Leica SL3 vs Hasselblad X2D II price, reasonability and real use

[LD_50]

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25 minutes ago, CptSlevin said:

Yes, but

One is integrated FF lens system and other is MF interchangeable lens system.
X2D II is almost identical to Q3 with added grip handle.

So, kudos to Hasselblad, they are stepping on Leicas' toes and will definitely drive some of Leica users to HB due to innovations.
Leica is stagnating, SL series is abandoned, SL3 and SL3S are highly undercooked gem cameras, Q series is like selling too well, so they don't want to innovate, M is just M, M11-V will maybe interesting, but priced at around 10k$

What nonsense. Originally it was the two cameras are almost identical in size. now it’s “one is MF” and nearly the same size if you add additional accessories. 

[CptSlevin]

2 minutes ago, LD_50 said:

What nonsense. Originally it was the two cameras are almost identical in size. now it’s “one is MF” and nearly the same size if you add additional accessories. 

Yes, to me they are almost identical in size
I held them side by side in hand and still think so, prove me wrong, buddy

[LD_50]

8 minutes ago, CptSlevin said:

Yes, to me they are almost identical in size
I held them side by side in hand and still think so, prove me wrong, buddy

You were already proven wrong by the posted dimensions but you then changed the obvious meaning of “almost identical” into something entirely illogical. You did that again here qualifying with with “to me..”

[LocalHero1953]

6 hours ago, CptSlevin said:

Size wise X2DII VS Q3 almost identical

 

X2D ii is 18mm taller and 20mm wider - identical?

Are you sure you're holding them at the same distance?

[CptSlevin]

1 minute ago, LocalHero1953 said:

X2D ii is 18mm taller and 20mm wider - identical?

Are you sure you're holding them at the same distance?

ah, still no answer to original post, but some weird insinuations with cows.

Did I hurt your feeling so bad?
Bro, get over it, you are on a forum

[SrMi]

28 minutes ago, tom0511 said:

Still there is a pretty long blackout,

Mark 2 has shortened the blackout, and using 14 bits helps to keep the blackout short.

29 minutes ago, tom0511 said:

The SL3 feels faster overall.

Yes.

[CptSlevin]

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4 minutes ago, LD_50 said:

You were already proven wrong by the posted dimensions but you then changed the obvious meaning of “almost identical” into something entirely illogical. You did that again here qualifying with with “to me..”

Qualify this

They are almost identical in size and if you don't find that impressive, you are biased and keep on digging numbers instead of holding gear in real life 

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[SrMi]

6 minutes ago, CptSlevin said:

Qualify this

They are almost identical in size and if you don't find that impressive, you are biased and keep on digging numbers instead of holding gear in real life 

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That image is misleading. This one shows the difference better:

Edited September 1 by SrMi

[pgh]

I own the original x2d which I already find to be pretty much the most perfectly versatile digital I've owned already (I never much need fast AF), but the IBIS and leaf shutter is a game changer. I'm interested in the new one only because it's even more versatile and makes the idea of investing in it as a primary "work" system seem reasonable - which I've so far avoided, keeping the kit quite light.

But I am at a crossroads now given the way the costs are going for sure - it's either the SL system or this. I've wanted to sell the X2d because despite its perfection, it has the most cumbersome back end process that puts me off of using it more often than I'd like to admit. 

The achilles heel of Hasselblad for me has always been the post production workflow. Them not working with Capture One has actually been a much bigger long term headache than I'd imagined going into it. Phocus lacks critical features in file organization, and no workaround I've tried has felt like the right way yet. I wonder if more people adopt if better workflows and support will become available. The SL's drawbacks do not amount to things as significant as the workflow, which is why I'm so torn. I love using the X2d on the job and loathe working with the files afterwards.

I wish I could learn to love and use Phocus in a more efficient and intuitive way, and maybe I just haven't found the right ways to make working with it really click for me, but I'm starting to doubt it's worth the trouble anymore. And LR for me is a non starter - I've been happy to let that go for C1, and I don't want to bring it back, especially because with Hasselblad you're already not getting the same starting point...unless of course you still use Phocus first (not optimal). 

I find the SL2 and X2D - size wise, and in real use in terms of space and weight, to be basically the same. X2d even feels lighter to be honest (but I only use the 55mm lens), and only use Sigma contemporaries on the SL2. The X2D has a more intuitive interface and better feeling in the hand for me.  

