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

[Hanno]

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18 hours ago, Olaf_ZG said:

I am still on a version in the six series. In the update release nothing is mentioned on .3fr files. Which version are you on? Thanks.

It would be possibly a consequence of the latest firmware for Phocus allowing for processing directly 3FR files

 

NEW FEATURES IN PHOCUS UPDATE 4.0 (MAC)

• HNCS HDR image viewing, editing, and export for all Hasselblad RAW images
• Full HDR support for X2D II 100C captures with automatic shadow and highlight enhancement
• New HDR highlight-adjustment tools and Ultra HDR JPG export
• Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR) — AI-powered noise reduction for RAW images captured by X2D II 100C, X2D 100C, CFV 100C, CFV II 50C, X1D II 50C
• Direct editing of 3FR files without FFF conversion
• Enhanced import tool and workflow improvements, including smoother zoom control and persistent colour readouts
• Support for the new X2D II 100C camera and XCD 35-100E lens

Edited September 10 by Hanno

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[pgh]

1 hour ago, Hanno said:

It would be possibly a consequence of the latest firmware for Phocus allowing for processing directly 3FR files

 

NEW FEATURES IN PHOCUS UPDATE 4.0 (MAC)

• HNCS HDR image viewing, editing, and export for all Hasselblad RAW images
• Full HDR support for X2D II 100C captures with automatic shadow and highlight enhancement
• New HDR highlight-adjustment tools and Ultra HDR JPG export
• Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR) — AI-powered noise reduction for RAW images captured by X2D II 100C, X2D 100C, CFV 100C, CFV II 50C, X1D II 50C
• Direct editing of 3FR files without FFF conversion
• Enhanced import tool and workflow improvements, including smoother zoom control and persistent colour readouts
• Support for the new X2D II 100C camera and XCD 35-100E lens

I'm still on Phocus 3.8.5 - haven't updated, so I'm not sure how that would be the case. I think it's something that PhotoMechanic did. Though I am relieved that now you can edit .3fr files. I can get rid of that whole import to .fff process. Saves space theoretically, but I can never bring myself to delete the original .3fr files, which is probably ridiculous but still. 

[Olaf_ZG]

An independent reviewer says that the xcd80 performs reasonable on the new HB. I guess, same AF speed as the summilux. Now, I never shot with the xcd80, but people are rather in love with its rendering. Ofcourse, I am not sure if they ever had the lux.

I might buy the xcd80, try its rendering and based on that either decide to switch completely, or keep the SL for portraits.

For sure the new (and previous) HB is taking part of the SL’s sales. Even if I don’t sell of the rest of my SL system, I won’t buy additional SL stuff. The SL is great, but so is HB. If you don’t need the long range or weather proofing, the choice would be difficult if one wants to start out.

Even if Leica comes with a S4, I won’t be able to buy into this unless pricing is inline with HB, which I doubt it will be. If a S4 comes out…

[IkarusJohn]

Back to SL v X2D (I have the original SL(601) and the X2D).

I see the two systems as complementary, rather than competitors. 

The SL:

• has a focal plain shutter
• is ideal for R and M lenses
• is great for telephotos and zooms
• has a huge range of generally excellent L mount lenses
• is rugged (I had a strap failure and my SL and 24-90 zoom dropped ~ a metre onto concrete with no ill effect, but for a bit of chipped paint)
• and the SL plus zoom is my only choice for multi-day tramping etc as they are weathersealed

The X2D:

• is nicer in the hand
• has a beter user interface
• has IBIS
• files are better
• the V lenses have better manual focus

I can use my APO Elmarit-R 180/2.8 on both cameras (uncropped on the X2D) and M lenses cropped, but I’m not that excited about the electronic shutter.

I did consider selling the SL and zoom, but came to the conclusion that the SL still did many things better and, having sold my APO and other L mount lenses, they weren’t worth selling for what I’d get for them.

My M system remains my first choice and I still have only one XCD lens (the 38V).  I love the camera and will add maybe 2 more lenses at some point.  I use either an M camera or the X2D by choice.

Edited September 11 by IkarusJohn

[FlashGordonPhotography]

5 hours ago, Olaf_ZG said:

An independent reviewer says that the xcd80 performs reasonable on the new HB. I guess, same AF speed as the summilux. Now, I never shot with the xcd80, but people are rather in love with its rendering. Ofcourse, I am not sure if they ever had the lux.

