You may want to start by taking a deep(er) breath before posting.
My breathing is fine. But, Thanks for your concern.
You might want to engage in better fact checking and less speculation
presented as if they are facts before posting. But, it's just a suggestion and internet forums aren't a great place to obtain facts and avoid idle speculation. So you have plenty of company.
I fail to see in what you write much but an acknowledgement that as of today, based on the facts we both seem to like, Hasselblad isn’t showing us any sign contradicting the fact that the H platform has been on a standstill for years, nor any sign that it is going to change moving forward.
Well, you're at at least half right. One of us likes facts.
As far as signs of life, this thread was started with a post based on false premises; one of which was that "
Hasselblad remembered they made the H platform, But all we got was a new 920k dot screen". I corrected that false assertion (along with many others along the way) with the fact that the H6D display was always that resolution and there was not screen update, just few minor enhancements. If the H line is "dead", as you continually claim, why would they make any upgrades to the current line at all? Seems like a bit of a nuisance for Hasselblad to make those minor changes if there is no longer an interest in continuing the line. Why bother?
The fact that you and Joe continue to ignore is that
both Phase One and Hasselblad introduced their newest models in 2018. Phase One with a 150 MP sensor and Hasselblad a new H6D 400 MP multi-shot model to replace the older H5D 200 MP multi-shot. Those of us that use multi-shot certainly appreciate the newest model, but since it isn't of interest to you; you simply ignore it as if it never happened. It doesn't count, as far as you're concerned, toward Hasselblad showing a commitment to the "H" line of cameras stemming from the fact, that while Hasselblad gave me exactly what I (and others) wanted and use regularly, it wasn't what you (and others) wanted.
Therefore, in your eyes, the whole line "has been at a standstill for years" and you "would actively recommend against buying in the H platform at this stage". You simply have zero interest in what might be the best choice for other photographers needs. If you don't get the 150 MP sensor that
you want, then the entire "H" line of products is "dead" and it's a "sad" situation for everyone. Because you seem to believe that what you want must be what everyone wants. I'm not laboring under that delusion.
Besides,
no manufacturer makes what
everyone wants; It doesn't mean that an entire product line is dead as a result of that fact. And you may have noticed that new medium format models are measured in
years between models
The medium format DSLR market has multiple players each looking to differentiate themselves. What NONE of the manufacturers have done is just try to compete by offering the same camera designs, features, and specs. So let's get some broader objective context to this discussion of what companies are doing to compete.
The market currently looks like this and I can see the appeal of each product line to individual photographers with differing wants, needs, and preferences:
- Pentax offers one 50 MP DSLR model announced in 2014 ($4,997) of excellent quality, a broad range of excellent lenses that includes seven zoom and two macro lenses at affordable prices compared to competitors. They offer great value for the money.
- Leica has one brand new 64 MP S3 model ($18,995) with a unique sensor and format of 30 x 45 mm. Excellent 35mm DSLR type design and handling and outstanding lenses with an adapter to mount Hasselblad H lenses. It has just arrived after being previewed by Leica in 2018, but offers those that prefer that system a major upgrade from the previous 37.5 MP model.
- Hasselblad offers 3 DSLR models based on their latest (2016) H6D which has a new user interface and overhauled electronics platform. 2 were announced in 2016: a 50 MP ($14,495) and 100 MP ($32,995). 1 model was announced in 2018 ($47,995) with three capture modes from 100 to 400 MP. A very broad range of excellent lenses and accessories including a unique tilt/shift adapter. All models can shoot film or digital. There is also an H6X model that accepts other manufacturer's digital backs, film backs, or serves as a 2nd camera body for film use or backup. There are also 2 unique 50 MP mirrorless models with their own range of lenses and the ability to mount "H" lenses via adapter.
- Phase One offers 3 DSLR models announced in 2018 based on an upgraded version of their original 2015 XF camera platform: a 100 MP ($47,990 kit with one prime lens), 150 MP ($51,990 kit with one prime lens), and 150 MP Achromatic ($54,990 kit with one prime lens). They also have an excellent lens line. The backs can also be mounted on their new XT technical camera which integrates back control of electronic shuttered lenses.
I can see that buying into and using
any of these systems could provide satisfaction and great images for an individual photographer. It just depends on their priorities and preferences... and of course their budget. Then again, I'm not looking at it with blinders on regarding one system.
On the other hand I believe that I, as an owner, acknowledges the positive stuff as well as the issues. I find this an objective approach.
I think that Fuji is the only reasonable choice these days...
I think that we will have to leave it to the readers to decide which of us is objective and factual regarding: 1) the state of the medium format market, 2) Hasselblad and every other manufacturer's place in it, and 3) what photographers should consider buying.
Facts can be painful when you start with a pre-conceived idea about what they should be.
Yes. Yes they can be. Sorry if I've caused any pain by correcting factual errors.