XPAN II or G2 ?

[tron]

A stupid question from a newbie who wants to try out rangefinder.

I like the panorama format, but I am slow in sight and hands.

I like shooting landscape most of the time, but I also enjoy shooting in the city, streets and people.

I also wonder, in terms of optical quality, which lens rise above the other - zeiss or fujinon ?

Thanks.

[Mark Harwood]

Dear Tron,
I have both systems and they are both excellent, ergonomically and optically.
IMHO Leica and Zeiss lenses can't be bettered generally, but the XPan lenses are superb. The G2 autofocus may help you to shoot a little faster and the lenses are a stop or two faster (three or four stops if you add the Hasselblad centre grad filters), so for 'general' use this system may be a better and cheaper option. The slight drawback with the G2 is the rather small and squinty viewfinder which takes some getting used to, the XPan viewfinder is sharp and clear.
Best bet would be to try them both, either way you'll not be disappointed, they're both top quality and unique kit.
Hurry up if it's going to be the G2 though because they're now sadly discontinued, so as they say in the sale shop windows, 'when they're gone, they're gone' ;o)
Destined to become a classic and very collectable.
have fun,
Mark.

[JohnC]

The G2 is more point and shoot (af assist) than true rangefinder. Other than that its a great camera.