Hasselblad 907X CFV 100C: What Every Buyer Should Consider 

Thank you Ben. Really appreciate the kind words. Reality is, it’s always a fine line with brands on what criticism is over the line or what is helpful to potential buyers and the audience as a whole. For me, I realise that brands already know what works and what doesn’t before we point it out. Sometimes having more voices saying something also helps them change things. Feedback is always welcome when it’s constructive and not emotional. Leica has been very supportive and really appreciate their support. They know I’m a fan so when I point out some things they know it comes from a good place. For the 907x I really like this camera for what it is and the first time I saw the 50c I was blown away by its beauty. However I know many get swept up in that and not realise the X2D while more traditional in the sense of a camera design may be better suited. Btw the X2D is one of the best Camera designs in the market as well

Thanks for your reply Bobby. I’ve used Leica gear (along with others) for decades and have followed all of your related reviews. It’s not surprising, but good to hear, that they take constructive feedback in stride. I also appreciate their taking several years to develop each major iteration. I’ve had a good feeling about them ever since Andreas Kaufmann rescued the company. From a business perspective (and even an insurance perspective), much of consumer photographic gear can be lumped in with jewelry, and I suspect that is also how many people treat their very high end cameras: as part of their ensemble 😊 perhaps agonizing over which color leather camera protector to wear. And of course that’s fine, as it is part of what keeps our favorite companies in business. I just think it’s a little disappointing that in this case design clearly triumphed over function, somewhat like a high quality sports car manufacturer suddenly adding nonfunctional scoops and piping simulated engine sounds into the cabin.

Thanks RJ. Yes I agree 💯

Thanks Stuart

Haha I’m attempting to afford something Hasselblad too

@@btonellijust sell a few Leica lenses

@@jaegerschtulmann I only own three. One m and two R lenses. I can’t even get a body with those haha

This guy knows.

Thank you! Yes the X2D is fantastic

Thank you!

Thank you Dennis really appreciate the kind words. This is me and will always be me :)

Thanks Benj! Likewise on the discussions with others. I have had many of these conversations and most times I’m saying, if you have the extra cash and you have another camera go for it. Main camera? It’s a bit hard. For me I really enjoy the X2D for its versatility. While beautifully crafted, it doesn’t have the 907x’s modern romantic design which, is just beautiful. Everyday I had this camera I would just stare at it haha

Thanks Clarence! Yes the X2D is the more complete package. This camera has the list factor though.

Appreciate the support. Thanks

@@FrankWestPR yes for this camera tripod will help. With the X2D and the fantastic IBIS it’s reallly good handheld

Hahahaha yes the X2D is all you need. The feel and ergonomics of the X2D are second to none and the IBIS is class leading. Thanks for watching!

Thank you and great points you listed here. The IBIS in the X2D is fantastic!

Very well said. Thanks for watching.

Thanks for sharing. Long term usage with this camera can be challenging. I’m thinking they didn’t do it to keep the size down. Where as the over V series cameras are quite large and not everyone wants to carry such a big camera now

@@rodney6490 thanks for watching. I would go for this version over the older one. Too many improvements here that I feel will be more beneficial than the first version.

Thanks. I think they just need to tweak a couple things for the ergonomics, but can’t deny this is a work of art with great image quality.

Thanks for watching. I was able to get sharp shots 1/4 handheld but it takes being steady. With IBIS it’s much easier. I do feel when you cradle the camera like it’s designed to be used it helps vs using the grip. Yes the display outside in bright sunlight is difficult on its own. At least with the X2D you can use the EVF

Thank you. Yes I agree I think the initial idea was to give a second life to the film cameras. With the 907x I think Hasselblad did a brilliant job marrying old with new. The newer lenses pair beautifully with this camera.

