I do have the three cameras in hand (X2Dii, GFX100ii and GFX100sii) as well as the X2D and GFX100S. I only received the 35-100 on Friday , minutes before I went away for the week end so I haven’t really shot with it yet. For me, the addition of this zoom is the biggest thing I wanted, for travel use. The other X2D upgrades are nice but the lens was it for me.
But to answer a few preliminary questions.
1. The EVF in the X2Dii remains unchanged so the GFX100ii still has the best EVF in any mirrorless camera. X2Dii 2nd, just. The new EVF in the GFX100Sii is a major upgrade on the original. The rear LCD on the X2D is bigger and on the mk 2 there’s a switch to disable the EVF sensor, finally, but I still prefer the three way LCD’s on the Fujis. It’s the best design for photographers.
2. I would not adapt lenses to the Hasselblad. Period. The Fuji is a vastly better option here.
3. The HB joystick is easier to operate but the Fuji has diagonal movements. A wash.
4. The HB with the 35-100 is ergonomically superior to the 45-100 on either GFX. They both feel front heavy. You also reach more for the buttons on the Fujis.
5 Hasselblad has the best menus available and Fuji possibly the worst. HB’s main failing is you can’t change the top back buttons and the dials. I would like to customise the dials for use in manual with AUTO ISO.
6. Focusing…. Has HB caught up? Well, so far (it’s VERY early days) yes and no. The X2Dii seems very much like the Fuji in single point. It also focuses in complete darkness. People detect seems about the same between them. Fuji is still noticeably better with animals. The HB does focus on the body too often in lower light. In good light it’s fine but so is the Fuji, so Fuji wins for animals. Arbitrary tracking feels about the same. Older lenses aren’t fully supported on the HB. This will be huge for some. Now I really want a XCD 80mm mk2.
7. Lenses. Fuji lenses are faster, cheaper, bigger and heavier than the nearest HB equivalent. They have aperture rings (yay!). There are more zooms and longer options. The 20-35 I feel, is slightly better than the ‘blad. I will try test the 45-100 vs 35-100 this week. Initial impressions is they’re equivalent but the blad is faster and smaller. There’s no longer zoom for the ‘blad, yet. The 35-70 is super nice to travel with and Fujis best small option although it’s slower.
Blad lenses are smaller and lighter, generally with better and more consistent ergonomics. You can pack a smaller kit with the Hasselblad than you can with the Fuji. A 28P or 75P on the X2Dii feels like a Sony in size and weight. The Fuji always feels substantial in hand even with the pancake. Blad lenses tend to have more character options whereas Fujis are more *clinical* (except the 55 and 110). Older XCD lenses are fully supported on the new body which really makes the range of lenses smaller.
8. Flash. Fuji works with everything but HB has leaf shutters. You can use ProFoto triggers and some Nikon stuff with TTL on the X system. For me HB wins easily ( I shoot manual flash mostly) but if you have a room full of Godox then Fuji wins.
9. Long exposures. The HB thumps the Fujis. Metered exposures up to an hour with no LENR required. Also fast infinity focus for Astro is awesome.
10. Colour. Hasselblad. No profiles because you don’t need them HNCS just makes beautiful files. I would like a B&W profile though. That would be awesome.
11. Workflow. HB for Lightroom shooter and Fuji for C1 shooters. HB and Phase have disliked each other for years. Never going to happen. HB does work with Adobe but their profiles are limited compared to Phocus which gives you a full colour managed workflow using HB tech. Generally I work in Lightroom and will only send special files to Phocus.
For mobile I have no idea. Phocus on iOS is great but their profiles fact there’s no Android version is a huge deduction for me. It’s just lazy plain and simply stupid. At least with Fuji I can use an app to fire the camera. I’ve tried travelling with just an iPad and hated the workarounds so I’ll be taking a MBP anyway.
For me, I’m still camp Hasselblad. The new zoom is a huge upgrade and if a 100-2xx arrives then it’s probably game over for me. As a travel and landscape photographer it ticks all my boxes. I do a lot of long exposures and I like to travel relatively light. I have no use for MF video. I prefer the ergonomics and setup of the X2Dii. The focus feels equivalent for my needs. I’ll still be using a Sony for wild life. I never adapt lenses.
For adapting the Fuji crushes the Hasselblad. Also you have more lens options. The X2Dii really only have the newer lenses available if you want all the functionality.
I suppose my main take is that the Fuji GFX100Sii makes the most sense. It’s really good at everything. The 100ii is a better camera at way more money, size and weight. You really have to love that EVF (and it can be adapted to tilt!!) to upgrade. The Fujis are wildly better for adapting lenses.
However if you have the lenses you need in the new Hasselblad lenses, and you shoot stills, it’s a way more engaging system. It’s got that X factor. The ergonomics are spectacular and the industrial design and build a re class leading. Nothing does better long exposures. For travel it’s brilliant. I’m not sure a landscape shooter can do better than the original X2D. I’d only upgrade if you shoot more generally, like travel or people.
Hopefully I’ll have some actual lens comparisons latter this week. It’s a busy one but I *needs to know*….
Gordon
Sep 07, 2025 at 04:51 PM
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