Avoid This Costly Mistake with the Hasselblad 907X CFV 100C (Before You Buy) 

Videos like this provide a great, underserved purpose, for everything from cars, trucks and motorcycles to all sorts of consumer and professional products. Many traditional outlets as well as influencers do include some level of thoughtful critique, for example regarding camera autofocus, menu design, or button layout, but they seem to draw a polite, unspoken line when it comes to pointing out design features that really should make potential buyers pause and consider before making emotions based purchases. I know of a few camera reviewers who have been locked out by specific brands simply due to pointing out issues or potential shortcomings. Of course, you have been equally detailed and practical in your Leica product reviews, for example, and, to their credit, that has not kept Leica from inviting you back. Your honest approach to offering a professional’s detailed assessment of a new or revised product is refreshing.

Costly mistake: attempting to afford it

Another refreshing review that isn’t just pandering to the company, while also respecting their efforts. Brilliantly done 👏

Best video I've seen so far. This applies to any big purchase. People need to buy what suits them and what they're happy with and not buy into the hype and romanticism.

Great delivery of your user impression and a beautifully filmed video. Your thoughts on the ergonomics of the grip and the OVF are spot on. This video doesn't turn me away from the Hassie, it just makes one check out the X2D again! Thanks for putting out another great review, Bobby!

Dear Bobby, I have been saving to get a X2D. Naturally ,when the new 907x came out I went through tons of youtube reviews, hoping to see a real comparison with the X2D. In truth, they felt as videos released for the sake of jumping in the "heres a 907x bandwagon". I said to myself; "I'll just wait to watch Bobby's video". As always, you delivered by keeping it real. Thank you for providing us, the consumers, a huge help. And again, thank you for keeping it real. Please never change.

I appreciate this take. I LOVE this camera and have had it in my hands for over a month now. I've been lusting after that 907X since I used the original 50C version a couple of years ago. I've had lots of people asking if they should sell every single other camera they own to get this and for the majority of people that'd be a terrible idea. It's absolutely beautiful but for most, it will still be an auxiliary camera of sorts. It does a lot for me in terms of inspiration and the images out of it are nuts, but it almost always will be paired with another camera for me on the majority of paid gigs for sure.

How refreshing to finally see a video that doesn’t hype or oversell a product. Excellent ‘buyer beware’ advice. Kudos!

I owned the 907x 50c and I sold it after a few months. Beautiful camera and beautiful photos but it was an ergonomic nightmare. The biggest issue to me is the flip screen. I kept having to flip the screen open and close for shooting and walking around. Who else here thinks that Hasselblad should have put the screen on the top of the body and make it flip up to the top instead?

First real review of this camera ! Very refreshing as usual Bobby

The lighting you used in this video is perfect😊

Excellent video and to the point. Yes, the new 907X 100c is beautiful, unique, and, dare I say, sexy?? But I love the way my X2D feels in my hand. And while you can get sharp handheld shots w/o IBIS, I can't live w/o IBIS, especially for low-light shots. I try not to increase my ISO/shutter more than I need to, and IBIS helps tremendously in that scenario. I will get a used one as a second body in 4-5 years. But as of now, my X2D is sitting on my office desk watching me as I type and watch 907x 100c videos and muttering...""Don't do it, I am all you need." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Very good observations. I agree 100%. It seems that Hasselblad have lost its edge on some aspects of design and functionality. Ergonomics are terrible except for the screen menu. Personally I think that Hasselblad should consult photographers instead of people behind a desk.

I had the 907x100c because I really loved the camera and shooting experience but as I photographed more and more in different situations I had to realise that some to the usability is not sufficient even with the fantastic new lenses. One big draw back is that in strong sun you can't see the Screen properly. On the X2D100c which I know use, the screen is not only bigger but also brighter and you have all buttons that you need without an extra grip. I salute Hasselblad to continue the 907x line but unless you don't use the older film bodies you might end up realising that the usability is limited... however Hasselblad is for me the one and only brand where image quality and usability and design all meet at the highest possible level and they are worth the high price unlike Leica.

If you look at the manual it recommends to hold the grip around the front and use your thumb to trip shutter. It's odd but it's quite nice once you get used to it.

Awesome video love your work

Great video Bobby and the first person to put the reality to the camera,beautiful but not affordable for most and easy to want because it’s amazing to look at 😊

As a 907X CFVII50C I completely agree with you!

your comment is fair, thank you so much for the review !

