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Oxygen Atom: The Affordable XPan Film Camera As film photography lovers, we have always been captivated by the iconic Hasselblad XPan and its cinematic 24x65mm panoramic format. However, with the XPan II now exceeding 50,000 RMB on the used market and production long since ceased, this unique experience has become inaccessible to most photographers. Our project aims to bridge this gap by creating a high-quality, budget-friendly alternative.

Our Approach We took the Panomicron Oxygen design as a foundation, significantly revising and simplifying it to drive down costs while maintaining functionality, and designed the shutter mechanism as well. By utilizing manual film advance and rewinding, we’ve stripped away the electronic complexities of the original XPan, focusing purely on the tactile, mechanical joy of panoramic shooting.

Core Competencies & Current Challenges This project leverages our expertise in 3D modeling and film developing, allowing us to iterate on camera geometry and immediately test image results in-house. Currently, our primary hurdle is manufacturing precision. Standard 3D printing tolerances have proven inconsistent, leading to fitment issues between interlocking parts.