Thanks for the FYI guys. Got my xpan the other day and am VERY impressed w/ the quality. Working on first test roll of film pano mode. The camera came very clean, almost unused. serial # says EE, which I think means 1999. Ran the algorithm and shows 2900 shots taken, or about 80 rolls of film. Not much for 6 year old camera IMO - 13 rolls a year.
I like the control layout and the solid feel of the camera. Its a bit heavier than my Leica, but that is fine for less camera shake. Everything seems to be very intuitive. I like its ergonomics. The 45mm VF is great when not in pano. IMO anything between 40-45mm is great as standard.
This cam really pares up well with my Leicas. I sold off a Hexar RF to cover the xpan. The Hexar had lots of neat bells and whistles, but was not up to professional standards IMO. Not something I would take to the mountains/ jungle/ tropics by any means. I was very disappointed w/ the Hexar's whimpy control system. Okay for street shooting, but this guy needs something w/ more muscle.
If I had to fly right now, I'd take my xpan (w/ its 45mm, and 24mm pano ability) and my Leica Classic w/ 35mm Summilux and its 90mm Elmarit.
Small maybe, but proud!