The PressPan - A Hasselblad XPan Alternative

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

This was freaking awesome.... thanks Jess. The photos blew me away, the shots look incredibly sharp corner to corner... just wow.

[@bruxxcam2618]

Finally someone is talking about this! More people need to see this and more content creators need to see this. Im glad that you made this.

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! I agree 100%, and I'm really happy to be giving Freeman some exposure! I wish I had the ability to conceptualize and build things myself, but I'm happy to support people who do when I can. Thanks so much for watching!

[@louontube]

This was a great video. The camera is dream and your images are very impressive. Thank you for sharing. I am very happy to have found your channel.

[@sbutler66]

I've been having a little XPan binge recently, perfect timing... This looks like a fantastic alternative, and the images came super well, thanks!

[@spencermorgan8588]

Love your energy! Reminiscent of watching the inspiring education channels on Sunday morning as a kid. Keep it the great work!

[@Al_Bx]

Great video again Jess! It's been a pleasure following you around.

[@raulnava8282]

Hello Jess. I'm on the process to order my own Press pan, Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Great job with your videos. Raúl

[@arthurrmcphee4885]

Whilst watching this video about the PressPan, I'm not sure that I'm actually more impressed that you took those amazing photographs with it handheld and in the freezing cold!!! You're an amazing photographer!

[@JessHobbs]

Oh wow, thank you so much, that is so nice of you to say! It actually handles really well when hand-held, surprisingly so even, and well the cold... I have no choice but to get used to it, it's going to be cold for a while now here! Thanks for watching!

[@DavidHarrisonRand]

This is the first video I have seen by you. I enjoyed it immensely. I liked the way you started with a background on the camera tinkerers and manufacturers of this new generation rather than just jumping in to talk about the subject of the video. Your photos are great and you've inspired me to take my Fuji TX-1 off the shelf again. I always feel like I'm taking bad shots when I'm out with that camera, but when I see the results I find that I have more keepers than I expected. The only negative about the video would be that the heavy sensor dust in the B-roll, but that doesn't detract too much from the overall presentation. I've subscribed, and I look forward to seeing more of your excellent work in the future. Thank you!

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your feedback! Starting with the builders definitely did build up the suspense, but I wanted to give them acknowledgement first, or else once everyone saw the camera, they wouldn't be listening anyways, lol! I am unfortunately aware of the sensor dust, I just can't seem to keep that lens clean! But it is on the list of things to have CLA'd over the winter! Thanks for watching!

[@T0ECUTT3R]

Excellent review of this gorgeous monstrosity! I absolutely love how Freeman has put this thing together. Seeing that the shutter and shutter release on the camera body are not used and the camera body is just about merely a box to hold everything together, and a film winder, the possibilities of the modification of many other camera bodies is feasible. Perhaps the simplest non-meterd bodies are best. Again, great presentation Jess and nice work Freeman!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it! I know that Freeman does his builds based on Nikon FM, FM2, FE, and FE2, but I believe his favourite to work with is the FE. His craftsmanship is fantastic, I do not regret this purchase one bit! Thanks for watching!

[@Ferrari360Spyder]

So glad to see longer videos this was beautifully done from the video itself to the images you took. Such a unique camera and the quality is superb, panos. are definitely a new perspective on viewing the world.

[@InAnInstant]

This viddy is so sick Jess! My fav shot is the first motel bad boy, these panos sing!

[@OnnieKoski]

what an absolutely wonderful video. thanks for taking us along and showing us this really cool camera.

[@LFarinas19]

Great video on the camera and the as someone who’s been watching you from the start, your videos and photography have improved dramatically! I enjoyed the images made with Presspan. Keep up the great work!

[@artsyaidan]

You so consistently make the exact videos I want to see! I subscribed a year or so ago now and I'll see you've posted about this or Mamiya Polaroids or film comparisons and it's somehow always precisely the topic I've been wondering about lately!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much, that is so nice to hear! I hope you're thinking about taking a walk in the woods next... 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@Jim-BobWalton]

Really beautiful images; both composition and lighting

[@PetalumaHandyman]

Absolutely love the camera! I think I love Jess more! Great writer, amazing images with the camera and everything you did in the video was amazing. I love your enthusiasm. Great job.

