Hasselblad x1d review

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Great overview Justin! Beautiful photography too. I'm surprised you took the chance on the Blad when the Leica S was already a mature medium format system.

[@AskMOTT]

Hatef Yamini thanks Hatef, the Leica S was significantly higher priced at the time(2 years ago) about 20k compared to about 9K for the X1D and I really like the build of the X1D as well. Glad I risked it because I’ve got a lot miles out of that camera.

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Justin Mott oh wow! 20K is outrageous. No wonder. Lol. Now I get it.

[@AskMOTT]

Hatef Yamini With all the lenses it gets pricey :(

[@splootan]

@@AskMOTT still have it?

[@brianedwards2870]

I think this is the only review on the net on the X1D from someone who isn’t using a loaner and who isn’t reviewing something completely different a week later. A refreshing change. Thanks for sharing your insights.

[@AskMOTT]

Brian Edwards thank you Brian , I’ve used this camera extensively and while it has its flaws, overall I love it.

[@MarcAdesso]

Always appreciate a review from someone that actually has used the gear extensively. So not overkill- you are convincing that it’s the right tool for the job. Also, would love to see a behind the scenes from one of your hotel shoots using this camera in the field.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Marc, I've wanted to do more BTS from our hotel shoots and will definitely do that next time we are able to travel outside of Vietnam again. Overall the X1D has its quirks, but I was able to work around those and I do imagine the X1D II has fixed some of those issues.

[@AskMOTT]

Marc, if you're interested in BTS from one of our video shoots, my team did this one recently and I'll be doing more like this soon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3Oag5J6dtiegLs

[@andrewward7042]

I love mine, despite the cost. I too had the "lens not detected". The first one was replaced and the second one did the same. I think it's a fairly well-known problem. It seems to relate to the lens contacts on the body. De-oxit on the contacts apparently helps. The images have a "something" that is hard to describe. My favourite things about the camera: Looks, handling, build-quality, lens sharpness, menu, image-quality, viewfinder. One thing that I noticed is that you basically have to use a tripod, otherwise you won't notice the difference. Lacking image-stabilization, hand-holding is a crap shoot.

[@andrewward7042]

Also after 50 years of photography, it is obvious that this camera was designed by photographers, my Sony not so much.

[@jbf5030]

Not sure if this has been mentioned but I had the same shake problem when I first started using my Fujifil GFX50S but quickly learned that there are several shutter modes to choose from which turned out to take care of any minor shake. Not to mention basically lightning fast autofocus. It’s quick, and I don’t feel like I’m exaggerating. Weather resistance....... Something to consider if you plan on upgrading... The X1D is beautiful but after these past few years with it, I am happy to have gone with the Fuji. Cheers man, your videos are really great. I’ve watched your backlog.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks JBF , I appreciate you watching and thanks for your input about the Fuji compared to the X1D. The autofocus is indeed unreliable on the X1D but for my hotel photography it’s not an issue.

[@linjasonlin]

probably the best and most useful review of the X1D system i've come across. thanks

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you for watching Jason.

[@GoodNewsTribune]

Thanks for the thorough review. I like your talking speed and no word is wasted. I usually have to speed up or fast forward a bit on videos because some talk too slowly or sometimes too much irrelevant info.

[@AskMOTT]

Thank Percy, 9 times of 10 people tell me the opposite so I’ll take this as a win :).

[@GuamPhotography]

Great work man! I too have experienced photographers that are really cocky, and don't want to talk to you just because you look a certain way, and I have also experience humble photographers that are down to earth, and then later when I look them up I'm blown away by their photography, and most of the time the cocky photographers have nothing to show for lol.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks, yeah I get funny looks for commercial photography all the time, I guess I look more the part for my editorial photography.

[@jklphoto]

A) Yeah, you do (talk fast). B) That rocker is sublime. C) X1Dii-50C Value! D) Gorgeous colors. For $5995 you could also get a Leica SL2. Similar megapixels, IBIS, lens compatability with your M-cameras. Are the MF files/pixels superior?

[@AskMOTT]

JK Lockwood Fair enough JK, I’ll definitely slow down for future posts. It’s the Rhode Islander in me, we a talk fast, and when I’ve got a camera in front of me I go back to roots :). When I bought the X1D two years ago the SL2 didn’t exist but also I do find that larger sensor to be significantly better for the worm that I do. Thanks about the rocker , I’ve got a few local shops herein Hanoi that I buy from that make incredible furniture.