Such beautiful design. Great video. You really put in perspective the practicality of using a camera such as this. My initial response is I want it because it's beautiful but I don't think I would use it as frequently as I would with my rangefinder camera.

I have arrived at the realization things are becoming far too complex in this field - at least for me. Cameras and editing tools are now so full of artificial intelligence that it feels like the person behind the lens is fast becoming a secondary consideration. So with that said, I am taking a cue from one of the most influential designers that I admire. Dieter Rams, a German born industrial designer who embraced the philosophy of "less is more." Minimalism... to be specific. I am so excited to shed the idea that I need a heavily tech-ladened camera to capture things. In body image stabilization, focus tracking and all sorts of computational photography tricks. Way too much stuff between my eyes and my subject. From this point on, my focus (pun intended) is to frame, capture and edit imagery in a more thoughtful and simplistic way. One that will preserve the integrity of what I am attempting to capture. Light, shadow, texture and color... These are the only elements that will be tweaked in each image (on an as needed basis). No composite images. I will be using this insanely austere piece of equipment to accomplish this. One that requires my undivided attention and skill in order to create something truly special. A work of art... is my heartfelt intention. This is such an exciting path to be on. So much more to come.

Thanks for the honest thoughts

Absolutely spot on! I have had the 907x 50c. The grip is flawed and the viewfinder is useless. A triumph of aesthetics over practicality. I have the X2D. Brilliant camera and the IBIS is transformative with the 100MP sensor. Thanks for your content, as always.

I really do appreciate your honest reviews. Let me add a couple of comments to your observations. The control grip is almost a necessity, but with it attached, the camera becomes heavier than the X2D. Second, the 907XCFV100C needs to be shot at high shutter speeds or to be mounted on a tripod because it has no IBIS. I can shoot the X2D at 1/10 second handheld. Carrying a tripod adds considerably to the size and weight of the kit one needs to carry. The Hasselblad X2D with one of the new V lenses is lighter and has better image stabilization than the Leica SL2 with one of the APO SL primes. The X2D is now my camera of choice for landscape photography.

Love how you presented the 907, points to add regarding wether or not this is a camera for you, this camera initially designed for a digital back film camera like 500series, so that was it, shooting with modern XCD lenses come as a bonus.. at least for me

Hello Bobby, As a die hard Hasselblad shoot owner and love since the 1980's when I started using Hasselblads. I must say I just love the Hasselblad X system I started with the X1D and now use my X2D when ever the right jobs come up, I did try the 907X when it first came out. Yes it has a lost of cool things and would be amazing pared with one of there old 500 or 2000 series cameras and even on a 5x4 back. But as a body buy it self it was not for me. Super video thanks.

Fully agree. I so wanted to have it, but yet it does not make much sense. Sure it's beautiful (for me still a downer is the not matching design language of the lenses though) but then I think, would I really use it daily? Same with my FPL, what an amazing camera, yet without the bulky EVF almost unusable in daylight. Now I look though the viewfinder of a SL2 and could not be more happy. So if I ever step up my hobby game, it will be the X2D

Great message in your video, to the point and honest. I have my fair share of cameras and actually collect more than I care to really know but if you need to finance/use credit card for a camera- I think that’s the moment you need to drop the idea and take time to save the cash- then when you have the cash in hand see what you really think about that camera then! You might not want to let that money go 😂

A very helpful video. I have to admit that I was really interested in this camera despite owning the X2D. A key point in this video is using the LCD at waist level in bright light. As you say, the composition will look under exposed which I have experienced with the X2D. But with the X2D there is the EVF which solves the problem. I suppose a dark cloth could be used but rather defeats the point of the camera, as that assumes a tripod is being used as well. This is a camera for interior work such as houses, portraits and products. The X2D is for outdoors, landscape etc, but can be used for interior and studio work.The 907X CFV 100c is a beautiful camera, but so is the X2D but with more versatility. Many thanks for such an honest review

At last. This is one of your most objective opinions on this channel. Most of them didn't convince me at all, but this one is spot on.

I get it, I get it! To funny! Excellent video. You provided a reality check. Thank you AND you made me laugh! I needed both.

It’s horses for courses. This is a camera to use on a tripod, or a back for your V series. If you like shooting that way you will love this camera. If you want a camera to shoot on the go buy an x2d. I have both and use them in different scenarios. For my landscape work I’m always on a tripod so the 907 is just great for me.

thanks man!

