Hasselbad X2D: A Better, Faster, Cheaper Leica M?

[@stuartmeador8993]

Back to basics.... Have moved off my 35mm want-to-bees.. (Leica M, SL2 & Nikon Z) and will stick solely to my Hasselblad X1DII and XCD 35->75 lens. Should cover 991/2 % of my photo needs and I will get really good at operating it.

[@KenHutchins]

My last DSLR was a Nikon D80, with a number of lenses. I moved to Hasselblad in 2019 with the X1D II, then the 907 / CFV in 2020 along with a 500 C/M. I remember seeing a review in the Financial Times for the X1D, but thought it was too expensive at that time. I ordered the X2D along with the 38 and 55 lenses on the day of announcement. I am amazed at the level of details captured, just with those two lenses. I do have the complete set of former XCD lenses. The new 90mm lens continues to be “out of stock” at the Hasselblad web site. I’m just an amateur / hobbyist. I don’t shoot for a living, although my photographs of the Philadelphia AFM 77 did make it to national magazine “Musician”. I’ve had the X2D for less than a week. For me, it has been amazing.

[@---us7qf]

Finally, Hugh (the man with the voice), gets to review my dream camera. Popcorn in hand, now let's listen to that soothing rendition. Muahahahahaha!

[@3BMEP]

😜😊🖖🏻

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Hugh, I manage to get my hands one one this weekend. I know that I have been using the X1D for a good number of years, but this is a slight bit bigger, a small bit heavier. Yes I have bought one. It has some much more than I can say. I have tried the Fuji and I found that uncomfortable in the hand after a short time and not simplest to use. The X2D is just a delight in the hand and an interface that just blow all other camera away. Yes I like it. I have not seen any of the file yet so? Keep well, keep safe and alway try and bring happiness to all you meet.

[@stuartmeador8993]

Fuji is always interesting but I have never really been able to warm up to any of their models in the long run...

[@tor2919]

You're right that Hasselblad cameras are the only ones that can compare with Leica build quality and feel.

[@RonK]

probably one of the best product reviews by someone how did never even touch the product - in quite a while 😀. Well done.

[@3BMEP]

😉🖖🏻

[@JM-xl3ij]

Hi Hugh, the X2D landed on my doorstep 2 weeks ago. This was the camera I was waiting for since the 907x concept of allowing continued use of my ELM and SWC bodies. However, the X2D may have been released a little too early as the firmware and Phocus is lagging way behind. We need focus peaking especially for older lenses - tethering the way it works with the 907x and Face AF - just for starters. ...and I totally agree, on your other point Leica should have kept that beautifully designed TL2 going.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for the update - please keep me posted!

[@jeffreytotaro7051]

The last Hassy I handled is my 1957 500C, but I have always thought their new cameras are headed in a good direction. Another thought providing video Hugh! Can't wait to see what you think once you get one.

[@3BMEP]

Sorry we missed you at the Concours d’ Elegance!

[@CalumetVideo]

I have not used a film Hasselblad 500 series, I have used Rollie’s and Bronica’s, while they are nice cameras using film. I would say that these new digital MF’s probably would be more economical from a price per shot standpoint.

[@marcusnz232]

I moved from the M11 to the X2D. I do not regret it at all. It’s a wonderful camera. I love the M but the Hasselblad is just so much easier to use, not much bigger or heavier and once those colours appear on your screen you’ll be hooked.

[@3BMEP]

Both superb cameras for the right photographer. Enjoy! 😊🖖🏻

[@fatphoca5009]

Do you use your M lenses with your X2D? I am thinking of moving from M10 to X2D or GFX or SL3 but not sure which to choose. I hate the external EVF on the M10 and can’t see well enough with the rangefinder.

[@marcusnz232]

No. I sold the lot. I liked the M11 but it’s reached the point where it’s constrained by the fact that it cannot change the basic size, viewfinder etc. The X2D delivers more for me than the M11 did. It might not for everyone, but it does for me. The XCD V lenses are excellent and certainly the equal of and M lens I’ve ever used in real life use. The EVF is fabulous, the rear screen is fabulous, build quality is easily up there with Leica. It’s no heavier than an M11 with any of the larger, heavier lenses either.Add the excellent IBIS , built in 1TB storage etc and it’s a genuine alternative in my view.

