Leica SL or Hasselblad X1D

[Xenia]

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I had a look at your gallery, and find that you have a special view, different from the mainstream. I like that very much.

At the same time I am quite sure, that many of these pictures could not be taken with a X1D (certainly not with the current two lenses).

 

Hi again and thank you for having a look at my little gallery!

 

You are absolutely right, these pictures were all but one taken with either SWC/M or 500/553ELX and 135mm Macro with variable extender or bellows (the treefrogg). I used the 135mm actually as an allround lens and as far as I can tell it worked. And by the way, the SWC is mirrorless and the most wonderful tool. Fixed on a tripod it even does close-ups at 30cm. Only one has to work with a slow down groundglass. (I try to post an example.)

 

To achieve some of the 6x6 look, I need 50MP. I have always been in love with the square format composed right in the very capable optical viewfinder. Later on I discovered panorama with the Hasselblad XPan, a tool that suits me very well too, mostly for landscapes. The last fifteen years - off and on - I have spent on a project which should come to a closure now if it were not for the size of the prints. Oh well, maybe I should find another gallery or spend the rest of my life sitting on a bench feeding ducks )

 

I find the X1D attractive because of the promise to enable both square and pano format in the viewfinder. Both formats shall be recognized in Phocus and Photoshop. If that works in reality, then maybe that is the way to go digitally, with usable AF and an EFV from time to time. My eyes have given me trouble for some years now. But don't worry, I'll watch and see.....

 

Greetings,

Xenia

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[Xenia]

Closeup with SWC anybody?

 

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[steppenw0lf]

I like cacti very much, how did you know ? And they are often great in square format - especially their big blossoms.

 

X1D as a follow-on to the SWC is a good idea - about the same size, but easier to focus with EVF, especially for macro.

I must confess that up until now I have never regarded the SWC as a universal camera (only with biogon). And never thought about using it for macro.  

Edited October 25, 2016 by steppenw0lf

[Xenia]

I like cacti very much, how did you know ? And they are often great in square format - especially the big blossoms.

 

Cacti and succulents are my favorites too - they are beautiful and survive my sometimes extensive travels

[Xenia]

I like cacti very much, how did you know ? And they are often great in square format - especially their big blossoms.

 

X1D as a follow-on to the SWC is a good idea - about the same size, but easier to focus with EVF, especially for macro.

I must confess that up until now I have never regarded the SWC as a universal camera (only with biogon). And never thought about using it for macro.  

The SWC has a learning curve, but once discovered its ability, it is a gem. I have used mine widely with and without tripod and some of my very best photos are taken with it. It even got me a 'Photographer of the Year' award once...

[EoinC]

Cacti and succulents are my favorites too - they are beautiful and survive my sometimes extensive travels

Head over to the "I like film..." thread, Xenia. There's been something of a cactii frenzy over there recently.

[EoinC]

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...You find some of my travelpics on xen.photoshelter.com, all in colour of course, because b&w didn't sell other then to artmagazines...

Some wonderful shots there, Xenia - Thankyou.

[Jeff S]

I was told by Hasselblad that there definitely will be 5 new lenses to come next year on top of the three we already know about, so definitely 8. Sorry I forgot to mention it.

 

Whether they'll actually be available to buy within the target timescale is probably less certain.

 

Yes, the CEO said 8 lenses (3 + 5 new ones TBA), but 7 definitely by end of 2017; he wasn't willing to commit to the 8th one in that time frame.  You can watch the recent interview on LuLa.  The next interview (Part 3) will be the product manager detailing the X1D.

 

Jeff

[steppenw0lf]

Head over to the "I like film..." thread, Xenia. There's been something of a cactii frenzy over there recently.

 

Can you add a link ? I found the forum but no cacti. And I gave up, not enough fun to scan through 1150 pages.

[Jeff S]

Can you add a link ? I found the forum but no cacti. And I gave up, not enough fun to scan through 1150 pages.

