Hasselblad 907x hands on first impressions! 

I probably don’t need this camera, I certainly can’t afford it but man I want it so much 😂

I’ve been shooting Hasselblads since the 1980s. This is an awesome camera. Skrimp, save and do whatever you have to do to get one.

I just realised that I've never commented on your videos Ted but they are my go-to source for photography learning, reviews and inspiration. I really enjoy seeing you evolve the channel yet staying true. Thanks for the value you put into these videos. Not-thanks for making me want to buy a Hasselblad ;)

I've been working with the 907x Special Edition model since March. It is a superb piece in every way. You don't need another dial to control the camera. You use the shift button (on the right side and above the control dial and shutter release) to switch the mode of the control dial, so you can control two things with the control dial (eg: in A mode, Aperture and EV Compensation; in M mode, Aperture and Exposure Time, etc). The Control Grip allows you this same control but with two dials, one for each of the primary shooting controls as above. The Control Grip also has four customizable buttons to allow various other configurations, its defaults are a one-button AF/MF toggle, an "AF-D" point AF when in MF mode, a MENU button for direct access to the MENU controls on the screen, and a Playback button so you can review captures. It also has a joystick for scrolling around the screen in enlarged view mode (both on playback and using Live View). etc etc. The nice thing about the 33x44 format size is that a lot of good 35mm lenses will allow very high quality captures onto a square crop (33x33mm, 39Mpixel). I use a lens mount adapter for Leica R and M lenses, crop to square, and have gotten some very satisfying work out of it. The V system lenses, of course, cover the full format very nicely ... you can use them either via a Hasselblad 500 series body or via the Hasselblad XV Adapter. For me, this is a landmark camera and well worth the price. Sans lens, the 907x + CFVII 50c are less than US$7000; I remember when a digital back of this quality was at least triple that price.

I was a london advertising photographer for 40 yrs. Hated film Hasselblads...used to jam up when shooting,had to use screwdriver to reset mirror. Always used Mamiya RB 67, never gave upon me. The Digital systems may be fine as there are very few mechanical parts.

I got a 500CM when I was 19. Used it in college and commercially. It looked pretty and took high quality photos but was hard to focus, slow, and awkward. When the Rollei 6006 came out I switched systems. It was like going from a prop plane to a jet. I never picked up a Hassy again. Hassy had the name though. Once I was shooting architecture with my Linhof 4x5. The ad agency guy wanted to know why I wasn't using a Hasselblad..."That's the best camera, right?"

If only I had the money... Sticking with my X-E3.

If you press the small button on the right side and use the shutter button wheel, you can change exposure comp when in Aperture priority. So there are enough options to shoot as you mentioned you‘d wish for. Also, in other modes, that button’s function changes as well.

The last SWC was the 905 model, this new camera is called 907 because it’s the evolution of that concept. If you use it with the new XCD 21mm it almost matches the view angle from the Biogon

I really want to cry, that camera is a beauty.

Want one ! Will work on it , even in 2023 . Love to use it on my old system !

I inherited my Dad's Hasselblad kit containing multiple lenses and a 500 C, 500C/M and SWC bodies and other ancillary accessories! The CFV II 50C appears to be just the ticket to breath some new life into my father's 1950/1960 equipment. Great video. Thanks!

Hi Ted, my 907x arrived about two weeks ago and it's a joy to use. The CFVii 50c works perfectly on my 503cw and the 907 with the 45p and 21mm lenses is light and produces beautiful images. I also have been shooting with Leica M 24, 90 and 135 lenses with very good result (with cropping). I have sample images on Flickr at "Hasselblad with an M" and would like to grow the group and get more people to post images. Also, this works great on my SWC but the 38mm lens is so close to the new 45p in coverage and FOV that other than testing have not really used that combination.

So much kudos to Hasselblad for going for it. This form factor is 100% desirable!

Excellent camera, I would like to use one Hasselblad one day.