[@lmauro]

hope you can test one! also it would be great if they also let you test how the new lenses perform on the X1DII, could be an interesting choice for the price

[@Jazz_in_the_Key_of_C]

Hugh, I have the H6D-50C, have been very happy with its performance, and had always thought I would move up to the H6D-100C, but now the X2D-100C has arrived! I am on the fence now as to which system to stay with! The X1-D 50C was not compelling enough to switch systems! I shoot portraits, headshots, commercial, and event photography! I have gone mirrorless by selling my D850 and most of my F mount glass (kept the 105 f1.4; 200 f2, and 400 f2.8 fl) and am pleased with the excellent hybrid shooting experience I have been getting! Just curious about your thoughts about whether the transition to mirrorless should be with my Hasselblad H System as well! Thanks Hugh,and your team for the steady high quality content!

[@Baujahr90erAG]

I have the X1D II 50c and i can tell you it is absolutely amazing. In about two weeks, i will get the X2D for testing and i think for you, the X2D would be basically the most perfect camera that you can get. Yes the X2D has a slightly smaller sensor. However the H6D is humongous and unnecessarily large nowadays. And HCD Lenses are adaptable as well. Having such a relativily small body with medium format and (as tests shown) insane IBIS system is a game changer

[@costelloandsilke7321]

I love the Hasselblad X's industrial design, but for me the best high resolution digital camera for anyone coming from the film era remains the Fujifilm GFX 50S because of the fact that all of the key controls are on dials and not scroll wheels or touchscreens. And that's complemented by the aperture rings on the Fuji lenses. Ironically, the form factor of the 50S is arguable closer to a film 'Blad than anything from Hasselblad itself. Anyway, I hope you can get your hands on one Hugh for a follow up video - thanks for the lucidity of your prose as always.

[@DavidAlekhuogie]

I went through all these cameras starting with the 50s. I went from Fuji gfx 50s to the 100s to the 907x the gfx 50s is the only one of the Fuji gfx cameras that really felt special ergonomically. I’m a Current gfx 100 and Leica m11 user. Also to be honest the Fuji lenses are kind of cheap and goofy feeling compared to Leica and Hasselblad.

[@petermendelson5839]

I have an X2D arriving later today and will be interested to see if it replaces my M11 for most of my shooting. I prefer the files from when I had the X1D over any other camera I have used in terms of color and tonal transitions, and the new updates for me are pretty compelling, especially IBIS, better AF and EVF and the flip screen. The increased resolution for very large prints doesn't hurt either. I think the only reason I will likely keep the M11 is the overall size for when I want to travel small, and certain lenses I can use with it. But we will see.

[@ainjuhl4509]

Any update?

[@petermendelson5839]

@@ainjuhl4509 yes. I sold my M11 months ago and don't regret it at all. The X2D is amazing. The IBIS is a game changer. Size isn't that much bigger than an M11. I don't see ever going back to a manual focus Leica camera.

[@jacobh5817]

Hasselblad should send you an evaluation copy straight away!! I’ve had my hands on the X2D for an hour or so, here in our studio together with the new 55mm lens. Unfortunately the 90mm wasn’t available yet. I couldn’t evaluate the IBIS, but start-up and menu interaction was pretty snappy and way better than I remember from the X1DII. The AF (AF-S only) is quite good for fashion shoots with turning models and so, but it isn’t exactly for sports and fast moving subjects. The IQ was incredibly good and I consider it as good as our H6D100. So…one or two firmware updates away from replacing our H6D. On a different matter, I saw your X-H1 video of a few months ago. A friend is torn between a pre-owned X-H1 and a similar S1 for stills. He shoots mostly urban landscapes, color, handheld in low light conditions. I love the IQ of the X-H1, but at ISO3200 it’s getting noisy. What would you do, considering you have experience with both?

[@3BMEP]

In reverse order: I’d say swing for the S1 or perhaps S1R. As for when I’ll get an X2D in hand: just heard from one of the Hassy guys in Europe who says they don’t have any units available and don’t know when they will - but I AM on their list. Sigh. That and $5 will get you a tall latte at Starbucks. Oh well.

