p.15 #1 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
For those who already own or have used the SL3 with APO lenses, what made you switch to or also buy the X2D II? Setting aside differences in functions or handling, do you feel there’s a big difference in the images themselves?
Personally, I feel the main strength of the X2D is that even when zoomed in, the clarity is still stunning (great for cropping). As for color, I think both systems have their own character, and it really comes down to personal preference. On the other hand, I find that Leica images, especially with certain lenses, tend to “pop” more with a stronger 3D look. The X2D also has some of that quality, but compared to Leica, it feels a bit less pronounced.
p.15 #2 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
I've recently received the X2D2 and am deciding what to do - keep it or my sl3. The colors and the way the images look on the Hasselblad are just so natural, best way I can describe it. They definitely don't have the POP that the APO or summilux 50 images have on the Leica, but they just look more like what my eye sees when taking the photo, but prettier. Not sure if that makes sense. I find the Leica to be faster, but something about the pure simplicity of the X2S2 is really drawing me in. I like that it is only about photography and the IBIS and DR are just incredible. So much detail in images that I just don't get with the Leica. I'm having a tough time deciding.
sean dennis wrote:
For those who already own or have used the SL3 with APO lenses, what made you switch to or also buy the X2D II? Setting aside differences in functions or handling, do you feel there’s a big difference in the images themselves?
Personally, I feel the main strength of the X2D is that even when zoomed in, the clarity is still stunning (great for cropping). As for color, I think both systems have their own character, and it really comes down to personal preference. On the other hand, I find that Leica images, especially with certain lenses, tend to “pop” more with a stronger 3D look. The X2D also has some of that quality, but compared to Leica, it feels a bit less pronounced....Show more →
p.15 #3 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
sean dennis wrote:
For those who already own or have used the SL3 with APO lenses, what made you switch to or also buy the X2D II? Setting aside differences in functions or handling, do you feel there’s a big difference in the images themselves?
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Personally. I have owned Hasselblad since the 1970's. I own 4 film cameras and many CF and Superachromatic lenses. Just as with Leica it gives me satisfaction in using older lenses on modern cameras which perhaps yield a more classic file.
Leica pi**ed me off with their greedy price hike on the M11 battery. Of course then they realized they over did it (with greed) and then reduced the price a bit, but still why charge over double the price of the same battery in Europe? Tariffs aside it did not justify such price actions when they have been bragging for many years now about how they are realizing enormous and record breaking profits year after year. What they couldn't eat just a little bit just until things settled down? Guess not.
Then while I am contemplating all the above and with Leica to announce a new EVF M (I currently own 4 M11), Hasselblad announces a reduced price on a European Handcrafted 44x33 mirrorless camera. That did it. If Hasselblad amid all the tariff issues can reduce their US prices then I am ALL IN with Hasselblad. I say good for them and Leica can pound sand since this new Hasselblad camera costs less than a new SL3. I can afford the new M11-V, but now have decided Leica lost my long standing sympathetic trust and devotion to their brand even though I own the SL3 and SL3S, the Q28 and Q43 plus 2xM6, M3, a 1931 1C and the Series O camera with over 50 M lenses and 15 L mount lenses plus many Leica R lenses.
After receiving the new X2DII I realized with battery (X2DII @3200 mAh versus SL32200 mAh) and all memory cards in place (the X2DII has a 1TB internal memory and also takes a CFe card, the X2DII is slightly lighter than the SL3.
I own 5 APO SL lenses and yes they are super at over $5k each and they should be. That said the $3600 to $4k Hasselblad 25V, 38V, 55V and 90V lenses are every bit as good IMHO. In fact what matters most to me is what you do with your final images. On line who cares since all images are shown at 72dpi, but I print my favorite captures and differences become more evident during that process. I mostly print either 13x19 or 17x22, but occasionally will print huge like 44x60 even with stitched M240 files. So of course the Hasselblad tweaked 44x33 files using HNCS are superb for printing.