Wow, it’s beautiful! an instant modern classic. A respectful reimagining but contemporary update.

That camera is a beauty. Saw in another video yesterday that the screen stops at 45 degrees, then give it another tug and it folds up to 90. Also, the simplicity of that menu setup is super nice.

I just discovered this guy ... and I'll say this: I LOVE PEOPLE WHO ARE/GET-IN-TO whatever they're in to ... dig!

So pumped for you, Ted! I've been hoping you'd get a chance to try this out. One step closer to a true 6x6 digital back (someday).

I used to shoot wedding's and commercial photography in the 1980s.The removable backpack was a great feature.I love the look of the new one.

I love that this thing just looks like an SWC

OK, this is quite old now, but I finally got one and there is a button you missed beside the shutter that gives its dial a second function - so in Manual you have aperture and shutter speed controls. I guess you missed it (the manual is quite long!) Anyway, thanks, even a year later the review is spot on!

Thanks for the review. I own this camera with the same set up and also use the back on my 503CW. Having mostly shot "manual" cameras over time, i.e. ones that require involvement and a slowing-down philosophy, I agree that this one ticks most boxes: modern and more fluid than the 500 series, lighter than a typical H series and certainly Phase One cameras, with upscale image quality (though not the best as compared to Phase One, even with the Hasselblad colors, which I tend to prefer). Plus the ergonomics is actually great, and people familiar with the 500 series will feel right at home (with the addition of being able to shoot in portrait mode, as the shutter button is in fact in the right spot when rotating the camera). In terms of caveats: the main one is software as for some reason Hasselblad did not include an auto-exposure lock here with a shutter half-press so any image with a strong light in the frame will look too dark (it is impossible to meter a spot in the frame and then recompose). Also, some functions do not seem to work (True Exposure does not change anything when ticked or unticked). The other caveat (or heads-up I should say) is the crop factor with old cameras, which I did not expect to be so limiting: an 80mm on the 6x6 is way too tight on the smaller sensor. But all-in, this is a fantastic set-up, with all necessary functions. Plus, it looks very cool and gathers lots of positive attention. I just hope that Hasselblad will correct a few software issues as described above. Again, thanks for the review.

I love how that back is working with an older body not even needing to do any adjustment for that body to be compatible to work with. I have a Blad 203fe one of the best electronic body ( as 205 fe ) and someone told me if I use any digital back and it has to be adjusted and I no longer can use it with my older films bodies. I think it sounds completely BS. or it is true with the older DIGI Backs but with the New Backs all those Old problems are eliminated. If that is the case it is great. This is a wonderful Camera.

I really want the back just to rock on my 500cm

Personally maybe they should go a little bit to the 203-205 tour, so shutter speeds on the bayonet mount and keep the aperture on the release dial, or like the swc-500 series tour, aperture and shutter speeds on the lens or bayonet mount. (and to top it off, a release button on the top like the swc ;) for the rest, nice to see they didn't abandon the v system entirely.

What amazes me the most is the fact, that the USB cable is going into the cases instead of just having the slot “on” the case. This way, there is no wiggle and potential for braking the cable. Right there, this is real prosessionals

How much I loved the sound of the shutter. I studied photography for 4 years while studying Design. We had 3 Hasselblads, 2 Mamiyas, 1 Rolleiflex 6 x6 and of course Linhof.

Yes! I have been waiting for this review after seeing this on the Hasselblad website. It would be so incredible to add this onto my 500c that was passed down to me. I haven't ever been so excited by the prospect of a digital camera. Kudos to Hasselblad for honoring their tradition. How to afford it is the question, indeed!

I have a Hasselblad CM and I dream of having a digital back for it one day. It's such a great camera.

That's gotta be the best looking touch screen I've ever seen. And I just got into Leica. Lol. Now I want a Hasselblad, too. It's a mental illness. hah.

Spent years loading film into these.. best cameras Ever.. still have mine. Not a battery in sight 💪

As a mint condition Hasselblad 500CM (original) owner, this is BIG! Excellent review!

