Re: XPan? Are you kidding?

[Willem-Jan Markerink <w.j.markerink@xxxxx>]

On 23 Dec 99 at 10:29, Clyde Soles wrote:

> >Both the Noblex and Roundshot are proven dependable
> >cameras that are vastly superior in panoramic
> >coverage. The Xpan is a medium format camera that only
> >uses 35mm film. You get LESS of the view than you do
> >with a regular Hassy, NOT MORE!
> 
>  From what I've heard, the Noblex is a battery hog with motors that 
> can't handle the cold. 

I have been pondering about a two-in-one modification: adding a 
power-supply plug (female) to the back door of a Noblex 150. 
Not only could I then hook up an additional 6V source (the Canon 
4xD-cell holder for the EOS-5 seems a nice candidate), but I could 
then also connect the 4x inboard AA-cells directly to a high-tech 
charger (those used for RC models, with selectable cell-quantity and 
other nifty bells & whistles).
Btw, it's not that the motor can't handle the cold, it's the 
batteries. I do wonder however whether it is possible to have it 
serviced and cold-proofed with special artic lube, if only to ease up 
on the batteries.
(also wonder what their reaction is when I ask them to cut away the 
front of the drum around the lens....:-))

> The Roundshot isn't practical in the field 
> either.

There are list members who shoot it handheld (or perhaps on a 
monopod, same convenience as on a SpinShot....does the Roundshot have 
a bottom spirit level?).

> Hassy image is only 56mm wide, Xpan is 65mm. The Mamiya 7 would be a 
> better comparison but it's still a lot heavier and bulkier.
> Ever tried loading 220 film at -5F?

Sissie!....8-))
A Noblex is one of the easiest 120/220 cameras to load film in.
(unloading can be a different matter, due to jammed film, but that is 
not exclusive to 220....even privately respooled/cut-down 70mm HIE 
works rather nicely).
 
> >If I had the money for an Xpan I would buy both a
> >Roundshot AND a Noblex.
> 
> Good luck, the only Noblex worth getting costs over twice as much as 
> the Xpan.

Why favor the Xpan format if you are not satisfied with the 35mm 
Noblexi?

--                 
Bye,

Willem-Jan Markerink


      The desire to understand 
is sometimes far less intelligent than
     the inability to understand


<w.j.markerink@xxxxx>
[note: 'a-one' & 'en-el'!]