INTRODUCTION

The Hasselblad X-Pan II is a 35mm panoramic camera. It was made possible by a collaboration between Hasselblad and Fuji in 2003.

It can be found on eBay and is not cheap. The Fuji version (Fuji TX-2) is the same camera, but cheaper. The X-Pan or Fuji TX-1 is even a bit cheaper, but rarely under $1000.

BEST SUITED FOR:

Studio

Events

Weddings

Landscapes

Architecture

Travel

Street

Art

Fun!

PERSONAL NOTES

I love the X-Pan II. I love its format. I love the fact that its discreet. You can do a lot of photography type with it. The viewfinder is well done, you can shoot 24x65mm panoramic or switch to regular 24x36mm on the fly.

Composing with this camera is different. You see things differently, you think differently, you shoot differently.

A special fact about the X-Pan II is that the film travels backward. When you load the film, when closing the back door, the camera spools all the film out of the canister. Then, when you shoot, the film is rewinded inside the can. This way, if you ever open the back door, the exposed film is already protected from light because its already inside the canister.

CONCLUSION

The Hasselblad X-Pan II is a unique camera, one I wish I still had. An extremely well made camera that delivers high quality images. The panoramic finder automatically makes you see things differently, it's an unrivalled experience. If you want even better image quality, try a Noblex!

PHOTO SAMPLES

VERDICT:

4 FLASHBULBS