These new camera reviews have evolved into Ted’s personal in depth appreciation of state of the art technology and what it can do for you! They should reside in a separate heaven called The Art of Photographic Equipment! Congratulations, you’ve made me long for such a Hasselblad! And a GoPro 9 too, to the point that I recharged my Hero 4’s and made a story board of videos of a rafting excursion with my son a year ago to show it off to my friends!

I have had my eye on this camera since it was a prototype. Thank you for your first impressions!

During the start of the digital revolution in the early 90’s. I purchased a phase one light phase back which fit on my hasselblaads just as that one does. All of my film backs were instantly obsoleted. It was an 11 mp back. I produced jobs that went up to billboard size with that back with some interpolation. If your doing say a double truck ad in a fashion magazine that 50 mp back is way overkill. But it’s really nice to have it. That camera you are showing is the nicest thing I have seen coming from hasty.

So helpful with 500 CM style camera. Thank you picchic for sending me here.

That camera is really compact. That new 907x and the old 503CX are cameras i really would like to try out.

I have a Hasselblad 500 C/M camera system that I purchased back in 1970/71 that I regrettably use very infrequently these days due to the transition from film to digital. I would very much like to acquire one of these new Hasselblad CFV-II 50c digital back to use with my Hasselblad 500 C/M. Unfortunately, Hasselblad has yet to offer the new CFV-II 50c digital back as a stand-alone accessory purchase. P.S.: Great video demonstration - you answered many of my questions regarding how the CFV-II 50c digital back would work with my 500 C/M. Thank you very much!

I've been shooting film exclusively for about four years by now (simply because digital photography didn't "provoked" me enough, the "process" became just too easy). I've been using many great cameras but the wheapon of choice is the Hasselblad kit. For four years, all the novelty in digital photography didn't impressed me much, until now, when THIS was announced. Quite sure I can't afford it, but just the thing that it got my attention, makes it an interesting choice. Now, this would be the next question. How much film can I buy with that money?...

This is the camera I didn't know I NEEDED that, most probably, can't afford!

I really really really want one. 😃 I’m not a professional, just artsy type black and white hobbyist. At work I get some really good bonuses….seriously considering getting one in the future.

I love my hasselblad and would love that digital back if I could also afford one. Great video

I've been waiting for this review since they announced the camera back then. 2019 really felt like a decade ago.

I am in love. This camera is just perfect!

About 10 yrs back I was using a 500c/m for a short while. It was a very nice camera so please don't assume that I am against Hasselblad. But personally while the modern Hasselblad has a higher quality build, I think they are a little (and yet significantly) behind in terms of dynamic range than Phase One. Also, the Schneider leafshutter lenses make it a no brainer for the 1/1600 flash sync speeds. If you're going to spend the money, you might as well buy a Phase One.

If they can't get a square sensor, they need a screen that can be flipped up or to the side, because the traditional Hasselblad never had to be turned on its side.

The 907 is a work of art!; love the look/features, etc.- would I buy one?- Dunno. Would I try to adapt and work w/ one if I was gifted one from a wealthy, anonymous donor on Patreon? Sure, I'd grit it out. Better yet....shoutout to Hasselblad for NOT obsoleting their older gear, and allowing a digital adaptation. End the Throw-away Culture! Love the idea of being able to use an older body + digital back: it's a beautiful thing, the best of both worlds, a analog/digital mash-up. ps: my first 'Blad was a 500c.

Makes me appreciate my GFX that much more. Who wants to go into menus for everything?

Cool! Too bad we loose the stereo view of two eyes on the ground glass; but that interface is so nice.

i only afforded my 203 FE by buying a demo when it was discontinued, plus the wonderful 100mm f/2. I now use a Nikon Z6 for video and virtual tours. What I miss about the Hasselblad is that waist-level viewfinder and magnifier - better than autofocus. It always amazed me that I could go anywhere with it and no one except other photographers knew that I was photographing.

