What is Medium Format in 2018, Anyway? Episode 2 of "The Hasselblad X1D Has Me Thinking"

[@brownfang3547]

Well told story. As an amateur photographer who never advanced because he can't remember all the technological specifications needed to master a film SLR, I stumble into love with our videos precisely because your delivery and storytelling technique are so charming. Thanks for the cliff hanger and the peeks into the supreme magic and poetry that keep professional photographic artists interested.

[@mychalsimmons4177]

Your commentary is always., always thought provoking interesting and entertaining as well, if you will. Thank you Hugh.

[@3BMEP]

Mychal Simmons Thank you, Mychal!

[@TheCowboydoug]

Hugh, you are an animal... at first, I thought you were a bit puffed up... but clearly you have done your homework... I truely appreciate this segment. Outstanding and thank you... Anyone interested in some history of photography needs to watch this. I am primarily a panoramic & portrait photographer... i Have been a pro since 1978 and never shot a 35mm untill 1999... wow...weird-o-rama.... i now own a modern medium format in the form of a Sony RX1r II .... amazing where we have come... I was a Navy photographer from 1978-85... i had all sorts of cameras to choose from but the Speed Graphic was my choice camera... the base captain thanked me too... thanks,​ Hugh

[@3BMEP]

Would LOVE to learn about your time with the Speed Graphic, and with that experience, your further thoughts on the RX1 R II. Thanks for joining the conversation.I'm glad you've come around. ;)

[@bicycleninja1685]

You're the James Burke of photography on KZbin.

[@3BMEP]

His Connections series remains extraordinary!!!

[@jerryeisner1]

Hugh you beautifully point out how camera culture is constantly changing to meet the emerging needs of the masses as well as the professionals who are in constant search of cameras that are ever more ergonomic, smaller, lighter, and higher in quality dynamic range, resolution and image quality!!! You're showing us so beautifully that cameras are constantly evolving by striving to capture the image quality of yesteryear without losing the ability to create high quality dynamic images with greater ease. Based on your information I feel you have saved me lots of money. I now have the confidence to say that I really NO LONGER need to hold on to medium format type cameras which I so dearly relied on back when I was shooting commercial events. Or if I did pick a medium format camera in the year 2019, It would have to follow the pattern of being smaller, lighter, portable, weather sealed, ergonomic, and have ease of use. Thank you for taking such care to show us the way. PS> I think Dianne Arbus used mostly a medium format film Mamiya C series twin lens for most of her work. You have her down as using a Hassy but in that era I'm sure she probably had several different cameras. Keep up the great work. YOU are a resource! je

[@3BMEP]

Jerry Eisner First: what a lovely and generous note - thank you! Glad to be of help. 😊 Second, I may ha e indeed been wrong. Googled ‘Diane Arbus camera’ and the first result states she used Rolleiflex before moving to Mamiya - thanks for the correction!

[@adrianricardo100]

Love the story telling . The whole dimension line , the direction and the sharing. Beautiful !

[@3BMEP]

Ricardo Mora I’m so glad!

[@johnhanson1779]

Spectacular overview of camera history.Thank you. I can't imagine what the next 50 years might bring. Wait and see.

[@3BMEP]

John Hanson 🙏🏻

[@byebyebeano8616]

To be frank, I'm a bit lost myself. I am a french professional portrait photographer delivering what I want to be the best image quality to my clients (magazines, advertising, etc). I had been using Hasselblad bodies for years (503CW) but since digital came around I had to switch to more affordable systems like Canon 5Ds along with a good collection of lenses. The problem is that I lost the pleasure, I never bounded with those plasticy DSLRs. I really never had no interest in using them. They are just souless effective tools to me. Again I'm coming from analog medium format in all its glory. But now that Hasselblad and Fujifilm made digital medium format photography "affordable" again with the GFX50 and the X1D, I wonder... Do I make the plunge and invest in these new systems? I really want to be thrilled to hold my camera again, just like when I was shooting analog Hasselblads or Rolleiflex. Will I find pleasure back with these? And most importantly, will it have a justification in the pro market as the way of distributing images is mostly compressed for a web use? Or should I stick to DSLRs like the latest D850? Difficult! I'm leaning towards Fujifilm though as the development of its system is impressive, as the image quality is top notch and as they make efforts to bring back an "analog feel" to the act of photographing. For me it's all about the pleasure of taking pictures now and the tool has a huge part in this.

[@3BMEP]

I feel you. Photography -- for those of us who are artists -- is not just about the final result, it's about the process, too (however we each choose to define it). I think most of us have an innate fascination and appreciation for our tools and how they work with us. Stay tuned for episode 3 - and other new kinds of things we're doing this year!

