My only experience with medium format is the use of the X2D and X2D2. Others, who have Fuji and Hasselblad will provide a better comparison, but here is why I chose to go with Hasselblad and a few other things.
First, the color science argument only applies when you first import files into Phocus Mobile, or Phocus Desktop and then export to Lightroom.
Second, the reason that people move to the newer ‘V’ lenses is smaller size/weight, ergonomics design and for many, the ability to use continuous autofocus. Also, the 20-35mm and 35-100mm duplicate the zoom range many are use to in FF. The longer zoom is very fast and has quite good optics. I can’t compare it to Fujifilm. I’ve seen others comment that the Fuji 20-35 equivalent zoom is a bit better optically, but the HB zoom works for me.
Two important aspects for me are the better than Leica menu system and the amazing IBIS. When you occasionally connect Phocus Mobile to the X2D2 IBIS system, the internal IBIS calculations factor in the spin of the earth and further refines stablization..or at least that is the claim. In real life, the newer ‘V’ lenses and f/2.5 maximum aperture, combined with the large sensor make this combination great for hand held low light performance.
For my hands, the X2D(2) is the most comfortable camera in hand that I have used and the X2D2 is the more responsive camera when compared to the X2D. Also, the addition of a joystick is a welcome improvement with the introduction of the X2D2.
The last argument for medium format vs FF is the ability to crop. I have a 24”x36” print on the wall from 1/3 of the original image. The image is completely sharp when viewing from about one foot, which, of course, is not the usual viewing distance. I didn’t just forget about framing the shot, but rather it was a split second opportunity with a fixed 38v lens. So, it was press the shutter now, or no shot. If you are shooting landscape from a tripod and you nail the shot every time then this advantage is, obviously, irrelevant.
My only experience with medium format is the use of the X2D and X2D2. Others, who have Fuji and Hasselblad will provide a better comparison, but here is why I chose to go with Hasselblad and a few other things.
First, the color science argument only applies when you first import files into Phocus Mobile, or Phocus Desktop and then export to Lightroom.
Second, the reason that people move to the newer ‘V’ lenses is smaller size/weight, ergonomics design and for many, the ability to use continuous autofocus. Also, the 20-35mm and 35-100mm duplicate the zoom range many are use to in FF. The longer zoom is very fast and has quite good optics. I can’t compare it to Fujifilm. I’ve seen others comment that the Fuji 20-35 equivalent zoom is a bit better optically, but the HB zoom works for me.
Two important aspects for me are the better than Leica menu system and the amazing IBIS. When you occasionally connect Phocus Mobile to the X2D2 IBIS system, the internal IBIS calculations factor in the spin of the earth and further refines stablization..or at least that is the claim. In real life, the newer ‘V’ lenses and f/2.5 maximum aperture, combined with the large sensor make this combination great for hand held low light performance.
For my hands, the X2D(2) is the most comfortable camera in hand that I have used and the X2D2 is the more responsive camera when compared to the X2D.
The last argument for medium format vs FF is the ability to crop. I have a 24”x36” print on the wall from 1/3 of the original image. The image is completely sharp when viewing from about one foot, which, of course, is not the usual viewing distance. I didn’t just forget about framing the shot, but rather it was a split second opportunity with a fixed 38v lens. So, it was press the shutter now, or no shot. If you are shooting landscape from a tripod and you nail the shot every time then this advantage is, obviously, irrelevant.
Jul 20, 2026 at 09:08 AM
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