diff --git a/hutch_python/calc_defaults.py b/hutch_python/calc_defaults.py
index 36838924..b41521f2 100644
--- a/hutch_python/calc_defaults.py
+++ b/hutch_python/calc_defaults.py
@@ -32,8 +32,26 @@ def collect_functions(modules):
     return HelpfulNamespace(**functions)
 
 
+# import specific function to have at the top level of the namespace
+funcs = {}
+try:
+    from pcdscalc.diffraction import bragg_angle, darwin_width
+    funcs['bragg_angle'] = bragg_angle
+    funcs['darwin_width'] = darwin_width
+except ImportError:
+    print("Failed to import functions from pcdscalc.diffraction")
+
+try:
+    from pcdscalc.xray import transmission
+    funcs['transmission'] = transmission
+except ImportError:
+    print("Failed to import functions from pcdscalc.xray")
+
 calc_namespace = HelpfulNamespace(
     be_lens=collect_functions(['pcdscalc.be_lens_calcs']),
     common=collect_functions(['pcdscalc.common']),
     diffraction=collect_functions(['pcdscalc.diffraction']),
+    xray=collect_functions(['pcdscalc.xray']),
+    **funcs
+
 )