[@jacobh5817]

@@3BMEP haha, thanks 🙏 Our rep. in Switzerland had one copy he was carrying around all his regulars… In fact, our cappucino kept him in our studio long enough to try the X2D 😂😂

[@kenmonahan9924]

I am an amateur hobbyist type photographer who has had the good fortune to own/use the best most recent Canon full frame, Hasselbald and Fujifilm (50 and 100) medium format and Leicas full frame and apsc. I have only one thing to say. Bring on the Leica Q3. You can keep the rest desert island disk stylie.

[@simonshaffer]

I find your voice incredibly soporific, and the content of your subjects a mental double expresso. Don’t know if I should listen to you in the morning or just before bedtime… anyways, many thanks for your understated expertise.

[@3BMEP]

😜😊

[@robertrosario6835]

well It looks like I'll stick with my hass x1-2 I'm still getting used to it . But that was a good review gives me something to think about I'm in no hurry to get anything new for a while,,,

[@KenHutchins]

Until Hugh gets his hands on eval unit, I would recommend Paul Taylor’s review of the X2D. He does compare the new X2D to his H6 100 Hasselblad. By the way, I’ve had the X1D II since 2019, the 907/CFV since 2020, and the X2D since Monday.

[@greger589]

After this, I won't be surprised if the postman knocks on the door next week.

[@CalumetVideo]

Looks like a fine camera, there is alot of misconceptions about film and digital medium format. There is no comparison. The digital MF is a great system and outperforms most DSLR’s and medium format film. The convenience can’t be beaten, click the shot and your done. Film medium format requires film, processing and scanning and still only end up with 10-15 shots per roll. One could argue price, and digital MF is far more economical than using a medium format film camera. When looking at price, if you shoot more than 10,000 shots, it’s paid for itself. This camera is definitely on my list.

[@3BMEP]

Points taken!

[@KenHutchins]

Since September of 2019, I have taken over 45,000 X1D II and 907/CFV images. Probably about 6-8 maybe 10 rolls of 120 rolls with the 500 C/M (mostly B&W), and well over 700 with the X2D using 55 and 38 lenses. I have two great labs in Philadelphia, Photo Lounge and Unique Photo. for processing 120 film (Unique does scan at a higher resolution). My cameras have been Kodak Instamatic 100, a Yashica FX2 with several lenses, a Canon APS system (ca. 1998. - the kind with three photo options), an Olympus C 3030 Zoom , a Nikon D80 with several lenses, many iphones from the second generation 3G to the 13 Pro Max, followed by the four Hasselblad models. I’m not a portrait or studio photographer, I’m not really a street photographer that includes people ( there are too many street people that ask me if I’m taking their pictures (give them a dollar))), but I take architecture, streetscapes, landscapes, cityscapes, and the conclusion of concerts (they tend to not want photos taken during concerts). While most photos are taken without comment, there have been some instances where people ask about the camera. Many have never heard of the camera. Some comment in words of awe. In about three instances, they have had some version of a Leica. On a few occasions, professional photographers have commented about the lack or quality of recent Nikon camera. I take photographs mostly for my own purposes. For me, the range of Hasselblads have been excellent. The latest is really very good. I will test at a demo day at Simeone Auto Motive Foundation on 9/ 23. I’ve never quite been satisfied with the photos with cars at speed. With the 2.5 lens, I suspect the interior photos should be very good.

[@3BMEP]

@@KenHutchins please do let me know how it goes!

[@KenHutchins]