 

Search box is your friend...  http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/205842-i-like-filmopen-thread/?p=3124974

 

Jeff

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Yes, the CEO said 8 lenses (3 + 5 new ones TBA), but 7 definitely by end of 2017; he wasn't willing to commit to the 8th one in that time frame.  You can watch the recent interview on LuLa.  The next interview (Part 3) will be the product manager detailing the X1D.

 

Jeff

 

He also originally said cameras in October.

 

It might be a bit optimistic to stick to a release schedule of 7 lenses in 14 months. But it's nice to know they have a roadmap.

 

Now I just need to see it so I can determine if they're the *right* 7 lenses for me.

 

Gordon

[Jeff S]

He also originally said cameras in October.

 

 

 

Yep, and then too many customers lined up.  They had to rework their production process.  The CEO owned up to the unexpected, but nice to have, glitch.  

 

One would think that they would adjust their lens roadmap accordingly, and maybe why he wouldn't commit to the timing on the 8th lens that's in queue.  We'll know better when the actual roadmap is put in writing, not until Q1 or Q2, he says.

 

Don't you wish Leica would offer such communications?  We can't even find out the cause of AF problems affecting $4,500-$11,000 S lenses, let alone a roadmap for a fix.

 

Jeff

Edited October 25, 2016 by Jeff S

[sheikhrafiq79]

i am also still confuced, about both system , which one is suitable for me. i mostly make enlrgement 20x30 inches, so i wanna know about image quality. for both system.

[Jeff S]

i am also still confuced, about both system , which one is suitable for me. i mostly make enlrgement 20x30 inches, so i wanna know about image quality. for both system.

 

Easy enough to determine....try printing with both.

 

Jeff

[cataar]

As a long time M user, I've found the X1D to be the closest feeling camera to one of anything else I've used. The dimensions, the relative simplicity, the materials, it really does feel like an M with a better grip. I've used the X1D for 24 hours at a time (loan from Hasselblad) with zero hand fatigue, and that's with some one hand shooting. It just sits great in the hand. On the other hand (no pun intended), I've demoed the SL with the zoom and after a 15 minute demo, my hand was cramping (maybe to be expected given the lens size).

 

In the past I have always wanted a manual aperture ring but I also find the wide focusing rings on the XCD lenses a pleasure, with great feel, and at the end of the day the control wheel will be fine for changing aperture. 

 

All in all, I can't be more enthusiastic about the hardware design of the X1D and the promise of the user interface, at this point my only (major) fear is that Hasselblad does not properly sort the firmware, which would be pretty surprising on a high end system like this. The demo firmware I've used was far from stable and far from full featured, but I can't imagine Hasselblad is not pouring significant resources into it at the moment to get the camera ready for prime time.

 

ACG

 

 

Imprecise, but the 45 felt like a slightly fatter version of the M 24mm Summilux. I think the XCD is a trifle lighter at 417gms to the 24mm's 460/470, I believe. It also felt like a current 75mm M Summicron or Elmar R 60mm 2.8 in terms of weight and size, but again the XCD is fatter. The filter size is 67mm. 

 

The 90, which in appearance and dimensions is identical to the 45 but about 1 inch or 25cm longer and 200gms heavier, felt slightly bigger and heavier than a 75mm Summilux M.

 

The XCD lenses don't have aperture rings. The front dial just in front of the shutter release button changes the aperture. (It can also be set on the back screen I believe, but I didn't use it that way, but probably would on a tripod sometimes, now I come to think of it.)  I found  the wheel 100% natural but I can see it putting some people off.

 

 I thought they balanced well and felt very comfortable to hold and use. They are nicely designed lenses in my opinion, but handling is a very personal matter isn't it?

[Xenia]

As a long time M user, I've found the X1D to be the closest feeling camera to one of anything else I've used. The dimensions, the relative simplicity, the materials, it really does feel like an M with a better grip. I've used the X1D for 24 hours at a time (loan from Hasselblad) with zero hand fatigue, and that's with some one hand shooting. It just sits great in the hand. On the other hand (no pun intended), I've demoed the SL with the zoom and after a 15 minute demo, my hand was cramping (maybe to be expected given the lens size).

