The Xpan was one of the most innovative cameras ever produced. Launched in 1998, it was a joint venture between two giants: Hasselblad and Fujifilm. Its unique design brought panorama images to 35mm, with the ability to switch between standard and panorama images on the fly.
The price of Xpans has skyrocketed over the last few years, due to the fact that many photographers list it as their dream camera. It's unlikely they will ever be produced again, but what if Fujifilm launched a digital version of this panoramic masterpiece?
The prospect of a digital Xpan is proposed in this fascinating concept video from SuperSuperka. Upon watching for the first time, I had to keep reminding myself this is just a concept and not the real thing.
The camera’s specifications are listed as a wide angle 28mm f/2 fixed lens with a 43.8 x16.5mm large sensor. Other features include a shutter speed dial with speeds from bulb right up to 1/4000 second, built-in neutral density filters, and a top dial that looks to be exposure compensation from -5 stops to +3 stops. The concept camera also features WiFi compatibility, video recording, and an Arca-Swiss compatible body. Though perhaps the most striking feature is the panoramic screen on the back of the camera.
Now for the big question: if Fujifilm were to seriously look at developing this camera, would you buy one? How much do you think it would cost? My guess for price would be higher than the X-T4 but lower than the GFX 50S II. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Yes I would buy one, and yes it would be expensive.
Since it's jointly developed by Hasselblad, we already know that it will have an extreme price tag with limited functionality. Being a fixed 28mm focal length and limited to 1/4000 sec also isn't particularly appealing. Unless minimalism was a priority, I'd be better served with my current Fujifilm X-T3/X-T4 or moving to the Fujifilm GFX series. If minimalism was a to priority, The Fujifilm x100v or Sony RX1R II would be my top picks.
If you want to see a mad panoramic camera, have a look at a Roundshot D3.when you could buy it, it was around £40,000
I have a GFX already, and those have an Xpan crop mode in them.
An xpro3 looks like an xpan/TX anyway just apply a 65:24 crop out of a 3:2 maybe take the xpan crop feature from the GFX then done if you want the aesthetics or GFX for image practicality. I'd maybe take the screen and viewfinder though but make it a hidden screen like the xpro3
i would if i was made of money.