@@3BMEP I was quite impressed with the most of the results from the SImeone Demo Day (actually 9/24). I achieved some very good cars at speed photos -- all taken with the new XCD 55mm lens. As you have remarked on several occasions, with a 55 mm lens, one has to crop the crap out of most photos. The in camera ibis helped compared to previously visits to the museum, including the cars in motion demo day, the early afternoon review of the cars outside, and some interior photographs of cars at the museum. From my about one week using the camera and lenses, it is the camera I wished I bought in 2019. However, it wasn't available. I am not a professional photographer, but somebody who does want to take good to very good images. I don't have the best eyesight; sometimes I think I'll never really take a tack sharp image. The detail captured with the 38 and 55 new lenses are phenomenal. They work for me, and I'm patiently waiting for the new 90mm lens. Is this a camera for everyone? I would say no. If I look at the wide perspective of photographers that should have this camera, perhaps somebody else should have this camera. However, I have it, I have taken a number of photographs shooting mostly around Philadelphia: Independence Mall, CC East and CC West along Chestnut Street and City Hall, the automotive museum, and some sunrise and sunset views from my condo. I like the images and I like the system. I also recognize that it is not a camera and system for most photographers. I know many things that didn't make this initial firmware release: in camera cropping, exposure compensation (the + - box on most other cameras), GPS, the medium size on the focus setting option, and a few other items. However, when I zoom in at 400% and see some details from buildings maybe a mile or so away, I'm am impressed. When it captured some motion of people walking on local streets, I was impressed. Are the image sizes big? -- Yes!. Does Lightroom fully support the new camera and lenses? No. Does the system work with Phocus Mobile2 ? No. Does it work with Phocus on the Mac desktop? Yes. Will it replace the Leica system? No.

[@3BMEP]

Excellent! How you got one is beyond me, but so am delighted for you!

[@AlcottJake]

Loved the video! Quick heads up you have a small typo in the title "Hasselbad" instead of "Hasselblad" - thought you were making a pun for a moment

[@Pembers357]

One interesting point: the new XCD lenses (I have the 38mm) really improve the experience of using the X1D II 50C. Autofocus is faster and silent. Manual focus much improved too. With prices of the older body plummeting, it’s a very tempting proposition. The EVF (3.69 million dots) is great, the 50MP sensor is great…so if you can live without IBIS and an articulating screen, it’s worth considering in my view.

[@3BMEP]

Fair enough!

[@314LA]

For my street photography needs, M11 Leica's system is much better because of the speed of manual focus, the way you see the subject with two eyes, and the quality of the lenses. Plus the weight, of course, x2d is one and a half times heavier. And the color rendering is very close between them due to the same sensor. Or do you have an alternative opinion about the color?

[@3BMEP]

Same sensor? No. But I agree that for most of us most of the time, the difference in color absent a comparison in the moment will not be recognized.

[@PedroHipolito]

Fujifilm GFX100S is the right choice performance wise. It’s the rational winner and it’s not even close.

[@stuartshook3614]

Another brilliant review! Either you have incredible teleprompter skills, or you really do have all of those camera stats in your head. I think the latter. 😊

[@3BMEP]

Stuart!! ❤️❤️

[@richardowen4558]

I guess this kind of comparison may intrigue some but not me. Costs is roughly the same between the two bodies (just under 9 grand) but handling between the two has got to be totally different due to size and weight differences. In my 50 years photographing, I have seen only one photographer using medium format for the street and that was a Mamiya 7 film camera. And a 100MP vs 60MP does nothing for me. I once had the middle half of an image from a Nikon D2H (4.2MP) blown up to roughly six feet by 12 feet and used on a billboard by a real estate developer. And as someone who spent a decade as a newspaper photographer (1998-2008) I never saw a need in my work for something that comes close to either of these cameras especially at their prices. But, then again, to each their own. It all depends on one's viewpoint. For me, I will stick with my current Fuji X-Pro2 (16MP) and XF 35mm f2 WR lens in retirement.

[@3BMEP]

Sounds like a good plan to me! Enjoy!

[@mrcondorazo]

hello.. beautiful video.. one question, with the leica M lens adapter.. can you maintain the autofocus system?

[@3BMEP]

Haven’t tried it, sorry!

[@JonathanPetersonlisten2EITS]

I feel ya, bud. I'm REALLY interested in getting my hands on this camera. I usually don't care too much about how the camera looks (Sony a9/a7RIV shooter here), but MAN does this device look stylish. The sample images shown online have really been staggering. I suspect it has something to do with that 16-bit color depth-100MP resolution combo.

[@3BMEP]

You are no doubt correct!

[@Baujahr90erAG]

The build quality is stellar. Only Leicas are on the same level. The grip comfort is unmatched, had sony as well, i basically developed a hatred against sony for theri A7 system. But to be fair, sonys are much MUCH cheaper as well. I would never go back even tough sonys autofocus system is unmatched. The rest is complete rubbish and actually gets in your way. Try the X1D II or an X2D and you will see what i mean. And btw hasselblad is the only manufacturer that has an actually usefull app.