 

In the past I have always wanted a manual aperture ring but I also find the wide focusing rings on the XCD lenses a pleasure, with great feel, and at the end of the day the control wheel will be fine for changing aperture. 

 

All in all, I can't be more enthusiastic about the hardware design of the X1D and the promise of the user interface, at this point my only (major) fear is that Hasselblad does not properly sort the firmware, which would be pretty surprising on a high end system like this. The demo firmware I've used was far from stable and far from full featured, but I can't imagine Hasselblad is not pouring significant resources into it at the moment to get the camera ready for prime time.

 

ACG

 

Interesting! But what about IQ? Were you satisfied with the result from a days work? Are you allowed to post a couple of samples?

Up till now, we have seen very few photos except Ming's, of course. But before investing in a camera with a pricetag of a Mini One, I would like to see some more outdoor shots. So far, I haven't got my demo yet

I am a longtime Hasselblad and Leica M user too...

Best,

Xenia

[Peter H]

Interesting! But what about IQ? Were you satisfied with the result from a days work? Are you allowed to post a couple of samples?

Up till now, we have seen very few photos except Ming's, of course. But before investing in a camera with a pricetag of a Mini One, I would like to see some more outdoor shots. So far, I haven't got my demo yet

I am a longtime Hasselblad and Leica M user too...

Best,

Xenia

 

I don't know whether you saw mu earlier posts which might help a little.

 

I did a demo and was allowed to bring home my SD card with the photos I'd taken, but I was asked not to share any of them because the camera was a pre-production model.

 

The IQ was stunning. I've been printing away with no processing whatsoever straight from the card via LR, no sharpening at any stage, no adjustments of any kind. I could genuinely not have hoped for better in any respect that I can think of. 

 

There was an issue with two specific photos that I've discussed earlier. 

 

This is an absolutely superb camera in terms of IQ, in my opinion .I'd love to hear the opinions of others though.

Edited October 27, 2016 by Peter H

[Xenia]

I don't know whether you saw mu earlier posts which might help a little.

 

I did a demo and was allowed to bring home my SD card with the photos I'd taken, but I was asked not to share any of them because the camera was a pre-production model.

 

The IQ was stunning. I've been printing away with no processing whatsoever straight from the card via LR, no sharpening at any stage, no adjustments of any kind. I could genuinely not have hoped for better in any respect that I can think of. 

 

There was an issue with two specific photos that I've discussed earlier. 

 

This is an absolutely superb camera in terms of IQ, in my opinion .I'd love to hear the opinions of others though.

 

Thank you, Peter!

 

Yes, I have seen your post

It is not that I do not trust all of you, who had the chance to try the X1D, it is just that I would like to see more results.

Hasselblad has only sparingly published photos. They build up the expectations for us. Smart? Maybe...

The cameras exterior looks great, so does the menu and manual.

Anyway, I have to wait for my demo - patiently

 

Best regards,

Xenia

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Me too....... slated to be November. Hope I can too put my SD in and bring home the results.

[ski542002]

Hello.  Happy Fall to everyone!

 

Am seriously considering the X1D to shoot along side my SL (using M & R lenses).  This sounds so simplistic, but the biggest concern I have about this system, and many current systems/ lenses, is the lack of not only an aperture ring on the lenses, but accurate depth-of-field scales that are part of having a ring on the lens.  When I'm shooting product or architecture, I can accurately compute how much aperture I need for a given situation by using the scales.  Can't do that if there are no scales.  For these 2 scenarios, I'd shoot at F8 (the sweet-spot for most lenses) all day if I could.  When on a tripod, I use the scales on the M lenses for every scenario.  If I'm going to spend $20,000+ on a new system and a range of optics, I'd use it for lots of scenarios, not just fashion or run-and-gun where accurate depth-of-field is less of a concern.