Recently, I have really been enjoying the act and experience of taking pictures, most notably with the Leica M series. I love its simplicity and the manual focus/RF style of shooting. I also shoot Canon RF, but mostly for work (mainly video) or when I need fast AF.
I have been very interested in the Hasselblad 500c line of cameras for a long time and, more recently, the 907x 100c. I’ve been looking for a new way to take pictures, a way to slow down and change my thought process around making a photograph. I was never interested in the X2D or Fuji GFX systems—beautiful cameras, but I felt I already had what they could deliver with my Leica or Canon bodies. I didn’t want a medium format camera just to have one. I don’t NEED the benefits the system provides, even though I’m always tempted by more “stuff.”
I took the plunge and purchased the 907x 100c and spent the past week with it in Oregon. Here are my thoughts:
Pros:
-Stunning camera! Just looking at it makes you want to pick it up and start shooting.
-Absolutely simple and functional menu system. I never had to search for anything. It’s so easily laid out and accessible that it makes using this camera very fun and straightforward.
-Slower shooting process. This isn’t a camera you’ll fire off thousands of images with. It requires more thought and planning—even how you carry it or move around with it.
-Beautiful images. The sensor and Hasselblad XCD lenses pair wonderfully.
-Waist-level shooting is great when shooting handheld.
-The digital back can be used with other technical cameras or Hasselblad 500c bodies, making it easy to adapt vintage lenses and enjoy a vintage experience digitally.
-Perfect for tripod use. The flip screen and simple menu system work perfectly for this.
-The new V series lens and its manual clutch design are fantastic.
Cons:
-Very expensive body and lenses (I knew this going in).
-AF is weak. It works for static subjects, but this isn’t its strong point. Additionally, there’s no continuous AF.
-It was the first camera I’ve ever picked up and had no idea how to assemble. I literally had to watch a video to figure it out.
-The lack of IBIS combined with a 100MP sensor makes handheld shooting challenging.
-A bit awkward to handle and change lenses in the field due to the form factor.
-The newer V series lenses focus past infinity, making photos in the dark hard if you can't pinpoint a focus spot. I learned this the hard way at 1 am when I got home with a bunch of night shots OOF Should have tested but didn't have time-
Overall, this camera really hits the sweet spot for me. It’s drastically different from all my other cameras, forcing me to think differently about what and how I want to shoot each day. It shifts from just having a camera with me to having the camera be the star, which is very different from how I treat my Leica gear—usually just along for the ride.
This camera will push me to go out and shoot specific scenes or scenarios I might not otherwise attempt with my Leica setup. Just go see it!
I hope this helps anyone looking into it. Please comment—good or bad—or share any thoughts on the photos or the above.
Here’s a massive photo dump from the past week. I am still learning this camera, so some of these were taken literally minutes into figuring out how to shoot with it.
A couple of questions. The images from Multnomah Falls seem to be drifting into the blue spectrum. I know the light can be tricky there and being in northern Oregon in late fall either gives you natures gray card or blinding sun, so I'm not too surprised by the cooler colors. The early evening costal images really set the mood as do the ones from Cannon Beach.
I will commend you for hand holding a 100 mp sensor. Not something for the faint of heart.
You're off to a good start and we'll be looking forward to more.
madNbad wrote:
A couple of questions. The images from Multnomah Falls seem to be drifting into the blue spectrum. I know the light can be tricky there and being in northern Oregon in late fall either gives you natures gray card or blinding sun, so I'm not too surprised by the cooler colors. The early evening costal images really set the mood as do the ones from Cannon Beach.
I will commend you for hand holding a 100 mp sensor. Not something for the faint of heart.
You're off to a good start and we'll be looking forward to more.
No Multnomah Falls - Silver Falls
100% agree- I actually meant to add white balance to my list-
In the PACNW lower light, HASSY isn't doing the best job yet on the Auto WB. I liked the blue tones so I didn't edit the WB away but next time out, I am going to bring a grey card and set to see how different the colors come out.
Not sure if it's the same as in the x2d, but on that camera one of the custom button options is infinity focus. You could maybe set that mapping in a custom profile just for astro.
Fescue wrote:
Not sure if it's the same as in the x2d, but on that camera one of the custom button options is infinity focus. You could maybe set that mapping in a custom profile just for astro.