In Manual Mode the focus AF-D button focuses just as fast as the joystick does on the SL3 for manual focus endeavors. To me right now the only limiting factor is the number of lenses available for the AF side of the Hasselblad lineup. I also own the super 135/2.8 which comes with 1.7x, but still I often urn for longer glass. To satisfy that need, I use my older long glass with the X-V adapter, such as the CF150, CF180, CF250, CF350, CF500 (or 140-280 Schneider lens) and SA250 and SA350+APO 1.4x. No shortage of choices. I also have been experimenting with a few superb Leica R lenses via adapter on the X2DII and they are exquisite. Some are small (APO Elmarit 180/2.8) and others are big like the R105-280, but they perform.
Sorry this got so very long, but wanted you to know without a doubt my reasoning for the choices I just made.
p.15 #4 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
sean dennis wrote:
For those who already own or have used the SL3 with APO lenses, what made you switch to or also buy the X2D II? Setting aside differences in functions or handling, do you feel there’s a big difference in the images themselves?
Personally, I feel the main strength of the X2D is that even when zoomed in, the clarity is still stunning (great for cropping). As for color, I think both systems have their own character, and it really comes down to personal preference. On the other hand, I find that Leica images, especially with certain lenses, tend to “pop” more with a stronger 3D look. The X2D also has some of that quality, but compared to Leica, it feels a bit less pronounced....Show more →
Not an SL3 owner but an original SL owner. Both systems deliver excellent image quality. For me it boils down to 2 things: trust and greed.
Leica lost my trust with the Leica APS-C (CL and TL2) and the Leica S debacles. They hardly acknowledged that the systems were discontinued, offered no solution moving forward and just abandoned their loyal customers as far as I am concerned. Personally I feel a lot more commitment from Hasselblad to the X2Dii than from Leica to the SL system. Hasselblad also better listens to its customers in my opinion.
And then greed. Prices especially for an M are insane nowadays. I love the rangefinder experience. I learned to shoot on a rangefinder but $10K for a rangefinder is just insane in my opinion. I don't see this changing as long as the Blackstone Group has a 45% share.
I should also add that I already shot Hasselblad H before Leica.
p.15 #5 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
Since the Hasselblad X system is lacking in long lenses, I now have many more images using telephoto lenses (R180+APO2x;SA250;SA350:SA350+APO1.4x) on the X2DII, but no one yet seems interested in long glass.
p.15 #6 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
A lot of Leica bashing is going on here, a forum for Leica and other unnamed brands .
Yes, Leicas are expensive, especially the manually assembled cameras and lenses. But there is nothing like an M11 with the M lenses of varying character. The optical viewfinder of the M series allows you to see the scene with your own eyes, rather than relying on a mediocre digital representation (which, in my opinion, covers all available EVFs). The size and form are unique, and it has been tuned as a photographic tool for many years.
I hope that I will never have to choose between Hasselblads and Leicas, though I will carry only one system on my trips.
p.15 #7 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
SrMi wrote:
A lot of Leica bashing is going on here, a forum for Leica and other unnamed brands .
Yes, Leicas are expensive, especially the manually assembled cameras and lenses. But there is nothing like an M11 with the M lenses of varying character. The optical viewfinder of the M series allows you to see the scene with your own eyes, rather than relying on a mediocre digital representation (which, in my opinion, covers all available EVFs). The size and form are unique, and it has been tuned as a photographic tool for many years.
I hope that I will never have to choose between Hasselblads and Leicas, though I will carry only one system on my trips....Show more →
Competition is good for consumers, but the X2Dii doesn’t (for me) compete with any ‘M’ camera. The original X2D was, for me, a better choice than the SL cameras. The new X2Dii has me considering the sale of most of my Sony lenses and relegating my A7CR to pixel shift copy stand work and vacation camera for my wife. The less capable CAF of the new Hasselblad is sufficient for my needs. My M11M remains my favorite camera and as of the last couple of months, enjoying my ‘M’ film cameras, which feel as heavy as the X2Dii/38mm v lens combination.
p.15 #8 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
SlowDriver wrote:
Not an SL3 owner but an original SL owner. Both systems deliver excellent image quality. For me it boils down to 2 things: trust and greed.