[@jklphoto]

@@AskMOTT oh, totally not a criticism about your talking speed. Humans are capable of listening faster than most people talk. That gift will serve you well on KZbin. I moved from Metro-NY area to ATL 30 years ago and about lost my mind with the slower pace. I figured it was a matter of timing with the X1D vs. SL2. I do wonder if anyone has analyzed 47MP files from a 35mm-sensor vs. 50MP from a "medium-format" sensor. Seems like bigger pixels would equal better dynamic range. And of course different color science.

[@chepo1956]

Hey Justin, Jose from Puerto Rico. This was another enjoyable review of a product that in the hands of a pro like yourself can really squeeze the juice out of it. You are becoming in my mind to be another great resource for honest to God reviews. I remember when this camera first came out it was bashed to a pulp by KZbinrs when in actuality this camera was never meant to be a speed demon ala Canon EOS 1DX Mark III. Just like the Leica M you use, this was meant to slow you down and absorb every megapixel it produces; to appreciate the joy of Photography. You really use your equipment to the max and then give us your honest review and I enjoy that. Maybe the Canon EOS 1DX Mark III is not a camera that would be in your line of Photography, but I would really love to hear your take on it someday :-).

[@AskMOTT]

Jose A De Leon thanks Jose, I remember seeing people bashing it as well on KZbin. For me, I always take those reviews with a grain of salt because typically those reviewers are only using the camera for a day or 2 and often they aren’t truly using them for what they were engineered to do best.

[@AskMOTT]

Jose A De Leon sorry regarding the 1DX system, I used the 1DX M2 for a couple years but eventually sold it. It’s great for weddings and action stuff but I wasn’t doing that anymore so I didn’t need it.

[@Antnie]

Fantastic videos Justin, been watching a bunch this morning while I edit. Can’t wait to see more videos in the future!

[@AskMOTT]

Antnie Thank you for watching and for commenting Antnie, more coming soon :).

[@happywilliam1]

I found this video a couple of years after.. but would you still recommend it? :)

[@carlosnunes5717]

Another great video, congrats. The X1D-II is my dream camera but i´m just an amateur photographer just about to be out of work, so.. I`ll just keep shooting my Fuji X-T system and my Q2 and CL with a couple of lenses. But you´re so wright, it´s all about the shooting experience and simplicity. Love your work. From Lisbon, Portugal.

[@mjscpr]

Super, super helpful. Thanks. Did you get to try the x1d ii? Would you still select the x1d (ii) for your work? Did you consider the gfx100(s) or the Leica SL2(-S)?

[@AskMOTT]

I haven't upgraded to the X1D 2 yet. I think I'll wait for the 3, whenever that is, hoping they fix the auto focus system and hopefully a few more upgrades. The SL2 S looks nice but I love the medium format giant sensor of the Hasselblad for my commercial work. Love my Leica M system for personal work.

[@mjscpr]

@@AskMOTT thanks, much appreciated!

[@michaelgibbons3196]

Very informative,also very honest.Thanks Mike

[@arifkizilay]

hi Justin, do you think Hasselblad is the best when it comes to medium format cameras. I am new to it. after seeing several videos I actually feel that way. another thing maybe I should wait for another X1D successor. thank you.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for your questions Arif, I feel like the next version of the X1D should be a significant upgrade but I have no idea when that will be. I'm hoping the next version has better focusing and is less buggy. I hear good things about the Fuji system as well, I just love the aesthic of the X1D.

[@Zetaphotography]

Hello Justin. Thank you for this review. Ive been on the fence about getting back into Hasselblad after owning the H3D-39 and the 50-110 and 35mm. Great lens, not so much fun shooting with the H3D. Older technology that I wasnt used to wrongly comparing it to a DSLR so I left and bought the Leica S2 instead. I am thinking of this smaller for. Images do look great and I do like to make prints as I printed a 30x40 Canvas hanging on my wall from the H3D-39. Your review was great. Most importly was if you are not going to print then why have this camera. That sold it for me. Would like to here more about the lens and how they compare with those in the HC line up

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for watching Reuben. I can't really compare the XCD lenses to the H lenses because I didn't come from that system. My first step into MF was the X1D and I love it, minus the slow focusing off course.

[@winedemonium]

Thanks for this review. The acid test --- I will now go to your page, to see your latest videos to see, in 2021, whether you stuck to it or not. See you there....

[@AskMOTT]

Still using it for all my commercial work , looking forward to version 3 whenever that happens.

