Xpan images

[simonpg]

The iconic Aussie "RMB"s - road-side-mailboxes in country Australia.

An XPan image I took in the area of Sale, a week or so before the bushfires - 2.5 hours north east of Melbourne on the east coast and very near one of the 4 worst bushfire areas. It is where my Irish ancestors settled about 120 years ago.

Shot on Fujichrome Sensia 100 and with the 45mm lens - unmanipulated. I hope the large image size allowed by my membership does the XPan justice!

 

[simonpg]

A final image for now. If you are wondering why I took it - I call this shot "misplaced priorities" - because of the new satelite dish on the roof. Yes, satelite TV in an original settlers cottage about 130 years old in country Victoria!

XPan and 45mm lens on Sensia 100.

 

[simonpg]

Many thanks Jurgen and Paul!

 

[Dolbert]

Just sent my first roll off

Hello,

I'm a newbie. I picked up and XPAN II with 45mm lens of ebay (UK) and just sent my first roll of velvia 100 off yesterday....now found this forum. Looking at the photo's....waiting for mine to come back. Mostly mess about shots in the back garden. can't wait. Wondering how many 'keepers' I'll get from the film.

Looking forward to exploring with you all

Cheers
Dolbert

 

[simonpg]

Welcome!

A warm welcome aboard to you Dolbert!

You will never regret buying the XPan II. The qulity of the camera and lenses is outstanding. The design is equally great.

Every time I get my positive film back and look at it on a lightbox under a loupe I am thrilled!

Did you buy the ND centre graduated filter for the 45mm lens in the eBay deal? If not, I strongly suggest you do. I find it essential to ensure the maximium image quality edge to edge - especially for positive film and similarily so for B&W.

Also did the spirit level come with it? It too, IMHO, is a must have - tripod shooting makes it a chalenge to have horizons level due the the extra wide image. If not, I strongly suggest you get one from a dealer (yes a horrible price, but well worth it).

You might find you need to experiment with a few roles pf positive film while you learn the attributes of the light meter.

If you look through threads here you shold find some interesting tips and links.

Keep in mind that while the film is 135 format, the overall package, capabilities and lenses are MF. When you keep that in mind you will enjoy the more "contemplated" techniques when shooting.

By the way, the 90mm is a JOY too! I even shoot lots of people stuff with it.

Enjoy your GREAT camera and post lots of picture here.

 

[polypal]

A warm welcome from me as well.

The Xpan is a rare and extremely interesting camera because it unites
both 35 mm and MF in one camera.
The dream of any owner is the 30 mm lens especially when used in pano mode.
That lens is still around at auction sites but prices do not seem to come down.
Alternative is an adapter with the use of Nikon 28 mm lens.
That lens almost fills the pano frame.
At a fraction of the cost this is something to take into account.


Paul

 

[Adraguaire]

Welcome

Agree with Simon with the center filter, it is really usefull, the level too. and if you ve got the chance to afford a 30mm at a good price do not miss it.

Hope to see some of your pictures soon!

 

[Swissblad]

Xpan 30mm

We managed to find a mint 30mm last year - on Amazon.com - of all places.
It truly is an amazing lens - if a tad expensive!

 

[simonpg]

I forgot to say that I ONLY EVER use the XPan in panorama mode. When I go off shooting with the Leica M7, the XPan comes too.

When I go out shooting with the 501CM or 503CW, the XPan always comes along too.

The XPan is a perfect companion to both systems because when it comes to very wide angle shooting ( <28mm ) I MUCH prefer a panorama.

Personally, I have not been tempted to buy a 30mm for the XPan, I am just not into extreme wide panoramas (nor non-panoramas for that matter). Just personal preference.

BUT, regarding prices, mint XPan II cameras and lenses are typically fetching their last new price today - owners are holding onto them!!

Regarding the 30mm lens - it SEEMS expensive simply because the 45mm and 90mm lenses are actually quite cheap compared to other high quality lenses. The 30mm is SUPERB quality - very low distortion AND the accessory viewfinder is brilliantly designed. So, compartatively speaking, the 30mm/viewfinder bundle is medium price - just look at leica wide angle lens prices. So, if you like to shoot superwide (the 30mm has the 135 format equivalent angle of view of a 17mm lens!!!) a mint version is worth every cent. True high end quality always involves serious amounts of money!!