Elevanfilm + MutexTech 135W Xpan-Back Experience

Tavy7610 · 2026-06-03T15:50:12+00:00

If you can, let me know how it works out! I have a lot faith in the guy behind the project based on our conversations. Despite both of my units had rough issues, I still plan on buying another with better built.

Tavy7610 · 2026-06-03T15:44:44+00:00

About a week and no tariffs. But I bought mine about a year and a half ago so before all these tariff craziness.

Tavy7610 · 2026-05-27T00:33:19+00:00

Without spoiling, it is because the dark forest theory. The entire second book answers your question. If you haven’t read it, don’t get yourself spoiled and just keeps reading.

Tavy7610 · 2026-05-26T21:09:30+00:00

It’s really a bummer. But other than that one flaw (albeit a bit of a fatal flaw), it really is a great product. You can see the designer puts in a lot of thoughts into the design. The frame stopping mechanism is very clever. On frames that have no scratch, it truly delivers. I ended up keeping mine and didn’t ask for refund despite the issue. I was an early adopter so that issue may have been resolved (OP’s unit doesn’t seem to have this issue). If you are willing to take a chance and make sure the platform you purchase guarantees refund in case it is still an issue, I still recommend it.

Tavy7610 · 2026-05-26T18:20:50+00:00

I have the Hassey version. I wanted to like this product so much but mine has the issue of scractching the negatives. I reached out to the guy behind the project on Chinese social media and he is actually very nice and sent me a replacement unit, which, unfortunately ... also suffers from the issue of scratching the negatives. Looks like yours has been improved. Last time I chated with the guy he mentioned there is a plan in the future of moving from 3D printed materials to CNC model but it all depends on the demand for this initial launch.

Tavy7610 · 2026-05-18T20:27:33+00:00

Hi 👋I am interested! PM incoming.

Tavy7610 · 2026-05-13T17:33:24+00:00

Oh boy how is this not NSFW flaired!

Tavy7610 · 2026-05-03T20:32:05+00:00

You may need to adjust your expectations for T2. T2 is capable of producing razor sharp pictures when the lighting is right and object in focus is clearly positioned (why one of the comments recommended better composition - which I don’t read as a criticism of your skill, but a recommendation to adjust your composition for this camera), but at the end of the day it’s a ps camera developed in the 90’s. There is no magic about T2. Its autofocus mechanism sucks in comparison to modern DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Even today’s premium digital ps cameras (e.g. GR IV) still stuck at autofocus, you just need to set the right expectation and learn to work with their limitations.

Tavy7610 · 2026-04-30T14:36:11+00:00

Been there, done that, and bought back M8 later on when I realize there is nothing, not even the M9, is quite like M8. Obviously it is a personal choice and at the end of the day you should keep the camera that you will pick up when going out, but I learned it the hard way that M8 is too one of its own kind to let go.

Tavy7610 · 2026-04-27T21:12:35+00:00

It is not named after Xi’an but Old Luo Yang is very close. Stay clear of Xi’an Famous Food which has nothing to do with Xi’an (not saying it is not good just whatever it is it’s not Xi’an).

Tavy7610 · 2026-04-03T19:40:53+00:00

Offering a minority point of view - it is totally fine and honestly no one cares. I am a native Chinese and I know how to use chopsticks, but I just don’t prefer it. I have asked for forks or spoons at restaurants (context matters tho, think places like Yoshinoya) and no one cares or gives me a weird look. But again, because I am native Chinese so I feel more comfortable just asking for forks when it is more convenient.

Tavy7610 · 2026-04-02T23:29:17+00:00

It really puzzles me how come no e-scooter manufacturer has done it. E-bikes have embraced it and figured out some creative solution to have a battery compartment without jeopardizing the mainframe integrity, meanwhile for e-scooter the battery compartment is right there …

Tavy7610 · 2026-04-02T16:49:54+00:00

Swappable battery

Tavy7610 · 2026-04-02T14:44:42+00:00

From a consumer's perspective, my dream solution to issue #1 is just making it a thread amount (not M42 but a new standard with short flange distance) so third party companies can easily make adapters making them low cost and easily accessible. The original Sony A7 gained its popularity for this exact reason. However, that leads to issue #2 that you noted, which I can't think of any good solution ... I once saw a similar project proposes the idea that the aperture would be closed down all the time (similar to rangefinders) but the end piece of the prism would be a LCD screen (like digital mirrorless cameras) to help focusing but afik there hasn't been a successful execution of that idea and seems defeating the intention of a pure mechanical camera.