[@winniduesseldorf]

Did you try out an 90 degree challenge? I think abaout a shot in an rectangle hallway, you shoot exactly in 45 degree. Officially the horizontal diagonal with the 21mm is more than 90 degree. How does ist look ?

[@blackbelt4488]

Can I mitigate the camera shake inherent to the medium format sensor by using higher shutter speeds?

[@AskMOTT]

I shoot handheld all time with a fast shutter speed and I’ve never had any issues.

[@emendoz1]

Great story! Now that I've moved on to landscape photography I dressed different than when I was shooting models, and receive the exact same treatment by people who think like that New York fashion photographer!

[@AskMOTT]

I've made my circular hat and a black T-shirt my uniform.

[@sundeepsembi6091]

I wonder what the mk3 will bring to the table . I hope it’s going to be more than just a hike in megapixels. Phase and contrast detect focusing , eye auto detect focusing , ibis ….. if Fuji can do it !

[@AskMOTT]

I'd love better focusing, if they can fix one thing for me that would be it. I don't need an increase in megapixels, but better focusing and just a less overall buggy experience. The original X1D is riddled w bugs, mine always jams up, and frequently need to do the old turn it off and on again trick.

[@anthonyrock5039]

Looks like the X2D (mk3) has improved the focus side and speed.

[@JimmyCheng]

On a side note, how do you compare this to your leica m-d in terms of image quality and overall handling. I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger on x1d mark ii, but I've seen quite some negs online such as shutter lag, slow focus (which I do not mind) and random shut downs.

[@AskMOTT]

I love the way the X1D feels in my hand, it's a lot larger than the Leica M obviously but it still feels perfectly ergonomically designed. If I was shooting anything fast I wouldn't buy it but honestly, for me I've worked around its flaws of slow focus, slow everything, and it doesn't really affect me much but at the same time I don't need that camera to be fast for hotel and resort shoots.

[@bobsykes]

I always like reviews from people making their living with some particular piece of gear. And yes, I have also discovered that Hasselblad colors have to be experienced to be believed. The B&H story is so amusing. What I’ve been seeing is that the bleeding edge NY fashion scene is being taken over by 20-somethings shooting Kodak Portra in everything from Leica M6s to RZ67s, so it’s no wonder that snob photographer was intimidated by a pro who dresses like you!

[@AskMOTT]

Ha ha, that BH situation was pretty damn funny, guy was a bit of a douche :).

[@twigster0011]

Love your work and perspective on the camera. Very curious to know what strap you are using here? Cheers.

[@AskMOTT]

Troy McClenathan thanks Troy, for the X1D I’ve used a Peak Design Slide and Slide Lite strap.

[@idrismansoor6462]

Hi Justin - what Profoto trigger are you using? I’m moving from Sony to the X1D II

[@JosephGamble]

This was excellent. Loved the BH story. Thanks a ton.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks Joseph, I appreciate you watching :).

[@kylepoff3287]

hahahaha I love this video, I thought it was going to be a pure camera review but really good short film actually about you - really great.

[@AskMOTT]

I"m glad you liked it Kyle, thanks for watching :).

[@FastAkira]

I wonder if the GFX cameras have the same image quality, colors, tones and all that. I know they are cheaper and overall better cameras. but the image quality is what interests me above all. Whats your opinion? Thanks in advance

[@AskMOTT]

I haven't used the GFX but I absolutely love the image quality on the X1D, best files I've ever worked with and my retoucher says the same.

[@FastAkira]

@@AskMOTT I believe you. But since you didn't work with the GFX 50, that uses the same sensor, or even the GFX 100, we cant put it into perspective sadly. What I've heard is that the Hassy has better color science and tonality, while being slower, harder to focus and a pain with adapted lenses since you can't use flash. And the price... the new GFX 100s for just 5999 is looking great. I wish Hassy will come soon with a newer version, same or even better image quality and upgrading their AF, including ibis and what not. Thanks anyways, great shots!

[@alanplatt888]

Great video....................thanks

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you Alan.

[@dennycarr4452]

Great review!

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you Denny.

[@AskMOTT]

Do you think this camera is overkill?

