Xpan focusing

razocaine_07 · Dec 25, 2018

Is there a way to test to see if the focusing on the xpan is accurate. I've taken loads of care to make sure I've focused properly and my eyesight is fine.
Alot of the images have come back slightly soft and I'm beginning to worry that it might be the camera. (Usually it's me)

Any suggestions?

flatulent1 · Dec 30, 2018

I was having problems focusing an old folding camera I had just acquired. What was suggested at the time was to open the back and put a piece of cellophane tape across the interior to act as a ground glass. I hesitate to recommend doing that to the xpan on account of the focal plane shutter. If you can lock the shutter open with BULB mode then it might be worth a try. But only if you can lock the shutter open. I would hate to get tape residue on the shutter, let alone shove a thumb through it.

Colin Corneau · Dec 30, 2018

Might be worth having it checked and cleaned. A qualified Hasselblad technician can see if the rangefinder alignment is OK or has been slightly knocked out of whack.

Barring that, you can measure very precisely the distance to a test subject, focus and see how the images look shot wide open.

razocaine_07 · Jan 1, 2019

Thanks I'll try those tips. I'll also have a look for UK based hasselblad services

jim10219 · Jan 1, 2019

flatulent1 said:
I was having problems focusing an old folding camera I had just acquired. What was suggested at the time was to open the back and put a piece of cellophane tape across the interior to act as a ground glass. I hesitate to recommend doing that to the xpan on account of the focal plane shutter. If you can lock the shutter open with BULB mode then it might be worth a try. But only if you can lock the shutter open. I would hate to get tape residue on the shutter, let alone shove a thumb through it.

That's what I do too. Be sure to use the cheap tape though. The more expensive stuff tends to be really clear and not produce much of an image. You can apply it to your skin first to pick up some oils and make it more opaque I'd need be. Also, get a loupe or thread counter (or even a powerful magnifying glass) to get a better look at the image. Mounting the camera on a tripod and using a darkcloth may also help.

Trask · Jan 1, 2019

As an alternative to using adhesive tape as a focusing screen, any good art supply store will sell you a sheet of very thin tracing paper (or similar) that can be cut to size and then taped across the focal plane.

j_landecker · Jan 1, 2019

The problem with using tape or tracing paper alone is that, unless you can tension it somehow, it will bow and give you inaccurate results. It's better to use an old focusing screen or piece of ground glass cut to the same width as the film to fit on the film rails. A quick way to do this would be to get a piece of picture framing glass and stick frosted Scotch tape on one side. Put the frosted side against the film rails.

Huss · Mar 28, 2019

Old thread but... you don't need a Hasselblad technician to adjust the RF. You can use a Fuji one.. (little joke as it is made by Fuji). Seriously though any decent tech will be able to adjust the rf mechanism. I did mine, and I'm not a decent tech! It's pretty simple and there are guides a google search away.

Xpan focusing

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency