Hi,
Hasselblad just created a new system. New bayonet, new lenses. The new camera is affordable compared to MFD pricing and competes head on with the Pentax 645Z price wise.
What I think that Hasselblad wanted to have a new concept, with a smaller but very high quality camera. I am pretty sure it will be successfull.
So, now we have a new camera system with new lenses. Those lenses won't work on the H-series. H-series lenses will work with the X1D with adapters. Fine for H-system users…
It may be that Hasselblad sees 44x33 format as the future. No doubt, Sony can make high MP sensors for the 44x33 format. Would they 'scale up' the A7rII sensor to 44x33 size the resolution would be 70 MP. But, it is rumored that next generation may be around 72-75 MP on the A-series. Scaled up to 44x33 mm that would be around 125 MP.
So, it is quite possible for Hasselblad to develop a system optimised for 44x33mm. They just need some really excellent lenses and the two that they have keep a lot of promise according to the MTF data.
A weakness of this strategi may be that the difference between 44x36mm and 24x36mm may not be big enough.
If Hasselblad has chosen this strategy, it may be similar to the Leica S. Personally I feel that Leica missed on developing higher resolution sensors. The sensors should always match the lenses. So Leica makes what are said to be the best lenses in MFD but they have the lowest resolution sensor in MFD. Makes little sense to me…
So, I would not be surprised if we see an X2D around the corner, sporting a 100+MP sensor from Sony combined with a new set of Hasselblad lenses.
That would be a credible strategy, and I would wish Hasselblad much success.
What about the H system? I think they develop that one as long as it is commercially feasible and they will support it for a long time.
The X-system may just be another leg to stand on, or the future path. For Hasselblad it is a venture in the unknown. But, I think they know what they are doing.
Best regards
Erik