[@louisprudhomme1395]

I did that jump with the H1 12 years ago. Leaving Sinar 4x5 in studio, Hasselbad 500 and all those fantastic "mechanical" cameras. Surely, my recall of the georgous sound and feel of my Hassy is something that I miss. On the other hand, I use my H1 with a lot of pleasure since years now, and I do appreciated its cumbersome and encombrant feeling to emphazise TAKING a photograph, not a snapshot. I still have some mechanical cameras, but they are in storage for what, ... Reminences of the past I suppose. For a different act of photographing. You behave differently when your are well dress than in jeans, as so with different cameras.

[@louisprudhomme1395]

You make it very interesting. Reminds me an ad "We've come a long way baby !" My photo interest spans few decades, and no doutbs, smaller cameras have a brighter future. Aren't we all becoming videographers instead of photographers... Thank you for your concise photo history. regards, Louis

[@3BMEP]

Louis Prud'homme Thank you, Louis, for joining the conversation.

[@JamesHoover]

Wow, I really loved this history lesson. Thank you for such an entertaining video!

[@andrewward7042]

Coincidentally, I received my second X-D ii (the first was returned ). I owned a 500CM back in the late seventies and of course, loved it. The new camera is extremely quirky. It will fail to recognize the lens is attached half the time, or not be able to lock focus similarly. It is a beautiful camera however, despite it's relatively outrageous price. My take on what is medium format: if it's bigger than full frame and smaller than large format, it is medium format. Just my 2 cents worth.

[@andrewward7042]

"recently"

[@ottoburgess1555]

thanks so much for putting this on. it is a great perspective view of how we got here. i have messed in photography for 40 years.

[@3BMEP]

My pleasure!

[@basilf1]

Interesting, Thank you for the history of the camera. What I realized while listening to you, the camera is the 'in-between' the exists linking the actual subject and its reproduction. The subject's image is reduced in the camera through a lens; the recorded image is then magnified onto some medium to be viewing. Simplifying a complex topic, the closer the sensor or film size can be to the actual subject the better the reproduction will be when seen. Cameras have always been a balance between size, portability, usability, and cost; to name a few things. In general, most modern cameras capture enough detail and information during the reduction from actual subject size to the sensor that the final image is excellent. What I am thinking about medium format mirrorless camera is that it is a smaller more portable camera that has a larger sensor. Why not carry the largest sensor I can comfortably take with me?

[@3BMEP]

Basil Williams Your only limitations are your imagination, strength and budget. 👍🏻

[@hermestr2010]

Such an effort you have put into this. Subscribed

[@Newbmcgee]

It's consumer driven industry. More and more consumers are consuming consumer line of products. What majority of photography related clients are looking for isn't megapixel nor medium format. It's distinctive looks and cinematography. Look at the wedding industry. More and more are getting into cinematography. Where once medium format use to rule now sometimes sits back for few shots and the A7s and XTs get the marching orders in place of what use to be ruled by Canikon. It is being replaced by capable and yet more affordable mirorrless cameras that have video driven systems that are not crippled or cbersome for users. Long story longer, photography isn't necessarily dying persay but it is being heavily driven by consumers who are looking for dual purpose cameras. One of the main reasons why you don't see mom and dad not holding any Sony video cameras over their shoulders but their mirrorless and phones because it's easier, it's smaller and getting it to share is simple as KZbin and social media. At the end of the day I don't think medium format is quite dead but I think it's become more niche until they come up with the technology to provide 8K IBIS and phase detect. *Cough* Sony 2020. I think Sony is just wait to see where the market is going and not willing to jump into the niche market with their own MF camera body because the cash cow of the A7 is working so we'll. What is it? Every 9mo of new product? I think the medium format era is just beginning again but need the mentioned feature to bloom if not explode.

[@AlainSTO]

The GFX was really well-thought-out with a lot of its features. I would've loved if the Blad had at least the tilting viewfinder or lcd screen. They, of all people, should know that their audience would appreciate such a viewfinder. The X1D uses only UHS-I cards, so I hope it writes fast enough. And the last con for me is that there's no remote release, which Blad says they're working on. They definitely sent out an incomplete product that they still improve today (to their credit). Makes me think it will be a long time before they release an X2D which would answer the hardware needs that can't be done in a firmware update. As someone looking to make the plunge to medium format within the year, I'm conflicted. I have a lot of respect for the GFX, but I can't help but want the X1D. I think no matter what, I'll go to it and yell at myself if the X2D is released a year later.

[@3BMEP]

Alain All good points! Please keep me posted.

