Hasselblad XPAN

[crazyvisions]

Has anyone here tried or own one of these? I haven't found much in the way of reviews on this unit and am increasingly curious about them. I don't shoot much 35 mm anymore but find the panoramic format most interesting for certain aspects in my work. Any info is most appreciated!

 

[Thomassauerwein]

It is a very temperamental camera but worth the effort. The metering system is very inconveinant but accurate and the wider apetures have a pretty extreme value falloff. I got a center density filter (275.00) to correct for this problem and it sucks. But when I nail a shot the negs are exceptional way beyond anything I have ever shot with 35mm.
I really recomend the camera but be patient with it it needs to train you.

 

[crazyvisions]

Thomas,
I'm getting more anxious to get my hands on one the more I hear & see. I'm sure the array of Zeiss optics are as good as they come and can truly create an outstanding negative. Tempermental is sounds like fun. If it comes easy, then it turns to boring.
Thanks for your help!

 

[david b]

Rob, the glass is made by fuji. not by zeiss.

 

[crazyvisions]

Yikes! I havent looked into them close enough to even realize that! I've never used any of the Fuji line from their medium format equipment. I'm going to assume there optics have sharpness & clarity of a Zeiss or APO Lanther or Super Symmar?
Okay, maybe i'm stretching it but, can they truly compete with the Planars fitted to a Contax or even the Leica optical line?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Fuji has been making some really good professional lenses these days, particularly for their (now mostly discontinued) rangefinder cameras and for large format. Don't let the brand scare you off. You might also think of looking for one of the Fuji branded Xpans (is it the TX-II now?), if you want to save a few bucks and aren't worried about U.S. warrantee service.

 

[david b]

Since the XPAN II has been released, B&H is now selling an XPAN (I) kit with 45mm lens and accessories for $1799 and then you get a $200 rebate. $1600 is a great price for this camera.

 

[Thomassauerwein]

Rob, the lenses for this camera are as sharp as you could ask for, AMAZING! I also have the Fuji 6x8 with a 65mm and 210mm both lenses are as sharp as all the hassy's I've had or used.
Like I said, it will be user error the will cause a lot of frustration at first but once you figure out its limits and access it's oppertunities the camera is as good as they get.

 

[Fintan]

I have an Xpan II with 45mm, I dont really care who makes it, dont really care about any stats or curves. I just love this camera, I love the 24mm x 65mm format. My main camera is a hasselblad 500cm and use their 40mm/80mm/150mm lenses. I really love the 6x6 square but I take the Xpan everywhere, everyday.

I'm not saying its the best camera there is and I'm not saying everyone would like it but its worth looking at.

There are several reviews online;
http://www.apogeephoto.com/may2000/xpan_review.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/haselbla.shtml