I don't think its possible- It was 100% my fault because its obvious it focuses past infinity- I just decided to field test that on the beach at 1230am in 38 degrees
I don't think there is an option for the Auto Infinity finder- There is only one custom button and it can only be set for a few options.
I read through the manual and couldn't find it either but maybe I am missing it. Would be very nice if they had it since in pitch black, its not fun guess with the manual ring.
RustyRus wrote:
I don't think its possible- It was 100% my fault because its obvious it focuses past infinity- I just decided to field test that on the beach at 1230am in 38 degrees
I don't think there is an option for the Auto Infinity finder- There is only one custom button and it can only be set for a few options.
I read through the manual and couldn't find it either but maybe I am missing it. Would be very nice if they had it since in pitch black, its not fun guess with the manual ring.
If it's similar to back in the day, you'd need the grip to assign that function to a button. Way back when, you couldn't assign A/E Lock to a button on the 907x/CFV50c II.. I bought the grip to do just that.
I spent quite a bit of time with the CFV50c II back, even had a 500c and some lenses I used it with. It was fun, but the price for it, when looked at in the context of the functional gaps, just got to me eventually. I moved to the X1DII, then eventually the X2D.. Originally the X2D didn't even have a live view histogram (I believe since introduced in firmware updates) and the process repeated itself.
I went back to Leica M/Q and the Fuji GFX system and mostly Pentax 645 glass for when the MF itch strikes.
907x setup is a lot of fun though, and you're right about the XCD V lenses, awesome design to them and brilliant IQ.
RoamingScott wrote:
That's one dirty sensor for a new camera
RustyRus wrote:
Add's to the scene- Thanks for taking time to stop by!
Dude, in the first few weeks, my new M11-D sensor got oil splat spots from the shutter mech – or maybe my cat sneezed into it while I was changing lenses, IDK. Just wet cleaned it to perfection yesterday. Hopefully the shutter is done pi$$ing on my sensor now Adding the wet cleaning solution and a few wands to my kit from now on (and ExpoDisc for checking for spots). Dust has never been a problem with the M11 for me – just blows right off. But those dang big oil spots will show at f/5.6.
RustyRus wrote:
Recently, I have really been enjoying the act and experience of taking pictures, most notably with the Leica M series. I love its simplicity and the manual focus/RF style of shooting. I also shoot Canon RF, but mostly for work (mainly video) or when I need fast AF.
I have been very interested in the Hasselblad 500c line of cameras for a long time and, more recently, the 907x 100c. I’ve been looking for a new way to take pictures, a way to slow down and change my thought process around making a photograph. I was never interested in the X2D or Fuji GFX systems—beautiful cameras, but I felt I already had what they could deliver with my Leica or Canon bodies. I didn’t want a medium format camera just to have one. I don’t NEED the benefits the system provides, even though I’m always tempted by more “stuff.”
I took the plunge and purchased the 907x 100c and spent the past week with it in Oregon. Here are my thoughts:
Pros:
-Stunning camera! Just looking at it makes you want to pick it up and start shooting.
-Absolutely simple and functional menu system. I never had to search for anything. It’s so easily laid out and accessible that it makes using this camera very fun and straightforward.
-Slower shooting process. This isn’t a camera you’ll fire off thousands of images with. It requires more thought and planning—even how you carry it or move around with it.
-Beautiful images. The sensor and Hasselblad XCD lenses pair wonderfully.
-Waist-level shooting is great when shooting handheld.
-The digital back can be used with other technical cameras or Hasselblad 500c bodies, making it easy to adapt vintage lenses and enjoy a vintage experience digitally.
-Perfect for tripod use. The flip screen and simple menu system work perfectly for this.
-The new V series lens and its manual clutch design are fantastic.
Cons:
-Very expensive body and lenses (I knew this going in).
-AF is weak. It works for static subjects, but this isn’t its strong point. Additionally, there’s no continuous AF.
-It was the first camera I’ve ever picked up and had no idea how to assemble. I literally had to watch a video to figure it out.
-The lack of IBIS combined with a 100MP sensor makes handheld shooting challenging.
-A bit awkward to handle and change lenses in the field due to the form factor.
-The newer V series lenses focus past infinity, making photos in the dark hard if you can't pinpoint a focus spot. I learned this the hard way at 1 am when I got home with a bunch of night shots OOF Should have tested but didn't have time-
Overall, this camera really hits the sweet spot for me. It’s drastically different from all my other cameras, forcing me to think differently about what and how I want to shoot each day. It shifts from just having a camera with me to having the camera be the star, which is very different from how I treat my Leica gear—usually just along for the ride.
