A few random thoughts both serious and frivolous, regarding this new camera and some of the responses on this thread … most of which comes from my having been a long time Hasselblad user, and my experiences with Hasselblad over decades of involvement. I say this only because many here have questions that probably stem from limited or no use of Hasselblad H products.
I can see a scenario that goes something like this, especially after their misguided missteps in the recent past:
Hasselblad's new boss:
"Gee guys, can't we do something fashionista? Maybe a fancy new shoulder bag, or what about using a good looking spokesperson from the ephemeral fashion end of things since we have always done well with fashion shooters?" Engineers and designers: "
Sure boss, as long as you don't fuk with our camera."
So, no final dusting the body with Peacock feathers, and no Narwhale grip
Traditionally, Hasselblad has been innovative and fast to announce those innovations, then frustratingly slow to implement. Despite being a AAA type personality, over the years I found this to be a preferable since when it was finally ready, it was usually worth the wait and worked better than expected. Before critics pounce, there are exceptions to anything, and some have had horrible experiences just like with any make system.
Over a decade, from the H2D-22 to a H4D/60 and 8 different HCD/HC lenses, I never had to become back slapping, cigar smoking, whiskey drinking good friends with Hasselblad reps or service people because I rarely needed them. I had one lens failure … a HC100/2.2 that I bought with my first H camera and used almost daily for over a decade. The AF motor got slowish/noisy and they replaced it quickly and inexpensively. I never had to check each lens when I bought it, never had to examine each one for sample variation. Never had to send a new lens back.
Subjectively, I've always liked Hasselblad's "True Color" solution … and even Ming's initial and hurried samples show a similar organic look and feel with natural looking color rendition. While many companies may use this sensor, it is up to each of us to evaluate which "secret sauce" implementation of that sensor we prefer. IMO, Ming's pics bode well for the final iteration of the X1D camera, because in the end the only reason to get this camera is IQ you "subjectively" prefer … in a much easier to carry form.
While I've not had the pleasure of holding this new camera, I have faith that the UI and ergonomics will be splendid. The H has always been a well respected MFD body, so there is no reason to suspect they will dump all that intelligent industrial design experience with this camera. In a very short time, I came to "play the H like a musical instrument" and never had to dumpster dive into a complex menu designed by a dyslexic gamer.
Some details of this camera will mean more to some than to others.
For me dual cards is one such feature, particularly if the cards are SDs. Anyone that shoots stuff that a client could sue you for not delivering understands why
That Hasselblad chose to use Nikon flash protocols is genius. Wish Leica had done the same with the S. Lighting innovations that first hit the market are always Canon and Nikon. My S probably will never be compatible with Profoto's TTL and HSS features on my B1 and B2 lights, the X1D looks like it will be compatible out of the box (TBD for sure).
Auto Focus: for me the priority is accuracy. Yes, it has to reasonably fast with-in reasonable expectations of a larger sensor camera. However, accuracy is a direct component of IQ … which, again, is the reason to have such a camera.
After semi-retiring, but still shooting for money and barter, I left Hasselblad for lack of pressing need for such a big gun (H4D/60), and more consideration for ease of transport as I age. This camera makes me reconsider that move.
- Marc