[@garydmorris]

I've been using a Leica SL and now SL2 since late-2015. I shoot my SL2 using a variety of Leica TL lenses. I know that I'm only using about 21MP from the 47MP sensor. However for the price and weight and image quality the TL lenses are the best I have tried (and I have tried SL primes, Sigma primes and Panasonic primes and zooms). I'm also using the Panasonic 20-60 which does not produce nearly as nice RAW images as the 18-56 TL lens. However the Panasonic is weather resistant so when summer Monsoons are in the sky the Panasonic gets the call. None of this has anything to do with the X2D except that currently there are more auto focus lens choices for the SL2, the cost of entry (body + 1 zoom lens) for an SL2 is less and finally… 100MP? That size file might melt my M1 MacBook Air.

[@JM-xl3ij]

I couldn't agree more - with most photos going instagram - 21 or 24MP is plenty - and yes another vote again for the TL2. The Panasonic 20-60 is light as a feather and so practical. But you are right you can't beat the quality from the 18-56 which is quite underrated.

[@justlou717]

I don’t get the M part, why is it even similar? This seems a lot like an SL

[@3BMEP]

See my previous video on the X1D II with 45/4.

[@charlesswart5785]

brilliant and timely as always !

[@peterebel7899]

I go for the stunning color science of the M11 Monochrome. Anything more is just for snobs.

[@klausmoritzpeitzsch690]

Good luck getting one (y), I am looking forward to your thoughts and remarks!

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@NRecob]

Waiting on my X2D to show up from Hasselblad. I also ordered a couple of the new XCD "V" lenses to go with it. Can't wait to put this kit through its paces in Barcelona & Paris in a couple of weeks ;)

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy - please keep me posted!

[@anthonyrock5039]

I hope it arrives in time 👁 🧐 🥽 🙄

[@NRecob]

@@3BMEP Will do Hugh--thank you.

[@connorluka7149]

… any update so far. Thx

[@kokho88]

My friend, this is a GFX100 GFX100S killer the pricing is slot mid way between GFX100 and GFX100S !!! Lets see its shipment numbers against GFX100s.

[@fatphoca5009]

Wouldn't the SL3 be more of a EVF M than the X2D. Same sensor size etc.

[@3BMEP]

Sure - but I was assessing the Hassy. 😎😊🖖🏻

[@jimb2500]

Oh did you get back an m11 that works?

[@jean-michelargentin5465]

Hello Mr. Hugh, I’m waiting for that hands on review of the Hasselblad X2D that you want to talk about and let us know your thoughts and feedback it’s been a minute man. What’s up buddy.

[@alexgpanda2012]

I've been waiting for your opinion on this one, Hugh. I wasn't expecting that much comparison to full frame Leicas, but that's because I'm not too familiar with that system to have a say. But I'm also surprised you're not jumping to get one asap too, that being said, if you were that probably would have pushed me to look into it as well. Thanks for the video!

[@3BMEP]

I do have budgetary/priority constraints! 😈😊🖖🏻

[@anthonyrock5039]

Hmmm… I am awaiting my X2D… 90v.. who knows… When it will come to replace my GFX 100s and trusty GF 45 and GF110.. who knows. But if it takes too long then…

[@3BMEP]

Please keep me posted!

[@anthonyrock5039]

@@3BMEP I will do this. My XCD45p awaits is mate.

[@KenHutchins]

I didn’t try the 45 or the 45p but the 55 is superb. I have both 45 and 45p.

[@anthonyrock5039]

@@KenHutchins great French horn playing by the way Ken! My first instrument before piano and trumpet!

[@savagefrieze4675]

Hugh, as always your research, scripts, an your questions are excellent. I appreciate your being an “statistical outlier” and mention of photography techniques most people today have never heard of such as “zone focusing”. A technique absolutely necessary in our film days. I crave lenses with DOF scales on them. I really shouldn’t watch videos about systems I can’t afford, yet can’t help lusting after both Leica M and Hasselblad X2D for different reasons and uses. Thanks again for excellent photo porn info-tainment!