Leica lost my trust with the Leica APS-C (CL and TL2) and the Leica S debacles. They hardly acknowledged that the systems were discontinued, offered no solution moving forward and just abandoned their loyal customers as far as I am concerned. Personally I feel a lot more commitment from Hasselblad to the X2Dii than from Leica to the SL system. Hasselblad also better listens to its customers in my opinion.
And then greed. Prices especially for an M are insane nowadays. I love the rangefinder experience. I learned to shoot on a rangefinder but $10K for a rangefinder is just insane in my opinion. I don't see this changing as long as the Blackstone Group has a 45% share.
I should also add that I already shot Hasselblad H before Leica. ...Show more →
Hasseblad and Leica are both Luxury systems- They are both insanely expensive once you factor in lenses etc. There is no getting around that.
10K plus 5K for a 50 Summilux brand new is ridiculous-
7.2K plus 4.5K for a slow normal Zoom is ridiculous-
Then when you start looking at all the things both systems CAN'T do vs what they can, the math equation is even more ridiculous.
You don't need either of these systems anymore and there are much better ways to spend your money. I own these systems because I value what they bring to the table for me but I recognize they are both WAY overpriced and 100% not needed-
p.15 #9 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
bwcolor wrote:
Competition is good for consumers, but the X2Dii doesn’t (for me) compete with any ‘M’ camera. The original X2D was, for me, a better choice than the SL cameras. The new X2Dii has me considering the sale of most of my Sony lenses and relegating my A7CR to pixel shift copy stand work and vacation camera for my wife. The less capable CAF of the new Hasselblad is sufficient for my needs. My M11M remains my favorite camera and as of the last couple of months, enjoying my ‘M’ film cameras, which feel as heavy as the X2Dii/38mm v lens combination....Show more →
Yes, they feel similar in weight, but the M system is much smaller. It is less conspicuous to travel with a smaller system. If M adds IBIS, I would be hard-pressed to travel with anything else, unless I need AF.
p.15 #10 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
RustyRus wrote:
Hasseblad and Leica are both Luxury systems- They are both insanely expensive once you factor in lenses etc. There is no getting around that.
10K plus 5K for a 50 Summilux brand new is ridiculous-
7.2K plus 4.5K for a slow normal Zoom is ridiculous-
Then when you start looking at all the things both systems CAN'T do vs what they can, the math equation is even more ridiculous.
You don't need either of these systems anymore and there are much better ways to spend your money. I own these systems because I value what they bring to the table for me but I recognize they are both WAY overpriced and 100% not needed- ...Show more →
If you can afford it, the joy of using a Hasselblad or a Leica system, compared to others, is priceless.
p.15 #11 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
I can't afford to keep both systems, unfortunately, but the X2D2 really is a joy to carry around - feels quite a bit less taxing than the SL3 to the point where I think it's light enough to travel with. 55V is coming tomorrow and will put it through the laces, but I'm leaning towards keeping the Hasselblad and having it coupled with my Fuji X mount kit. The colors straight out of camera are like having a point and shoot, it's bonkers. This is coming from a naysayer that had never shot one.
p.15 #12 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
In my experience, the diversity of equipment reduces the quality of the photos. Unless you are a professional, one travel camera and a few lenses are usually enough. And I still can't get over the lack of individuality of the new Hasselblad lenses. It annoys me and I often go back to the M lenses with the M9 or M11, where I like to use them. Especially the old M lenses or the characteristic ones like the Noctilux 0.95 and 1.0. Damn, such a great camera, but I don't like new Hasselblad lenses.
p.15 #13 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
sean dennis wrote:
For those who already own or have used the SL3 with APO lenses, what made you switch to or also buy the X2D II? Setting aside differences in functions or handling, do you feel there’s a big difference in the images themselves?
Personally, I feel the main strength of the X2D is that even when zoomed in, the clarity is still stunning (great for cropping). As for color, I think both systems have their own character, and it really comes down to personal preference. On the other hand, I find that Leica images, especially with certain lenses, tend to “pop” more with a stronger 3D look. The X2D also has some of that quality, but compared to Leica, it feels a bit less pronounced....Show more →
I have and use both. X2D when I can but the SL3 has longer and wider and faster glass, which can be useful. The main problem with the SL3 is Sony’s introduction of the 28-70 and 50-150. They really are spectacular and make the larger Leica glass hard to justify. I don’t like the camera as much but am also constantly annoyed by Leica’s lack of EFCS.