This is great! I have a 500CM and this new digital camera is a great attraction. I will get two cameras ... and they are both Hasselblad 😄❤️

This is the kind of camera that makes me think "wow that's a cool piece of kit" but also one that I'm 100% certain I'd end up hating if I had to use it. I mean, it's just an ergonomical nightmare. Composing only via live view on a screen, 4 buttons and basically everything needs to be done via touch, no dials whatsoever and a shutter button...this camera is by far and away the most similar thing to a smartphone that I've ever seen. Even the ergonomics (I don't know about people in the past and I guess this works for other individuals, but I don't find cubes to be particularly nice to hold on to for hours if I wanted to take photos with them) are similar to that of a smartphone, i.e. not all that comfortable. And while the menus being visual and streamlined are nice (then again, this probably has 1/10 of the options of an average camera and while I know I don't use most of mine, they're there because other people need them), what's with Hasselblad's obsession with using images on their buttons? Three lines, star, x, square/rectangle? Beg pardon? Am I supposed to immediately remember what these buttons do? What if I were to customise them, would I have to click them every bloody time just to see what each button did? Seems so incredibly impractical... All in all, it was a really nice video. Not a fan of the camera itself as a tool from my point of view (and then again, it's not like I've ever used one, I do need to put food on the table every now and then :c) but your obvious enthusiasm and love for the system and the camera are quite palpable and along with your knowledge on the matter make for an enjoyable video, that's for certain. Cheers mate, take care.

Maybe I’m not understanding but the “camera” part of the modular system seems to be just a frame that the lens and the sensor hook up to. Actually the “sensor” part of the system seems to be the actual main camera where the functions lie.

Was gonna buy this last month. Decided to go with Leica hope i made the right choice

Love how it looks and I always shoot while looking down at a tilted LCD screen. The only problem I foresee is how to properly hold it without a hand grip (which makes it less cool).

Great camera and excellent review. I think if you want more controls without going to the accessory grip, you'd want to go with the X1Dii. This 907x is jaw-droppingly sexy, though.

If you want to know what it is really all about heres a proper photographer who knows - Thanks Ted - very very informative - as an addition - and I would be glad for some clarification - using flash - I may have found a way to mount a trigger - I use Broncolor and have the RFS2.3, (he little oblong one not the awful Godox copy) - having just read the 907x manual the little viewfinder optic is detachable from the bracket which mounts to the camera. Is this the same fitting I wonder as a trigger?if so bingo as all you do is add the little Pc cable from trigger to camera - well done if so Hass- also if you do use the optic it is configured for the following lenses only 21, 30, 45. The trigger looks like the thing to use for portrait mode as well - and of course don't forget you can use H lenses with the HV adaptor - Af and leaf shutter compatibility with selected lenses - and with the XV adaptor you can use the X-Pan (electronic shutter only and there is a CF adaptor too - although electronic shutter only

Thank you for this video. I've been a Hasselblad user for a very long time (both a 500cm and an SWC) and I have to admit I am seriously tempted to buy this. I don't work with digital all that much, but with film prices just totally out of control right now this might be the bridge into the digital world I've been looking for. The digital back wouldn't change my kit at all. Typically I carry three film backs and with this I would just carry two film backs and the digital back. Easy. Simple. My lenses would stay the same. All I'd have to do is get used to the different framing on the digital but that's not a big deal.

I am loving the older Carl Zeiss Lenses, they have their own characteristics, something special that newer lenses do not have. It is not just about sharpness, also use the CFV on Sinar P2 with large format Schneider lenses. Never think that older lenses are not worth keeping, some photographers dumped all the Hasselblad V kit when FX digital came out, so these beautiful lenses went for a song! Of course it has all changed now, these V cameras are keeping their value.

We pay for what we've got! Hasselblad always on the top of the game! Thanks for showing Ted!

I really WANT this camera.