Appreciate your honest thoughts. I have the X2D and love it, but I have to say I am tempted by the 907x (I once had the 50c), partly to use it as a digital back on a tech cam, which the X2D is not suited for. However, the lack of IBIS is the main thing that concerns me when using it handheld - I am trying to get a better sense of what ISOs will need to be used when handheld in lower light situations. The visibility of the screen in bright sunlight is another concern. I think I'll walk around with the X2D at waist level with the LCD titled and the IBIS off for a few days to get a better sense (although the different form factor of the 907x may make it easier/harder to handhold). Thanks again for your videos.

I just came to this conclusion yesterday - thanks for confirming I made the correct decision. Maybe I will get version three of this in 3-4 years, but for now I am going with the X2D.

Very insightful review. I wonder if Hasselblad could introduce a vertical to horizontal swivel/ratcheting feature into the optional grip? (Think of the planes in Edge of Tomorrow, the Quad Tiltrotors). Wouldn't that be cool!

Great video as usual!! I’m going for the X2D, and I had a question. Did they ever fix the loud shutter issue with the new 90MM 2.5, or is that just how it was built?

You are on point! This said, cudos to Hasselblad for making such a beautiful camera! I mean, in a time where most camera manufacturers build cameras that look like a Honda Civic, this is so refreshing!

I really appreciate your videos. This a camera I've been considering, I have an X2D and I've been considering getting a second body Can I afford to buy it yes, but does that mean I should.....No. You've given me some things to think about

Finally some one providing something to think about. Most reviewers just go gaa gaa on any new tech and don't tell -ve things.

Intersting video! I agree with your critics but maybe I am too poor for that camera but I cannot imagine that such a camera is bought without testing it in ones hands and having carefully read the datasheet. And I cannot imagine to use this in daily life....

That makes perfect sense. It is made for pleasure, not for getting the job done. And you don't even need many lenses to enjoy photography, just your favorite two, or three :). Which you might already own, you just need an adapter.

You are absolutely right. I went through the same thought exercise and came to the same conclusion….. sigh 😩

I sometimes shoot at an advertising agency's studio and they have a few Fujifilm GFX 100s and when I am there I shoot with this camera. I really enjoy it and have thought of buying one for myself. But I have a bunch of older Hasselblad lenses and was also considering the X2D. My regular camera is the Canon R5 and sometimes the Phase One 45+. When I saw the 907X CFV 100C I nearly reached for my credit card. But in the end glad I didn't, especially with this info from you about the grip and optical viewfinder. And while most of my work is stills and usually hire DP if I have bigger motion jobs, I'd like the option of the Fujifilm video just as a fall back in case...

Great points on the grip. If they make it so it can swivel in increments, it'd be great.

X2D seems to be a better choice, even if this model is wonderful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

very well said. genius. having shot Canon for years i was tired of sorting thru hundreds of images per day when shooting wildlife. now i want to shoot slower and more static subjects and this camera grabbed my attention because and im not sure if anybody has said this but it is beautiful. but when compared to the X2D well the X2D wins alot of checkboxes. good on Hasselblad tho for bringing this camera to market and while i may not purchased the 907X it has made me consider the X2D.

I think this is very good advice. I would not recommend this camera for most especially if you can only afford one camera. However if one really misses the 500 and are a bit bored with normal DLSRs and can afford it then this is a really interesting camera.

I passed on the grip and the viewfinder when I bought the 50C version. I feel that they were an afterthought which added little in improved functionality but cost a small fortune.

Damn nice camera. I’m adding one to the camera bag. Sunlight impacting the image visibility on the display? No prob. I’ll whip out the M11P in those moments… 🤣 It’s just too cool a camera not to have!!!

Imagine when the used price comes down. Ya know…. It’ll take at least 10 years, but a camera this gorgeous is worth the wait. Haha As always, top notch videos.

I have owned and been using the 907x/CFVII 50c since 2020. A travel or street camera to flip around in my hands like a Leica M? Surely you are joking, I can't imagine any thinking photographer buying one for that. I bought the 907x because it is an excellent addition to my Hasselblad V system kit, allowing access to both the X series lens line as well as a digital capture solution for my V system bodies and lenses. For travel and other lightweight, fast uses, I have other cameras. ;)

Thank you.