But now with the X2D2 I can shoot 90% of what I need with two lenses and a 100-xxx will only increase that.
p.15 #14 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
flash wrote:
The main problem with the SL3 is Sony’s introduction of the 28-70 and 50-150. They really are spectacular and make the larger Leica glass hard to justify.
A bit off topic, but how does the Sony 28-70 f2 compare to the Canon 28-70 f2?
p.15 #15 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
flash wrote:
I have and use both. X2D when I can but the SL3 has longer and wider and faster glass, which can be useful. The main problem with the SL3 is Sony’s introduction of the 28-70 and 50-150. They really are spectacular and make the larger Leica glass hard to justify. I don’t like the camera as much but am also constantly annoyed by Leica’s lack of EFCS.
But now with the X2D2 I can shoot 90% of what I need with two lenses and a 100-xxx will only increase that.
Gordon
I would go for zoom lenses too, BUT I will not accept a 86mm filter sized lens in the 35-100 FL range. I would rather carry only the 38V and 90V even though I also have the 25V and 55V. I just hope they use a 77mm filter size on a longer say 100-250 sized zoom lens. Then all fits well with my 135/2.8 with 77mm filter size. Though I am afraid since they now offer an 86mm filter, it will be assumed that size is OK with all of us.
Frankly since AF is seldom needed for long landscape work if HB goes the large diameter AF telephoto route, I will just stick with my SA250 and SA350 lenses, the latter which nicely accepts the APO1.4x teleconverter.
p.15 #16 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
SlowDriver wrote:
A bit off topic, but how does the Sony 28-70 f2 compare to the Canon 28-70 f2?
Better in every way. Even if it were merely as good it’s 400g lighter. They even up around 5.6 in the centre but at the wider apertures the Sony excels across almost the entire frame where the Canon corners aren’t usable for a long time. The Canon is never quite as sharp as the Sony. I do ever so slightly prefer how the Canon draws its background wide open but that’s it.
p.15 #17 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
stgrove wrote:
I would go for zoom lenses too, BUT I will not accept a 86mm filter sized lens in the 35-100 FL range. I would rather carry only the 38V and 90V even though I also have the 25V and 55V. I just hope they use a 77mm filter size on a longer say 100-250 sized zoom lens. Then all fits well with my 135/2.8 with 77mm filter size. Though I am afraid since they now offer an 86mm filter, it will be assumed that size is OK with all of us.
Frankly since AF is seldom needed for long landscape work if HB goes the large diameter AF telephoto route, I will just stick with my SA250 and SA350 lenses, the latter which nicely accepts the APO1.4x teleconverter....Show more →
I understand this. It’s a big big filter. But likely I’ll get a set of Kase magnetic anyway and a step up ring for the 20-35 (its hood is just awful anyway) and be done with it. For a travel carry it’s replacing 4-5 lenses for me so a bigger filter isn’t an issue. Likely I’ll have a 20-35 on my Earth Explorer (until the AFC thing is decided) and my beloved 55V as my lower light standard lens. I’ll take the 135/C but don’t need to carry it every day.
For landscapes you could use the original 35-75 (77mm). Initial feelings after no real side by side testing is the original is slightly better across the frame than the newer lens, especially at wider apertures. It’s a bit heavier but likely the better landscape choice than even the V lenses except the 90mm. You could add a 28mm and a 135/TC to the 35-75. The old zoom is still lighter than a 38, 55, 75P carry.
For pure landscape shooter the X2D2 and 35-100 do not seem like an upgrade. For travel daily and studio shooters they are.
p.15 #18 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
flash wrote:
I understand this. It’s a big big filter. But likely I’ll get a set of Kase magnetic anyway and a step up ring for the 20-35 (its hood is just awful anyway) and be done with it. For a travel carry it’s replacing 4-5 lenses for me so a bigger filter isn’t an issue. Likely I’ll have a 20-35 on my Earth Explorer (until the AFC thing is decided) and my beloved 55V as my lower light standard lens. I’ll take the 135/C but don’t need to carry it every day.
