I don't know if this thread goes here

[nickchew]

Hi all

I've always been really interested in the Xpan, except that it is mucho mucho dollars.
I was considering dipping my foot into the panoramic waters with a russian made Horizon swing lens camera.

I'm not sure this actually qualifies as a RF.
But since everyone has been so accomodating.... I thought I'd ask if anyone has experience (good and bad) with this plastic russian thing.

Thanks

Nick

 

[Doug]

Hi Nick-- I think this fits well in RF topics. I too have been intrigued by the Horizon cameras. But the specs are disappointing: Very limited shutter speeds and fixed focus. I'm not sure whether I "buy into" the swing-lens or rectilinear approach to panos, but the look of the output is very different. I expect you'll want to resolve your own preferences, possibly by deciding which to shop for, or by getting both types!

The XPan is a very capable and sophisticated camera with dual format capability. But it too is limited in the lenses available. OTOH, 30, 45, and 90mm are all extremely useful in both its formats.

The 45mm lens for my Pentax 67 gives me about the same view as the XPan with its 45mm, plus the ability to crop the 24mm wide strip out of the top, bottom, or middle of the 56x70mm frame for perspective control, or even to correct a horizon tilt error. So a 6x7 or 6x9 camera would be an other route to take, with possibly broader lens choices. I believe the Mamiya 7II even has a 35mm film adaptation kit, if there's reason to use 35mm film.

Or you could go even bigger, with a 6x12 or 6x17 camera from Fuji or Linhof for example. I think there are swing-lens cameras taking 120/220 film as well... Widelux?

RFF member Roger is very experienced with shooting panoramas, so I hope he sees this and weighs in as well.