[@3BMEP]

My pleasure! 😈

[@OA5ive]

I’m using a Nikon D850 and have been since it’s release. I’ve shot over 100K photos with it already yet I’ve been in love with Hasselblad and fujifilm so my question is this: if I’d have to decide between Fujifilm GFX50SII , GFX 100S or the new Hasselblad X2D 100C , which would you recommend ? If let’s say I also will have a Fuji H2 for backup . Thank you

[@thomastuorto9929]

What do you shoot?

[@3BMEP]

Good question!

[@anthonyrock5039]

If you have the H2 for backup, you will not miss the video omission in the X2D. The 100s which I own is a gorgeous machine with lenses to match. I would rent the gfx100 s as well as whatever matching focal length you actually use in your current system. If you use most lengths then rent the GF45 and GF110 (and perhaps the GF23). If you are a zoom person then the GF 45-100 should also be in your bag/rollycase. Have someone run you through basic operation. Go out(stay in)and use the camera to shoot the subject matter of choice. I own all of those oles the GF63 and will say that for my portrait and stills use, I love the 45mm and 110mm for control. For documentation and bts, the 45-100 is fantastic. I had the 80 f1.7 but I'm not a fan of the fov so I swapped it for the 110 f2. The video capabilities of the GFX100s are understated and glossed over by most. I believe that these are omitted for reasons of poor heat dispersion in the slim metal body of the X2D. I can live without it but the excuses given for its absence are lazy. The color output choices by manufacturers is the biggest difference for me. I can achieve natural colours with the 16bit raw starting point. It is the fact that fuji chose to offer its film stock as output choices and even its standard option is actually guided if you look into your settings. Default isn't default. This makes all the comparisons wacky as they are just comparing camara a vs camera b's output options which are all a matter of "taste". For me the question is fine and how much work I have to do to consistently keep my clients smiling. Oops sorry for the rant. As for your choice. Hasselblad along with lens options to match your current set up will cost double what the GFX 100s will. You may like the default colour output as a Nikon owner. I went from the D810 to a fuji 50S then to 100s. I have the x2d on order but let's see.

[@cctc788]

X2D is more comparable to the SL series.

[@WoodyONeal]

Except a lot of M shooters adapt non-Leica glass (me included) That’s not possible with the Hassy? Right?

[@diegaulle9143]

You can use any lens that there is an adapter for. Downsides: Some lenses produce (strong) vignetting and you are left with the electronic shutter.

[@carlosmcse]

Time to sell off your aging M11 and get into a brand new Hassleblad! Did you get your replacement M11?

[@3BMEP]

I did! Hold that thought!

[@carlosmcse]

@@3BMEP Good. Finally. Enjoy. I can’t get my 10R Black Paint out of my hands. I’m going to be buried with that thing.

[@jbjb3372]

The video kept jumping around for me especially backwards. Not sure why haven't had this happen before

[@3BMEP]

???

[@vvvvvvvvv1939]

Crazy question is hassleblad build quality as good as Leica curious never held a hassleblad before only seen online

[@Bayonet1809]

Hasselblad's X series bodies are really well made, they have that unibody feel like Apple products.

[@3BMEP]

Agreed!

[@matthieuzglurg6015]

let' not kid ourselves, Hasselblad and Leica are both luxury companies that will always have more cost efficient competitor but will still grab customers for the brand and some unique special features.

[@3BMEP]

I confess I dislike the notion of either one being considered a luxury manufacturer - or acting as one. But premium manufacturer (as in products scarce; in demand; and priced accordingly)? Clearly.

[@nachohernandez9491]

I 100 percent agree I rather get a dated Nikon d850 And save 80 percent and still have a beast of a camera for 90 percent of the time and get awsome photos for 90 percent of the people So yes it's a luxury camera for people that want that it factor....

[@deejayiwan7]

Ever considered a career as a voice-over artist?

[@3BMEP]

No. But I’d be happy to do it for the right property.