Nice review...finally becoming available! I have a small kit with a 503CW and three CF lens (50, 80 and 150mm, late 90’ purchases). I have been waiting for this new incredible camera/back from Hasselblad for a long time...they finally hit a home run! Now, selling a lot of extra glass and bodies to buy this kit...looking forward...be safe, Cheers.

It is a bit strange to call the middle, thin section "the camera" - it appears to be just a mechanical adapter or interface between the lens and the back. The back on the other hand appears to have all electronics, the sensor, the LCD panel - it is a complete camera sans lens. Typical definition is: "a camera is a device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals" - this would be the last module, not the middle one.

I feel like this is the perfect landscape photography system. And there are so many possibilities for accessories. I think the ideal accessory that would make it into most every owner’s bag would be a Bluetooth remote trigger button that also allows you to adjust aperture/shutter/iso. Could even have one of those with a Bluetooth viewfinder on the top if they really wanted to get fancy.

Wonderful walk down memory lane☺️..... If my memory serves me right, NASA did use the SWC in a number of their mission

Just in case someone askes: The Display does tilt up further than the 50° shown in the video. It can go up to 90° to get those oldschool top-down window finder.

Why is there no darkslide to protect the sensor? Did you hear that, Hasselblad? -Vet hut!

I'm sure to be hated for this but it's about the last thing I would want. A lump that looks awkward to hold, easy to drop and fiddly to adjust. You can keep it.

The screen should flip up 90° Be more like the chimney viewfinder on the film cameras for waist level shooting. Wicked camera though.

What would have made it even more awesome is a square sensor, since turning / holding the camera in portrait orientation is not so ideal. But that wouldn't be an issue with a square sensor. Or what are your thoughts on this Ted? Creative greetings Alain

I think when it comes to med format Fuji has the best options aesthetically and functionally. Honestly hasselblads are getting weirder than functional.

You are very knowledgeable and an excellent communicator.

I have a 500 CM and it looks like I could use this digital back. I do love the smaller format and would love to see it in action.

Almost close to an action camera. The form factor looks awesome.

Ted, this is the ultimate landscape camera that I would use on backpacking trips. I defiantly want to get one.

I just wish that they would allow older digital backs to be mounted onto this camera body too.

Absolutely first class presentation

In love with the form factor. Always love the reviews.👍🏻

“Don’t drop it...” That’s what I kept thinking throughout the video.

I'm holding out for 250Mpix in this form factor. That may finally give me the tonal rendering and dynamic range of film on my 503. Also, using an old chrome C lens isn't really fair. You should be shooting through modern CF or CFi T* for the optical comparison. I seriously doubt you'd see much "contrast" loss in these newer lenses. I'll put the 40mm CFi T* FLE up against any lens made currently. Ditto the 120mm CFi Makro Planar or 80mm CFi Planar. All of these are superb optics that are highly competitive ... AND they are waaaaaaaaay cheaper on the used market than the digital-only offerings. But, it was still really cool to see this. Thanks for showing us these new toys. If Hassy has extras, I'd certainly be please to "store" one for them for a while :)

I'm a lover of the SWC/M and until H comes out and supports 6x6/full frame with that 38mm piece of heaven, I'm sticking with film for that camera. Tempting, but the beauty of that lens is the super correction in both vertical and horizontal planes. Nothing beats that. This is really interesting. Tell H we need full frame 6x6. There is a reason I shoot H, for the square. Anything short of that, just doesn't cut it for me. :-(

I have a HB 503 CW with old lenses and need the digital back and get a 50mm lens for compensate for the crop factor. The price seems to be reduced on the new generation. I agree with the missing buttons but I also like an electronic Viewfinder If I shall be able to use the new system in bright light situations. The alternative is Fuji GFX 50R and use adapter on the lenses.

As a stills photographer, this looks extremely good to me. I wish, I could afford it. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I can get a used one 8-10 years from now... Probably not though - the price would still be beyond me, I think.

