Previous posts have shown several X-Pan images taken on the Fuji GFX 100S. These elongated or pano images show a unique view of the world taking in so much more of the environment - apparently. Dedicated Hasselblad X-Pan cameras do this naturally. The current crop of ‘medium format’ cameras have this format as an option in a 65 x 24 aspect ratio. Older film cameras like the Pentax IQ Zoom include that option. Blowing up a portion of 35mm film however came with it’s limitations of size and quality. That’s obviously not much of an issue with medium format as there is plenty of pixels to play with.

If you’re willing to work with your framing skills, there is another option if you don’t want to fork out for such an expensive setup. Some years back, when looking for a street photography option (lightweight) camera system, I bought an Olympus EM5 MKIII (available on the Bay for around US$700) and a Sirui 35mm f1.8 Anamorphic lens (also available on the Bay for just over US$300). Both of these are gear in very good condition.

Results? Olympus colours OOC are excellent especially for nature images. The examples above have been another of my favourite film sims Fuji Pro 400H. This is a beautifully sharp lens. The final image size is a very decent 60MB. Its not exactly the same dimensions as the X-Pan, coming in at 65 x 28. If you’re being picky, you could crop the short side by a bit to get your 65 x 24. If you wanted to go wider, there is also the Sirui Anamorphic 24mm f2.8. Both are excellent choices. Although these lenses have traditionally been used for cinema, they produce excellent still images.