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much, that is really sweet of you to say! And thanks for checking out my accompanying article, that's awesome! I wanted to write the article because I knew there was more information I wanted to share than I would be able to include in the video, otherwise it would have been a much longer video! Thanks for watching!

[@JessicaHTLi]

I love this video! I was aware of Freeman’s PressPan as I have been following his IG. This made me pull the trigger to modify my Nikon FE. Thank you for sharing your wonderful panomrama compositions! I love your intro including the farming machine leading up to the innovations in film photography in the last few years! You are truly a joy to watch on my days off from being a frontline worker! Keep up the good work! 💗

[@JessHobbs]

I can't believe I didn't see this comment until now! Haha, we've had a few conversations since then, so I know you've been talking with Freeman, and this is what makes me happy, being able to bring the film community together! Keep up the great work you are doing as a frontline worker, we'll get through this together!

[@ChristopherMichaelR]

I just got recommended your channel and I love it! Keep up the good work Jess! I didn't know there were a lot of us camera nerds out there

[@Cuayteron]

OMG the quality in your videos is just unbelievable

[@lostinspacestudio]

Loving your feed. Fascinating to see what you see and how you think

[@NarcissismSurvivor]

This is extremely interesting. So, to double check all I need to supply the FE body and they will build It out for me and add the 50mm lens and viewfinder? Thanks, I need to know this asap. Great video and channel.

[@JessHobbs]

I had to source my own lens and viewfinder (which did come as a packaged deal, but I still had to buy then on my own), and then when I got the finished FE back, I mounted the lens myself (a very easy job, it's just a few screws). Maybe Freeman can find a lens for you, you would have to ask him if he offers that, I really don't know. I would suggest opening up the conversation with Freeman to see what can be done, and then get on his waiting list (his contact info is found on his website). Good luck!

[@alfredbassDP]

It's beautiful! Your shots gave me shivers! I got a few months following Freeman on IG, hes really good creating this pano cameras, hope one day i can get one. Great video Jess!

[@jimgraves4197]

Great video that showcases this camera excellently. Your passion for photography shines in this video, Jess.

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much Jim, that is so sweet of you to say! Thank you for watching, your support means a lot to me!

[@theoldcameraguy]

You got some beautiful images out of this Frankencamera - Love it!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much! It's a joy to shoot, I am so glad I got it!

[@fellfromspace]

Great review! Shows how the camera works and also the camera AT work. Fun and informative to watch. And hard to believe you've never worked with a panoramic camera before. Your results are lovely. Normally I find it takes people a while to get used to framing and composing with the entirely novel frame size and aspect ratio of a panoramic camera, but you've jumped right into the deep end, and your results are spectacular.

[@catfreak]

Amazing photos you took!

[@tibogoub6805]

So glad I discovered your channel and your work via Analogtalk. Keep on the good work

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much! It was a lot of fun being on Analog Talk, and I'm happy to hear you like my work! Thanks for watching!

[@marcusgitterle4579]

Fantastic shots, and great presentation. Your videography is second to none!

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! And thanks for watching!

[@mike747436]

Very interesting Jess. Looks like you had some terrific light there. Some lovely shots too.

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks Mike! The light was pretty spectacular, it was such a joy to film! I just had to fight off the occasional snow squall here and there, but then it made for more intense skies, so I can't really complain! Thanks for watching!

[@Animatedron]

Gorgeous shots! The videography was fantastic to watch too. ❤

[@painting-with-Jenni]

I have wanted an Xpan for quite some time, but the prices are just too crazy high. This looks like a great alternative, Thanks for sharing this one with us.

[@JessHobbs]

I know, XPan's are way too rich for my blood! So far the PressPan seems like a good balance, I'm really looking forward to playing around a lot more with it! Thanks for watching!