[@graphicsbygreg6572]

Come on man... gimme one Helios lens video! :-) haha I just wanna hear the history of the lens with your delivery. Main Line PA lets gooo :-)

[@jimb2500]

Here’s the issue Fuji’s gfx100 already has eye detect and it works. Most hobbyist’s want medium format for the shallow depth of field. Full frame has lenses f1.2 with eye autofocus and nails it. Trying to shoot a Hasselblad 80mm f1.8 portrait better have a still model. Or most will miss focus on the eye, and at 100mp it’s noticeable.

[@alex.mathioudakis]

I always enjoy your videos, even if it concerns cameras and equipment I have no intention of buying. I do notice, however, a very strong bias towards Leica, mainly in the sense that you are always quite forgiving about things when it comes to Leica, and quite strict about similar things when it comes to other brands. Case in point, when your m11 (a camera that costs more than most cars), failed and had to be replaced, yet it still got glowing marks for build quality! I don't get this. Why do you (among many other reviewers) have to treat Leica as a religion? I don't hate Leica, and I would most definitely get one if I could afford it. I just don't like double standards. In this video, for example, you're trying to predict(!) faults (like with the viewfinder), in the same way you are predicting fantastic innovation before or just after any Leica release. If I'm missing something and being unfair, my apologies In any case, keep producing these videos Hugh, they're always informative, fun, entertaining and never boring....

[@3BMEP]

I appreciate your question and the way you frame it. I give latitude to Leica AND Hasselblad and, generally, to small companies I like and without which I feel we’d all be the poorer for it. With this said, I don’t think I cut ANY company slack by ignoring issues, nor do I NOT share my concerns, which, were this NOT true, would serve NO ONE’s interest, including my own. But with this written, I do indeed have a special place in my heart for the brand; I’ve made this clear MANY times; and if you haven’t seen it, here’s why: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHaUk6idZruUerM

[@patrickjclarke]

It will be an interesting time when the EVF version of the M with 60MP comes out now that they have started reimagining all M glass to close-focus to .4m. The thing that the M (other than the rangefinder, but hold on that for this discussion) always had for it was the size of glass and body for the quality of camera and lens. Yes, you give up autofocus, but size wins. This was very apparent to me last weekend when I took out the Sigma sd Quattro, another amazingly built camera with amazing glass, but quirks aside, for the type of "social documentary realism" photography I do, it was just too intrusive, and even though my 24mm f/1.4 and 30mm f/1.4 Art lenses were SPECTACULAR, they are just...sooo...big. I go back out with the M and the teeny 'lux 35 and I'm a ghost. And yeah, sensor size, yada yada, but can you imagine the size of a 50 f/.95 equiv on the Hassy? Don't get me wrong, the industrial design of the Hassy is superb, the tilt screen is what the new EVF "M" should have, the UI and UX of the Hassy is brilliant, but for "street", I don't know if anything will beat an "M" at 60MP or above.

[@3BMEP]

Great points!

[@kenmonahan9924]

q3 m8. I know it’s a dream!

[@patrickjclarke]

My dream would be for Leica to put the upcoming FF Foveon in a very basic MF-D...can you imagine Foveon in a Leica M? Drool. :)

[@kenmonahan9924]

@@patrickjclarke Patrick I am only here to promote the Leica Q3 dream. All that other stuff is beyond me. 😘

[@Zetaphotography]

Thanks for the video but I expected for you to have the camera but you don't know so this video was for speculation.

[@key2adventure]

As a Hasselblad X1D Mark II user through three years, I give my first impressions comparison with my new X2D here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/an2moIGAnNKZi9k

[@iaincphotography6051]

Do you think this has all happened because of DJI being involved? There is no way I would step over the Fuji GFX 100S to get to that Hasselblad. Leica is what it is and is loved for being Leica.

[@aazizal-thani5813]

What about landscape photography This is where medium phormat photography shines

[@GKhanKutar]

Sorry but your M or Leica love does not save the Leica. There is literally no reason to buy Leica M or SL if you are going to talk about IQ. Also, the super magenta skin tones of Leica can not compete with the Hassy ones.

[@champagnesumo]

No doubt this is a great camera, but well out of my pay grade. I really desire to get out of the disposable camera market. 🙏😅

[@Mowikan]

How good has the autofocus has to be? Well for probably the most ergonomic camera on the market for street portraits, it has to be spot on eye autofocus for this price! (I tested the gfx100s and it’s a stunning camera for less. And if 50mpix is good enough the s1r with the 50 1.4 gives you more then you need)

[@3BMEP]

Well reasoned.