Thanks 🙏

Thanks for watching. Yes the X2D is a more versatile camera and for many the style of camera that makes the most sense. The 907X is a unique and beautiful piece of art, but not for everyone

To Hasselblads credit they have done a good job in terms of lens design with these new V series lenses which match better than the previous style of lens. Yes agree on the FPL, one camera that has stunning image quality with the stars are aligned but the modularity and large EVF and no mechanical shutter have held that camera back from being a much better system than it is. X2D is an awesome camera. Still miss using it quite a bit

Thank you. Trying some different techniques for A roll and B roll

Thanks for watching.

Yes there are certain use cases this camera excels. I would even say for some you could do urban photography too, just know the speed of the camera. The way I see this camera is the X2D is the work horse. The main daily camera. This is the fun, more specific use case camera.

Thank you! 🙏 these are very wise words.

Thanks for watching. I think it was designed for aesthetics in mind first and foremost which isnt bad considering the camera is beautiful.

Thanks. Yep I realised that as well

Yes indeed.

Thanks for the kind words. The X2D and this are fantastic cameras just helping those that are so enamoured by the beauty to think how they will maximise this system.

Thank you 🙏

@@pakwoto5170 definitely a great use for it

Yes I know but using it doesn’t work that way at various angles

Thanks John. Yes it would be nice to have more articulation on the display especially for portraits. Now they allow a variety of cropping formats so one can maximise for portraits but definitely not the same.

Indeed

Indeed. Hasselblad like Leica has taken the more luxury route. That’s not saying the cameras aren’t capable but one needs to look at the entire picture especially for pro use.

Thanks! Agree with your thoughts as well

Haha thanks. Indeed I wish the accessories were better designed and more functional but the good thing is one can use the body alone and still very usable. This camera brings those butterflies in the stomach full of excitement. It’s only after a while of using it do we see the limitations

Thank you 🙏

Haha indeed. Thank you

Yes this is why I made the video. Never to knock the camera but to help those that are captured by the beauty to also think about how they will use the camera as the X2D is more versatile in many situations.

X2D is a very versatile camera and the IBIS is fantastic!

Thank you. 🙏

Enjoy! But also keep in mind all cameras today have much of this technology. Regardless of outside design, as simple as they can look, they still have a lot of the computational aspects of photography built in.

Yes, I understand. I own a Sony A7R V with G Master glass. And I own a Leica Q-P. I have a great deal of respect for Sony and Leica with what they are trying to achieve albeit via divergent paths. I specifically wish to minimize the gizmo tech for much (not all) of my photographic work. I have a $1K Gitzo tripod (purchased several years ago) waiting for this new kit. I am fully aware of what I am getting into and so looking forward to it.. :)

Thank you 🙏

Glad to help. The X2D is awesome! Enjoy

Love both but prefer X2D :)

Hahaha nice. Enjoy it! Beautiful images

Thanks!! Yes indeed, hats off to Hasselblad for making this camera.

Agree. I understand keeping a premium price but it’s actually more than the X2D with the accessories with less functionality hence it makes more sense to go with the X2D. I feel if this camera was priced less by a couple thousand this makes it a more affordable modular option for those that just want the back for the 500 series cameras

It’s indeed beautiful. A piece of art that will go down as one of the most stunning modern cameras in current times

Actually the body itself is more than enough. Only if you want to do exposure lock will you need the grip

Thanks. Haha yes that’s why I said collectors who have the means and want something different this is one to get. It’s hard to say this could be the only camera for a one camera person but everyone will be different

Thanks. It’s okay, X2D is a fantastic option as well

I spoke to a number of pros as well and for them Fujifilm made sense for cost, servicing and easier to get gear if they need something in a pinch. Hasselblad used to have this accessibility and in some parts of the world they still do, but in others, the support is limited and so is available stock etc. also having video when you need it helps. I use the GFX100II for video quite a bit and find it more than adequate.

@@btonelli And the camera files are not supported by Capture One which is the only capture software I use...