[CptSlevin]

20 minutes ago, SrMi said:

That image is misleading. This one shows the difference better:

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Nothing misleading.
I had yesterday both in my hands and don't find Q3 as compact as it used to be.
Ergonomically speaking other level at all

[Jeff S]

1 minute ago, CptSlevin said:

I had yesterday both in my hands and don't find Q3 as compact as it used to be.

Only on a forum.  Q3 has secretly been taking steroids.

[CptSlevin]

2 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

Only on a forum.  Q3 has secretly been taking steroids.

and protein bars with night time gym schedule for the last week ❤️

[SrMi]

9 minutes ago, CptSlevin said:

Nothing misleading.

You shot one without the hood, the other with the hood. The view is from the top, hiding the height difference.

[Olaf_ZG]

6 minutes ago, pgh said:

I own the original x2d which I already find to be pretty much the most perfectly versatile digital I've owned already (I never much need fast AF), but the IBIS and leaf shutter is a game changer. I'm interested in the new one only because it's even more versatile and makes the idea of investing in it as a primary "work" system seem reasonable - which I've so far avoided, keeping the kit quite light.

But I am at a crossroads now given the way the costs are going for sure - it's either the SL system or this. I've wanted to sell the X2d because despite its perfection, it has the most cumbersome back end process that puts me off of using it more often than I'd like to admit. 

The achilles heel of Hasselblad for me has always been the post production workflow. Them not working with Capture One has actually been a much bigger long term headache than I'd imagined going into it. Phocus lacks critical features in file organization, and no workaround I've tried has felt like the right way yet. I wonder if more people adopt if better workflows and support will become available. The SL's drawbacks do not amount to things as significant as the workflow, which is why I'm so torn. I love using the X2d on the job and loathe working with the files afterwards.

I wish I could learn to love and use Phocus in a more efficient and intuitive way, and maybe I just haven't found the right ways to make working with it really click for me, but I'm starting to doubt it's worth the trouble anymore. And LR for me is a non starter - I've been happy to let that go for C1, and I don't want to bring it back, especially because with Hasselblad you're already not getting the same starting point...unless of course you still use Phocus first (not optimal). 

I find the SL2 and X2D - size wise, and in real use in terms of space and weight, to be basically the same. X2d even feels lighter to be honest (but I only use the 55mm lens), and only use Sigma contemporaries on the SL2. The X2D has a more intuitive interface and better feeling in the hand for me.  

I don’t have a x2d or ii, I have the x1dii which I bought for long exposures. This weekend I went on a walk with it just because I want to use the camera.

Needing reading glasses I absolutely love HB’s menu! It’s all simple visible without my glasses. Really greatly implemented.

Taking pictures, both the HB or SL has their goods and bads. One thing I noticed that HB sets EV correction after each click. Kind of liked it, but may be Leica does this as well.

I needed to carry a bag, sth I don’t need with the SL. But, having a bag, meant the camera is strapless.

I downloaded the images yesterday. Normally I use PM for this, but it won’t work. I now need to relearn bridge… and Phocus, although I hope I only need this for some photos. Not happy with the pp part, and still not sure how the software will read the crops.

So, the HB experience with the x1d only makes it great due to long exposure, as here HB is perfect, and for me worth the hassle. Even with Phocus as one doesn’t have many images anyway.

HOWEVER, the shooting experience with the 907x is great, may be, dare I say it, on par with a M experience! In the film days, I used MF a lot, and really love its handling. The 907x has similar feel. I tried the Q3 with its flipscreen for wlf experience, but the 907x beats it.

So, I will not upgrade to the latest x2d, nor the SL3. If HB comes with a third edition of the 907x I know where my money goes.

below some images of me with the HB, taken with a vlux. In the image where my hands are up, I am getting send away as I was not allowed to take pictures 😇😎

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[CptSlevin]

14 minutes ago, SrMi said:

You shot one without the hood, the other with the hood. The view is from the top, hiding the height difference.

Because I don’t care about height, Q3 has smaller EVF, smaller screen, smaller sensor and no IBIS.

i care only about in hand size

[Olaf_ZG]

6 minutes ago, CptSlevin said:

Because I don’t care about height, Q3 has smaller EVF, smaller screen, smaller sensor and no IBIS.

i care only about in hand size

Size doesn’t matter. Where did I hear that before? 😎

@CptSlevinpls dont take this personal, it just comes to my mind as several guys are discussing size of their favorite toy… so it is meant to all the boys discussing…

[pgh]

20 minutes ago, Olaf_ZG said:

I don’t have a x2d or ii, I have the x1dii which I bought for long exposures. This weekend I went on a walk with it just because I want to use the camera.

