Hasselblad's "game changer" 22nd of June?

[BernardLanguillier]

Well that's an option I assume you can focus/recompose too, again I don't know much about the AF, and I'm not a mirrorless user. Will try and find out more.

Thanks.

Cheers,
Bernard

[Manoli]

Hum, from a UI standpoint this is poor. You need to take your eyes off the EVF.

No.
Finger to touch screen first, then eye to EVF.
Wash, rinse, repeat.

[NickT]

which may be indicating that they use the electronically (by Firmware) corrected MTF´s only........

I have checked and this is not the case, there are no corrections applied  to those MTF results.

[BernardLanguillier]

I have checked and this is not the case, there are no corrections applied  to those MTF results.

Great news!

Cheers,
Bernard

[ErikKaffehr]

Some reactions and comments…

Well, I would say that the X1D is in all probability an excellent picture taker. There is a lot of discussion about bottle sizes and filling levels. Understandably, some folks ask for FPS, as a focal plane shutter would enable wider lens choices, like with that A7rII.

It has been said that FPS are vibration prone, but that problem can be mostly eliminated by an electronic first curtain. I don't know if the Sony sensor has that feature.

The system is of course limited by lens choices and also by CDAF. Contrast Detecting AF needs lenses with focusing groups that can move very fast. The older H-series lenses  are probably quite a bit slow at AF.

There are some comments on cropped format sensor. To some extent this is correct. But, one of the design targets was small size and affordable price, neither plays well large sensors.

The lenses are probably very good. They are pretty slow by todays standards, but probably a good choice for size and portability.

My personal take is that the camera system is a bit more limited than I would like, right now.

Best regards
Erik

Several reactions:
I do consider the X1D a game changer in terms of its fundamental premise: medium format image quality (and sensor) in an exceptionally small form factor.  (The Sony A7RII is 625g; the X1D is 725g.)If you don't see that as a breakthrough, then pick up a Phase XF body with an IQ350 back and three LS lenses and take a nice long hike or walk around a city for the day. Then, do the same with the new Hasselblad 30, 45 and 90mm lenses. The XF is a great camera body, but it should have been put on a diet. So, depending upon the lens quality of the new Hasseblad lenses for the X1D, it could be a fantastic landscape/travel camera.
The X1D would have been really ground breaking 2 years ago. Now, less so. The Sony A7RII is already at 42MP, and rumors are that it will go to 72 or 75MP. The siren song of pure MP is powerful. Of course, Sony is aggressively moving away from its initial appeal to me by focusing its high end lenses on big, heavy and fast. I want light and small and can accept slower.
The X1D is the camera that the Leica SL should have been. Leica completely dropped the ball, IMO.
An obvious question is why leaf shutter lenses. Was it just so that the existing HC lenses would be compatible?Of course, you won't have to worry about shutter shock.
Why did Hasselblad not use the same type of EVF that the Leica SL uses, which is supposed to be exceptional. I can't understand that omission in a $9,000 camera body.
The X1D appears to be a beautifully designed camera body. I expect it to be a very functional design rather than being crapped up by a mind numbing menu system and controls like Japanese cameras always seem to be.

[AlterEgo]

Contrast Detecting AF needs lenses with focusing groups that can move very fast.

PDAF needs that too (why otherwise they have powerful ring USM motors), but what CDAF needs is a motor/focusing group that can not simply move fast (which we have already in PDAF lenses), but can do a lot of small start-stop-start- moves very fast __PLUS__ sensor readout speed/processor/firmware must to be able to feed EVF/LF and at the same time execute CDAF math and feed back commands to the lens motor ... for example Panasonic GH3, GH4, ... and some lenses (12-35/2.8, 35-100/2.8, etc) are operating @ 240 AF command loop iterations/sec while feeding EVF/LF at the same time

[Paulo Bizarro]

This thread proves that if Perry Oosting had walked across the water in the Skagerrak straight during the press conference today, people here would complain that he ought to have grown wings and flown.

The X1D is both beautifully designed and appears to be superbly executed. It has *almost* everything I would want in such a camera.  It is scarcely larger than the Xpro with its (comparatively) minuscule APC sensor, has sharp lenses, simple clean UI, and features the best sensor yet built. Add GPS and wifi and what's not to love?

The inclusion of leaf shutters is, imho, one of its biggest features.  Shutter vibration has noticeably degraded images on every MF camera I have seen that uses one.  Landscape shooters work in the 1/4 to 1/30th range consistently and even the well-dampened shutter of the 645z takes a toll there with longer glass.  A small cost, but a noticeable one. Leaf shutters solve that and are ideal in any environmental portraiture setting.

The only downsides are the meh resolution on the EVF. Yuck. (I still dislike EVFs intensely, but the SL's is getting there - this is well shy of that, but probably limited by the sensor's output, not Hasselblad's  obduracy.) And the price. Better, but still painful. 

