Hasselblad 907X Review | I’m in LOVE with this camera!

[@astrostl]

I love quirky cameras and shooting experiences and bought one of these. The limitations (ergonomics, no EVF, no hot or even cold shoe, etc.) became too much, and I'm happier after selling it and picking up an X1D II. Fun quote from my wife after I got the grip: "so you got this thing just because it's so unlike other cameras, and you're adding accessories to it to make it more like other cameras?" 😂

[@benjhaisch]

Hahahaha

[@pshelnh]

It actually has a cold shoe.

[@astrostl]

@@pshelnh ​ no, it doesn't. The $500 OVF can be used as a hacked one after removing the actual eyepiece but it is still not a standard size, won't fit many shoe accessories, and HB themselves say not to use it in that way. My solutions for my 907X were a 3D-printed shoe and (esp.) a tripod clamp.

[@pshelnh]

@@astrostl good to know, thank you for information

[@shadowblack1987]

​@@astrostl$25 L plate fixes all those issues.

[@ralphietwoshoes]

I originally rented a 907x after watching this video and others just because it looked incredibly fun to use, and it wound up selling me on the Hasselblad X system as a whole. Heavenly invested in other camera systems with the latest and greatest AF and everything else you could possibly imagine. Having all the assists in the world makes our job easier, but are they always necessary? There is something special here. The end results are absolutely superb. The files are great to work with. The 80mm 1.9 itself is enough of a reason to justify the system. There’s two components to photography, the experience of taking the picture, and the picture itself. This one delivers on both fronts, the first just happens to be in a quite quirky and odd way. 907x and XCD II should be here next week, and I can’t wait.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

I love my hasselblad 500cm and I was thinking to buy digital back and... this is beautiful...(I would be great if there have square format digital back..)

[@KingGameReview]

Being able to use this as a digital back on a Hassy 500 is the coolest part.

[@luiscarballo7712]

Loved. I’m in love with this camera. I will do a Father’s Day, sons day, grandfather’s day all together to buy one. Are the same lens I should choose it. 30 mm and 80 mm.

[@gotja]

Would it have been better if it had a fully top down view finder on top?

[@benjhaisch]

Would be fun, but would have been a lot larger. Could use it with my 500cm though and get that original feel

[@gotja]

@@benjhaisch i often wonder (and maybe with a Micro 4/3 camera - if one could rehouse a camera body into a compact cube similar to some cinema cameras are trending these days, with an additional LCD as a top down finder. Maybe one day as a personal project...

[@danielscheerer3032]

I owned it. ACTUALLY owned it. But I also had Fuji cameras and for whatever stupid reasons, decided to switch to the GFX 50Sii. Yes, great camera and did "solve" the concerns I had, but it was SO much less inspiring, as wonderful as Fuji cameras can be. So doing a 180 and going back to this system. Already traded the GFX and forced to wait for the Hassy to come in. (VERY first-world problem!) And can't wait to also try it with my (recently purchased) 500CM. So I'll now have the X-T5 for speed work, and this wonderful, slow, beautiful (to look at and in the hands) camera when quality and inspiration is at hand. I could watch this video on loop while I wait to get the 907x back again in a few weeks. Cheers!

[@danielscheerer3032]

Oh, and they’ll probably release a new version as soon as I receive it! 😄

[@zeissiez]

In a world where tens of efficient, sharp, flawless Kawasaki-esque cameras come out every year, this Harley-esque camera is a breath of fresh air.

[@pimpingkek4947]

I'm so excited to order mine. Last I checked they were sold out. I'm getting the xcd 1.9 lens 80mm. And the other very expensive one.

[@tgwinternational3296]

Is there a way to use this camera in studio with strobes or OCF. Thanks in advance

[@benjhaisch]

I believe there is a sync port, but the hotshoe is only with the grip

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Like you, I would love to own this camera. I think it has a factor missing in so many cameras today, which is 'sheer enjoyment'. At some point I hope I can afford to own one.

