista in the background.

[Rob-F]

I like the second one Erik. That face goes very well with the vista in the background.

Yes, I agree. A fine shot! Eric is off to a good start.

[Ali Riza Kutlu]

some panoramic photographs can be found on my website...

cheers, A

[OscarGarrido]

Oscar, I like your Xpan work on your website really good stuff. I find it interesting how to my eye the Xpan photos really look so much better for street shots at the angle you use in your composition.

what film were you using and at what speed you shot it?

Hi friend, i use many types of films, from Ilford Xp2 until Neopan 100, 400, 1600 ...
Now i have one bulk roll of Acros 100 from Fuji.

[dvdsince98]

Oscar,

As already commented by others, your street images are striking and I thinks it's because of your interesting composition.

Well done mate! :)

[dvdsince98]

@Erik,

Had a look at your flickr stream and you have some great images there including the X-Pan shots. Congrats.