Oh, and where's my all-black body? Chrome is nasty 

But well done Hasselblad. Very well done.

Over to you, Fuji and Leica.

- N.

I have never used MF, and probably never will, because it is out of my price range. But I follow photographic developments very closely. I think you have summarized the new camera pretty well. I see this new camera as an entry point into MF territory. I can not understand the complaints about slow AF, or comparisons with Sony A7 system in that regard. Do people actually get MF cameras to shoot sports and action, I thought it was more for landscapes and studio?

I think the size of the camera is very important, again when the Sony A7 showed up, it was revolutionary because one could have 35mm sensor in a camera about the same size as the Fuji XE1 or Olympus EM1. Now the new X1D (who comes up with these names?) is about the same size as those cameras, while providing a much bigger sensor.

Should provide a nice, small, and light, travelling system.

[torger]

I find it a bit surprising that some seems to expect that the camera should be as feature-rich as a Sony, and when it isn't there's huge disappointment.

Hasselblad is a tiny company, trying to compete with the latest electronic features which they of course only can source in from others, is going to be futile. Sony has an entirely different capacity to develop advanced electronics on their own.

Instead what Hasselblad needs to compete with is simplicity, ergonomics, build quality, optical quality, and whether we like it or not -- the brand. As far as I can see without having actually held this X1D, it has pretty much maximized Hasselblad's qualities.

I was worried that Perry's background from luxury brands would cause the Lunacy to continue (and anyone remember the dreadful Ferrari editions?), but they now seems to be right on track, building the Hasselblad brand, Scandinavian design, "handmade in Sweden" etc, I personally think it's a bit silly with luxury/status stuff, but the chic city people like it and now they do it in a much more refined way, and if they continue play it right over the coming years I think they can raise to Leica status in that regard.

Personally I like simplicity, I like it when electronic features is not the central aspect of the camera driving you to upgrade and upgrade and upgrade. I find this camera to be really neat. I'm a tech cam guy though, I won't give up my Linhof for this, but I do see its qualities.

[Gigi]

While reading the comments so far, one gets a sense of what it doesn't have - and there are a few things I wish it had, etc.
Then there's a moment, sitting back, and thinking, gee, wouldn't that be a nice camera to have?

[MoreOrLess]

I have never used MF, and probably never will, because it is out of my price range. But I follow photographic developments very closely. I think you have summarized the new camera pretty well. I see this new camera as an entry point into MF territory. I can not understand the complaints about slow AF, or comparisons with Sony A7 system in that regard. Do people actually get MF cameras to shoot sports and action, I thought it was more for landscapes and studio?

I think the size of the camera is very important, again when the Sony A7 showed up, it was revolutionary because one could have 35mm sensor in a camera about the same size as the Fuji XE1 or Olympus EM1. Now the new X1D (who comes up with these names?) is about the same size as those cameras, while providing a much bigger sensor.

Should provide a nice, small, and light, travelling system.

My guess is that Hassleblads target audience are a mix of potential H system users who couldn't justify the expense of that system and more of a landscape/travel market(both pro and amateur) who might previously have not bought the H system due to both price and size/weight.

Size/weight wise I don't think this camera is really aiming for most existing mirrorless, its never going to be pocketable and the lenses are not going to ever be small either(especially with the higher expectation of quality). What I think its targeting is that MF bodies(bar the Leica S) tend to be very bulky due to having to keep to 645 flange distance and potentially being modular. Look at this comparison with FF DSLRs and mirrorless and the Hassleblad next to the Pentax 645D(same size as the Z models that's obviously the alternative price wise)....

http://camerasize.com/compact/#567,624,678,211,ha,t

The savings in depth and weight with the Sony relative to the Nikon look relatively small next to those with the Hassleblad relative to the Pentax. That's I think a good position for Hassleblad as the DSLR market is still larger so obviously a lot of users are happy with that form factor but I'm guessing many potential 645z buyers may have been put off by its size/weight.

[hasselbladfan]

Then there's a moment, sitting back, and thinking, gee, wouldn't that be a nice camera to have?

Yes, it is.

I would also have loved a better EVP, but with all the nice things it offers (better sensor than my H4D40, lower weight, promising new travel lenses, square crop, use of all my H / V lenses), I will go for it. Time also to dust off my old V / Zeiss lenses, that have been too long in the drawers.

For those, who are never fully satisfied with anything new that comes out : my wife doesn't have the complete full specs of the "ideal perfect lady", but I am still very happy with what I have.

[Hywel]

I think it is a game changer. I have no interest in focal plane shutters. I have a Canon for that.
Leaf shutters was a main reason to go MF in the first place.
To me with an H3D it is a great upgrade and means that the Hasselblad is now as portable as the Canon.