Needing reading glasses I absolutely love HB’s menu! It’s all simple visible without my glasses. Really greatly implemented.

Taking pictures, both the HB or SL has their goods and bads. One thing I noticed that HB sets EV correction after each click. Kind of liked it, but may be Leica does this as well.

I needed to carry a bag, sth I don’t need with the SL. But, having a bag, meant the camera is strapless.

I downloaded the images yesterday. Normally I use PM for this, but it won’t work. I now need to relearn bridge… and Phocus, although I hope I only need this for some photos. Not happy with the pp part, and still not sure how the software will read the crops.

So, the HB experience with the x1d only makes it great due to long exposure, as here HB is perfect, and for me worth the hassle. Even with Phocus as one doesn’t have many images anyway.

HOWEVER, the shooting experience with the 907x is great, may be, dare I say it, on par with a M experience! In the film days, I used MF a lot, and really love its handling. The 907x has similar feel. I tried the Q3 with its flipscreen for wlf experience, but the 907x beats it.

So, I will not upgrade to the latest x2d, nor the SL3. If HB comes with a third edition of the 907x I know where my money goes.

below some images of me with the HB, taken with a vlux. In the image where my hands are up, I am getting send away as I was not allowed to take pictures 😇😎

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

907 is great to use I agree. Sold mine for an m10d though. Totally different cameras, yes. Probably wouldn’t have sold if the software problem didn’t exist. It’s not a big deal if the problem is once in awhile but when you start dealing with a lot of images for libraries or projects I’ve found it to get onerous.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

On 8/31/2025 at 11:58 PM, Stuart Richardson said:

I don’t know about China, but I thought it was Nittoh. 
If Fuji were doing it, it would be a bit of a conflict of interest since they are literally their only direct competitors in that field. 

 

On 8/31/2025 at 11:25 PM, beewee said:

There are a lot of similarities between FujiFilm’s 45-100 f/4 and Hasselblad’s 35-100 f/2-4.

Seeing how FujiFilm has manufacturing facilities in both Japan and China, it makes me think FujiFilm’s collaboration with Hasselblad from the film camera days are still very much alive.

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On 8/31/2025 at 11:58 PM, Stuart Richardson said:

I don’t know about China, but I thought it was Nittoh. 
If Fuji were doing it, it would be a bit of a conflict of interest since they are literally their only direct competitors in that field. 

It's not Nittoh or Fujifilm. The original XCD lenses are from Nittoh but the new one's are not. Hasselblad already debunked the Fujifilm rumor. They did make the H lenses and the XPan.

Most current speculation is that it's Panasonic. But no one is saying for sure.

Gordon

[FlashGordonPhotography]

I'm not entirely sure why anyone would compare a Q3 to the X2D2. They have nothing in common, including size. Even the SL 3 is a stretch because the SL3 has vastly more lens options, more zooms and decent video capabilities. The X system shooting envelope is much smaller. I doubt anyone has just an X2D2 as their only camera system. You can do that with the SL3.

OTOH the Hasselblad does make better files. We can harp on about the SL APOs all we like but as a system the Hasselblad makes more detailed files. The sensor and lenses must be compared as a system. Even the lesser of the XCD lenses like the 38 and 55 best the Leicas over most of the frame wide open. Stopped down even the zoom out resolves them. This ignore that the small format lenses need to have a pretty brutal rendering to get that detail. You get a more gentle look with the same resolution on a larger sensor.

While there is some crossover, really there's 3 different philosophies in these cameras. The Q3 is a bag free wrist strap all day carry. The SL3 is the all-rounder with longer and wider glass but a bigger bag carry. The Hasselblad is a more considered imaging monster with few enough options to make it a more *pure* photographic experience. That won't help if you need video.

None of them are great sports or wildlife systems.

And regardless of which you choose most of your photos will still suck.

Gordon

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[BWColor]

Other than vignetting, what optical qualities were sacrificed to make these (38V & 55V) lenses more compact?  Pretty much the same question regarding 25v and 90v.  I’m new to these lenses and Hasselblad as of a bit over one year ago, so don’t have the perspective to compare to previous lenses.

Edited September 1 by BWColor