[@robertboyer5926]

I love mine but I still have my Canon system when I need to work swiftly. After many many many years of attempting a "do it all" one system approach I am much happier with a 3 system approach but I do not attempt to cover all things with any of those systems. - Very limited Fuji APS-C system w/ X-Pro and two very small primes = street/snapshot travel extremely light camera. - Canon do it all well camera from ultra wide to mid-tele (don't need anything super long) My strobe system is built around this system and it's the only one I own zooms and a large lens range. This is my cover a lot of ground quickly/work fast system. Also for the few videos I do for people. This is my "work" camera. - Hasselblad V and X very few lenses 3 classic Zeiss 2 XCD 907x. I never take the full kit anywhere. Typically I'll use a 500C/M or 503CW w/ 80 and the 907x and 45P along with 1 film magazine in a very small bag when I am doing personal portrait or environmental work and want to work slowly. Funny because way way back in the film days when I wasn't trying to make one system do everything in an enjoyable way I ended up with a Leica system a Nikon system, and a view camera.

[@stelluspereira]

Thankyou Haish Quick question, it seems the digital screen can’t be used to view the subject.. why the Extra top mount eye piece ? I am confused

[@MattEMaddock]

I love this camera. It’s no use for most of my work as it’s too awkward to use when under pressure, so I’ve another system for that. Sold all my XCD lenses and now use it exclusively on my 503CW, which is one of the best shooting experiences ever.

[@JoeYatesAlaskanFilms]

I’m looking at the 907x and the X2D. I currently have the R5 for those faster moments, but I am looking for a medium format for the higher paid clients and bigger moments. What’s your thoughts?

[@ALWH1314]

It’s not the best performer but that beautiful retro look is worth owning it. The optional handle is highly recommended. That 80mm lens is heavy but it’s my favorite.

[@1946bike]

I'd like. to see using the back with my 500cm Anniversary model..in near future. thanks Dave

[@markgriffinphoto]

A very beautiful work of art. I still have my 503CW with three lenses and metal case from 2002 but shamefully it doesn't get enough air time. I'd love the CFV50C digital back for it but....very pricey phew. Unrelated kind of, but if you haven't tried one, check out the "Texas Leica" which is the Fuji GW690 ii Rangefinder, the negs are insane with stunning clarity and it's an extremely user friendly camera. 8 images per roll of 120 rather than the normal 12 on a 6x6. Love your content btw, (no doubt lots of hard work) you've got the knack!

[@DanielShapiroPhoto]

If you add up everything you spend on film and processing -- plus the potential for drum scans here or there over the course of two years -- you can see why someone might want to slap this back on a 500CM or 503CW and go to town.

[@Zetaphotography]

Links don't work Would like to see the updated video with the digital back and the old 500 series

[@benjhaisch]

Oh interesting, which links didn’t work?

[@yaoyao7783]

nice review Benj！but i have a question does have any loosen problem between the digital back and 907x(seems like only 2 hooks to connect)？i have a little bit loosen with my own 907x ,

[@mawavoy]

A rotating attachment point for the sensor-back would be great, but the software would need to rotate the screen output, like a smartphone.

[@vangstr]

Does it have IBIS for that price tag?

[@Edgy01]

I just wish they made a larger, square digital sensor that would work on my 903SWC, my 503CW and my 500 EL/M. I also absolutely love my V lenses-250 Superacromat, 100mm, and my 40/4 CFE-IF and the 40/4 CE.

[@robertboyer5926]

I've not used the 903 with the CFV II but 38 is still fairly wide. I thought the same thing in terms of an actual large square back (sure I would still love one) but I find working with my 500 cameras and the CFV II a joy. Given my most used lens was the 100mm CF I find the 80mm CF does the same job when used on a 500 with this back. Also the 45P cropped square on the 907 is very similar to the 80 on the 500 with film (still larger at 44mm x 44mm than a full frame and gives more resolution than cropping a 50 megapixel square).

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Like the phase p series?

[@RichardSilvius]

I love the form factor of the camera, but many of the lenses in the system are so huge they seem ridiculous on it. I like your suggestion that Hasselblad make some MF options for the system to get the size down. Don’t love the idea of adapting lenses to it because of the rolling shutter.

