To update or to change systems?

[S Maclean]

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Dm me about the X2d if you’re on the US and want to pull the trigger on it. Maybe I can part with the 38 v as well as I have the 20-35 zoom.  I have  a 28 but I think I would keep that because it’s so damn cute and easy to carry with the 907x to walk around. 

[Chris W]

I know you don't want to hear it, but if you own an M system and a Q, why would you need four lenses for a Hasselblad? The lenses are by far the most expensive aspect of the system. I only ever had two lenses for my X1D2, the 45p and 65mm and took hundreds of nice images with them.

If you are going to buy a Hasselblad because you think you need something for portraiture, then buy a single portrait lens, like a 50 or 90mm equivalent.

Actually I think an M still takes outstanding portrait images.

I shot the same scene with my M10 and Hassy X1D2 and you REALLY had to pixel peep to see a quality difference. I was quite shocked actually.

[S Maclean]

Also, regarding a question of 50 lux versus x2d 135 for portraits they are 2 completely different beasts. Both very interesting. so is the 90V which can get closer to a lux if you use stepping rings.

Here's the hassy 135 on a self portrait

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And here's the 5o Lux on a similar setup also self portrait (missed some focus here  and hit the frames instead of the eyes) but you can see the charater is very different:

And the 90V with stepping ring

And 90 V without stepping ring: (Superb lens for portraits on the Hasselblad system)

 

[S Maclean]

I also had the 80, but I really think the 90v is better. The extra stop on the 80 gets compensated by the V functionality in the x2d, faster focus, longer forget focus distance and I think the closer focusing distance. Plus the 80 is much larger and heavier. Otherwise the 135 or 120 are also IMO better choices.

but, really, if you have the x2d you should get the V and E lenses. Just makes sense.

The X2d is an incredible camera with incredible IQ, but I would not recommend it as primary or only system, just as a second system. As primary the Q you have is great ( but limited by the fixed lens) the SL3 is superb and the M is, the M. 

[jrp]

https://blog.kasson.com/the-last-word/why-i-use-medium-format/  From the man who has it all. 

[S Maclean]

5 hours ago, jrp said:

https://blog.kasson.com/the-last-word/why-i-use-medium-format/  From the man who has it all. 

Good points, and I genrealy agree with the shortcomings of the Hasselblad system.

I think I'll move more strogly to MF once eica issues the next gen MF. This way I stay mainly on one system, as I am sure there will be some level of lens compatibility (based on the incredible performance of the SL primes)  I can use pther lenses with the Hassy, but only with Electronic shutter, and that's not good for me.  But I am keeping the 907x because it is a different kind of instrument. I love the fact that it can act as a digital back for the legacy and vintage systems hasselbald and others. And I like the uniqueness of it's form factor and user experience.

[Olaf_ZG]

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@S Macleangreat portraits! 
 

I do agree that the SL is a great allrounder, but, this job has been taken by my Q. Can’t imagine walking around with the 24-90 during a city trip or just for fun hike.

so, my need will be targeted functions: portrait and long exposure.

Soon I will go on a two-week trip to the sea. I will give the SL a big try on long exposure, and after that I will make up my mind.

I can even imagine keeping the SL2 plus Lux for portraits, sell off all other SL stuff and buy a x1d with some lenses to start with… The performance of the Lux is very special, so may be I should even use it next to a 80 or 90 from HB before deciding what to do.

As my trip is in two weeks, I have lots of time to think, which is good.

Meanwhile I go for a three day trip to the sea, but for this I will only take my Q… normally I would have carried the 24-90 for such a trip, but as I walk the whole day, the Q s more fun to carry around.

[Filip Baraka]

I have similar thoughts about Hasselblad, but no support in Capture One is really a major stop for me. However, if I go with that route, I would love to keep my SL2 and use HB as an addition to the system with maybe fine-tuning the lenses or use cases. I had and still have a Fuji X-Pro that I had almost immediately, bought instead of an M as I could not make myself to "afford" it at the time, then an X-T1 when I traveled extensively. I bought an XT4 a couple of years ago, but something changed with fuji philosophy, and when I look at the Fuji GFX, it's even more of things that I don't like… probably it's me, not fuji

Good luck 

 

I am interested in 90-200 and/or 21apo if you will sell…

[S Maclean]

5 hours ago, Olaf_ZG said:

@S Macleangreat portraits! 
 

I do agree that the SL is a great allrounder, but, this job has been taken by my Q. Can’t imagine walking around with the 24-90 during a city trip or just for fun hike.

so, my need will be targeted functions: portrait and long exposure.

