Panoramic Stereo

[Tiki Tiki]

I posted this to Yahoo's Photo-3D group the other day and thought I would post it here, too, since you folks know more about the XPan II than anyone else I've found.

I'm presently using a pair of Nikon D200s linked via Nikon's own MC-23 connecting cord to produce my stereo pairs. Sync appears to be fantastic, with even flash photos, so far, coming out 100% of the time. The two cameras, mounted onto a Jasper Engineering twin camera bar, make for quite a heavy set-up, though. Digital imaging has turned out to be great for me, I use both Apple Aperture and Adobe Photoshop as my "dark room," and I just placed an order for ColorCode 3-D's software so I can produce amber-blue anaglyphs for display on hi-def plasma screens and as canvas giclee prints. I'm particularly excited about using ColorCode 3-D for canvas prints, as the amber-blue process actually creates fairly normal looking images when viewed without the 3-D glasses.

So what does all that have to do with the subject title -- Panoramic Stereo?

Well, as I said, my pair of Nikon D200s are quite heavy, so I've been visiting the Horseman 3D page quite a bit, eyeing that compact all-in-one modern stereo camera with envy. Yes, I'd have to go back to film and scan my negatives or transparencies, but something about that camera has peaked my interest. The camera gets a negative mark for the small size and extreme closeness of its lenses, though, and its price tag is definitely a big negative. $5,000 is a hell of a lot of money for a slightly modified FujiFilm TX/Hasselblad XPan. And here's where I finally get to my subject...

For only slightly more than one Horseman 3D camera...I could buy a pair of Hasselblad XPan IIs coupled with standard 45mm lenses. I see that Hasselblad offers a wired remote for use with the XPan II. I'm hoping, therefore, that I could splice a pair of these remotes together exactly as I did with all of my Canon gear before going with Nikon Digital. Yes, I'd be back to two bodies mounted onto a camera bar, but the XPan II, at 970 grams counting the lens, isn't overly heavy. There's just something about the thought of producing a panoramic stereo image (from a 24mm x 65mm medium format quality negative) that really has me breathing heavy! ;-)

I'm thinking, by the way, that a pair of Hasselblad XPan IIs may actually be an investment of some sort. The camera is now discontinued, and I've yet to find anything but rave reviews from owners, so I expect this camera to end up as a highly sought after collector's item. It's scary that film use appears to be on the rapid decline, but I doubt it will disappear any time soon. Famous last words, eh?

Is anyone else out there shooting panoramic stereo? What are everyone else's thoughts on this subject?

Thanks!

Jay

Is there any reason why I shouldn't also consider the Fuji TX-2? It looks like a brand new TX-2 can be had on eBay for about $300 less than what it would cost to purchase the XPan II from B & H Photo. Since I would have to buy two bodies, that's a difference of $600. Does the Hasselblad name really command that much more on the resale market?

I'm the kind who likes to keep my possessions looking pristine. I'm a bit worried about the things I've heard concerning the XPan and its paint job. Was this corrected with the XPan II? How does the TX-2 compare in this regard?

Thanks!

Jay

 

[Ben1]

Hi jay,

I can only answer the second part of ur question, re: the paintjob.

I own the xpan 2, have had it for nearly a year now and have done ALOT of work with it. Its had its fair share of knocks n scrapes, and i am still YET to take a single fleck of paint off it. I have heard people refer to the paint coming off very easily but i can only say from my experience that i have no idea what its about!!!....
I am like you, i like to keep my stuff looking immaculate.

There is currently a post on here :
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24380

if you check out the photo of that, its an XPAN 1.. it is completely bashed up and missing paint everywhere.
Like i said, i own the xpan 2 so i cant really comment on that, but at the end of the day i believe if you look after your gear and treat it the way it should be treated, then u shouldnt have a problem.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[parasko]

Jay,

From what I have read, the paint issues of the Xpan referred to Mk1 and the Xpan II does not have similar problems, as Ben has experienced. I have just bought my Xpan II so can't comment from direct experience..nice cosmetic finish though.

Re: stereo photograhy, I have no idea about this technique but I'm intrigued...any recommended links?