[@chilecayenne]

Hello! I'm a first time viewer of your channel, what a fun video!! This does look like an interesting camera. I got a Mamyia Press lens (50mm 6.3) and I believe it is a RB67 back, to use on both a Goodman 3D printed camera and as a Brancopan one...but covid hit and I've not been able to hang with my friends that 3D print. This might be a fun project. Anyway, I really enjoyed your presentation, your images were interesting and your video was fun to watch!! But not sure where you live..but Brrrr....I live in New Orleans, and could not deal with that kinda cold, haha. Heck, my AC has still be on past weeks here. Enjoyed your enthusiasm on the video, looking forward to seeing you again....hope you have a Merry Turkey! CC

[@richardsisk1770]

Thanks. I enjoyed your video!

[@espenbjrkvold5119]

That's a really interesting camera, and what lovely results. Have never tried panoramic shooting myself, but this video was very inspiring. Thank you for posting. It is nice to see another person shooting in a cold and snowy country, just as me.

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much! I've shot 35mm film through a 120 camera with an adapter, but this was my first experience with a dedicated 35mm pano camera, and I've got to say that I love it! Thanks for watching! P.S. There will be some wintertime videos coming up too, I love shooting in the snow!

[@espenbjrkvold5119]

@@JessHobbs I am very looking forward to those. I have made myself a project over this winter to try to capture the the Norwegian winter on film. 😊

[@JessHobbs]

@@espenbjrkvold5119 oh, I would love to see that!

[@sharpfocus5]

This is wonderful. The passion. Mama mia. Brava!

[@Seapatico]

That thing is amazing! I'm so glad you made this video.

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! It's a fun camera to shoot with, I can't wait to get back out there! Thanks for watching!

[@ChristopherMay]

Holy cow, Jess, you have a natural eye for panoramic composition. Excellent stuff!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much Christopher! It is fun to look at the world around me differently, although I also had perfect locations for this shoot! Thanks for watching!

[@mbrigo01]

Nicely done!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks for watching!

[@anataazumi]

Terrific enthusiasm,really brings a smile to my face. A beast of a camera with real possibilities as regard s to personalized build's .

[@pulgas21]

I’m following myself this guy work!!! Amazing, well deserved this video talking about his work!!! :)

[@JessHobbs]

Freeman's work is amazing and I'm glad I was able to give him some recognition! Thanks for watching!

[@kostal7786]

Dear Jess! Is there a specific reason to buy this camera? Wouldn’t Fuji GS645W camera fit the same panoramic profile - frame size 45x56mm can be easily cropped to 24x56mm and the lens focus length is even wider 45mm? Price wise it also will be cheaper, probably twice- $400 instead of $800 ( not a precise calculation though). Thank you for the great video, very dynamic.

[@kostal7786]

Take my comment back :-(. 24x68 makes the difference! It is much wider than 24x56.

[@JessHobbs]

I do occasionally shoot 35mm film through my RB67 with an adapter, so it's not a stretch to question why I would get this camera. Honestly, I just really loved the idea of supporting a new builder, and being able to give a new life to a broken FE was a nice bonus. I'm also a bit of a Mamiya fan-girl, so when I saw I could put that lens on a pano camera, I just had to do it! Thanks for watching!

[@GirlWithTooManyCameras]

As always my favorite film KZbin channel! Another high quality video Jess. Such an interesting review of a unique camera. Now I wanna shoot one!

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! It makes me so happy to hear that people like my channel, you made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy today! It is a really unique camera, and such a joy to shoot with! I already can't wait to get back out there with it! Thanks for watching!

[@BillySanford]

Nice overview. And lovely images!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Awesome! As you talked on the camera I was compiling a list of questions on the camera fuctions and you answered all of them! Excellent photos as well, recognised the mountain from my many trips into Quebec!

[@JessHobbs]

Hahaha, I knew people would have questions, so I did my best to answer them ahead of time! It took me a while to find a good composition for the mountain shot, all the best views are from the highway... I might be a little adventurous, but even I'm not crazy enough to pull over on Highway 20 to get a shot! Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@IsraelPrivateGuide]

One of the best camera reviews (and very well done, btw - visually striking) on KZbin!