I might buy the xcd80, try its rendering and based on that either decide to switch completely, or keep the SL for portraits.

For sure the new (and previous) HB is taking part of the SL’s sales. Even if I don’t sell of the rest of my SL system, I won’t buy additional SL stuff. The SL is great, but so is HB. If you don’t need the long range or weather proofing, the choice would be difficult if one wants to start out.

Even if Leica comes with a S4, I won’t be able to buy into this unless pricing is inline with HB, which I doubt it will be. If a S4 comes out…

This is true from close to far focusing. The SL 50 ‘lux is *slightly* faster than the XCD80 but not enough that it matters. It is quieter. The 80 XCD is a noisy focused. But for small movements the Leica lens is faster. The HB sometimes wants to CDAF through most of it’s range.

The ‘lux rendering is lovely but the ‘blad is better, IMHO. The slightly longer effective focal length feels *just right* for natural compression portraits and the blur is just beautiful.

No AFC at all though on the XCD80. Whereas you have that on the SL 50 lux. I think most have moved on to the 90V which is very much like the 75 SL APO in performance.

Gordon

[Steve Ash]

Am 9.9.2025 um 20:15 schrieb Olaf_ZG:

It will cost me 300€, and I still wouldn’t be able to use the m8/9 files. Not sure if I am willing to pay this as I only use it for culling, and I won’t use my HB’s for heavy shooting. 
I do need to find a way to integrate Phocus in my workflow.

There is another option:https://cyme.io/de/

 

[Olaf_ZG]

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I did some math. A new x2dii plus 35-100 (to replace my 24-90) and a second hand 80 will cost me around 15k€. Trading in my SL2 plus lux plus 24-90 and some other stuff will give me 8, maybe 9k€, so I would need to add 6 or 7€.

That is quite some money and to be honest, I am not even sure of the xcd80 is better than the lux.

So, changing my portrait system doesn’t make sense to me, as it will cost a lot and I am not sure if it will bring anything extra.

But, if I had to rebuild from scratch, the choice would be tough.

Also, I won’t extend my SL system anymore. So investments in this system stopped, where I still will buy some HB lenses.

 

[LocalHero1953]

The last Leica L system item I bought was the Summilux 50, and nothing before that back to the SL2-S in 2020. I don't consider that as 'not investing in the system' - it's just that I have all I need.

Edit for honesty: it's just that I am buying ('investing') in other things at the moment, not cameras and lenses. Among other things, I'm awaiting a delivery of a mottled red-brown backdrop for portraits.

Edited September 12 by LocalHero1953

[Jeff S]

4 hours ago, Olaf_ZG said:

I did some math. A new x2dii plus 35-100 (to replace my 24-90) and a second hand 80 will cost me around 15k€. Trading in my SL2 plus lux plus 24-90 and some other stuff will give me 8, maybe 9k€, so I would need to add 6 or 7€.

 

 

I will eventually rent the X2D2 and 35-100, and compare results with my current SL2 and 24-90 combo.  There would need to be a clear advantage in user experience as well as in prints (at my typical print sizes, B&W and color) to make any sort of switch or addition. Lack of a robust Hasselblad dealer/service network in the US would add to the decision. I have no compelling reasons to make changes; mostly just curiosity.

[jaapv]

Well given that my SL system is complete for my use well into the future (although I happened to trip over a cheap mint Panasonic 85 yesterday, which completes my lightweight classic SL set) I see very little sense in sinking any money into whatever other system, including Hasselblad. 

[Jeff S]

I sold all my SL lenses except the 24-90, and will likely add the 28-70 for travel, so not a full kit. My M10-R (black paint) and M9M are wasting space on my shelf, so selling/trading them (as well as a rarely used 28 Summicron ASPH v 1) would make the Hasselblad easy to attain, or just to add to savings.  No real GAS, but rental is pretty cheap entertainment.  I usually decide not to purchase after rental, but at least I’d be better informed.

[Olaf_ZG]

I don’t have option but of rental. I am happy I bought into the HB system recently with the 50mp cameras, for long exposure. The 907x is a great in experience, at least to me.