Agree, I own a PhaseOne and had to save plenty of cash and waited for a good deal to get a complete body including lens and back like the IQ250 under $5300 it was an investment for my business. The Hasselblad is a luxury studio camera as well and not your ordinary dslr sports camera, so everyone make a wise choice.

Sound and sensible (as always). This is an object of pure desire, well marketed. It even had my scanning fleabay for used 500CMs. But not really useful for most people or most applications, and always less useful that the X2D......but god's its pretty!

I couldn't have said it better. The immediate appeal and allure of the 907 will soon fade, the X2 is any day a 'better' option. A well thought out and excellent review.❤

Absolutely love this - thank you. My heart says 907X, but you've thoroughly reinforced what my brain has been saying all along: "Get the X2D."

I am avoiding all mistakes with this Hasselblad because I can only dream of spending this much on a camera (and not have my wife leave me)

Thank you

Had the original for a few months and you nailed it. Eventually you realize a VF is needed, even if just to review photos without glare.

I consider this a PSA. Thank you. I have GAS and want this camera, I realize I don't need this camera but I do want it. I also want the Fuji GFX 50s II also a want but complete with the 35-70 for $3499.00 seems like a great deal. I have the Nikon D850 as well as too many cameras to list hear but I shoot for me and not a living so the lines of want and need are blurry....

My exact conclusion. X2D. It’s perfect er. The IS is mind blowing!

Thanks for the frank honesty. I had the original 907X for a couple of vacations and you are right; the novelty of use (alone and on a 503cw) and beauty of the machine were captivating at first but eventually became impractical. Carrying the camera around as a box held with hand outstretched is much more wearing than hanging an SLR by its grip. The screen was very hard to see in summer daylight and the camera overheated and shut down too often. Use on the 503 was delightful at first, except for the need to use a crop frame in the viewfinder and that the images are soft because of the limitations of the V lenses. It is definitely a design of form over function. And the price baffles me: same spec and cost as the X2D but no grip, no viewfinder and no IBIS. If I hadn’t bought the Leica SL2 with the proceeds of selling the 907X I’d be getting the X2D which has all the advantages of this new camera, plus very practical tech and comfortable handling.

No wonder today's video quality got better because you're using Sony A9III. Sheeesh 🔥

I would love to see a comparison between new lenses vs cf lenses of the same subject . I have nearly have the whole system of cf lenses And 503cw camera bodies . I thought i could buy the camera for the digital back and work on new lenses for the future .

I kind of hope that Hasselblad would ditch the modular system and just make a wasit-level X camera in style of the 500 series. Don't have a screen at the back, have it on top with a nice shade much like the original viewfinder. Elongate the body (versus the 907x + back) by like half an inch (12.7mm) too. But I doubt such a camera would be financially successful as many are already pleased with the X2D. I like my X2D too, don't get me wrong, but having a different form factor that doesn't rely on a gimmick of supporting older stuff (sorry, people, it's a gimmick when they don't even make the old stuff anymore) would be nice.

Honest personal viewpoint on the product, not really a review though (which from Bobby I would have appreciated more). The suitability of any product to someone's needs is just a matter of personal use/goal. The 907x is certainly not a camera for the photographers' mass market (and it is not intended to be) but it could perfectly fit my bill and serve my purpose as long as it has a good sensor, good lenses and takes picture. Is Leica M a camera for the general photographer? It is not, but without any doubt is a very capable tool doing some things very very well.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned anywhere is how it works on the V series cameras. Do you need to set the shutter speed both on the V camera and the back? I think that was the case with the 50c

I made the calculations and I could get one if I sold off all my photography gear and a few other things, but for me it would just be too much money tied up into a single camera system. I did the next best thing and got an analog Hasselblad 501C. I keep telling myself I can eventually put a digital back on it at some point.. but I'm probably just kidding myself.

You make a good point…but if reason was the only thing driving camera purchases only Canon and Sony would still be selling cameras. Maybe Nikon with the Z8 and Z9. But who the heck needs Leica or Hasselblad? And Fuji? Why? … but on the other hand I have a Leica M10-R, Q2M, Hassy X2D and Nikon ZF…and a Voitlander Bessa R2 for film….so obviously reason has little to do with it for people like me.

Hi Bobby. A beautiful piece of kit, no doubt. Maybe if I win the lottery, I could afford one!😂 Best wishes.