[@Antnie]

Awesome video of this unique camera. Damn I want one now!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much! It really is so unique, and it's a lot of fun using a camera that was built for me! I didn't intend for this video to make people feel like they had to buy this camera, but I guess that's the side effect to a cool camera! Thanks for watching!

[@smith507]

I guess I’m first (?) At one point I drooled over the Xpan but after seeing their prices only I said “nope” but started thinking about the panoramic format, I love it but it also seem to have limited use cases, so to speak; so I would like to see in the long term if this camera/format grows into you ☺️ Nice video, I like the calm feels it has.

[@JessHobbs]

I felt the same way about the cost of an XPan, it just seemed like too much money for a camera I wouldn't use a lot. So when the PressPan came my way, I was pretty excited, and I can't wait to see what kind if journey we're going to have together! Thanks for watching, I'm happy you enjoyed it!

[@haakon.borgen]

Awesome video! Keep it up! Please keep the chill vibes going.

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you, that's really sweet of you to say! I figure it's best to tone down my enthusiasm with some chill music, lol! 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@RocketinExile]

Excellent work. How did you meter?

[@emendoz1]

As an older photographer, I can certainly appreciate her ability to shoot without a tripod. I know I can no longer do that myself. Youth, it is a wonderful thing.

[@JessHobbs]

When I'm out and about with my Mamiya RB67 I almost always have to use a tripod, so I try to get away with not using one when I can! Thanks for watching!

[@erichstocker8358]

Need you to do another one of these. I think this has some real possibilities. Perhaps one in the city.

[@smokeyhowle]

Ohh wow, amazing results! Look forward to more content with that beast 👍

[@seansersmylie]

Great pics, I'm planning on 3d printing something similar from Goodman.

[@xaviegarcia2657]

This is so incredible! Film is SO ALIVE!!!

[@thethirdestate7524]

I really enjoyed this video! It’s a huge change from the usual videos about film photography

[@JessHobbs]

I don't know about that, but I will gladly accept the compliment! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it, I had a blast making it! Thanks for watching!

[@AimShootDevelop]

Came across that setup on Instagram and was excited to see it on my feed! Great stuff!

[@razielvonelric]

nice you where close to my house . i pass that area when I want to go to Boucherville to do film and alternative film photography which reminds me I should start on making more cyambrotype photos soon.

[@richardt1792]

I have that lens on a Mamiya Press with a 6x9 back. I haven't had a chance to check it out. I was planning on spending some time in the Sierras but COVID is on the rise so I am staying home.

[@thebiblioholic]

Wow, that looked like a lot of fun!

[@JessHobbs]

It really was, I already can't wait to get back out there! Thanks for watching!

[@chilecayenne]

Hi Jess, hope all is well with you and yours!! I hope you’ll soon do a follow up on the PressPan, your thoughts and experiences with it, and more images. I sent him a FE body, and have my lens and viewfinder, so, waiting in line to get mine which may take about 8-9 more months. So anyway, I’d love to see a part 2 from you on the PressPan if you get the time!! Take care! CC

[@rgarciamainou]

What a wonderful video. Love your style, presentation and the photos! New subscriber on.

[@danielodonnell2270]

Great video!

[@jimduffin5336]

A great idea and super images...thanks Jess.

[@barrieanthony952]

Really nice video and super images. Glad I found your channel. I'm seriously considering getting one of these.

[@JessHobbs]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! I'm not going to lie to you, it is a really fun camera to use! Thanks for watching! ❤

[@guillermolastra6555]

One of the best videos ever , Thanks!!!

[@borromine]

Wow...I have been shooting medium format since the early 1970s and followed camera design in touch all that time. This is one of lightest most elegant panorama camera systems I have seen. The dual on view finder to compensate for parallax and the holder for film is real genius. A great great accomplishment !!! Nice images by the way!!!

