Analog Photographers: Looking for Advice Regarding The Hasselblad Xpan / Fujifilm TX-1

Lssamuel on 23/11/2022 - 22:28
Last edited 23/11/2022 - 22:28

Hi!

I am a recent convert into analog photography, having spent the better part of the past decade shooting digital (professionally and for fun), and I discovered the Hasselblad Xpan / Fujifilm TX-1 cameras and fell in love.

I love the field of view these beautiful machines produce, and the color replication is very special. I’m aware they’re the same camera, merely rebadged/repainted, although the Hasselblad apparently has a tendency to chip very easily.

I have read however they are almost impossible to repair once/if they break down, and when looking around to purchase one - it seems there’s basically none available through the usual market places (eBay etc) located in Australia.

So I have a few questions for those who have these cameras:

  1. What are your thoughts/advice on the cameras?
  2. Where would be the best place to start searching for one? The prices seem to vary wildly internationally, ranging from $1200 to $12,000(!!!)
  3. Are there any other analog cameras which would enable the same field of view (I am aware of the Horizont, however that has some perspective warping effects)

Thank you kindly.

Mods: this is my first forum post, let me know if I’ve made an error.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Murkymerv on 23/11/2022 - 22:52

    Why don't you buy sub $1000.00 camera , just make sure it's you ! I couldn't think of anything worse than spending major money on a hobby to find that it isn't your thing . Worry about brand names later .

    • brendanm on 23/11/2022 - 23:50

      It's nothing to do with the brand name, they shoot panoramic style onto 35mm film.

  • brendanm on 23/11/2022 - 23:50
    +1

    They are a an electronic film camera, very difficult repairs apparently. There are alternatives around.

  • slowtypist on 24/11/2022 - 08:53
    +2

    I understand the appeal/romanticism that surrounds these cameras (I would dearly love to own one), but I just can't see the value proposition for these based on the current market prices for these. As you have mentioned, repairs are very difficult, and I'm sure that any repairs (if possible from local Australian technicians) will be expensive and time consuming. Regarding colour production - isn't this just based on the film? Yes, the lens utilised may have some impact on clarity/tonality but ultimately it is the film, the development process, and the scanning that will have a larger impact on the colours you get out of this. Perhaps you should consider medium / large format instead, and you can take crops of your shots?

    • ssamuel on 27/11/2022 - 10:43

      Thank you for your reply. You have hit the nail on the head.

      I’m also looking into medium format cameras, because as you highlighted it would enable a good quality crop.

      Thanks!

  • Presence on 24/11/2022 - 09:21
    +1

    How much do you actually want to spend?

    I shoot film too, but the prices for film cameras are absurd, and there are only a handful of camera repaires in Australia, with months long waiting lists. As you say, most electronic film cameras practically cant't be repaired at all.

    Read this http://denaeandandrew.com/blog/2020/there-already-is-a-digit… and consider buying a GFX and changing the aspect ratio.

    • ssamuel on 27/11/2022 - 10:47

      That was a really awesome read! Thank you kindly for that article, I’m going to look more into the GFX, what a cool camera.

      Film cameras have gone increasingly expensive, which certainly challenges the value proposition…

  • hyperfuzz on 24/11/2022 - 09:31
    +1

    might want to try Australian Film Photographers group on FB. this is definitely not an Ozbargain question 😄

    that said, a cheaper alternative is a Widelux ($700-1200) or a medium format camera (Pentax 67) with a panoramic adapter.

    • ssamuel on 27/11/2022 - 10:49

      Thank you!

      The Widelux and the Pentax 67 have come up in my research, so I’m looking into them as well.

  • brendanm on 27/11/2022 - 15:40

    Buy a sigma dpX Merrill, it's digital, but almost as slow as film to operate 😂. Then crop to 16:9. The colours are wild.

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