[@benjaminfargen]

Great history lesson..loved it!

[@ccbphoto]

Dear Hugh, After earning my master’s degree in 1985, fiction continues to be the majority of my non-work related reading. Hold that thought. For a little more than twenty years I have worked in education….[pause]…teaching World History to fifteen year olds. After listening to your erudite and articulate presentation of the history of Hasselblad cameras, I have ordered a copy of, “A History of Photography in 50 Cameras (Fifty Things That Changed the Course of History) by Michael Pritchard. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[@3BMEP]

Let me know how you like it, Craig!

[@ccbphoto]

If you want to purchase a Hasselblad for me, I'll take it! Twenty-two thousand dollars is a lot of pennies for me to save. So again, contact me in my next life after I've save enough money.

[@3BMEP]

Craig Brandau will do. ;)

[@3BMEP]

I like you, Craig - but not that much. ;)

[@jeromechiu]

Cliffhangers are fine, but... but... having to HOLD so many thoughts for so long is.... a little bit taxing....

[@3BMEP]

Jerome Chiu I hear you. Welcome to my world. :)

[@250157andyw]

It wouldn’t be so interesting & insightful if there weren’t so many thoughts to hold. At least Hugh has thoughts which are worth holding, which is itself refreshing in the KZbin world.

[@macmakka8214]

my all time favorite camera is Plaubel Makina W67, getting your E-6 sleeves back was always a joy to see Bright sharp clear images on your light box, i often think today rear screens are a nod to 6x7 Trannies you can review instantly , surely that thought crossed my mind as the ultimate option in the '80s..........amazed at hoe far we have come in 30 years. Now A7Rii & 28/2 gives me similar output with more options but less joy as the simplicity has been lost

[@3BMEP]

Mac Makka Great story, great combo, enjoyed your conclusion. Welcome to the conversation.

[@longrider9551]

Photography- A reason to go find something interesting and confirm to others you did

[@3BMEP]

Longrider ...2) a means to explore and then share what you learn/feel/think

[@duodua4130]

A means to get girls naked.

[@eandrade672]

WOW.... this is what great content is all about!!!! keep it up

[@3BMEP]

Edwin Andrade Thanks!

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

Across the years Vermeer and the Northern masters still inspire

[@3BMEP]

YES!!!

[@ookiemand]

I think the remaining MF's value is in the unique look the lenses give. The leaf shutter also is unique, although the electronic global shutter is coming.The high price will keep it exclusive. Looking forward to episode 3!

[@smalltowncamera4290]

Electronic global shutters are already in use in digital cinema cameras. Some (select few) people use Red cameras just for photography.

[@3BMEP]

Me too!

[@ekchuahstudios9066]

Nice camera, I guess I should upgrade from my 1930 Kodak Brownie box camera. I will miss my 120 film.

[@frederic_viennot]

fascinating !!!!!! thank you so much ;)

[@3BMEP]

😊🖖🏻

[@wayneroliveira5691]

What type of microphone do you use for your videos?

[@3BMEP]

Wayner Oliveira see the show notes - we always put in the gear we use. :)

[@peterzpictstube]

Good history lesson. The one rule of photography and optics is there is not amount of whiz bang that can overcome basic physics. Sensor and lens size matters. You don't see NASA building a MFT replacement for Hubble. They are building much bigger mirrors. For Medium format to thrive though the pricing gap must be narrowed some with FF or move to real 645 sized sensors.

[@3BMEP]

peterzpictstube Excellent points!

[@bisibela]

know a couple of “Sirs” across the big pond who are compelling storytellers for documentaries and you Sir, are in the same league!

[@3BMEP]

Online business 🙏🏻

[@ulfjonsson2122]

New subscriber! Love your informative videos! The future, as always, lie in smaller more capable systems. Has done so since the thirties! Regards Ulf

[@3BMEP]

Ulf Jönsson Welcome to the community!

[@dunnymonster]

I don't think medium format digital is heading towards a dead end. The value of medium format in the modern world can be hard to justify given how the majority of us view photographs. Heck I'd venture to say that for 90% of images micro four thirds will be plenty enough for most applications. No, where I see medium format heading goes beyond high end photography. With ever increasing video resolutions is an ever increasing demand for pixels, lots more pixels. Can even 35mm Full Frame digital sensors provide for a future where 16K, 32K and beyond are required. Sure computer processing will squeeze ever more juice from the orange but there will come a point where you simply can't get any more usable resolution from full frame sensors. The solution...gain more real estate, make the sensor bigger and this is where the future will head for medium format. Medium Format digital will become the full frame format of the future with 35mm relegated to that of APSC. You know why they call it medium format digital.....because one day we'll be seeing large format digital! Quite how lenses will be developed without being gargantuan in size by that point I cannot say, but be sure as the race to make film smaller ( with the introduction of 110 and the I'll fated APS systems ), digital might just go the opposite way. 😊