[@RobinsBookClub]

I can't tell if I love the camera or your photos? I'll settle for: both! Brilliant stuff :)

[@MikkelKoser]

Loved this - do you know if anyone is offering the panorama viewfinder? I’m thinking it could be used on my Mamiya 7 for improved framing.

[@redsphoto6708]

This is so neat! Almost makes me feel guilty for buying the pricey panoramic back for my Bronica SQ. Lovely photos!

[@alexblaze8878]

This is so awesome! I happen to already have a mint Nikon FE AND Konica Auto Reflex (to make a KoniPress) ready as donor cameras.

[@hendrixg]

Wonderful photos! I gave up any hope in owning an xpan but this alternative is awesome.

[@alfredbassDP]

still one of my fav Videos! and still saving money to get the press pan

[@a11ison912013]

Nice!! Should be getting mine hopefully soon. Super excited to shoot with it. Looks amazing!!

[@JessHobbs]

Oooh, so exciting! I hope it's everything you want it to be, it's such a treat to shoot with! Do you share your work anywhere? Let me know, I'd love to see what results you get! Thanks for watching!

[@TheJeremieProject]

Great video and camera, with amazing videos to go with. It's making me want to get one made lol, but I need to start by selling some cameras. Keep up the great work can't wait to see more.

[@hrl3113]

really impressive results, cool

Es fantastico ver, como las ganas , la ilusion y la fascinacion vuelven, con la fotografia tradicional, la emulsion, las diferentes peliculas fotograficas, la pasion de hazlo tu mismo, el gozo de enfocar , medir, pensar , mirar , componer y disparar, el disfrute de tener que esperar al revelado y al que habra ocurrido con la exposicion, lo digital esta muy bien pero es tan facil, ver miles y miles de imagenes perfectas, todos hacen lo mismo y cuesta destacar o al menos ser diferente, he disfrutado mucho mirando tu video, y tus fotografias, pero mas al ver la pasion que has puesto, gracias por este maravilloso rato, Luis,

[@VizionzBlur]

wow you're actually brilliant. awesome video.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Very cool camera design! We all need a new and fresh look into film photography these days.

[@sushamiboy]

This looks amazing! I'm gonna be considering that. Quick question: where is that van? I'm from Montreal and would do the trek for that. It's gorgeous!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! That van is actually located in the woods on my family farm, I'm pretty sure every farm in Quebec comes with at least one abandoned van/car/old piece of machinery, lol! Thanks for watching!

[@sushamiboy]

@@JessHobbs I just added you on Instagram (@ekpfilmphoto). I know exactly what you mean! I have pictures from the summer before lockdown 2.0 when I went camping on my buddy's private land and they had 3-4 cars abandoned around the grounds. Love your videos, it's nice to see local content. I hope that you are feeling better, I know that in a previous video that you were under the weather with everything going on.

[@AndersKeisHansen]

Great video, thank you ! Was awesome to see that camera

[@GaetanCormier]

Ohhhhh man! Another camera on the bucket list... geeez! LOL Great video Jess!

[@JessHobbs]

Hahahaha, I swear I'm not trying to give everyone GAS!! 🤣 Thanks Gaetan, your comment made me laugh!

[@depotmsa2362]

I love his work ! so cool you got to use one !

[@JessHobbs]

It's one of my favourite cameras in my collection for sure!

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Really liking the images you took with this setup and grateful for the heads up and links. I already have the Intrepid 4x5, but am looking at MF alternatives, so this is a possibility. Just a couple of points on the video. I think it would be helpful if you slowed your delivery down as you sound a bit rushed at times. Conversely, there is a little too much moody B-Roll which could be more tightly edited for a crisper final result. Hope that helps.

[@wishbon77]

Hey so when your doing long distance shot what do you set it on if you don't know the distance

[@florianbauzl2747]

Great video!!!! I love the music, too.

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that! I'm happy you're enjoying the music too, it's probably the hardest part of the whole editing process to find just the right music for the mood I want to set! Thanks for watching!