This camera will push me to go out and shoot specific scenes or scenarios I might not otherwise attempt with my Leica setup. Just go see it!
I hope this helps anyone looking into it. Please comment—good or bad—or share any thoughts on the photos or the above.
Here’s a massive photo dump from the past week. I am still learning this camera, so some of these were taken literally minutes into figuring out how to shoot with it.
Almost got the 907x 100c instead of the M11-D. The tilt screen not tilting vertically kept me away. I want a square sensor and a square rear screen. 40x40 cut down from the sensor used in the Phase Ones.
Dude, in the first few weeks, my new M11-D sensor got oil splat spots from the shutter mech – or maybe my cat sneezed into it while I was changing lenses, IDK. Just wet cleaned it to perfection yesterday. Hopefully the shutter is done pi$$ing on my sensor now Adding the wet cleaning solution and a few wands to my kit from now on (and ExpoDisc for checking for spots). Dust has never been a problem with the M11 for me – just blows right off. But those dang big oil spots will show at f/5.6.
Yea the sensor just needed to be blown- Had it on the Oregon coast changing lenses- Easy to fix in post if you want but spots don't bother me if posting online- Printing is another issue
I don't pay much attention to what that dude has to say- He is on the Nikon board fishing for input on his youtube videos- His shit attitude makes me ignore it all- He just loves to troll
BrandonSi wrote:
If it's similar to back in the day, you'd need the grip to assign that function to a button. Way back when, you couldn't assign A/E Lock to a button on the 907x/CFV50c II.. I bought the grip to do just that.
I spent quite a bit of time with the CFV50c II back, even had a 500c and some lenses I used it with. It was fun, but the price for it, when looked at in the context of the functional gaps, just got to me eventually. I moved to the X1DII, then eventually the X2D.. Originally the X2D didn't even have a live view histogram (I believe since introduced in firmware updates) and the process repeated itself.
I went back to Leica M/Q and the Fuji GFX system and mostly Pentax 645 glass for when the MF itch strikes.
907x setup is a lot of fun though, and you're right about the XCD V lenses, awesome design to them and brilliant IQ....Show more →
Yea I don't really want the grip- I enjoy the oddities of the square style body. Just such a fun experience so far. I will probably just mark my lenses at true infinity so I can look at that visually when out at night if necessary.
If you’re looking for a place to test it out, the National Neon Museum in The Dalles might be one. The Carousel Museum in Albany has some interesting stuff, too.
Started with the 907 w 50mp, and while stunning images, the haptics were just a bit too much. Somehow careful composition and the waist level screen, couldn't find the sweet spot.
Shifted to X2D and really enjoy the camera. Biggest complaint is the sheer excellence - it makes very good images out of moderate quality. It's not a joke - the darn thing has such headroom, it isn't easy to figure out how to use it well. This can be easily misunderstood - but with an M (for example) you know the boundaries, and work with them. X2D , with its IBIS, cropping factors, really nice color and BW, it's like supercharged. It will take some time.
There is a subtle experience change depending on the lenses. The older 30 and 65 are sublime, but a bit big; 28 and 45 are modest in size, but the 28 picks up a wee bit of distortion, the 45 is a bit slow to focus; but the quality is there regardless. The lens choice matters. Haven't tried anything long with it.
RustyRus wrote:
Yea the sensor just needed to be blown- Had it on the Oregon coast changing lenses- Easy to fix in post if you want but spots don't bother me if posting online- Printing is another issue
I don't pay much attention to what that dude has to say- He is on the Nikon board fishing for input on his youtube videos- His shit attitude makes me ignore it all- He just loves to troll
I do wish Leica would bring back the dust detection.. Maybe M12..
I've found the Arctic Butterfly to be a really happy medium between a rocket blower and wet cleaning. It's not going to do much against oil, but it does take care of most of the stubborn dust and lets me avoid wet cleaning in all but the worst scenarios.
And agreed. There is an "hide me" button on the forums... I'll leave it at that.
Love the pictures esp the silhouettes of the guy with the dog on the beach!
I would enjoy some of them even more if they were less heavily edited though (or in a more natural style). Esp some of the local adjustments are a bit much for me - looks like the backlit rocks are bleeding darkness
But as I said, love the images, so hope you don’t mind the editing critique
Should have tested but didn't have time- 
