I know the 907x looks more "classic" but other than that why would one want to use the 907x over a x1d(ii), where I have a smaller sized body, more ergonomic user interface and a nice viewfinder? Did I oversee something?
Good question!
I cannot speak for others, but I am happy to explain my reasoning for considering the CFV 50c II and possibly a 907x:
Some quick background: I have been shooting the V system for 30+ years. First commercially, then as digital slowly replaced commercial film use, I made the switch, but continue to shoot film for art projects. The Hasselblad CF lenses I use have a look that is different from the Schneider and Rodenstock lenses I shoot with. I have shot the same test scenes on all apertures with CF lenses and Schneider lenses only to find the CF lenses have a different look I call a visual personality. Today I spend more time with art projects than commercial work and very much want to keep the CF lenses in my tool box.
When the first CFV-50c back came out a few years ago, I bought one. I have been using it on my Hasselblad cameras (501CM and Flexbody) and Alpa Max and TC cameras for a few years now. It is a competent back, but the 44x33 crop size gets old quickly with the tight aspect ratio of the CF lenses (1.7x crop factor if you shoot square).
If I can shoot the CF lenses with the 50c II back and have a better focusing tool like focus peaking, then I am interested. If the new back cannot offer focus peaking or an upgraded option for focusing over the 50c back I already use, then I am not interested, and will look into another digital back.
Focusing the CF lenses is a challenge. The focus plane is a sliver no matter what aperture you shoot at, and I figure that is where the unique look comes from. I have never experienced focusing issues with any lens on my digital backs other than the CF lenses so "designed for digital" does mean something. To me, the CF lenses are more like shooting older view camera lenses where the corners get so dark you can't see to focus, except it is not dark, it just looks like your in focus until you magnify it and see you have missed the focal plane by a painful smidgen. But when you nail it, oh the magic!
The X1D is a sweet looking camera, but if I cannot use CF lenses, shoot squares on film, and incorporate my tech cameras with it, it does not work for me.
The 907x mated with the 21/4 lens will be of interest to me for the aspect ratio if I get all the other stuff I want.
I am a Hasselblad fangirl from way back, because I have always appreciated their V system and glass.
Kind regards,
Darr