[@ribsy]

Well this was cool af

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks, I really appreciate that! I'm happy you enjoyed it!

[@arsmale1]

This is a great video, showing a great camera produced by a craft camera maker. Love it. May I ask if you've taken any panoramic pictures in portrait orientation? Fantastic work.

[@nerys71]

I am guessing this is very expensive? I want to do true panos badly. What does that lens cost? Ouch $250 to $400 just for the lens :-(

[@JessHobbs]

Well, yes and no in a way. So the total cost for me was around $1000, which isn't cheap. But when you take into consideration the cost for an XPan, which is easily $5000 these days, it is the cheaper option. Also, once an XPan breaks, that's pretty much it for the camera because of the electronics in it. Whereas this option has more chances of being fixed, because the main part of the camera is really the lens. I honestly can't say if there might be issues with the 3D printed plastic parts later on, I haven't encountered any so far, so that might be another unfixable part later. There are pros and cons for this camera for sure, and for me it was a worthwhile expense. I also knew I would be getting some cameras from Dora Goodman as well, and I can share the lenses between both, so that helps with the cost too. It is unfortunate that there aren't better pano options for less though. The only one I can think of is the Lomo Sprocket Rocket, but that might not be for everyone either. Thanks for watching, and for taking the time to ask some questions!

[@nerys71]

@@JessHobbs I have no idea if I will succeed and I have no idea how long it'll take me but I'm going to try to build my own I don't have anywhere near that kind of money but I can get one of those large format lenses that have a built-in aperture and shutter for just under a hundred bucks so once I have the money I'm going to get one and then try to 3D print everything else I have lots of printers and lots of plastic :-) so that won't cost me anything :-)

[@sailronin]

Pretty cool but needs a wider lens. My favorite on the X-Pan was the 30mm, that was a super sweet setup, the 45mm was OK but not really much wider than a 28mm on normal 35mm film.

[@kevinthephotographer9346]

You have created some great images using the Presspan. I have a swing-lens Horizon 202 and a 6x12 120 back for my 4x5 camera - they both have their strong points but the Presspan gives another option with it's own strengths.

[@michaelprzewrocki4195]

which strenghts?

[@JoshPricePlus]

Great video on all levels. Subbed. You oddly remind me of Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec, in a really good way! :)

[@Robert_iii]

That’s a rad camera. And an incredibly well done video. While the channel is righteously all about stills, have you ever considered a making of...or what you use to grab such great video footage? Those early wise shots are particularly stunning.

[@key2adventure]

Great video with this awesome camera, and nice images especially of the old truck. As always high quality stuff from you 😀 I might consider the camera, though I’m already shooting panoramas on my “Texpan” which is a slightly modified Fujica GL690 using 35mm film for 24x82mm frames, or 35x82mm when I use the sprocket area. Recently published a book “Panoramic Images - directly on camera”, using a lot of different cameras to produce panos.

[@JessHobbs]

Congrats on the book! Do you have a link I could check out? This is a really fun camera to shoot with, it's so different from any other! I also shoot panos through my RB67 with a 120-to-35mm adapter, but there's something quite special about holding the PressPan! Thanks for watching, and I appreciate your support!

[@key2adventure]

@@JessHobbs Your welcome. so far I only have a link on amazon to the Kindle version, the paperback version will son be there as well: www.amazon.com/Panoramic-images-directly-Belvedere-Christensen-ebook/dp/B08ZDBYL15/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bo+belvedere+christensen&qid=1616857132&sr=8-1

[@JessHobbs]

@@key2adventure thanks, I'll definitely check it out!

[@TheFilmFellow]

Cool video Jess!

[@JessHobbs]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@inkaststudio]

Gorgeous camera 😍 Love the results 👍🏾

[@Resgerr]

I enjoyed this very much Jess

[@ivansanzana8676]

Where can I buy one? Can you post the price?

[@FabrizioZago]

This looks an interesting alternative, I did not know about it. Thanks for sharing!

[@stevepringle2295]

I enjoyed every minute of your video. Good luck to you.