[@isiakahome5999]

I had this for a few months, and hated the user experience It's too slow and clunky for me. I sold it and got and M10-R, and I'm much happier.

[@ggill1313]

Literally the opposite experience. IQ of the M10-R cant touch the 907x

[@KingGameReview]

I know you go over how slow it is, but I don't know if I could handle that. I have a GFX and I never feel like it's slow. I shoot my kids' soccer games with my GFX and manual focus lenses and it works just fine.

[@benjhaisch]

Biggest issue with this would be using no native lenses and getting that rolling shutter :/

[@KingGameReview]

@@benjhaisch oh, 100%. I love the aesthetics of the new Hasselblads from the past few years, and I'm sure they're fantastic cameras, but I don't see how they'd fit into my personal style at all. I love vintage lenses too much and only having an electric shutter alone would be a deal breaker - let alone all the other quirks of these cameras.

[@timothycheng1634]

Great video, I am still struggling with which one to buy, 907x or X1Dii (considering same sensor and lens series). I mainly shoot film so slow shooting experience is no problem for me, but the crop factor to use old hasselblad 500CM really bothers me..

[@michellecarmona4627]

I just took a sharpie to my 500cm to show where it crops to it helps probably a better way to do it but it works for me

[@timothycheng1634]

@@michellecarmona4627 there is an addition part to install on the focusing screen for composition, basically a 6x6 to 645, the standard lens 80mm f2.8 is thus no longer standard

[@paulanderson24]

Is there a way to configure it to have the ISO and Aperture on the front dial instead of its secondary function being always set up EV compensation

[@robertboyer5926]

No, not yet. There is auto-iso which means you can have a similar bit of functionality. Personally I use mine in manual 90% of the time, this is NOT a work fast camera.

[@paulanderson24]

@@robertboyer5926 I’m predominantly a Leica m8 user so slow and methodical is required here. I just find I tend to change ISO more than I ever would EV so it would be nice to have that option. Not a deal breaker, however (I can adjust neither outside of the menus on the m8) I may rent the 907 on my honeymoon in Singapore. Thanks for taking the time to reply to an old post I’d actually put to the back of my mind. I really appreciate it

[@MrJoelaron]

awesome. you are my people. happy to discover you in my time of research. was between this and the Q2Mono, and the mono is on it's way.

[@thomasphillips5850]

By the way I shot with 500's and 501s,that's why I like the 907. The X2D just seems to be a step ahead. It addresses all the things I am interested in!

[@anta40]

Very cool. You can use Hasselblad XD lenses with it, and as digital back on Hasselblad V bodies. Obviously really pricey, though. Ouch.

[@renev6919]

What a beautiful camera. It looks like something thats just satisfying to use. Like a Leica M Camera.

[@weisserth]

I would venture this is the opposite of a Leica M. Large. Clunky. Clumsy. Slow to use.

[@renev6919]

@@weisserth Thats right. But it has this Feeling, that you use an old Filmcamera thats also digital. And the Leica M is also slowing down the process of taking pictures :)

[@Magneira]

@@weisserth indeed, but KZbin comments is a heaven for empty statements.

[@Edgy01]

If I didn’t have so many Hasselblad bodies and V lenses and Leica MPs and Leica SL2s I would have one tomorrow.

[@renev6919]

@@Edgy01 It has not that "pro image" that many photographers want, or the client wants. Sadly theres client out there (many), that want to see a professional looking camera. And the most of the MFT line doesnt look pro because they are small. But in thins case, or the Panasonic G9, there wouldnt be an issue. For the client there would be no difference in MFT APSC or Full frame, because they dont know and see the difference.

[@blazerbarrel2]

I wish they made a square sensor back and sold it as a kit or separate for us photographers that own a v system ! $2000.00 back right !

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Phase backs?

[@carlosgastelum8251]

I have the 907x and I love it with the small 45p lens, I use mainly the back on my 503CW or with my Alpa SWA. I agree on the MF xcd lenses idea.