@@jimjimgl3 true. Big difference as well

Haha thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching. GAS is a problem. I’m guilty of that for sure haha. I would possibly look at alternatives to the 50SII. The sensor is quite dated and cameras like the Sony A7RV, Nikon Z8, Leica SL2 would probably be better for longevity and versatility.

Hahaha I love 16 bit color and chrome and leather but I prefer waking up next to a smiling wife vs cuddling my camera in the morning 😂😂

In 5 years I’m going to buy an x2d

@@EricAlHarb hopefully you and me both 👍😊

Yeah I hear you on this. It would be nice to have a shade like the original one. My guess is if film didn’t go crazy in price (thanks Kodak) we could perhaps see more camera companies remaking film bodies even for a limited run. Would be great to see Hasselblad do this but alas don’t think it will happen. To your point, only a small market would utilise it this way hence not going full modular but. Complete digital V series might be better. Food for thought

Actually yes some people think that way about the 907x as it’s a smaller footprint than the V system of years past and easy to carry around. I would hear a lot from friends and others in the marketplace talking about making it their prime camera and thinking because it looks so good it’s easy to be that street camera etc. For some it could be but it takes a lot of work and patience as this camera design not like transitional SLR’s and rangefinders

Haha yes but not sure if that type of engineering and R&D is worth it for a grip. If the 907x was selling like the X100VI maybe, but it’s a very niche product

Thank you for watching

Yes IBIS inside would have been nice. Perhaps they will try and get it into the next version. But to their credit IBIS takes up space and so a lot of engineering needs to happen to make it smaller and compact

The grip is okay but the design while aesthetically pleasing doesn’t make much sense for most photography. I guess if it’s locked on a tripod great, but if you want to take it out on the streets or lifestyle photography it’s a bit limiting

I would look at the X2D if you are thinking this way. Fantastic camera. Don’t get me wrong I like the 907x, but it’s about how much you will take advantage of it.

@@btonelli I hear you and I thought along the same line. In the end I decided to stick with what I have, there is not real rational to change. The Leica Ms are so inspiring and the Nikon Zf is such a classic looking workhorse. They will serve me for years to come.

Yes. Need to get the full medium format sensor size from the H series

Thank you 🙏

I love the 500c series. It’s the best way to see if you like this system. Much less expensive. This camera wouldn’t be a one camera system. Secondary or a personal camera for projects but one camera to do it all, I would opt for X2D

@@btonelli Yeah, exactly what I was thinking. I've done the 'one camera, one lens' thing before with an M6 and 35mm f/1.2 nokton, so I could see myself with an X2D and a 38mm XCD lens (28 is my favorite focal length on 35mm). But, I'm still a hobbyist and for me part of the fun is playing with different cameras and formats. An analog medium format camera for me is the perfect companion to a digital camera.

That would be a very good setup. The 38 is an awesome lens. I also like having the film camera and the digital. I have too many film cameras haha. Will do some videos on them soon

I understand the need to keep it minimal but yes hard to see in bright day light scenarios.

Agree

Thanks for watching. Most of what I would say in a review has already been out there, but wasn’t was the practicality of the camera as a one and only, which some have considered. I wanted to highlight some of the things that may make a buyer concerned in the weeks after getting it as it’s an investment at the price point Hasselblad has it at

It’s more like a 500c meets Rollieflex 2.8f in the sense the Rollie was a good street/urban camera and this 907 fits into that mold while maintaining a more compact size than the 500c series of cameras

Yeah for some it’s okay. Others not so much

Hahaha you and me both 😂

I thought so as well but they continued this design from the 50c to the 100c

@@atapourhassan7442 didn’t notice any sound that was out of the ordinary with the lens

Yes I was going back and forth on a right title for this that wouldn’t sound click bait, but after using and appreciating the camera for what it is, I also see people wanting it based on an idea vs reality. The X2D is an awesome camera and a great option for those that want the versatility it brings. Thanks for taking the time to see the video.