Would really like to know how the screen is in bright daylight? Can you actually see on it?

Great reality check. But maybe it’s a studio camera, like the old 500c?

What is your experience with the 100 MP sensor without image stabilization? Please, compare to the X2D.

The voice of reason ❤ but hey what a camera and most definitely plucks the heart strings. I totally agree with you and a shame that the accessories weren’t a little better thought out. Guess form over function won the race.

Thanks

I have the X2D System, and I would have purchased the 907X if it had IBIS built-in, I have taken razor razor-sharp picture handheld at 1-sec exposure, without it, is just a gimmick.

The camera should have a flip open hood like the film camera for better viewing in bright light. So, what about working in harsh conditions like rain, snow and wind? Very limited abilities.

Not putting the handgrip shutter button at an angle is surely an oversight by Hasselblad. Did they not send out pre-production models to their pros for feedback?

The 907X grip isn't that bad, inverting it would have been worse as it would slip down in the hand by itself. Being larger on top blocks it. But yes it needs some months of use to be OK with it. It is not ergonomically shaped and was designed with classical V body aesthetics in mind but it works fine for a camera that is not intended to be used for reportage, sports, wildlife etc...

If this had a square sensor, this would be perfect without the need for the other accessories. Just the camera at your hip and you looking down on the screen.

If my M11 has no shutter delay, and no accidentally crashes and no 10 tint on WBL. or if the 100c has IBS

I would only be interested in using it in the studio environment on a stand with a massive ball head and a Manfrotto L bracket. 90mm, 55mm, possibly the 38mm. I haven’t found a place in the Uk I can go to view this camera get my hand on it see all the lens? There is no way I am going to blow £15 grand on a camera system I can’t touch a see all the lens I want to potentially buy.

Excellent video - the camera is so beautiful that it is easy to be seduced by it. But one would need to think long and hard about buying it versus an X2D.

Were I to get another full frame from Nikon it would be the Zf.

Not gonna lie, I saw the title and thought well that's some bait bullsh... right there. But I agree, it's easy to look at something and convince yourself that it's gonna be great and exactly the thing you want, just to realize that it isn't when you're stuck with it.

@btonelli, I’m stuck between selling my Q3 for this beast, since the X100VI takes photos just as beautiful as the Q3. Since I also have the X1Dii, the Hasselblad system is just hammering my wallet haha! What would you do? Stay with a Q3 and a Fuji X100VI, or sell the Q3 and get this as the “final” camera haha :)

What about using as a second body?

So nice to hear some honest thoughtful questions about the ergonomics and usability Bobby. While yes, this camera is aesthetically beautiful and produces superb images it pays too much homage to a nostalgic past and in doing so sacrifices usability. One fundamental issue I have, since the original 50c is zero allowance for portrait orientation shooting. While that didn’t matter much with the original 503 and it's option of 6x6 film it does with the fixed 3x4 aspect ratio of this Camera. Hasselblad chose not to offer more articulation of the lcd, even with this new version.

I have a 500CM, I am really struggling to make the choice. Maybe I should wait for the X3D

0:29 I love it but it's STILL not as big a sensor area as my old 1960s hasselblad.

Similiar with me. I use nikon z50 and i have fm2n and milvus 50/1.4

Honest.

I just upgraded from the 50mp version to the 100mp. You attract many viewers with your bald statement in the title. I couldn't be more happy with the upgrade. It improves the possibilities and results for my still lifes. #charlesniel

Also x2d probably more weather resistant

what camera (apsc,full frame ) would be a perfect match with the Hasselblad 907X,for personal use only? Nice Review!

Sorry but some statements are not true. Zeiss optic are up to digital performance if they are not very old optical designs. My FLE CF wide angles are fantastic compared to my XCDs with just a little less microcontrast what can even be an advantage for editing and Hasselblad's dedicated CF lenses optical corrections in Phocus make a great job eliminating automatically CA, distorsion and vignetting as it does it for XCD lenses. My CF 250 SA is on par with the my XCD 135 plus extender when fine details matter.

My two thoughts were 1: No IBIS for 100 mp? 2: No digital viewfinder? its a deal breaker for me. Otherwise I'd be all over this camera.

Do you recommend and prefer the Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Digital Camera Body or Hasselblad 907X 100C? Which two lens you recommend for travel and portraits?

Put the back on a 500 series and you take photos just like a film hasselblad.