The SL is fulfilling its task wonderful for portraits and I don’t have yet enough experience to judge on color for portraits.

For seascapes, I prefer HB over the SL. Anyway, no rush.

[jaapv]

9 hours ago, Jeff S said:

I sold all my SL lenses except the 24-90, and will likely add the 28-70 for travel, so not a full kit. My M10-R (black paint) and M9M are wasting space on my shelf, so selling/trading them (as well as a rarely used 28 Summicron ASPH v 1) would make the Hasselblad easy to attain, or just to add to savings.  No real GAS, but rental is pretty cheap entertainment.  I usually decide not to purchase after rental, but at least I’d be better informed.

The 28-70 and 70-200 are my fully versatile set, from time to time with the Summilux 24 M, for travel in Africa supplemented by the 150-600. 

[Olaf_ZG]

Just bought a xcd90, secondhand. I have no intention yet to by the newer lenses, so I’m looking for the original ones. Prices are really interesting and as long as AF aint important, they are a great buy.

I guess Leica’s apo’s are better, but since the SL can’t do what I want, being better doesn’t help much. The older xcd’s are half the price when compared secondhand.

Now I might still want the 21mm, a nice wide, and still doubting about the 80mm….

[ynp]

22 hours ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I'm awaiting a delivery of a mottled red-brown backdrop for portraits.

Hand painted ?

[LocalHero1953]

13 minutes ago, ynp said:

Hand painted ?

I think it's printed. One criterion was to be as light as possible. I have a handprinted heavy canvas mottled denim backdrop which is a pain to manhandle. If this new one looks OK I may replace the denim one.

[FlashGordonPhotography]

19 hours ago, Jeff S said:

I sold all my SL lenses except the 24-90, and will likely add the 28-70 for travel, so not a full kit. My M10-R (black paint) and M9M are wasting space on my shelf, so selling/trading them (as well as a rarely used 28 Summicron ASPH v 1) would make the Hasselblad easy to attain, or just to add to savings.  No real GAS, but rental is pretty cheap entertainment.  I usually decide not to purchase after rental, but at least I’d be better informed.

I am disappointed with my 28-70. It’s well behind the 24-90 in every way except size. I’d look at the V2 of the Sigma 24-70 instead which is a much better lens.

Gordon

[FlashGordonPhotography]

21 hours ago, Jeff S said:

I will eventually rent the X2D2 and 35-100, and compare results with my current SL2 and 24-90 combo.  There would need to be a clear advantage in user experience as well as in prints (at my typical print sizes, B&W and color) to make any sort of switch or addition. Lack of a robust Hasselblad dealer/service network in the US would add to the decision. I have no compelling reasons to make changes; mostly just curiosity.

If you do that I think you will be purchasing a Hasselblad…..

Gordon

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[Olaf_ZG]

Writing down my thoughts here helps me clear my mind. I don’t have many people around who care about cameras 😎 so writing here is like having a discussion with myself…

Anyway, last week I went for a long walk in the forest with the x1dii. Today I did a long walk with the 907x. Next to photographing I did some serious thinking and analysis.

The 907x is like a M: a great camera, with great haptics, a joy to use. 
The x1d is like a SL: big, chunky, but it gets the job done. 
 

To me, the current set I have with the SL is perfect for portraits, events and with the 100macro, super for the flowers in the garden. It’s weather proof. For this, the x2dii will not provide me with anything better.

The x1dii is superb for long exposures, from a tripod. 50mp is sufficient as I will not crop, rather use primes for long exposures and the xcd135 is sufficient for my needs. X2dii will not offer much more, except for its tiltable screen.

So, I should forget about the x2dii: no advantage for me. Maybe a 907x 100c then? It is said there might be a new release, so this is sth to wait for. Meanwhile, I am astonished that I repeatedly managed to get handheld 1s shots with a 50mp sensor … no ibis. But for now, 50mp will do.

So, no upgrade. 

[LocalHero1953]

Do we all have our fantasy cameras? Cameras we would love to have, but have no real need for? The TL2 was once this for me: I bought it twice because it was beautiful and seductive, and sold it twice because it was impractical. At the moment the Sigma BF is that fantasy for me, for the same reasons. The R2D2 X2Dii could easily become my latest dream camera but with the added discouragement of having to buy unnecessary lenses as well.