Not sure where you are getting at. I never said that the camera can’t be used as a real camera. I said that one needs to consider their usage before investing in it as the aesthetics of this camera can be enticing but using it daily can be more of a challenge. I’m sorry you couldn’t get a sharp shot with the X2D. Others can and yes I can get sharp shots with the 907 at 1/4 but it takes a lot more work than the X2D. And btw my opinions aren’t based on getting a camera for free or not. It’s about giving potential buyers another perspective. These aren’t inexpensive cameras. It’s an investment. If someone can give some clarity who have used both systems and help someone make the right decision, that should be helpful right?

I have and use for years a X1D and 907X 50c also with a 503CX and all three X-Pan lenses as well as lot of Mamiya 645 lenses. My conclusions are: 907X cannot be first choice and only Hasselblad camera, X1D or X2D bodies are. 907X is absolutely great and unique for a double use with XCD lenses and on a vintage V body with Zeiss lenses Zeiss lenses with recent optical formulas are top on CFV backs even if microcontrast is a bit less X-Pan lenses are not OK on digital, 45mm and 90mm bad and 30mm just acceptabel My Adapted Mamiya 645 speciality lenses are amazing, top notch for sharpness my Sekor C 80mm f:4 macro, amazing special bokeh Sekor C500mm reflex, incredibly versatile Sekor 50mm shift, dreamy portraits with the Sekor C 145mm SF

Yes, but I don’t see people taking this camera out into the some wet situations

@@btonelli probably but summers can also can be dusty (:

@@TimofejNenarokov true true. I’m thinking this camera does best in studios or street photography

@@btonelli absolutely.

Understand. It’s not for everyone but no camera is. I have to say though to Hasselblads credit they have improved this over the first version

Haha I have it for review. Yes and also the lens. The new 16-35 f2.8 GM2 is fantastic

@@btonelli Hasselblad 907X CFV 100C is small yet so powerful. I wish Sony, Canon & Nikon will make a mirrorless camera design like this. It'll be a perfect for run and gun.

@@watarchives for some, they build cameras to be tools for photographers and videographers to use. Nikon is starting to dig into their illustrious history with the Zf and I’m guessing they will continue to do so. I’m glad not every company does these types of cameras. It makes ones like this stand out.

@@btonelli I agree. Anyway, can you make a comparison between Sirui nightwalkers T1.3 vs Viltrox T1.5?

@@watarchives I’ll look into it. I’m a one person crew so right now I’m swamped with gear

Sorry not following. The sensor is square

Haha yes for some maybe for others. This camera brings out a lot of desires

@@btonelli As a Pro for 30 odd years - we do have a lot of cameras - we try to keep up-to-date with some of our gear and we have recently spent a small fortune for our commercial work - the trouble with our Hass H6D100c is whilst it is still better than the X series - the X system is more agile and the lenses fit both the X2D and the 907x - we already had the X1D and the 907x with the 50C - but we wen tall in on both the X2D and the 907xCFV 100c with the new F2.5 lenses as they all have the same form factor, all F2.5 and a 72mm filter thread which makes life easier on the run, we are still awaiting the XCD 28mm, (June we are told), but the main reason is the addition of the flash/strobe/attachment and 100mp so whilst we were upgrading that we went for the X2D as well. With all of that in mind we didn't stop there and went on another limb with the GFX100II system - the draw was the possibility of up to 400MPX (for copying this is great) but also the 2 new T+S 110mm (it says macro but it isn't unless you use one of the two MCEX extension tubes), and the 30mm T+S, which is a beast of a lens - and of course the legendary 250mm - and watch this space as a 500mm is coming this year. So we are done for a while on the heavy stuff. A big shout out to Clifton Cameras who supplied nearly everything for us - and amazingly the 100c just two days after its announcement.

Thanks. I never got a chance to test the 90mm f2.5. After my three videos on the X2D, Hasselblad never reached out for me to review the lens or even this camera. As of now the 90 is very hard to find so will have to wait and see if I get the opportunity in the future.

@@btonelli I'll let you know when mine comes in.

