XPan 2 Viewfinder LCD not showing

[Woozzle]

Hi Everyone,

Posted this at RFF, adding it here to get more response and insight.

So I got my hands on a XPan 2.

One of the difference between the XPan 2 and XPan 1 was the viewfinder LCD display that shows exposure information and the shutter speed.

But for the life of me I don't see it in the viewfinder. This might sound like a stupid question but where do you see it? Is it in the thing at the bottom inside the viewfinder? or Do I need to activate it in some way? If anyone could take a pic of the inside of their viewfinder that'd be great, Yeah I know it's asking for a lot.

Again, it could be that it has malfunctioned or is broken. Is it one of those things that is a problem area for the Xpan? There's film and battery in the camera now but exposure information still isn't showing in the viewfinder.

Asking because I'm not sure what the exposure value is or know whether or not the Aperture Priority works.

Thanks.

 

[AgX]

Just a guess without knowing that camera model: some LCD displays over time develop contact issues and thus going "empty". We got a special thread on repairing such. It is tricky.

 

[Woozzle]

So I just burned through a roll and was ready to have it developed when the LCD inside started working. Weirdest thing ever. Matched it up with another camera and it wasn't far off. Looks like sleeping beauty is done hibernating. Can't wait to enjoy shooting with it this weekend!

 

[Huss]

So how did it turn out?

 

[Woozzle]

All turned out well. Have run thru a couple of rolls.

Hong Kong XPan Panoramics by Kevin Dharmawan, on Flickr

Hong Kong XPan Panoramics by Kevin Dharmawan, on Flickr

Hong Kong XPan Panoramics by Kevin Dharmawan, on Flickr

Hong Kong XPan Panoramics by Kevin Dharmawan, on Flickr

 

[Huss]

Nice! I've been very impressed with the rendering of these lenses and you can see that 'pop' in your images. It looks like you could use the center ND filter. I've bought them from ebay for about $125- $150, being patient until one showed up at that price point. Some people are asking up to $300 for one!
What film did you use?

 

[Woozzle]

I was worried about the vignetting and had thought about the filter, but after seeing the results, I didn't think it is too bad. Mind you these are straight scans with no de-vignetting added in post.

And I'd much rather keep the faster lens speed. But I think the filter might come in handy if I shoot more landscapes.

 

[Woozzle]

Shoot these with the Portra 400 at box speed.

 

[yessammassey]

Those are really cool. I'm always impressed by the XPAN. I agree that the difference in exposure from center to edge is pretty noticeable, but it works with every shot you posted. Gives them a cinematic look. Wouldn't be appropriate in every situation, though.