[@nelsonclub7722]

Just a couple of user friendly warnings. If you use a carry strap and a lens which is lighter than the body, the camera will invert. The catch holding the back to the lens frame will release when caught against you and fall off. Several solutions exist. Tape over it or buy the useless optic finder. Then take the useless optic off and use it a s a paperweight/loope and the curved arm you are left with will act as a guard. The optic. Its useless. yes you can frame but are you in focus? You need to check the screen for that. there are three frame guides - none of them are terribly accurate anyway and none of them are marked. The optic bracket. Looks like a flash/strobe will fit on that. It won't. Don't try. I mean you can force it on, but what looks like a ball bearing on the base of the strobe is in fact a pin - it falls into the hole and there is no way to remove it. Mine had to go to Hasselblad, then Broncolor for some remedial surgery. It will be the same story with everything else. There is simply no way this camera will connect to ANY Profoto flash/strobe. No PC socket on the guns or the triggers. However with that said and detail aside this is the finest camera instrument I have ever used. I sold my H6D100c in place of this. Its quirky, odd, but the way it makes you take photographs is how it should be. Firstly - from the waist, and secondly the images those lenses and sensor produce are amazing. best colours on the planet and I have used them all. Worst is Leica (Monochorm excepting - which is ace but the Q2 not the M which is overrated) Happy New Year all

[@deanmitchell7795]

For Profoto stobes, you can use the Profoto Remote (non-ttl version) connected to the flash out socket on the CFV

[@nelsonclub7722]

@@deanmitchell7795 You can admittedly but there is still nowhere to put it - although this is not a complaint - it is an astonishingly accomplished camera

[@AlainSTO]

I have the X1D II and the H6D. Gotta say the XCD lenses are better, but you can't go wrong with almost any medium format lenses.

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

For me this camera is the unique bridge between analog and digital worlds. It lets creators switch digitally between without fiddling between a 1957 Hasselblad 500C and a modern 907X with fantastic X lenses switch between film and digital on the same V system camera, technical camera etc... It's not the right tool as a standalone medium format camera, for this duty the X1DII is imo much more convenient.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

This what Hasselblad should have done 20 years ago instead of starting the H system. Still by today standards the lenses from the V are very good. Also the sensor is a generic chip manufactured by Sony. It is used by several manufacturers, there is not a significant difference in image quality among them. The new X lenses are good but too expensive. Let see in time if this system retain its value.

[@robertboyer5926]

Completely different cameras for different uses and they kind of did. If you mean the XCD mirrorless camera part... they couldn't have given that just recently could you make a mirrorless camera worth crap let alone a medium format mirrorless system. Note that the first mirrorless medium format was Hasselblad (using the Sony sensor) I think the XCD was out right before the GFX but it may be the other way around. Any way you slice it they were not slow. I almost gave up on Hasselblad but they seem to finally seem to have a direction after too many owners/bad CEO's

[@thomasphillips5850]

The Hassey system has always been a dream machine. This 907 stirs me up but truth be told the x2d has all you need. Good grief!!!

[@johnelder7449]

Great video. Great content

[@ztpawlowski]

Couple of things for me as I've been considering the xcd and/or gfx systems, both have a few short comings but if hassy could come out with a 14 or 16mm (35 equivalent) or a 24mm (35 equivalent) Tilt Shift that would probably be my "sold" for them. Fuji doesn't have that range on their gfx line and with the way things are going Hasselblad should find niches that fuji isn't covering.

[@thomasjames7644]

Fuji have a 24mm ff equivalent in the gf 30mm f3.5 also an 18mm equivalent in the gf 23mm f4.

[@benjhaisch]

I think he means that he wants though focal lengths in a tilt shift

[@thomasjames7644]

@@benjhaisch oh my bad, yeah their tilt shift isn’t coming until 2023 and will be around a 28mm ff equivalent. I liked the hasselblad but the lack of a hot shoe for portraiture is a bit too restrictive imo even with constant light. Thanks for the review.

[@robertboyer5926]

Ever consider the arc body or flex body? Also there's a good chance the canon TS-E 24 may cover the sensor to a good degree.

