Questions about Xpan II / TX-2
- Thread starter Parchiao
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Parchiao said:
I don't know about Canon scanners but their reviews seem not bad. I have the Epson 4990 and the Minolta 5400. The 5400 can't do it at one go and stitching it is a real pain!! :sticktong Can't get it perfect. The 4990 can do it at one go, but I found that the Epson software doesn't really do a good job. Better to use Silverfast (which is included in the scanner bundle).
why said:
Not sure the price now. I got mine late last year for about S$4.4K. That was the kit with the 45mm lens. I was lucky that they happened to be giving away the 90mm lens for free with every purchase of the kit at that time!!! Don't know about now. Too bad that offer doesn't extend to the 30mm as well!!
Some info on the TX-2 and the X-pan II. Both are identical in terms of mechanics. Both use lens made by Fuji. Definitely need the center spot for the 45mm. Prices for body alone in Japan about $US1600, with 45mm, about $2300-2400. Bad news is that Hasselblad has raised prices dramatically on their cameras. Existing stock sells at $1800 (X-pan II and 45), but soon body alone will cost that. Hong Kong mostly has newer stock, thus higher prices (up into the Japan price range). So, you can get Fuji Tx-2 in Japan, and Hasselblad X-pan II in Hong Kong for about the same price. Cheaper Hassy Xpan kits ($1800) are still available in the Cayman Islands. I have two X-pan I's and one X-pan II and the three lenses. Let me know if you have any other questions.
To complete the discussion, the only real differences between Fuji Tx-1 and Hassy's X-pan 1, is cosmetic. Fuji uses the gun metal surface like their GA645zi, while Hassy uses a painted black finish. Unfortunately, the painted black has a tendency to scratch and brass, and so the Hassy version usually looks worse for wear quicker than the Fuji. Both companies version 2, however, are black, and appear to have a better, thicker, baked surface enamel. As for differences between the old versions (the "1" of both companies) and the new (the "2"), there are several, but the most important, I think, are the following three features: (1) the new versions allow a longer "B" time frame (for long night exposures), of 9 minutes (over just 30 seconds on the "1" versions); (2) the new versions allow multiple exposures where the old ones don't, and (3), shutter speed information can be read through the viewfinder during composition, while the originals don't allow it. Other improvements involve better sealing for infrared film, a film rewind that leaves the tongue outside the cartridge, and so forth. Which do you need, the original version, or the new version? By answering the following questions, you can probably decide. Most folks don't take multiple exposures, so don't need that capability (favoring the "1"). Most folks don't take ultra long night shots (favoring the "1"). However, many folks like to see shutter speed info while composing their pictures (favoring the "2"). With that said, I virtually always use my X-pans for panoramas, and virtually always use a tripod. So, I can easily access composure information reading the back LED panel. (back to favoring the "1"). That, and the fact that a "1" can be purchased for less than half the price of a "2", should at least keep some of those "1"s in circulation. As I mentioned, though in my first discussion, I have two of the original, and one "2", since in fact I do make both multiple exposures, and once in a while, take real long shots. Hope this helps.
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