world travels...Xpan, Xpan2 or wait

[GrahamWelland]

I've used a 1998 original Xpan that exposed up to 32 seconds and I briefly had in my possession a 2002 original Xpan which went up to 270 sec. Okay, to be precise it PROBABLY went up to 270 sec since I got bored holding the shutter release down. Based on this experience it seems that a change was made to the B setting before the arrival of the Xpan II.

Yes, I think you're correct. I do remember seeing something about this fact ahead of the II version being available. In fact, the XPan II doubled the 30s & 270s to 540s which really probably enough for anyone.

 

[SHERPA]

Xpan2 and use fuji natura 1600

natura 1600

Xpan2 and use fuji natura 1600 image

 

[samdj1210]

Hi there,
I'm going to dig deep and get an Xpan 1 in the next couple of days. Just one more thing, Does anyone know what the upgrades are in the XPAN 2 to use IR film. I'm guessing IR film still works in the XPAN 1. I have some Kodak (HIE) I want to test out when i go to the Lake district in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks.
Very excited Sam

 

[Finder]

I'm guessing IR film still works in the XPAN 1.

Not if it uses an IR sensor for the film advance. That is what makes a lot of modern SLRs incompatible with IR film. I don't know about the Xpan, but I would check.

 

[sf]

Xpan has IR film advance. Serious issue in my opinion. Gotta have an IR free film advance with a panoramic camera. HIE is a natural for panos.

For world travel, really, I'd bring something medium format. That way, you can have the best of all worlds - and when you capture that once in a lifetime image, you'll have it in very big negative size. All the better for poster sized prints.

RF645 would be my first choice, Plaubel Makina 67 would be second, then the Mamiya 7 and 6. Really, the Xpan is very wide, and not smaller than my RF645 in terms of volume. I'd rather have a larger negative from which I CAN cut panos of any size I wish.

 

[Finder]

I would not take an Xpan as my only camera. The pano format has a "neat" factor that wears thin after a while. Pano cameras (of which I have two) are not that versatile. I would take a regular format over a pano format for a long trip.

I usually travel with a Mamiya 6MF and if I have space and energy, I add a 6x12 camera. The 6MF has the advantage of taking 35mm film (with the pano adapter), which can be used if you run out of medium-format film and can only get 35mm locally (the 50mm lens is really a requirement for the adapter). I perfer the 6x12 panos as they are more "cinemagraphic" rather than "panoramic." I find it is an easier format to use - a long 35mm frame.

If you have your heart set on the Xpan, take a bunch of pictures before you go to see how the format works. Not just a roll or two, but 10 or more rolls to see how the format grows on you - the first few rolls always look good because the format is so new. You may find you hit a rut very soon. That time will also see how it works as a "regular" 35mm camera.

 

[mw_uio]

Safety Tips!!

Safety Tips!!

In regards to your travels...and safety....

Do not point!! ie extending your hand out and having your index finger out at what ever you are looking at...that just says Tourists!! Do not do it.

Have the camera strap around your whole body, ie...strap from left to right or vice versa. Wear a jacket to conseal your camera when not shooting.
Are you in a hot climate zone?

If you feel something is up...ie something is not right....you are right....act on it.
Your first reaction is the best reaction

Your facil expressions are important. Show the public that you own the area and you know wear you are going when walking. Showing confidence is very important.

If you are on a bus. try and get a seat at the front.

Camera bags - get a old one. Do not travel with new flashy travel bags.
A used small size military style bag would be a good idea.
Never leave your camera bag un attended. Even if some says it will be okay.
NO. Keep your bag with you at all times.

If you book yourself in a hostal...if you get a private room, no issues

If you get a dorm room, sleep with your camera bag some way. I never trust anyone. Do no show your gear to anyone! No one needs to know.

These are just a few suggestions.

Be safe....

MW

Quito (UIO), Ecuador.