Soon I will go on a two-week trip to the sea. I will give the SL a big try on long exposure, and after that I will make up my mind.

I can even imagine keeping the SL2 plus Lux for portraits, sell off all other SL stuff and buy a x1d with some lenses to start with… The performance of the Lux is very special, so may be I should even use it next to a 80 or 90 from HB before deciding what to do.

As my trip is in two weeks, I have lots of time to think, which is good.

Meanwhile I go for a three day trip to the sea, but for this I will only take my Q… normally I would have carried the 24-90 for such a trip, but as I walk the whole day, the Q s more fun to carry around.

The x system is not that much more mobile than the SL system ( or Fuji)  you try carrying the 80 mm on the x for a while…

 

the V lenses are definitely more user friendly for out of studio work. Very friendly actually .

focus is a little slow on the X2d

But, do t get me wrong, a good hasselblad MF shot is something you will be absolutely floored with.  You can almost touch the skins.  The clarity and cleaness of the files is incredible. It’s just perfect.

i have the Q43 and use it pretty much all the time.  But for incredible portraits the Lux lenses (SL or M) are very very special.  Also, rent an SL apo 75 or 90 if you’re feeling it better and it will blow the q out of the water on portraits. Specially beauty and headshots. 0 distortion, MF clarity, fast ( for leica) focus. &nbsp
 

look, I’m very lucky and have all these systems. All of them are great. I just would not have the X2D only, specially having my M system I like being able to use those lenses on the SL3. It makes traveling a breeze because I can interchange pretty much everything within the Leica systems.

but I can’t say goodbye to Hasselblad so mom keeping the 907x for specific use.

lastly, the files on the Hasselblad are heavy… they’re loaded. It’s not just the 100 mp, do anything to them and the are huge.  Of course you can reduce them, save them as smaller after edit etc but then, what’s the point? 

 

[Olaf_ZG]

@S Macleanfor pure tripod work, would you advise a x1dii or would be the 907 a better option? The price difference between a x2d will give me another (secondhand) lens…

[Jeff S]

2 hours ago, S Maclean said:

The x system is not that much more mobile than the SL system ( or Fuji)  you try carrying the 80 mm on the x for a while…

 

 

 

The XCD 80mm weighs almost the same as the SL 24-90 (only 100g less)!

 

 

[Jeff S]

2 minutes ago, Olaf_ZG said:

@S Macleanfor pure tripod work, would you advise a x1dii or would be the 907 a better option? The price difference between a x2d will give me another (secondhand) lens…

The tripod better be indoors only; the 907 is not weather sealed.

[S Maclean]

25 minutes ago, Olaf_ZG said:

@S Macleanfor pure tripod work, would you advise a x1dii or would be the 907 a better option? The price difference between a x2d will give me another (secondhand) lens…

As Jeff S mentioned, the 907x is a camera full of compromises.  Treated like you would a vintage 500 series. It’s not a practical camera in today’s world, it’s an amazing camera for a specific use.  
 

the x2d ( indent have the X1d so can’t tell) is a better all around MF x system camera that really brings medium format to the form factor and use that full frame dslr’s owned for decades. Now we have the Fuji MF and the Hasselblad X2d to bring Marty the benefits of the MF world without its compromises. ( from a practical pov the Fuji is a more flexible offering, and imo the Hasselblad a more crafted offering)

The 907 is really a V camera, not an X. You will love the 907x until the honeymoon period is over, and then you will buy some other camera that you can bang around a little bit more.

 

 

[S Maclean]

38 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

The XCD 80mm weighs almost the same as the SL 24-90 (only 100g less)!

 

 

That’s right. Which makes them both somewhat heavy and prohibitive IF one cares about that.

I dm t mind big heavy lenses, but ( I hate to say it) I can’t bike or hike for a whole day with pounds of gear in my back. I used to, but now I take the heavy gear only when  I know exactly what I’m going to do and how.

i love the 24-90. But I ended up trading for the 24-70, which is really the most I carry this days comfortably.

i also love the 70-200 with or without extension. The 70-200 is not used often for portraits but it’s amazing for them. It actually is great for anything…. But, I’m not walking for a day in NY with it. ( although I know the pics would probably justify it)

on the x the 80 did not justify its use once you try the 90. The 120 and the 135 ( with or without extension) are also incredible. I did cover a car race with the 135 and came up with a couple of great shots from it.

 

[S Maclean]

X2d 135 plus ext. ( image is actually a screensaver from Original, as I’m on my phone and the original is too large to post

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[Jeff S]

19 minutes ago, S Maclean said:

That’s right. Which makes them both somewhat heavy and prohibitive IF one cares about that.

