Right now I have the Xpan1 and TX2 (Xpan 2) in my possession.
And funny thing I prefer the Xpan1 (Fuji TX1) for several reasons.
The VF is clearer. The exposure confirmation dot does not block anything, and most of the time from experience I can accurately estimate what the shutter speed is. If I am not sure, holding down the shutter button half way locks the exposure, so I can then see what the actual speed read out is on the back.
The Xpan2/TX2's exposure read out impedes on the bottom edge of the VF, taking away that extra compositional space that RF cameras are so good at providing.
I much prefer both the ISO dial, and the exposure compensation dial on the XPan/TX1, than the teeny buttons that need to be pushed and scrolled through on the Xpan2/TX2.
If you want to shoot infrared film, the Xpan2/TX2 is meant to be better as it apparently does not fog the film, but the owner's manual still recommends testing it first with whatever film you are going to use. So it seems to not be 100% certain.
The Xpan2/TX2 allows for one stop longer exposure on the bulb setting - something I'll never use, it allows for choice of film leader in/out and multiple exposures. I think the only thing I'd ever use there is maybe the multiple exposure ability but again it is so fiddly to use - multiple teeny button pushings - that I'd prefer to use a camera like a Nikon FE2 or Minolta XK where the process is extremely simple.
Add the fact that a XpanII/TX2 is much more expensive than an Xpan/TX1, I honestly could not recommend it over the first gen. Even for the same money. I just find the handling (dials) and VF (clearer) on the Xpan/TX1 to be superior.
I may shoot another roll or two before deciding whether to keep my TX2, or sell it on.
And funny thing I prefer the Xpan1 (Fuji TX1) for several reasons.
The VF is clearer. The exposure confirmation dot does not block anything, and most of the time from experience I can accurately estimate what the shutter speed is. If I am not sure, holding down the shutter button half way locks the exposure, so I can then see what the actual speed read out is on the back.
The Xpan2/TX2's exposure read out impedes on the bottom edge of the VF, taking away that extra compositional space that RF cameras are so good at providing.
I much prefer both the ISO dial, and the exposure compensation dial on the XPan/TX1, than the teeny buttons that need to be pushed and scrolled through on the Xpan2/TX2.
If you want to shoot infrared film, the Xpan2/TX2 is meant to be better as it apparently does not fog the film, but the owner's manual still recommends testing it first with whatever film you are going to use. So it seems to not be 100% certain.
The Xpan2/TX2 allows for one stop longer exposure on the bulb setting - something I'll never use, it allows for choice of film leader in/out and multiple exposures. I think the only thing I'd ever use there is maybe the multiple exposure ability but again it is so fiddly to use - multiple teeny button pushings - that I'd prefer to use a camera like a Nikon FE2 or Minolta XK where the process is extremely simple.
Add the fact that a XpanII/TX2 is much more expensive than an Xpan/TX1, I honestly could not recommend it over the first gen. Even for the same money. I just find the handling (dials) and VF (clearer) on the Xpan/TX1 to be superior.
I may shoot another roll or two before deciding whether to keep my TX2, or sell it on.