[@jklphoto]

Not unless your client thinks so 😉

[@pascalpro06]

The file quality is great, but a camera that take 10sec. To start, sometime just died and need a reboot, with such a poor AF, will never be part of my set on a photo shoot (I’m doing same biz as you for +15y now, luxury hotel, property, casino etc.). the worse is not having the possibility to adapt TSE lens from Canon (i have 2, georgous), is a deadend for interiors. The X1D II is a bit faster but still, I would rather go with a GFX , almost everything is better including price (not the flash synch tho). the only thing this camera has is the look though, but this doesn’t pay the bill at the end, and my canons are still doing the job better all in all. But yeah, i agree, it’s a nice camera to show off :o)

[@laurencegoldman4639]

Do you think you’ll switch to 907X?

[@AskMOTT]

It's a beautiful camera and if I only shot personal work with my X1D I might switch but since I use my X1D for commercial photography I'll probably wait until version 2 comes out, whenever that is, and then upgrade. I'd love to see them fix the focusing issues.

[@laurencegoldman4639]

@@AskMOTT Do you have any opinions of 907X and why you prefer X1D?

[@bollywoodmauritius]

Love your passion , honesty and simplicity

[@Goriza]

Very nice

[@AskMOTT]

Goriza thanks Goriza.

[@JimmyCheng]

I think there's something wrong with the volume of this video, for some reason I can't hear you clearly in the beginning of the video.

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for bringing it to my attentionJimmy, if you have an exact time it wasn't clear that would be helpful as I just listened to it again and it sounds fine on my end. I'll look into it, hope it's not a probably with my mics as they are brand new.

[@JimmyCheng]

Justin Mott I think the overall vocal is a bit bassy so when there are ambient noise in the room it’s not as clear, and I just think that overall you can add a few dB to your voice. Just my opinion though. Cuz I was watching other videos and when switched to yours I found it a bit low in volume.

[@AskMOTT]

Jimmy Cheng thanks will definitely do that.

[@santhoshkumarr5130]

907x review with all your xcd lens

[@salsalcedo334]

I’m waiting for a 907 review 🥺

[@AskMOTT]

If I ever get my hands on one I'll be sure to review it. I'm leaning toward upgrading to the X1D Mark 2 instead.

[@hugocalvo8287]

hahah I love this video. I enjoyed your personal story, I sometimes feel the same way about how I look. But awesome man !

[@AskMOTT]

Thanks for watching Hugo, I tried the full-flowing linen look with a fan constantly on me but I couldn't pull off, I think you need hair for that :).

[@RobbieSkaff]

nice video : )

[@AskMOTT]

Thank you Robbie, I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment.

[@sabari6189]

Audio low but good content

[@ballpen124]

11:52 lens

[@TedNghiem]

I wish fuji had the hassleblad's phocus app and its ability to wire(less) tethered to the ipad. Fuji's own app sucks.

[@AskMOTT]

Ted Nghiem I was pleasantly surprised by the app Ted, I actually totally expected it to suck.

[@sundeepsembi6091]

Thank you, really informative but please slow down , you talk at 100mph !

[@AskMOTT]

Sundeep Sembi I can’t help it, I get so excited about photography :). It’s odd because people where I’m from in the Northeast of the USA people talk fast and for some reason when you throw a camera in front of my face I go back to that speed. A couple people have said that to me Sundeep,so I’ll definitely slow down in the future,thanks for the feedback.

[@whpalmer4]

There is a playback speed control. Set it to 0.75 and it should be easier to understand.

[@AskMOTT]

@@whpalmer4 Am I really that fast :(.

[@whpalmer4]

@@AskMOTT I don’t think it is too fast, but if the chap who asked you to slow down is not a native speaker of English, it might be a challenge to keep up.

[@AskMOTT]

@@whpalmer4 Good advice, I'll start telling people to do that if they feel I'm too fast.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

You spend more than 2000$ on a camera, defend yourself. 😂

[@AskMOTT]

So true, I'm on full defense mode Dan.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

Ouff,,,do you breath sometimes in real life. LOL

[@AskMOTT]

Not typically ha ha

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

@@AskMOTT 😂😂

[@duodua4130]

why talk so fast? yikes. it's too much!

[@AskMOTT]

Because I drink too much coffee :). I'll slow down a little next time.

[@primeexample8]

@@AskMOTT Nah keep talking fast. I'm from New York. I heard and understood every word you said. Dope review.

[@AskMOTT]

@@primeexample8 Finally, someone who can relate Corinne :). Thanks for watching and thanks for taking time to comment Corinne.

[@samhuang888]

@@AskMOTT 😄

[@paulstorer524]

@@AskMOTT I’m not sure if there is “too much” coffee.