0:53 . I would say the CFV is the camera the 907x is the adaptor

In the future will you actually show some examples of what the images look like?

I love the form factor. One of a kind! The X1D II may be a more sensible choice but how cool to carry this around...thanks for the review Ted.

Thanks for the review from the 507 perspective. However from the perspective of the CFV as a 50 megapixel digital back for the V System, it falls short because it’s not 6x6 so all the V System lenses are compromised and more importantly it ruins the square compositional eye that V System photographers use to create on their film backs. I hope you understand this failing is actually the deal breaker because photography is about being able to see and record the view from your creative eye. Square format comes with its own view of the world so this 645 format actually destroys much of the artistic point of the V System. FWIW, it’s well recognized the 645 format was a bit of a failure as it isn’t much different from 35mm, full frame format. The Hasselblad 645 digital format is technically a much higher quality version of full frame or M43 digital formats so it can create better quality commercial photos, but it doesn’t do anything for Hasselblad film photographers who use the V System for artistic photography. From a marketing standpoint those photographers only use old 6x6 film cameras for their artistic merit so the “better” image quality of the CFV is pointless because it’s 645. You should also know and recognize the higher contrast of modern lenses are often not welcome with artistic photography because the higher contrast can destroy the perception of depth - you can understand this readily when you think of bokeh and why that is desirable in many compositions. High contrast has its place but a lower contrast and flatter tonal quality actually present better and more malleable images for artistic work, especially given the digital post editing capabilities we have today. I hope Hasselblad will come out with a digital back that is faithful to the original 6x6 format of the V System. High end photography is not all about commercial images.

I'm still waiting for someone to put the dials back on the lens axis (especially with a leaf shutter? Hello?), but then, i miss my OM-1. I shoot left-eyed, so my face gets in the way of these new-fangled DSLR thumb-wheels. Wouldn't be a problem with this gem. I'm saving my pennies!

I really like the concept and compatibility with film bodies. To me it is like the gfx 50r or even the xpro3, a body to approach photography differently, at a slowest pace.

Excellent video! I hope you put the camera strap back on after you made this video.

I've been waiting and waiting for the back to come out, even bought a 500 C/M in anticipation, had it serviced... then Boom, COVID hits and financial priorities change. Guess I will just continue shooting film with it, which doesn't break my heart btw. Was wondering how the old lenses compared on the digital back. I'm glad you brought that up. I think I still like the idea of shooting the old film way with a digital back, but in reality when the time comes, I may go for the whole 907 system and have the best of both worlds. For now it's not a priority though. Oh and are you a classical guitar player?

Like some other have said...it should have a dark slide to protect that sensor from dust, but what an amazing camera system! I would love to see how somebody like Sigma would do something like this..and Sigma probably is the only other camera company out there that would try something daring like this.

the first time I heard similar concept from a brand called ALPA. they made very high end medium format cameras. and their cameras very similar to this Hasselblad, just a metal frame sandwiched between the lens and the back, both sold separately. I still wondering if a device neither can focus light to a image or record photons to some physical media. should it to be called as a camera?

I liked the Video! Says it all, have the 50th special, and can truly say never leave home without it! Amazing tool, so handy, so flexible! Software needs a little work, but else! Simply perfect! P.s. make sure you choose the right lens for your walk about shoot, it’s heavy if you intend to carry a whole compliment with you! 😉

As a fan of the older film bodies and lenses, I do like the new smaller body and the ability to use the new 50Meg back with the old stuff. Unfortunately the Hasselblad pricing is still way out of reach.

With those 'ergonomics', this is still a studio camera. There is no grip and your hand is basically constantly on the focus, making hand-holding less optional. The digital back is honestly interesting but I'd rather attach it to a vintage Hasselblad SLR.

the SWC is my favorite too, and this one is very similar with SWC

great video. I would like to see the hand grip with the controls on it.

The size and flexibility is amazing, the price... 😓 Hasselblad is really awesome, some day i will have one.