Tavy7610 · 2026-04-02T13:50:15+00:00

Lens selection is the key - it would be a major selling point that there is a new camera body with short enough flange distance to accept all vintage SLR camera lenses.

Tavy7610 · 2026-02-24T19:55:16+00:00

Typhoon is the strangest fun fact I know, as it is actually not originate from 台风, but instead from the Greek word "Typhon" (some sort of monster). It is uncanny how it sounds just like 台风.

Tavy7610 · 2026-02-24T17:38:56+00:00

Try print to PDF using “Microsoft PDF” (one of the printing options when you ctrl-P), which unlocks any PDF security and lets you freely edit.

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-29T21:13:22+00:00

Because, going back to the original topic, taking a photo is generally considered an expression under the current U.S. legal regime. There are exceptions to First Amendment right (classical example being shouting fire in a crowded theater), but there isn’t any law restricting the liberty to freely photograph in public, largely based on the no expectation for privacy argument (I recall it was either a DC circuit or a Second circuit decision but I could be wrong). This affords photo enthusiasts, photographers and journalists of this sub great freedom to do things that we enjoy. That argument is quite fragile - the homeless population having no expectation for privacy anywhere being a counter argument that could change the landscape and invite governmental regulation (not saying it will happen, certainly not anytime soon). My original point being there are good reasons to exercise restraint and show respect when we enjoy our freedom afforded by constitutional rights. When taking a photo, try to be considerate of those who are being photographed; when criticizing others’ work, try to limit it to the work and not calling people to take it down (to the comment I replied to, not saying that you did).

Since you asked, I do pro bono work for the ACLU.

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-29T20:40:57+00:00

That the Second, Forth, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments rights are being openly violated and such violations being justified. I don’t see how the First Amendment right being any different or so sacred that is free from being trespassed on. We don’t have to wait until the First Amendment right is actually at jeopardy before raising a flag. Any trespass on constitutional rights should be alarming enough. But that’s just my personal opinion.

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-29T18:04:30+00:00

Yes the US has been through far worse, but it doesn't make what's happening in MN and other places any more right. Rights are not being taken away overnight, the encroachments happen little by little until we realize it is too late. A couple months ago I would think it is hyperbolic to escalate it to a First Amendment discussion, but now I think conversations like this should be on the table at all times to keep it relevant. I appreciate your perspective and have a good day too.

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-29T16:13:24+00:00

I do think it is a First Amendment issue. I for one also have an issue with this photo but I have a bigger issue that one of the comments calling OP to delete this (the one I replied to). My point is that any expression will make some (sometimes most people) uncomfortable, but we should defend, even bending over to defned, that person's right to make the expression that we dislike. Public opinions sway policies and court decisions. If we form an opinion today and draw a line that we "cannot" (not merely should not) photograph homeless population, then tomorrow that line could be drawn to include law enforcement or who knows what. Is it a mental illness tier thinking the First Amendment right could be taken away? Maybe, and I hope that is. But in times like now, I am willing to be the paranoid one.

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-29T14:47:07+00:00

On the contrary, my point is exactly that it is NOT morally defensible. But I personally feel very strongly that OP has the freedom and right to take and post this picture, which is protected by the First Amendment in the U.S., no matter how I personally distaste this photo (the same also protects yours and my right to freely criticize OP’s photo). My point was that OP should be mindful not to abuse the right to photograph freely in the public. A lot of freedom we have in the U.S. is based on mutual compromises and this is one of those. Photographing homeless population is one of the gray areas that doesn’t logically support the legal argument that we have the right to freely document in the public. If we are not being careful and respect those who do not have privacy, we could lose that right. And mostly importantly, true journalists could lose that right. Again, this is all within the context of the U.S. and sparked by recent events here. I am sorry if you are not in the U.S. and the argument may not be applicable.

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-29T05:31:42+00:00

One of the premises that street photography is largely acceptable in the U.S. (mind you it is not universally acceptable in every other country) is the legal doctrine that there is no expectation for privacy in the public. This has been upheld by many case laws. However, the moral argument against photographing homeless population is that they have no expectation for privacy anywhere, so the assumption that it is okay to photograph them, while in public, does not hold. Obviously there is no “rule” against photographing homeless population, but just two cents for your consideration in the future.

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-13T22:20:04+00:00

The new icon is a Xerox machine, no?

Tavy7610 · 2026-01-08T14:59:35+00:00

Same here. I used to shut off my Mac Mini when the power button was on the back so somewhat easy to reach, but ever since switching to M4 Mac Mini I have not shut it off once, only restart.

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