I think something extra like that would diminish the aesthetics a bit

Sony medium format?

Most vintage lenses were not designed for digital rendering up to 100mp. Even 50mp can be a limiting factor. There maybe an exception to the rule like the 250 SA but reality is most were designed to take advantage of film. I tried older v series lenses with the X1D etc and found them not up to par with the current offerings from Hasselblad. So while a lens or two may be okay the majority of the lenses have optical limitations. I’m not the only reviewer stating this as well.

This a scientific question, you are saying that you like the rendering better, but in terms of resolution the new lenses, in particular the ones before the V series that have been extensible tested are better, by a wide margin. It's so much that you can notice in landscapes.

This is also a big factor which I hope in time Hasselblad works on is demo sets at respective locations. We have the same problem here in Singapore as well

Most are swayed by the beauty and think about usability after the fact. It’s a fine camera if you understand its limitations but yes the X2D is a much more versatile camera for most people

Haha you kind of answered your dilemma already. If the X100VI replaces the Q3 for you, then my recommendation is sell the Q3 and X1DII and get the X2D. The 907 needs accessories and if you are willing to invest in thoseby all means, but the X2D is ready to go out of the box

@@btonelli ❤️❤️❤️❤️ selling the house to buy the lens as well haha! Thank you so much!

You can see it but it’s not super bright. So if you are photographing let’s say areas where there is shade and you are out under the sun, all the parts in the shade are dark. It’s hard to see the details

That's what makes it so hard to choose between having an evf with the x2d. I find myself shooting in bright places @@btonelli

Thank you. Yes it’s a stunning camera.

I returned my X2D due to the rocking lens mount that they tried to say was normal….and no ability to tether live view

@@jimb2500 I’ve heard of the rocking lens mount but didn’t experience it. Sorry that happened

Nice combo

Awesome as a second body.

Yes! Already having all new V lens and the X2D 100, it could be an amazing second body even for wedding photography, if you can deal with very big files and looking for extreme quality rather than speed.

I think the lenses will render okay but the new v lenses will prob be more corrected and sharper.

Yes awesome camera

Thanks for watching

There are a number of videos on this. Basically the lens controls everything. You set the ISO of I’m not mistaken and that’s it

@@btonelli Nice, so the back is basically just in some sort of electronic shutter mode that detects when an exposure happens.That's pretty cool. Honestly, this is the only real use case for buying the camera over the X2D (using it as a digital back on the V series). Saves you from having to buy a bunch of lenses too

@@JacobChristiansen1 since the shutter is in the lens being a leaf shutter system it acts like a film back but digital. Yes this is one of the great attributes to the camera.

@@JacobChristiansen1 The crop factor is a disadvantage. x0.79. But the electronics and mechanics work perfectly together.

@@btonellithanks, true. But the back still needs to know that an exposure happened (otherwise you'd do multiple exposures)

If you have a 500CM and want a digital back this is the one to get. If you don’t need a digital back the X2D is a solid camera

@@btonelli I noticed the CFV II 50C is only 6000$, also comes with a 45 lens....I am curious the difference between these two on 500 CM. Theoretically 50MP is enough for the 500CM lens 😂

@@mingchen6695 yes the 50c is good enough but the speed of the UI, better processor and overall better functionality make the 100c much more appealing

@@btonelli Thanks for reply! I didn't know there is much improvement on the UI. Do you think there will be X3D soon or 6X6 CFV in the future? The 6X6 would makes the 4433 looks like a crown.

@@mingchen6695 the X2D is about. A year old and the CFV100c just came out. Medium format usually has a longer lifestyle than full frame epically at 100mp. I think if you were to invest now it’s a safe bet. The next update probably won’t come for a few more years

I was able to get 1/4 with the 907X but took some practice to get it sharp. Really it’s about body positioning and how you hold the camera. The Hasselblad system is a leaf shutter so it’s easier than a shutter inside the body of the camera