[@TomWangArt]

Leica already does extract the best image quality from their sensor by leaving IBIS out of the M11 body, provided of course the camera is being used by an actual photographer instead of a KZbin influencer. I'm always a little bit puzzled when (almost) no camera "reviewer" mentions that IBIS comes at the cost of image quality (same as PDAF), which often leads me to the conclusion that most of them actually... have no clue. On the other hand that does not surprise me a lot as someone who would be deeply involved in actual photography (A): would be worried more about how to obtain the best possible (instaed of the most convenient) output from his tool without having to compromise image quality rather than he would be about not having to carry indispensable accessories, (B): would not want (or need) to have a buttload of computational aids involved in his own image creating process, and (C): wouldn't have the time to create extensive KZbin content anyway.

[@meltysundae4540]

Why hasselblad is Leica M?

[@3BMEP]

The answer is in the video. 😊🖖🏻

[@Herkulez1981]

This camera would be perfect for me m, my goal is to own one in three years

[@caneestudio]

MF 3x4cm enlargement ratio is much lesser then a 2x3cm sensor.Hassblad colour science is superior.

[@Peel5000]

Hasselbad?

[@meltysundae4540]

Hahahahaa comparing with leica M is like comparing hobbyist photographer with commercial photographer 😆😆😆

[@vwindman]

You must have reading my mind

[@3BMEP]

😉

[@cwehden]

Anyone dropping 8k+ for a touch screen that laggy and broken is insane.

[@ralph95vip]

It's the same issue as the Leica sl type 601 when it first launched but worse. The limited lens option means that the cost of owning such as system will end up being really hefty. Without a few zooms and third party lens, it will start out maybe ok, 12-13k but you ll always end up wanting more primes. 5k here and 8k there and a few years later, you end up spending way to much on the eco system for image quality improvement that only a few can appreciate. Unless more lens manufacturers goes onto medium format to 1, drive the price down 2, to really give medium format manufacturers some motivation to improve their lens lineup. Medium format is just going to be for that really few people that have plenty of cash to buy literally everything. Ps. I m also not a huge fan of leaf shutter. I like a mechanical sound more for that price, it would better be perfect

[@forgewire]

Did you mean the focal plane GFX shutter you called “mechanical” with flash sync 1/125 vs 1/4000 of Hasselblad leaf shutter? 😀😅🤣

[@ralph95vip]

Yeah. I m talking about shutter in camera body instead of in the lens

[@diegaulle9143]

I doubt any manufacturer will jump into the costly manufacturing of a cheaper leaf lens. Ever. But due to the success of the 45p, I do see Hasselblad bringing out a 1.300,- 50mm equivalent. Non-studio users are demanding mechanical focus and zone focusing.

[@nogerboher5266]

Please, someone, tell me I just didn't see the thumbnail of the video that compares a Hasselblad camera to a low, consumer grade, astronomically overpriced, trash product made by Leica? Leica lenses are top notch but their camera bodies are overpriced pieces of trash and they always were - no exceptions. No one in the entire industry (not yet) can come even close to Hasselblad and PhaseOne - unfortunately, that also includes the hipster joke of a company called Leica. Comparing the absolute trash of a consumer grade camera product, the Leica M cameras, to a product manufactured by the industry leading camera and lens manufacturer, Hasselblad, is downright idiotic...

[@forgewire]

@7:57 What rolling shutter are you talking about? Leaf shutter performs much better than focal plane shutter for fast moving subjects. Lots of garbage in this video👎

[@3BMEP]

Rude and ignorant is no way to go through life, Nizmo. The X2D has an electronic shutter for use with non-leaf shutter lenses.

[@forgewire]

@@3BMEP sorry mate, sometimes it requires to clarify things. You didn’t specifically mention that you are talking about the electronic shutter. The electronic shutter is useless even on best FF cameras with a sensor readout 1/250. Leaf shutter is a completely different beast, true speed up to 1/4000

[@domipro123]

Too much talk about something you didn't even had in your hands...