[@asdkant]

Let's take 16:9 proportions to simplify: 2K is ~2.4 Mpix 4K is ~9.4 Mpix 8K is ~38 Mpix 16K is ~150 Mpix 32K is ~600 Mpix 16K sounds medium format territory, even 32K is feasible with a couple of steps newer tech than what we have right now, but I don't see enough commercial applications for video sensors with that many pixels to justify it in the near future. This stuff will be *really* expensive!

[@smalltowncamera4290]

We're kind of already there. In 2015 Arri released the Alexa 65 which has a 20.3MP sensor (6560 x 3100 pixels) with a size of 54.12mm x 25.58mm to achieve native 2.11:1 It was first used for filming The Revenant.

[@longrider9551]

you should sport your old timer reading glasses when your going to read us a bedtime story papa lol ; P

[@3BMEP]

Longrider A little Alistair Cooke action?

[@bachmannmanuel1562]

I like to talk with elderly people. They have so much to tell from theyre expirience in live... and if you listen carefully, your able to learn something new... Honestly, elderly people are so wise, thats what i like about them :-D

[@3BMEP]

Bachmann Manuel Who you calling elderly? :)

[@UncleJimsBand]

ikr

[@bachmannmanuel1562]

all People elder than me (35) ;-)

[@louisprudhomme1395]

hahaha !

[@chirag4]

i am 43 so i am elderly too lol

[@SKlueglPhotographie]

Cool Video!

[@3BMEP]

Sven Klügl Thanks, Sven!

[@duodua4130]

Hasselblad shoulda stayed the V and just made it better. better build tolerances, newer lens designs etc That was a camera with class. It's the greatest, some of the lenses render beautifully, e.g. the 100 f2 is to die for. I'm tempted by the X1D but....I'm not sure. I can't help but feel it's too much of an appliance. The incoming 80mm f2 or faster might just tip me over though.

[@3BMEP]

Wungo Wingo You can use the 100/2 with an adapter!

[@duodua4130]

Thanks, I've used it on digital already and unfortunately it isn't so nice, I found it a bit disappointing. There is a lot of CA wide open and it looks a bit harsh. That design really needs an update for digital. On 6x6 film it's sublime though.

[@3BMEP]

Wungo Wingo Fascinating.

[@psionicdreams]

110 film neg (13x17mm) is half the size of the 4/3rds sensor (22x17mm). The 4/3rds sensor is roughly the same size as a half frame film neg.

[@3BMEP]

psionicdreams I believe you’ve mistaken the diagonal for the width?

[@psionicdreams]

Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions hi, sorry for the delay in replying. You seem to suggest that the 110 film frame is the same size as the 4/3rds sensor. Is this what you meant or were you referring to the aspect ratio- that both are 4 by 3?

[@3BMEP]

psionicdreams same size.

[@KingStivan]

are you ever going to tell us what the name means :> ??

[@bachmannmanuel1562]

Maybe "Hassi" goes back to their roots, Aerial Photography.... AN "Hassi" on Dji... Maybe more specialised, for reconnaissance or rescue?... Killer :-D

[@StefanSchmalhaus]

Everything went well until you butchered the German name "Rollei". LOL

[@3BMEP]

Stefan Schmalhaus Yeah, Entschuldigen Sie.

[@AhBeeDoi]

I think the money I spent for the Pentax 645D a year after its debut was too much. If I only could have waited for the GFX.

[@2-da3333]

Hello sir, thanks for the information. However, I see that you missed a 1000 year of science. The first documented camera work was done by the Arabs in 965AD by Ibn al-Haytham, you can check more information about him at his link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibn_al-Haytham. In fact the name "Camera" is created by him when he used a small dark room "named in arabic Qomra" to study light. thanks again.

[@3BMEP]

Abdul Alkaabi Thank you for contributing to the discussion!

[@hayfield43]

You really sound like you know what you're talking about.

[@MultiShawnt]

You said DJI !!!iii Thats my answer ...

[@danielemilazzo432]

It's pronounced Da-lee (Dalì). :)

[@3BMEP]

You mean accent on the second syllable? You’re right. My bad. Thanks for the reminder!

[@danielemilazzo432]

Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions Si, it’s Spanish and there’s an accent in the ì. :) thank you. Keep up the great work. And.... I wish the XD1 was the perfect camera.