I think it will not only attract H and maybe V series owners wishing to upgrade progressively but also those looking at a high MP 35mm camera with much better image quality that you can put in a backpack.

I don't know but it may have virtually no moving parts.
So given my H3D still works great (as do many H1s) a camera of this quality could last well over a decade.
I want one.

Exactly my thoughts (H3Dii owner here, too).

I have Canons - and Sonys- for the things they are good at. I'm interested in the X1D because it will hopefully be good at the things my Hasselblad is good at. Like colours, and flash sync at 1/800th or 1/2000th of a second in full daylight with Hensel Porty strobes actually OVERPOWERING the sunlight, so I can underexpose the sky and get great saturation and colour impact. Try that with a focal plane shutter.

But lighter, with a decent rear screen and a damn sight cheaper than an H6D-50. Usable above base ISO. Usable in the mountains without breaking my ageing legs and back lugging the kit around.

I won't be buying right away. But if the reviews are positive and I like it when I hire it for a day, I'll be buying one in due course.

Shame that the HC lenses sound like MF only- focussing ease and accuracy is definitely one thing that might tip me back to a newer H-series if my H3Dii does start getting cranky. But as 95% of my shots on my current 'blad are with 50 mm and 80 mm lenses, the new 45mm and 90mm will do just fine for me. I'm already itching to book another shooting week in Norway and another in Spain to take advantage of a 1/2000th sync speed and the drama skies plus well-lit model shots I could take

Cheers, Hywel

[Brian Ripley]

This model is for Hasselblad , what Cayenne for Porsche.

A flawed first attempt: the Macan now shows what could have been done (and outsells it).

Lots more of the analogy fails: the Cayenne was able to double Porsche production as it was based on a VW model and produced (if not 'finished') in the VW factory in Slovakia.

[design_freak]

A flawed first attempt: the Macan now shows what could have been done (and outsells it).

Lots more of the analogy fails: the Cayenne was able to double Porsche production as it was based on a VW model and produced (if not 'finished') in the VW factory in Slovakia.

This analogy is very apt. Cayenne helped raise funds and survive the company. Today, Porsche is doing quite well. In my opinion, X 1D will hit sales of the brand, like Cayenne. Macan must wait a little bit ;-)

[hasselbladfan]

A flawed first attempt: the Macan now shows what could have been done (and outsells it).

Lots more of the analogy fails: the Cayenne was able to double Porsche production as it was based on a VW model and produced in the VW factory in Slovakia.

Woow, so many half-truths and flawed insinuations.

1. The Cayenne is not a flawed attempt. It is still the "best sporty 4x4" on the planet. A fantastic concept for large families.
2. There is sales and profit. The Macan's are selling well, but at a profitability that is much less than the Cayenne.
3. The Macan is a totally different car, more for fun / for the city, less for highways and off-road. At 130mph, a Cayenne stays as a rock. I would not do that with a Macan.
4. The VW plant in Slovakia produces also the Audi Q7 and Skodas. So what?

[design_freak]

I am puzzled by some of the comments. Complaints that something can be improved. Of course, it is always possible.
It should be borne in mind that it was supposed to be a simple design, light, giving very good quality. In this very easy to use. ( Very clear, easy  UI) I think that it's designers have succeeded. It is a real return to the roots. The CEO feels very well this company, perfectly knows how to exploit the potential and the history that stands behind the brand. In my opinion he is one of the two best in the industry.

So I think that for those dissatisfied was created A7IIR. It's almost a perfect camera. You can make movies in 4k. It has a menu so extensive that only the Japanese know how to use it ... You could just list goes on

. I like things simple, high quality, designed for a particular purpose. For me, filming function is redundant. Do you want to deal with making movies? Look for a film camera such as RED or Arri.

[JV]

As much as I admire Hasselblad's new offering I'm not in the market for a medium format camera.

That said I'm haunted by the thought of the X1D with an HC 100 2.2 on the front.

never say never...

Only manual focus with the adapter would spoil it a bit though...

I still have 7 HC lenses and I was also thinking of the 100mm.  I don't see myself putting the 50-110mm on this body though...

[JV]

Despite some perceived shortcomings congratulations to Hasselblad!

If the lenses are any good this could very well become a modern day Mamiya 7/7-II that so many have been asking for.

[BernardLanguillier]

Overall one thing is sure, even the XF was far from generating this amount of interest at LL! It is by far the most exciting MF new product in many years.

While the Nikon D5 and Canon 1DXmkII annoucements may have resulted in discussions thread barely passing the 2 pages barrier, here we are at 26 and counting!

Well done Hasselblad. I'll probably try to book a test some time in July if possible.

Cheers,
Bernard

[hasselbladfan]

As usual, a very nice blog / article from Ming Thein.

https://blog.mingthein.com/2016/06/22/announcing-the-hasselblad-x1d-50c/