I dm t mind big heavy lenses, but ( I hate to say it) I can’t bike or hike for a whole day with pounds of gear in my back. I used to, but now I take the heavy gear only when  I know exactly what I’m going to do and how.

i love the 24-90. But I ended up trading for the 24-70, which is really the most I carry this days comfortably.

i also love the 70-200 with or without extension. The 70-200 is not used often for portraits but it’s amazing for them. It actually is great for anything…. But, I’m not walking for a day in NY with it. ( although I know the pics would probably justify it)

on the x the 80 did not justify its use once you try the 90. The 120 and the 135 ( with or without extension) are also incredible. I did cover a car race with the 135 and came up with a couple of great shots from it.

 

I’ve whittled down my SL2 kit to just the 24-90, having sold the 90-280 and 75 (both underutilized).  The M10M or M10R cover my all-day carry needs, with either a 50 or 35.  Less is more as I age.  But I have considered adding a lighter alternative to the 24-90, so might demo the 28-70 if reviews warrant.

The X2D appeals in many ways, having briefly demo-ed the first version.  While I wish it had a joystick, faster AF, etc, the major obstacle for me is the lack of a robust dealer or service network here in the US. I’m also not sure DJI will support the camera segment long term, but that’s a risk with most brands given the state of the industry.  Do you have a trusted dealer?  

[S Maclean]

2 hours ago, Jeff S said:

I’ve whittled down my SL2 kit to just the 24-90, having sold the 90-280 and 75 (both underutilized).  The M10M or M10R cover my all-day carry needs, with either a 50 or 35.  Less is more as I age.  But I have considered adding a lighter alternative to the 24-90, so might demo the 28-70 if reviews warrant.

The X2D appeals in many ways, having briefly demo-ed the first version.  While I wish it had a joystick, faster AF, etc, the major obstacle for me is the lack of a robust dealer or service network here in the US. I’m also not sure DJI will support the camera segment long term, but that’s a risk with most brands given the state of the industry.  Do you have a trusted dealer?  

I always use BH, Adorama etc or buy straight from the H website.  Haven't serviced any of it yet so.... Don't know how that will go.

The 24-90 is best in class on the medium range zooms for the Sl system. Nothing like it in IQ, character and legacy.  I am waiting to see the reviews on the 28-90 yet but, based on the Sigma version I expect it to fall short of the 24-70 which I have. Mind you I have the V2 of the sigma 24-70, which performs better than the Leica or Sigma v1 (basically the same lens optically. The AF on the sigma V2 24-70 is really fast.

I could not commmit to the 90-280, it's really too specialized and heavy, the 70-200 pluys the convertor work better for me.

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, S Maclean said:

I always use BH, Adorama etc or buy straight from the H website.  Haven't serviced any of it yet so.... Don't know how that will go.

The 24-90 is best in class on the medium range zooms for the Sl system. Nothing like it in IQ, character and legacy.  I am waiting to see the reviews on the 28-90 yet but, based on the Sigma version I expect it to fall short of the 24-70 which I have. Mind you I have the V2 of the sigma 24-70, which performs better than the Leica or Sigma v1 (basically the same lens optically. The AF on the sigma V2 24-70 is really fast.

I could not commmit to the 90-280, it's really too specialized and heavy, the 70-200 pluys the convertor work better for me.

Just curious, does the Sigma 24-70 allow BBF (joystick AF) in manual mode like the native SL lenses?  I don’t know how the MF/AF switches on the lens would affect my shooting workflow compared to the 24-90, which I intend to keep. I know that the Leica counterparts would offer seamless transition. 

[S Maclean]

4 hours ago, Jeff S said:

Just curious, does the Sigma 24-70 allow BBF (joystick AF) in manual mode like the native SL lenses?  I don’t know how the MF/AF switches on the lens would affect my shooting workflow compared to the 24-90, which I intend to keep. I know that the Leica counterparts would offer seamless transition. 

Yes. Basically you have all the same functionality as the Leica native lenses plus the on lens option.  I’m used to switching manual to auto on the body so that’s how I normally do it.  Also I use the joystick for pre focusing as well.

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[jaapv]

4 hours ago, Jeff S said:

Just curious, does the Sigma 24-70 allow BBF (joystick AF) in manual mode like the native SL lenses?  I don’t know how the MF/AF switches on the lens would affect my shooting workflow compared to the 24-90, which I intend to keep. I know that the Leica counterparts would offer seamless transition. 

As Sergio says, no reason it shouldn't. All lenses with additional AF/MF switch do. BBF is a body function.