For landscapes you could use the original 35-75 (77mm). Initial feelings after no real side by side testing is the original is slightly better across the frame than the newer lens, especially at wider apertures. It’s a bit heavier but likely the better landscape choice than even the V lenses except the 90mm. You could add a 28mm and a 135/TC to the 35-75. The old zoom is still lighter than a 38, 55, 75P carry.
For pure landscape shooter the X2D2 and 35-100 do not seem like an upgrade. For travel daily and studio shooters they are.
I understand all your points all too well, but for me the X2DII in not an upgrade, but a companion to my 907X/100C so that I have a backup camera for either so to speak. When at all possible I shoot a high SS with ES so wind is not a factor. Of course I cannot always make it work, but no show stopper yet.
Sold my GFX100SII even before the X2DII was on the horizon. I got the 907X/100C, loved it and that was it-sell the Fuji and most lenses. Still deciding on the 50SII as I love the non-BSI sensor in it.
Soon will decide if I want to keep my SL3 and SL3S and many lenses. Might just keep zooms and rid myself of 3 APO primes ever since I got the 24-90. Will keep the APO 21 though, that is, if I stay with the system.
p.15 #19 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
flash wrote:
I understand this. It’s a big big filter. But likely I’ll get a set of Kase magnetic anyway and a step up ring for the 20-35 (its hood is just awful anyway) and be done with it. For a travel carry it’s replacing 4-5 lenses for me so a bigger filter isn’t an issue. Likely I’ll have a 20-35 on my Earth Explorer (until the AFC thing is decided) and my beloved 55V as my lower light standard lens. I’ll take the 135/C but don’t need to carry it every day.
For landscapes you could use the original 35-75 (77mm). Initial feelings after no real side by side testing is the original is slightly better across the frame than the newer lens, especially at wider apertures. It’s a bit heavier but likely the better landscape choice than even the V lenses except the 90mm. You could add a 28mm and a 135/TC to the 35-75. The old zoom is still lighter than a 38, 55, 75P carry.
For pure landscape shooter the X2D2 and 35-100 do not seem like an upgrade. For travel daily and studio shooters they are.
I rented a 35-75 from lens rentals and it was out of whack, so I did not get to experience it as many praise. Then I saw one for sale, guy was local, tried it out and right then and there on the spot, that one was out of whack in a different way. I also felt like if there was a lens they were going to upgrade it would be that one and the long end was a bit short so I gave up on it.
The 35-100 samples I have seen so far look excellent, both the 38 and 55 settings are a lot better in the corners than the 38V and 55V and I have ones that are perfectly centered (that took 2 years and 3 copies of each!).
The 35-100 is a no brainer landscape lens for my Hasselblad setup, I have already sold my 65XCD and will sell my 45P, will probably hold on to my 75P as when I use my 100CFi with a tilt-shift adapter, the 28P, 38V, 75P combo is a nice spread of glass.
I’m not in love with yet another filter size to deal with but I get the reasoning behind it so I already ordered a UV, 10 stop and a X100 adapter ring for my Breakthrough grad kit.
The X2D2 and 35-100 weigh about the same as a Nikon Z8 with the current 24-70 2.8, not bad really for a super productive kit. I look forward to getting the lens soon.
p.15 #20 · Official: Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera announced!
jourdan.merritt wrote:
I've recently received the X2D2 and am deciding what to do - keep it or my sl3. The colors and the way the images look on the Hasselblad are just so natural, best way I can describe it. They definitely don't have the POP that the APO or summilux 50 images have on the Leica, but they just look more like what my eye sees when taking the photo, but prettier. Not sure if that makes sense. I find the Leica to be faster, but something about the pure simplicity of the X2S2 is really drawing me in. I like that it is only about photography and the IBIS and DR are just incredible. So much detail in images that I just don't get with the Leica. I'm having a tough time deciding.
Oh no, now you’ve made me want to try the X2D II even more 😅. I feel the same way as you on many points – more detail in the files, better IBIS and dynamic range. As for the famous “natural colors,” I’d say it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. Sometimes the true-to-life tones aren’t exactly the colors you want, especially with sunrises and sunsets where you might actually prefer something more vivid and saturated.
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