XPan -Some genuine advice please guys

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dd786

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Hey All,

Is it worth buying an Xpan considering all the problems people have with repairs and sourcing parts that dont exist?

Is it actually that difficult to get parts and get repairs done?

What do you think about an xpan or even an xpan 2 thats had around 400 rolls put through? Risky? Probably need repairs soon?
 
I would be a bit cautious. I've owned two, one like new and the other well used. No problem with either but because of the value I sold both before anything went wrong. If you really need panoramic format then I highly recommend it. It is great to use.
 
I've had three. My first one was missing its framelines, and had to go to Hasselblad for repairs. No problems with the second one. The third was not giving me the right exposures, and a repair was $385.00. I've sold them all.

Although I like a wide aspect ratio, I don't like it to be as wide as the XPAN's. I'm happier shooting my Hasselblad 500CM with a 40 or 50mm and an A16 back. I just crop the image to a 2:1 aspect ratio.

The problem is that there just aren't that many scenes or subjects that lend themselves to such a narrow format. The XPAN has about a 2.66:1 aspect ratio. Even Cinemascope isn't that wide (2.35:1); while 70mm Panavision is even less (2.21:1). It's a case of "more is less and less is more." A 2:1 frame still leaves me enough image height to include some foreground to allow a sense of depth in the picture.
 
The only way my TX-2 is leaving me is if it dies or Fuji makes a digital version that's a true rangefinder. Otherwise, if you want it, get it. It's one of the best purchases I've made and is the consistent film camera I include in my travel kit. I leave for a weekend trip to Copenhagen today. I've got the TX-2 and the x100f for digital.
 
The Fuji version is identical as they both are made by Fuji. But often it is several hundred $$ cheaper just because people like the name Hasselblad more. So if you can find the Fuji version, you may save some $$.

I love mine. I think overall condition (does it look like it has been abused) is more important.
 
I've own Xpan, and now own a Tx1. Love em both.
So, about 2 years ago I dropped the Xpan on the lens/hood side.
Destroyed the hood, but the lens continuted to work fine.
The camera on the otherhand worked fine for 2 more shots, then gave me error.
I sent it into hasselblad/Bron repair in NJ for repair.
They indicated it was shutter problem and hasselblad no longer had parts for that repair.
Ergo, I picked up a Tx1.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys.
So does Fuji still make the TX cameras and are repairs/replacement parts still easily available? This was the real concern for me. Hass or fuji doesnt really matter to me :)
 
Fuji made the cameras. The Hasselblads were branded as such but the cameras are the exact same and people pay a premium for the Xpan and Hasselblad name. There is no difference except color and branding. The lenses are exactly the same as well. Just branding differentiates. So, no the cameras are no longer manufactured. Repairs are possible, but you may have to send it somewhere and put some effort into finding a good repair place. Parts are dependent obviously and that may be an issue. Buy from a reliable seller or buy from ebay with the expectation that it may be a dud but stay safe in the knowledge that buyer protection is beyond absurd for that venue.
 
I've had my Xpan for a few months now and can't believe I waited this long to pick one up. It's my go-to camera, and really inspires creativity unlike any tool I've ever used. I found one for a deal because of an electronic issue, bought it, and took it to a local camera repair shop that was able to fix it and returned it to me like new. So, even though Hasselblad or Fuji may no longer repair these amazing cameras, there are plenty of specialty shops that will likely be able to.
 
I had an xpan several years ago for a few years and sold It. I thought I'd go entirely digital but changed my mind after selling it. Never any problems with it though. About three years ago I ran across a mint one that had hardly been used. I bought it and will keep it.
 
I have the XPAN II and 45mm lens - it is an outstanding camera and 24x65mm is my favorite panoramic format. The 2.7:1 ratio looks perfect to my eye.

There is a place to send the XPAN for repairs; I cannot for the life of me find the link to the company's website. I will continue looking though, and post it here when I do find it.
 
I've got two Xpan IIs. One looks very clean and is just used when i want to have two focal lengths to play with. The other has loads of the paint missing, has been rained on many times, totally covered in dust and has had nothing go wrong on it.
It's a unique format, which some people won't like. I love it!
The 90mm lens is very underrated, i think portraits taken on it look amazing.
 
I sold all my Xpans/TXs and kept the XpanII/TX2 because of the design change in the on off switch. With the first generation it just had a detent that you would turn through. I noticed on my low mileage TX-1 it was very smooth, while on my higher mileage Xpan it was rough and stiff. I then looked into this and found out that this would eventually be a point of failure, with no replacement parts availabel.
The 2nd version has this re-designed, where you need to press in a release button in the middle of the on/off dial before you can turn it. It seems that Fuji recognized the issue and thus made the change.
 
brbo said:
Since we know you absolutely hate XPan II and love XPan I... You can still have your on/off switch on XPan I replaced with a new one that won't fail with time. And it even wasn't crazy expensive half a year ago when I had mine replaced (through Hasselblad UK).
Click to expand...

I do much prefer the dials and vf of the Xpan/TX- 1. I was looking at long term ownership when I made this decision.
:)
 
dd786 said:
Hey All,

Is it worth buying an Xpan considering all the problems people have with repairs and sourcing parts that dont exist?

Is it actually that difficult to get parts and get repairs done?

What do you think about an xpan or even an xpan 2 thats had around 400 rolls put through? Risky? Probably need repairs soon?
Click to expand...

Xpan is great and nothing can replace it.

Have a read here :
https://melbournestreetphotography.com.au/2016/05/22/panoramarama-hasselblad-xpan-camera-review/

;)
to quote the "link" :rolleyes: :
"The Xpan is the most expensive toy camera ever made!"
 
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