Searching for a Cheap XPAN Alternative: Pentax Espio 115G

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

I enjoy the option of switching in and out of the cropped-panoramic mode -- and in the 1990s it appeared on all sorts of cameras -- fixed-focus, single shutter-speed P&S cameras up through very respectable SLRs (Minolta Maxxum 450 and more). There were a few mid-range cameras where the mask was a manual thing to put inside at the focal plane, so no switching on/off during the roll (Nikon 470 was one, I think), so less convenient. But Yeah -- the act of *seeing* the 'panoramic' view inspires me to take shots that I probably would not in the standard aspect ratio (especially with the SLRs where I'm actually seeing exactly what will get on the film). Try shooting some vertical -- the results can be very interesting. Cheers!

[@gabrielbailey802]

I think it's so cool! I have ordered a specific panoramic camera now and just counting down the days until it arrives!

[@spa1ktc]

The Minolta P's does that plus it has the correct wide angle viewfinder, which is the most important part of a X-pan double. I never understood why that little beauty has not become more popular. Also I think the Fuji GW690 35mm film mod is great for high resolution panoramas.

[@gunnerovergaard9646]

I have a Minolta Ps and it’s a great point and shoot that purpose built for panoramic shots

[@gabrielbailey802]

Have I ordered one based off this comment? maybe... (yes I have)

[@ezekiel884]

Cool videos with some very nice photos! I've been using my phone with a 1.55x anamorphic lens and applying the XPAN filter user the OldRoll app. Would love to see a video from yourself doing the same and maybe a comparison with other methods of achieving the XPAN look without an actual XPAN? Keep up the high quality videos, very enjoyable to watch

[@gabrielbailey802]

This sounds like an excellent idea, will have to give it a go and then like you said, would be very interesting to compare methods!

[@RubberKid100]

You must be the first person I've ever seen lauding the crop mode so many point and shoots call "panoramic"

[@gabrielbailey802]

haha I love it, I think it's a really cool idea, even if it's a little bit of a gimmick!

[@mynameisnotcory]

Back in 99-04, my grandpa took some INCREDIBLE INCREDIBLE panos with the olympus 35-90mm p/s with the same feature. Blown up they were as sharp as they were in person. While theres room for error, done right, you get some great quality panos

[@carolinestyr2592]

Awesome video - so informative and easy to follow!!! Thank you!!! And Devin is clearly a 10

[@theothertonydutch]

Hmmm, I think at this point, I would probably get a cheaper medium format 6x9 camera and crop. I've got a pre-ww2 Voigtländer Bessa for that sorta thing.

[@gregoryvochin337]

"cheaper" and "6x9" don't really belong in the same sentence 😂 @delicatospagozo3781 has probably the most sensible idea with using a Holga with an insert to accept 35mm film with the width of a 6x6 frame

[@gabrielbailey802]

if medium format film was cheaper, that might be my next move!

[@InternetWesley]

take a look at the Espio 928, has the panoramic mode like this does, a f3.5-f9 28mm-90mm zoom, so it's slightly faster and wider.

[@gabrielbailey802]

oh damn, need to investigate this one, thank you!

[@delicatospagozo3781]

How about the Holga 120 PAN? Granted, it's not 35mm and it's plastic-y AF, but it takes surprisingly decent panoramic shots for the price.

[@gabrielbailey802]

I like the idea, will probably look to pick one up at some point!

[@chestnutleaf]

I head it and I sold it 😢😢 I want it again, hope I find one day

[@gabrielbailey802]

damn, sellers remorse :(

[@sebvz89]

minolta ps

[@gabrielbailey802]

it's in the mail

[@Sven1Reinhold]

Sorry….Tape the viewfinder of your Compact and then Crop the Scan. I Dont See the Point of this…

[@gabrielbailey802]

I get the motivation behind the tape and crop, but I feel like it's an inauthentic method of getting the medium. The tape won't line up perfectly with the image, and the crop means that you're reformatting in post anyway, which I think defeats the purpose!