[@ztpawlowski]

@@robertboyer5926 I've considered the arc body - do you have experience with the arc & flex? You are right about the canon I've thought about going that route as well, investment wise doing the different body/lens situation I haven't been a big fan of but I have before.

[@REMY.C.]

I think it's an interesting piece of gear but it needs to evolve a bit so it has more "power and speed". I'm especially talking about the computing power of the sensor, a faster reading and buffer would be very nice, of course no need to reach the speed of a sport camera, this is a different breed but when you pay for such a workhorse, it must be fluid. It's very expensive but a professional would get the money back pretty fast, an amateur who has money do not care about the price. So it's not for everyone and one's should understand that. What would be your film of choice to have almost the same colors that you have in the pictures you show here? I want to take the dust off my Mamiya and I'm looking for such an aesthetic.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

Beautiful piece of equipment. But practically speaking, it's hard to justify this when the GFX100S is out there and offers greater resolution and IBIS for less $$.

[@benjhaisch]

Sure, you’re paying for legacy and experience here for sure

[@RobertFalconer1967]

@@benjhaisch They nailed the industrial design, though, no denying that. The camera is as beautiful as any picture one might make with it.

[@robertboyer5926]

In medium format land there's ALWAYS been trade-offs in terms of what you want/need vs cost. Yes the German/Swedes have always been a premium priced product but if you are in the market for a medium format camera you should know what you want/need, none of it is cheap and one feature may be THE reason to buy a system or not. IE - leaf shutter vs focal plane. If this has zero value to you then go with a cheaper system. If you know why you want it (flash and a few others) might be the entire reason. - form factor - working style/results As an example I do mostly portraits/fashion and I can absolutely assure you the results are entirely based on photographer/subject psychological effects that are influenced by environment and different cameras and working methods produce very different results. A GFX 100 vs say a CFV on a 500CM are very different and can influence your work in a major way. Same goes for a Leica M vs a Canon 5D with big lens. Etc, etc. Going into a MF system with a do-everything mentality might not be the best idea. Especially if you already have a do-it-all system like a Canon/Nikon kit and are just attempting to replace it with another one. For sure the 907 is a specialty camera and that's a good thing from my perspective, the world has plenty of do it all cameras and systems. Ps. I love Fuji for doing the same thing = producing specialty cameras in terms of form factor. I own a small X-Pro kit for the same reason but the GFX system is not for me for a lot of reasons. IE I already have a camera that performs far better than the GFX when I want to work fast, have great AF, all sorts of lenses and flash functionality etc. For you it might be different but it's always a compromise.

[@chucknonverbal]

A dream...

[@illyaswan]

Seems to be very compromised for "the feel".

[@obscurazone]

The 907 body is a total flop to me and completely counter to the "experience". Yes, you can whack the new lenses on it, specifically engineered for digital, but if the camera itself has a terrible focus system - which it does, and doesn't have a view finder - unless you spend HUNDREDS of dollars for the accessory, and doesn't have a hotshoe, and is unergonomic unless you buy a very expensive grip....what is the point?!?! You're getting a really poor digital experience, that costs a fortune, for images that are NOT medium format (they're a bit bigger than full frame and are not 6x6, they're cropped!) and although yes it produces nice images, they're really no better or worse than anything Ive seen come out of a Fuji GFX 50s, which uses exactly the same sensor, and costs less than a single new hassy lens! What amazing "user experience" is this 907 giving anyone exactly? Beyond looking down at waist level and having the shutter button at the front?!?!?!? If its a case of "slowing down" your process, that's beyond basic! You can do that with quite literally ANY camera! Yes it looks absolutely amazing, but are we really so jaded now and uninspired by our cameras, that we have to shell out tens of thousands of $£€ just to feel motivated to take photographs?!? Its absurd sorry not sorry! No, where this concept of bringing analogue and digital is absolutely magical, is combining a digital back with an analogue camera, and Hasselblad have cracked it already! Whack that digital back on a 500 series body, and you then have a TRUE experience! A beautiful HUGE viewfinder for waist shooting - plus you can add the superb prism, far better balanced ergonomics without the need to add a grip, all the lovely clunk click wind on attributes related to film before you shoot your next shot, and a plethora of vintage lenses to choose from that will render your images in a far more traditional Hassy way! By the time youve pimped out a 907 body, with a grip and viewfinder, you could easily just find a used 500cm for the same cash, and just find a used digital back for it. A much more economical route, and a guaranteed far more emotional experience of using the Hasselblad system. I am extremely excited and intrigued to try that combination! Re the focussing, Ive always used true medium format more as a range finder, pre setting my focus to infinity. Im not a huge fan of isolating my subject and tons of bokeh, so i just step down the aperture and I dont worry about it. The lens will be performing at its optimum apature around f5/6 and I know everything will be tac sharp within a certain trap area. If i can find an affordable 503 body and a second hand back i will be mega happy! The bloody annoying thing - and VERY against the Hassy philosophy of modular, is that they do not sell the digital back separately any more. You have to buy the damn 907 with it, which I will never use and im sure many others won't. Im just waiting for the day, when they bring out a 100mpx true 6x6 medium format back for this system. Or a 60mpx 6x6 Foveon sensor that would look extraordinarily like medium format film. Whacking that on a 500 series body will quite literally be photographic Nirvana, and quite honestly might sway them into reissuing an updated version of the 500 series again. Imagine that! Rant over ;-p

[@tor2919]

Wow hello mr negative. At least they’re Hasselblad are making it and it exists. Last I looked there was zilch for old Pentax, Rolleiflex, Mamiya, Bronica, or the other old MF systems. I’m just happy Hasselblad even exists

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

How Hasselblad after the exorbitant prices is unable to provide autofocus in body shutter and better screens, things that are already far much better in the Fuji GFXs??? To me it the topical arrogance of some European manufacturers.

[@Gvacam1222]

Biggest disappointment ever, i just sold my 907x kit for a m10-r bp. Very very bad Autofocus (my old 645z is way better) and shutter lag is really bad so ok maybe good to take mountains on tripod but any life (kids, animals) picture is prohibited..

[@ggill1313]

Where can I see the photos you took on the 907x?

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

All it takes is money, lots of it.

[@guillaumesandmayer7053]

Biggest downside to owning the 907x? Going out for a street shoot only to be literally mobbed and lynched by a crazed horde of tattooed hipsters wearing matching Ramones T-shirts. Yeah nice..

[@bacnic]

Funny how I also got a 500cm from my uncle😅🤣

[@meowsefer]

What the hell is wrong with my uncle's?

[@Edgy01]

My uncles all died and left me nothing.

[@ecamormex]

Why do the most expensive cameras have the shittiest autofocus?

[@johndembo8038]

Poor Autofocus, no IS and very awquard to use vertically. Not to mention the price. Others produce more practical medium format solutions. Looks beautiful - but should it be a useful camera or expensive jewelry.

[@smichaelpridgen]

@johndembo Respect your opinion... BUT if you are looking a for medium format camera, you shouldn't be looking for super fast auto focus or IS.... Actually, the Fuji GFX system could be more of interest to you but you will NOT get anything near what the 907x does SOOC. The colors alone put all brands on notice. RE: Handling - I would agree that you should purchase this camera with the grip because it does feel like your holding someones soul in your hands and it would be better to have more of a handle on it. I've used this camera on a trial basis for an extended period of time and would say that the images SOOC are remarkable. In my opinion, the price tag matches the quality, legacy, and craftsmanship of this device (sort of like Leica). #Justmy2cents

[@zeissiez]

It’s that Kawasaki vs Harley-Davidson thing.

[@johndembo8038]

Thankyou for the polite and reasoned replies. And yes, I used to own a Kawasaki 😄

[@neoseyes]

I just don't watch Hasselblad videos.

[@bubbas.1180]

This camera os useless, an expensive piece of fashion

[@michellecarmona4627]

its not for everyone

[@ggill1313]

It’s the most enjoyable shooting experience for me and motivates me to get out more as well as be more intentional in my photography. It’s not at all useless.